At this time, Lancer was still sitting on the Boatswain's shikigami, 'Kasha.' Although in terms of speed, it couldn't compare to Lancer heavily customized magic-modified motorcycle—which was so fast ordinary Youkai couldn't even see its taillights—Lancer didn't care about those small fry. Currently, his injuries were less than fifty percent healed. If he encountered a Great Youkai, he would basically have to choose a 'strategic relocation.' To be safe, he acted with the main group.
However, he couldn't tell if it was just his imagination, but the Boatswain sitting next to him kept looking at him with a strange gaze.
Usually, this wouldn't be much, but being stared at by a man made Lancer feel a bit creeped out.
"Boatswain, if you have something to say, just say it. If you keep staring at me like that, I————won't be able to hold it in."
"Can't hold it in?"
"Can't hold back from hitting you."
Lancer words made the Boatswain's mouth twitch. Although he felt Lancer was joking, remembering how the Oni race said Lancer had defeated the 'Shuten-Douji' in a head-on fight made him shudder. Better safe than sorry.
So, he straightforwardly voiced his confusion.
"Are you human or Oni?"
"Nonsense, do you even need to ask? Human, of course. Forget it, let's talk about business. Boatswain, do you know that so-called 'Youkai Sage'?"
It wasn't the first time the other party had asked this, and Lancer answer was the same as always. He knew the other party would doubt him regardless of what he said, but he was an 'officially certified' human! Why did the other party obsess over this? To avoid unnecessary trouble, he changed the subject.
As expected, when Lancer mentioned the 'Youkai Sage,' the Boatswain immediately showed a curious expression.
"Youkai Sage? The mastermind behind everything you mentioned before? The superiors seem to know something, but they haven't told me. Sorry."
"No, it's fine. Telling me this much has already helped me a lot."
It seemed the Boatswain hadn't said anything, but his words actually revealed quite a bit. For instance, the 'Youkai Sage' definitely exists, and even the Boatswain didn't know about their existence, which was enough to prove the person's mystery and power.
Though he had never met them, Lancer built a basic profile in his mind based on known intelligence.
The core traits were 'mystery' and 'strength,' but unfortunately, it seemed he would have to find specific clues on his own.
The Boatswain was stunned for a couple of seconds upon hearing Lancer thanks, seemingly unable to figure out why he was being thanked, but he nodded with a strange expression anyway.
It didn't matter if he didn't understand; it didn't stop him from accepting the thanks.
Lancer once again confirmed the mystery surrounding the Great Youkai known as the 'Youkai Sage.'
On the other side, the curious Boatswain covered his mouth with his fan while his eyes darted around; he was starting to get interested in this 'Youkai Sage' too.
'Maybe I can try to find some intel when I get back.'
By the time Lancer followed the convoy to Fujiwara-kyo, the sky was nearly dark. Unexpectedly, when they arrived, an unanticipated person appeared at the city gate.
"Mr. Lancer, it has been a long time."
Fujiwara no Fuhito wasn't wearing overly flamboyant clothes, but even so, the guards waiting quietly by the road and his dignified aura made most people lower their heads and walk away quickly. No one wanted trouble, especially in an era where the lives of commoners weren't worth much in the eyes of court nobles.
The Boatswain couldn't help but look at Lancer and gesture toward Fuhito with his eyes, as if asking, 'When did you get so close to him?'
Lancer gave a slight shake of his head. His contact with the man was mostly formal; their relationship was just average. He truly couldn't figure out why the man would personally show up here.
Even so, while the two were surprised, they weren't at all intimidated.
Lancer was always like this. Even if he met the Emperor, he wouldn't change, at most keeping quiet to avoid trouble. He knew better than anyone the importance of 'power.' As long as he had enough strength, whoever or whatever he faced would have to give him the respect he deserved.
The Boatswain appeared even more composed than Lancer. It wasn't that he ignored the man, but because the man's target was clearly Lancer when he appeared. There was no need for him to assert his presence. Although the Onmyoryo's special nature meant he wasn't technically a subordinate, it was better to avoid unnecessary business.
"Lancer, I'll head back to the Onmyoryo to handle previous matters first. Lord Fujiwara, the matters I must handle are quite important, so I shall take my leave."
After saying that, he cupped his hands to Fuhito and turned to leave without any lingering. Seeing the Boatswain's "none of my business" attitude, Lancer mouth twitched, but he turned to face Fujiwara no Fuhito.
"Long time no see, Lord Fujiwara."
Undoubtedly, Lancer didn't want to get too involved with him. Every time he did, something strange happened: he was targeted by the Onmyoryo as soon as he entered the capital because of him, he met 'Kaguya-hime' prematurely, and he encountered a Great Youkai while protecting him...
Lancer didn't know whether to complain that it was good luck or bad luck for the man to meet him.
However, Fuhito didn't know Lancer complicated thoughts; instead, he looked at Lancer with glowing eyes.
Although he hadn't seen the process of the 'Tsuchigumo' battle, he saw the result. Later, Lancer suddenly disappeared with the Onmyoryo people, and he realized the man had likely gone to do something else. Seeing him return with the Onmyoryo today made him incredibly excited.
'If this investment succeeds, the returns might be hundreds or thousands of times over, right?'
But some things cannot be rushed...
"Thank you for your help under the bamboo mountain earlier, Mr. Lancer. I heard you returned to Fujiwara-kyo, so I hope to invite you to a meal as a token of my gratitude."
Looking at the glowing face of Fujiwara no Fuhito, Lancer intuition told him this wasn't just a simple meal. But seeing the grand display the man had put on, he was curious about what the man actually wanted.
"Then, thank you very much."
Lancer lack of hesitation made Fuhito mouth twitch. Usually, the routine involves 'constant refusal,' then 'passionate invitation,' until finally 'reluctantly agreeing.' Why didn't this guy follow the script?
Forget it, it's not the first day he's been unconventional. As long as the result is good.
"Mr. Lancer, please board the carriage."