I have an infinite number of shikigami

Kawashima Miki noticed a certain glow in her eyes, a color never seen before.

"As long as he likes me, that's enough! A temporary change in status doesn't mar the beauty of love. Hey, Miki, do you know what a prayer wheel is? Love is like a prayer wheel. When it spins, the exterior values rotate, sometimes shining, sometimes fading. But the essence of love remains fixed to the axle, never changing."

"That's so romantic," Kawashima Miki sincerely sighed. "Love like a prayer wheel."

"And besides, I'm his aunt. Would he dare not want me? If he dares to abandon me, wouldn't my sister and brother-in-law skin him alive?" Natsuki Kuri laughed smugly.

Kawashima Miki nodded emphatically.

"What do you plan to do?" she asked.

"It's not a grand plan," Natsuki Kuri answered straightforwardly. "I'll use Tamamo-no-Mae's advent to create massive chaos, letting all ordinary people know that yokai exist in this world."

Kawashima Miki was silent for a moment, looking into Natsuki Kuri's eyes.

The gaze was quite cold, unwavering, supported by a solid belief. It was less madness and more akin to something like it—perhaps better described as righteous obsession.

"You sound so sure that Tamamo-no-Mae can come forth..." Kawashima Miki muttered.

"One hundred percent sure," Natsuki Kuri said, using a fork to pick at a bit of veal brain on her plate.

"How did you transport the Huang Songyu to Nasu Plateau?" Kawashima Miki asked curiously.

Natsuki Kuri gracefully put a forkful of salad in her mouth, chewed elegantly, and then said with unrestrained delight, "Who said I needed to transport Huang Songyu?"

Kawashima Miki realized something, and looked at her with an expression as if looking at a madwoman.

"With Nasu Plateau being so remote, it's easy for the Onmyo-ryo to cover things up. I won't bother engaging in verbal battles or conspiracies with them," Natsuki Kuri said with a charming smile, raising her glass as if to toast, "If there's going to be a big news, it should, of course, happen in Tokyo!"

Currently, a third of Tokyo's defensive forces are in Nasu, and another third are on the cruise ship.

If a massive demonic power barrier is constructed in Tokyo's bustling areas, the current Tokyo defenses would surely be insufficient to handle it. As long as the third of forces on the cruise can be stalled, the forces from Nasu Plateau would have to rush to Tokyo's aid.

If the chaos is severe enough, even the nation's forces would concentrate on Tokyo.

The defenseless Nasu Plateau would certainly not be able to stop Tamamo-no-Mae's advent with just a cracked Killing Stone.

"How many people will die because of this..." Kawashima Miki's mouth was agape in shock.

Natsuki Kuri gave her a strange look, then snorted, "You're a Luo Xinfu worrying about that?"

"I... don't lump me in with ordinary yokai." Kawashima Miki sank deeply into her seat, rubbing her temples as if weary, "Regardless of the process, I am the Asakusa Witch now. How can I let you play around recklessly?"

"Haha, really worthy of a great lady, reformed so thoroughly," Natsuki Kuri laughed, then propped her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand. After contemplating for a short while, she continued, "But don't you think this is a golden opportunity for Asakusa Shrine?"

Kawashima Miki raised her eyebrows.

As Empress, she was certainly not foolish.

The current Onmyo-ryo has long set its interests solidly.

Asakusa Shrine had been dormant for decades, and its current status was merely that of a once-wealthy new upstart. Competing against the entrenched old shrines and temples in a peaceful and stable environment was immensely difficult.

If chaos could be stirred up...

If there could be a great upheaval...

How vexing!

Kawashima Miki felt a subtle temptation within her heart.

"Think it through," Natsuki Kuri tapped her fingernails on the table intermittently, "Why did you become a priestess? Was it for others' praise? Or to protect humanity? Or perhaps for Koriya?"

Kawashima Miki remained silent for a long time, as if she had a revelation. A pleasant smile reappeared on her face.

"At the start, I did it for others' praise... Compared to a woman running a brothel, a priestess is certainly more respected. I was fed up with those disgusting looks from the patrons, so I grasped at the opportunity to be a priestess, so I submitted myself to Fujiwara..."

Throughout the conversation, Kawashima Miki maintained a smile, a blissful dimple at the corner of her mouth.

"Now, I'm an Asakusa Witch just for his sake. If he's not around, I don't want anything from Asakusa Shrine, not a single brick or wood piece. Indeed, I'm not some guardian of humanity; I'm just a selfish little woman. I used to act for my reputation, and now for the one I love."

"This side of you, Miki, is quite lovable," Natsuki Kuri quietly sipped her wine. "Since you became a priestess for Koriya, you should be supportive of me."

"But my concern is, if his identity is exposed, can he remain in Onmyo-ryo?" Kawashima Miki's expression turned earnest and serious, "I'm not joking. If he's forced to leave human society, I'll certainly follow him without hesitation."

Natsuki Kuri put down her glass.

She wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, then squinted at Kawashima Miki's face for a moment.

"Koriya has indeed found himself a perfect wife."

"Kuri!" Kawashima Miki tapped the table to express her protest, "This isn't the time for teasing."

"So stingy, can't even take a compliment..." Natsuki Kuri shrugged lightly, chuckling cheerfully, "It's an easy problem to solve. Just let those priests and monks realize they can't live without him and ask to include him, isn't it? Besides, the directors are surely supporting him behind the scenes, so there's no need to worry so much."

Kawashima Miki contemplated for a moment, pressing her fingers to her temples. With a long sigh, she said, "Really, you're almost persuading me."

"Then just relax and wait," Natsuki Kuri raised her glass.

They clicked glasses.

"By the way, Miki, your chest is so beautiful and sexy. Can I touch it?"

"Are you saying you might have a yuri tendency?"

"No way, I just want to NTR Koriya, that's all."

"Go to Riho," Kawashima Miki laughed, brushing her hand away and standing up to avoid her, "Or even Fukaeri, you two have known each other anyway."

"Fukaeri would surely say, 'Our relationship isn't close enough to touch my chest,'" Natsuki Kuri stuck out her tongue.

Kawashima Miki turned back, looking at her drunken figure, "Should I call Fujiwara over?"

"No," Natsuki Kuri waved her hand as if shooing a fly, "That guy's annoying. Meeting him now would surely earn me a lecture. Besides, he's probably comfortable surrounded by his harem, why would he want to visit this bad woman?"

"Can I tell him about these things?"

"He could probably guess some of it even if you don't."

"Then goodbye," Kawashima Miki waved lightly, "I'm dressed so beautifully, can't let only you see."

Natsuki Kuri came over and hugged her.

"Thank you, Miki."

"Mhm."

"I've been stifled almost to bursting these days. Thank you for listening to me so much."

"No need to be so polite, you're the aunt, and a predetermined sister at that..." Kawashima Miki felt Natsuki Kuri's warm, faint breath on her neck, as she gently stroked her hair.

"If he presses the matter, just tell him."

"Of course, I'll definitely tell him."

"Give him a few punches for me."

"No problem."

Kawashima Miki kissed Natsuki Kuri's forehead, handed her a ring, then stepped out.

Natsuki Kuri turned to the bar, ordered a bottle of mineral water, and poured it into a glass, drinking two cups. Then she walked to the window, gazing at the sea in the storm.

The night was deep.

The rain formed a torrent, washing over the cruise ship.

She tilted her head back, looking up at the sky.

Though her eyes were fixed on the sky, her consciousness wandered through distant memories.

I grew up with you; no one can compare to you... For you, I can do anything, even if you curse me, I'll still insist on doing it.