Fujiwara Estate · Mokou Residence
This was originally the most inconspicuous corner within this vast residential complex, but at this moment, many guards stood outside the house. This situation arose naturally because of a certain man currently sitting inside the room.
Ever since witnessing the 'ruins' left after Lancer battle with the Tsuchigumo that day, Fujiwara no Fuhito had been acting somewhat neurotic. Every time he thought of the massive monster he saw in the distance, he felt his worldview being shattered. Previously, his impression of so-called Youkai was merely strange-looking and dangerous monsters, but the thought of that mountain-like physique left him with no sense of security.
Afterward, he even sought out Onmyoji and Buddhist monks with whom he had good relations to inquire about the Tsuchigumo. His actual goal was simple: he hoped to obtain a life-saving treasure. Unfortunately, everyone shook their heads.
Indeed, there were many among humans capable of fighting Great Youkai; they were the pillars protecting this country from the shadows. However, to protect a person from a Great Youkai using only a single item... such items or abilities were far too rare.
Fortunately, Fujiwara no Fuhito was not without ideas.
"Mokou."
Looking at her father rare serious expression, Fujiwara no Mokou felt somewhat nervous. Because of her birth circumstances, she had always been a "nobody" in the household; even the servants were only ceremoniously respectful toward her. Her father, perhaps because he never intended to raise her as a primary daughter of the Fujiwara family, was very lenient with her, and she only learned the basic knowledge expected of a court noble's daughter.
But seeing her father solemn face now, her intuition told her that what he was about to say would be very important.
"You are thirteen years old this year. At this age, you should be married off."
Fujiwara no Fuhito words caused Mokou to freeze for a moment, but she then nodded, her eyes dimming slightly.
She had long known this day would come; under the tutelage of her father and Shishōs, she had even silently waited for it. As a daughter of the Fujiwara family, she had the obligation to sacrifice and dedicate herself to the clan.
What seems inconceivable to modern people was perfectly 'normal' in this era.
She had once wondered who her future 'husband's family' would be. She had fantasized that her future husband would be a true hero; she wouldn't even mind being his concubine. She understood her status clearly: she was just an ordinary Fujiwara daughter with no background. To marry someone successful and famous, a concubine was the best she could hope for. Or perhaps a young, strong samurai who loved her; she knew many families married off neglected daughters to talented young men to win them over. That might be nice, as she could be his wife and enjoy his exclusive love...
But now, she didn't think that way anymore.
Whenever she thought of the man who saved her and her father at the critical moment, she couldn't help but dream of wearing a shiromuku (white wedding kimono) and standing by his side. He was the first 'hero' she had ever seen with her own eyes—a hero who rescued her and her father from fire and water.
However, being mature for her age, she knew he had left no clues behind. She feared they would never meet again. To her surprise, they actually crossed paths once more.
When he appeared in her father guest room and their eyes met, her panic was unimaginable. Later, she even fainted in a clumsy, panicked mess. When she woke up in a daze, she wondered if she was dreaming. But when she saw the wet patch on his thigh and the faint smile on his lips, her blushing face realized it hadn't been a dream.
What she didn't expect was that he was so easy to talk to and didn't mind at all. Specifically, his gentle smile was completely at odds with his strength. He even promised to visit and tell her stories of the outside world. The only thing that made her slightly uncomfortable was that she could see a sense of "doting on a child" in his eyes.
She wasn't a child!
From that day on, his figure frequently appeared in her mind. Perhaps because he was the first 'hero' she had ever met? From time to time, she would hear her father mention that he had subjugated yet another Youkai.
Nearly a month ago, he had come to see her again. This had been a wonderful surprise; she had thought he had long forgotten a "nobody" like her.
But happy times are always brief. He left once the night grew deep, but before leaving, he made another promise to come find her, which made her very happy.
During this past month, she had realized her own feelings. She wanted to stay by his side.
But she hadn't expected that just as she finally made up her mind, her father told her she should be 'married off.' Her mood became extremely complicated in an instant.
It was something she had known for a long time, something perfectly normal, but... her heart was resisting. She... she wanted...
However, the education she received since childhood made it impossible for her to speak up. With a struggling expression, she could only tremble, bite her lip, and silently lower her head. To her, silence was her greatest resistance against her father. For her current self, her father was her everything.
He had raised her and provided her with a life far beyond that of an average person.
She... could not.
Perhaps Fujiwara no Mokou felt she was working hard to hide her thoughts, but to Fujiwara no Fuhito, she was far too naive. He was merely a bit puzzled: why did his daughter, who had always been incredibly obedient, show such an expression?
'Did something happen without my knowledge?'
But he didn't think much of it. Regardless of Mokou thoughts, they wouldn't change his mind. Furthermore, if he guessed correctly, she should be very happy with the decision he made this time.
"Mokou."
"Yes, Father."
Mokou voice trembled; she didn't even dare to look up, until————
"Mokou, I want to betroth you to Lancer. Are you willing?"
"..."
After Fuhito finished speaking, the entire room fell silent. He was waiting for his daughter answer, while Mokou was stunned by her father sudden words, not knowing how to respond for a moment.
Surprise? Joy? Happiness?
She didn't know how to describe her feelings, but her answer was very simple.
"Yes, Father."
Perhaps she didn't even notice how brilliant her smile was at that moment...