Bab 134: Villain Simulator, Ch 133
[Fortunately, you still have other friends—and Kyoko. Even as a child, you understand that Kitsune Saiguu is an unreachable dream, while the girl by your side is someone you can pour your true feelings into.]
[Before this year's festival, you visit Kyoko. Even though she feels unwell every year on this day, you always bring a different gift to cheer her up.]
[This time, Kitsune Saiguu surprises you by bringing someone else—a beautiful girl around your age named Hibiki.]
[Unlike Kitsune Saiguu, Hibiki is sharp-tongued and very competitive, and in every game, you end up losing to her.]
[But you don't mind; your attention remains fixed on Kitsune Saiguu, and you even begin contemplating what wish you'll ask her to grant in six years.]
[Age 12: At this year's festival, Kitsune Saiguu arrives with Hibiki again. The girl seems proud, showing off some shrine maiden spells she learned from Kitsune Saiguu.]
[For some reason, the so-called "spells" seem oddly simple to you. Without even thinking, you easily grasp the mysteries behind them.]
[In Hibiki's astonished gaze, you successfully cast a spell she spent a whole month learning. Competitive as ever, Hibiki takes this hard, while Kitsune Saiguu, instead of getting angry at your "eavesdropping," praises your talent.]
[She promises to teach you a new spell every festival, with the understanding that these spells must remain hidden from others.]
[This is the one time you deceive Kitsune Saiguu. Once home, you perform the spell to cheer up Kyoko, who couldn't attend the summer festival. Watching her laugh, you find the shape of the wish you'll ask of Kitsune Saiguu someday.]
[Age 13: This year's yokai festival is disrupted by a group of mischievous tanuki, led by a portly one named Ioroi, who challenges Kitsune Saiguu.]
[The chubby tanuki seems clumsy, and Kitsune Saiguu leaves it to you to take him on. You beat him handily using the spells she taught you.]
[Even in defeat, Ioroi remains defiant, prompting Kitsune Saiguu to make a wager: she bets he can't steal the Raiden Shogun's sacred Narukami Grass.]
[Naru Weed is a rare plant that grows only near the Raiden Shogun's residence, symbolizing her status. You know it's impossible to steal.]
[Yet, Ioroi surprisingly accepts the bet.]
[You don't hear the outcome of this wager, but a few months later, on a thunderous afternoon before a storm, you find a strange violet flower trembling faintly with each clap of thunder.]
---
[Age 14: Early in the year, your mother passes away from a severe illness. You stay by her bedside throughout, and in a daze, you see faint shadows drifting around her. You try to drive them away, but they are unaffected.]
[Thankfully, Kyoko remains by your side. She's no longer just your betrothed; she's your closest family.]
[This year's festival holds no laughter for you. Kitsune Saiguu sits quietly beside you, listening as you express your sorrow and memories.]
[You cry silently in her embrace, asking if you can use your wish early to bring your mother back. Kitsune Saiguu tells you that reviving the dead is beyond even her powers.]
[You wonder if, to Kitsune Saiguu, your life is just as fleeting as your mother's was to you. When you die, will she shed tears for you?]
---
[Age 15: This year, Kitsune Saiguu doesn't bring Hibiki. Instead, she introduces you to a woman you've never seen before.]
[The woman has purple hair tied in braids and a beauty that rivals Kitsune Saiguu's. Oddly, you don't sense any yokai aura from her.]
[Despite her beauty, her expression is cold, forming a stark contrast to Kitsune Saiguu's perpetual smile.]
[Kitsune Saiguu introduces her as a friend, naming her Shogun, and explains that she recently lost a loved one. She asks you to help Shogun's smile during the festival.]
[Understanding her grief, you immediately agree. That night, the three of you play many games together—goldfish scooping, darts, and finally, in a round of Old Maid, you make Shogun laugh with the tense look on your face.]
[Shogun promises that when you come of age, Kitsune Saiguu can introduce you to her in Inazuma City, where she'll have a reward for you. Thinking she's joking, you agree.]
---
[Age 16: Your mother's death forces you to take on more work for your father. Fortunately, you're already a sturdy young man, and even girls from nearby villages show interest in you. But for you, the choice of future wife was made long ago.]
[Kyoko, who's grown more beautiful each year. Although she doesn't compare to the divine Kitsune Saiguu, she's leagues better than haughty Hibiki.]
[Kyoko's father has long regarded you as his future son-in-law. He frequently tells your father that you should marry soon, and your father laments that if your mother had only lived a bit longer, she could have seen you wed.]
[In your village, marrying at your age is not considered early; after all, marriage can come first, and having children can wait until later.]
[At the festival, you tell Kitsune Saiguu about your upcoming marriage. She seems surprised at first but quickly congratulates you.]
[It's a pity Kyoko doesn't share your spiritual powers; otherwise, you'd love to bring her along to meet your quirky yokai friends.]
[Kitsune Saiguu offers you a "wedding gift," separate from your eventual wish—just a gift between friends.]
[She blindfolds you, takes your hand, and guides you somewhere mysterious. You seem to walk for ages, yet feel as though you've hardly moved at all.]
[When the blindfold comes off, you're standing in a misty hot spring, the water a delicate jade green.]
[Kitsune Saiguu is beside you, soaking in the hot spring as well. Your cheeks flush—she seems to have forgotten that you're no longer the innocent seven-year-old who once clung to her clothes.]
[Entering Immersive Mode.]
As expected, the system had another free "gift" in store.
Through the rising mist, you can barely make out her figure, and the blurred view makes her even more enchanting.
She looks just as she did when you first met her nine years ago; time seems to have overlooked her, leaving no trace on her.
Kitsune Saiguu, noticing nothing amiss, casually remarks, "This is the Hakushin Spring. Only those with Hakushin fox blood can truly bathe here. The waters extend life and strengthen the body."
[Talent Acquired: Hakushin's Blessing]
[Effect: Increased lifespan; allows the use of some skills exclusive to the Hakushin clan.]
It truly is a remarkable gift. But even without the "extra benefits," sharing this moment with Kitsune Saiguu would be gift enough.
And yet, even with her so close, unguarded, no improper thoughts cross your mind. Not only because you're engaged, but because in your heart, Kitsune Saiguu is sacred, untouchable.
And, of course, you wouldn't dare. Kitsune Saiguu is a revered figure, even respected by Yae Miko herself. A single inappropriate thought, and you'd likely meet a terrible fate.
That aside, the warm springwater is remarkably soothing, seeming to sink into your skin and wash away every trace of dust and fatigue.
"Oh, by the way," Kitsune Saiguu says with a sly smile, "they say the Hakushin Spring is formed from the Hakushin Fox King's saliva."
"W-what?" You startle, heart racing.
Was this... a bath in spit?
"Just kidding!" Kitsune Saiguu chuckles, winking. "You're still so easy to tease. Jumping at every little thing, just like when you were a kid."
"I... I'm not a kid anymore." You protest, indignant. "I'm getting married next year."
"Oh, but to me, you'll always be a child," Kitsune Saiguu laughs, covering her mouth. "I remember when you got separated from your parents and cried for your mama."
This reminder of your childhood makes you blush with embarrassment, unsure how to respond.
Kitsune Saiguu goes on, tapping your nose lightly, "Do you even know what comes after marriage, little one? If not, I could teach you…"
"Of... of course, I know!"
You instinctively grab her wrist and gently pull—she stumbles forward, unprepared, and falls into your arms.
In this moment, Kitsune Saiguu realizes you're no longer the little boy who once clung to her skirt.
She had been teasing you, as she loved to do over the years. After all, her reputation as Inazuma's "Heartbreaker" was well-deserved, and her skillful flirting was just second nature.
But she hadn't noticed that the once-timid little puppy had quietly grown into a headstrong young wolf.
For a brief moment, an awkward silence falls.
In your arms, the fox spirit remains still, and her soft breaths, like the breeze of early summer, send a slight tingle down your neck.
"Mm!"
Suddenly, a wave of heat rushes through you, and everything goes dark as your body starts to sink.
"Ashan!" Kitsune Saiguu exclaims, alarmed. "Are you all right?"
"So... hot… feels like my chest is burning…" you murmur.
Realizing the problem, Kitsune Saiguu quickly carries you out of the water and lays you on the ground.
The Hakushin Spring indeed provides powerful benefits but is intended for fox yokai. While humans may gain some of these advantages, they must remain calm in the spring, lest their energies become disrupted and set their spirits ablaze.
You clutch Kitsune Saiguu's hand, worry clear on your face, "S-Saiguu… will I die?"
"No, you won't," Kitsune Saiguu reassures you, a solution already in mind. "Close your eyes, and I'll use a spell to cool the fire within you."
Though you're unsure why, you obediently close your eyes.
Immediately, Kitsune Saiguu begins chanting a spell you recognize as the Ice Congealment Incantation, a cooling charm.
Soon, a refreshing coolness seeps into your body, quelling the heat within.
With ten drops of blood drawn out, your breathing finally steadies.
"You can open your eyes now," Kitsune Saiguu says softly.
When you open them, you're astonished to see nine tails unfurled behind her, and red markings like whiskers painted across her cheeks.
Normally, she doesn't bother to hide her fox ears and tail, but never has she shown her "true form" like this.
She once explained that yokai reveal their true forms only when overcome by strong emotions or when their powers are out of control. But why did such a minor spell bring out her full form?
"Sister Saiguu…" Lucas murmured, "Why have you transformed like this?"
Kitsune Saiguu looked herself over, finally realizing the change and hurriedly tried to tuck her tails away. "N-no reason! Perhaps I just stayed in the spring too long?"
In truth, Lucas had sensed something strange during the ritual, even though his mind had been foggy. But since Kitsune Saiguu didn't mention it, he felt it best not to pry.
Given the unexpected circumstances, this didn't feel like any kind of betrayal toward Kyoko.
"I'm sorry…" Kitsune Saiguu's ears drooped slightly as she apologized, her gaze full of remorse. "It was my fault for coming up with such a whimsical idea."
"It's alright, Sister Saiguu," Lucas reassured her with a smile. "You meant well. And besides, I feel lighter and more refreshed than ever. The Hakushin Spring really has incredible effects."
"Oh, by the way, next year… it'll be our last year together." Kitsune Saiguu asked suddenly, "Have you decided on your wish?"
Lucas shook his head. "I… haven't quite figured it out yet."
Strangely, hearing this seemed to relieve Kitsune Saiguu. "Then take your time. Ah, and this," she said, offering him a flower-shaped accessory, "is a gift for your fiancée."
"It's something I made. It'll never wither, no matter how much time passes. Let's call it… the Summer Festival Blossom."
The delicate flower had a faint fragrance, appearing vivid and lifelike. Since it wasn't a living thing, it couldn't "die."
Boom!
Just then, a distant firework burst in the sky.
"Look at that, isn't it beautiful?"
Kitsune Saiguu always admired fireworks, no matter how many times she saw them. To her, an ageless being like the eternal Summer Festival Blossom, humans must appear as fleeting as fireworks.
[You have obtained: Summer Festival Blossom]
[Item Type: Set]
[Effect (2/4): Enhances all defensive skills by 35%]
[Exiting immersive mode]
[Entering text mode]
---
[Age 17: For Kyoko's fourteenth birthday, you gift her the Summer Festival Blossom. She cherishes it so much that she even clutches it while sleeping.]
[Your wedding is set to take place after the summer festival, at your suggestion. You realize that your feelings for Kitsune Saiguu are becoming increasingly complicated; perhaps it's time to say goodbye.]
[Summer arrives in the blink of an eye. In past years, you always looked forward to the festival, but this time, you feel a slight dread.]
[To your surprise, Kyoko's health holds up this year, and she wishes to attend the festival with you—a dream she's held for years.]
[You don't have the heart to refuse her, especially since she can't see yokai. You've resolved that this will be your final farewell to Kitsune Saiguu.]
[In the festival crowd, you spot Kitsune Saiguu, who waves at you with a familiar smile. But when she sees the girl standing beside you, her expression shifts slightly.]
[You need a moment alone with her, so you pretend to twist your ankle and ask Kyoko to fetch some medicine. Kyoko, innocent as ever, hurries off without question. Meanwhile, Kitsune Saiguu has already walked up to you.]
[Entering immersive mode]
---
"She's your fiancée?" Kitsune Saiguu asked, her brow slightly furrowed. "She's a lovely girl."
"She's nothing compared to you, Sister Saiguu," Lucas answered honestly.
"That's not a nice thing to say," Kitsune Saiguu replied with a faint smile, shaking her head. "One's wife should always be the most beautiful in their eyes."
"It's not about beauty; it's about someone who'll stay by my side for a lifetime." Lucas's words had a hint of bitterness. "Sister Saiguu, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."
"Then say it." Kitsune Saiguu nodded. "We've known each other for ten years; what can't you tell me?"
---
Author's Note: Next extra chap at 2000 p.s
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