The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery glow across Mt. Yougou. The once-treacherous paths leading up the mountain now gleamed faintly under its light, their rough edges smoothed and steps restored. Momon had ensured that the journey would be easier for the next pilgrims, using his magic to repair the broken roads and missing stairs. It was a small gesture, but one that carried weight.
The samurai bandits he had slain earlier were no longer a concern. Through the power of his spell, their lifeless bodies were transformed into high-level undead servants, bound to his will. With a wave of his hand and the utterance of [Gate], he dispatched them to Dragonspine, where the cold would be their new domain.
Descending the mountain, Momon made his way back to the Kamisato Estate. The night was quiet, the air cool and still. As he approached the mansion's outer gate, he paused. His sharp eyes caught sight of Aether and Ayaka in the courtyard, standing close to one another beneath the pale moonlight. Ayaka's delicate smile and Aether's relaxed demeanor spoke volumes. Together, they looked like a pair out of a romantic painting—graceful, serene, and undeniably compatible.
Momon stood in silence, his shadow blending into the darkness as he chose not to interrupt their moment. Paimon, often the chatterbox of their group, was notably absent, leaving the two to bask in the stillness of the night.
Just as Momon turned to leave quietly, a soft voice broke the silence to his right. "Oh my, your companion seems to be having a rather wonderful time."
Momon's eyes narrowed beneath his mask as he turned toward the speaker. There, leaning casually against a tree with her arms crossed, was Yae Miko. Her pink hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, her fox ears twitching ever so slightly as a sly smile spread across her lips.
"Didn't we just part ways a few hours ago?" Momon asked, his tone flat but laced with curiosity.
"Fufu~, did I not tell you?" Miko replied, her voice smooth and teasing. "A fox never lets her prey wander too far. Consider this... keeping an eye on you."
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Momon sighed, crossing his arms beneath his cloak. "That's... That's a strange thing to say,"
"Oh, don't get the wrong idea about me," Miko said with a light laugh, pushing off the tree and walking closer to him. Her steps were deliberate, graceful. "Back at the shrine, we were surrounded by the other maidens. Hardly the place for a candid conversation."
"And this is?" Momon gestured vaguely to the quiet yard, his tone skeptical.
Miko tilted her head, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "Why not? The night is peaceful, the moonlight is enchanting, and you seem to be quite the intriguing subject to observe." She glanced toward Aether and Ayaka, her smile turning wry. "Besides, it seems your young friend has his hands full. I wouldn't want to intrude on their moment, would you?"
Momon followed her gaze briefly before looking back at Miko. "No," he admitted. "I wouldn't."
"See?" Miko said, her smile widening as she stepped closer, her presence as commanding as ever. "Now, tell me, Momon... what truly brings an adventurer like you to Inazuma? Surely it's not just for sightseeing or purifying sacred trees."
