Whisper of Broken Prophecy

[6]

"Yuri-sama..."

"Yes, Oyakata-sama~?"

Amane turned her head sideways, hiding her giggle at her husband's attempt to keep calling his past Mistress 'Yuri-sama' (as he revealed soon to her in private after gaining his full eye-sight) while Aoyuri refused, either to be called by that or to call him by his name. As a sign of displeasure, she kept calling him by his current title, to her and their children's amusement (and a little frustration from the head of Ubuyashiki family himself).

The youngsters looked like they badly wanted to be somewhere else but were too polite to flee.

"I really have my shiki all around, but I can't see further than you, Oyakata-sama." Aoyuri's eyes studied Kyojuro and Giyuu for a moment before those plum eyes reflected back on the surface of her teacup. "There's a reason why Ubuyashiki family tasked in such."

Ubuyashiki clan isn't a joke. Really. Aoyuri reminds herself.

In the Heian era when that curse almost make their family wiped out of history, they managed to survive, despite the political turmoil that exists between four clans (Genji, Taira, Hojo, Fujiwara) and Emperor. There are not many clans who can make it to the Kamakura era because of the changing political power map and the new government system.

They even survive Sengoku era, the harshest time where human life was easily tossed around and can be so worthless. The great family as Oda themselves will face their downfall if they're not so cunning in politics.

Demon Slayer corps have their own Blacksmith, courtesy of the Ubuyashiki clan. Having your own blacksmith when Samurai still in their glory would earn some serious respect. They represent power and wealth.

Ubuyashiki can stay in power, while Onmyouji ceases to almost non-exist. They make it into Meiji Restoration without help from Imperial, to the point they don't want to mess with them. Imperial can't make Demon Slayer corps as one of their dogs, so Imperial can't enforce regulations of the government upon them. Separation from the government means they can make their own rules and maintain organizational stability. Until now, Ubuyashiki can run Demon Slayers Corp without offending each other.

Fuck. Aoyuri thought fondly. It's terrifying just to think about it.

Clever as a snake and twice as mean. Bless Ubuyashiki clan, living up to their fame. No wonder Elders paired us to cover my ignorance on that subject.

"Whatever you're thinking about, Aoyuri-san?"

She opened her eyes and meet the Flame Pillar. "Trying to wrap my head over the subject I can't even grasp. And oh, what the Imperial record write about us."

"Should I try to look into it?" Offer Kagaya.

"Please." Aoyuri nods, then grimaced when imagining the upcoming headache. "There's so much level of my stupidity that I myself can't tolerate."

Kagaya chuckled, bringing a raised eyebrow from two Pillars.

A white crow makes its way inside, landed on Aoyuri's lap.

"Report, Mistress." It caws hesitantly.

"Wait for me outside," Aoyuri ordered.

"It wasn't usual for you to use so many shiki," Kagaya frowned when seeing the number 57 on its chest, lips tightening in sudden wariness.

"I will manage, Oyakata-sama."

'Those innocent people,' her trembled voice played in Kagaya's head; a record of ancient, distant memory upon saw trace of guilt beneath her solemn expression. 'At the mercy of Rakshasa because I blind from upcoming betrayal—'