Although Lancer wasn't used to the man's habit of hiding half of what he meant, he couldn't deny that he was a decent man.
This was true in his daily attitude toward subordinates and his handling of relationships with others. Perhaps this was because he learned from his adoptive father actions during the 'Taika Reform' and kept a much lower profile. It could be said that even those with different political views couldn't say they hated this man.
He also seemed to have noticed Lancer aversion to 'entering government service.' During their few meetings, he spoke more from the perspective of a friend, and he wouldn't even use indirect probing on certain matters. Even knowing the man had his own little schemes, it was impossible to hate him.
Since he had come to find him so solemnly this time, Lancer knew—provided his brain hadn't short-circuited—that the man definitely wanted his help or had something related to him. But this upright attitude made it hard for Lancer to refuse.
As someone who was "below one and above ten thousand" in this country, the man was very friendly in his daily interactions. If the man gave him face, Lancer couldn't flatly reject him.
Along the way, Lancer tried to figure out what the man wanted. He even explicitly said that if help was needed, he would assist as long as the reward was appropriate. But the man just smiled and said that wasn't it.
'What is this guy up to?'
And as if not wanting Lancer to pursue the topic, he used his refined conversational skills to take the lead and started talking about————Kaguya-hime.
Yes, Kaguya-hime.
Since Lancer used that special hairpin to seal her special charm, many suitors who were like moths to a flame gradually withdrew under the pressure of the five court nobles. Now, there were only five official suitors left.
But honestly, Lancer didn't know why Fujiwara no Fuhito was so persistent.
Kaguya Houraisan appearance was indeed worthy of her 'Celestial Maiden' status, but that didn't change her LOLI status, did it? Lancer liked big sisters with curves. For Kaguya Houraisan, he initially treated her as a simple mission target, but after spending time together, he saw her as a playful neighborhood little sister. He truly couldn't understand the thoughts of those fanatical LOLI-cons.
Fuhito seemed to have sensed from Lancer attitude that he wasn't interested in Kaguya-hime, so he talked about many related things, like poetry, and even mentioned he had sent people to great lengths to collect silk from across the sea to give to her.
Lancer mouth twitched every time he heard such topics. He couldn't exactly tell the man that the seemingly melancholic girl was actually an internet-addicted girl now, could he? Lancer even suspected that once the screen was set up, she would be playing games during the day too.
If it were Lancer, he might do the same; playing games during class is indeed full of temptation.
Under the strange atmosphere of one side being full of pleasure and the other being full of embarrassment, the carriage arrived at the Fujiwara estate.
As the carriage stopped, a certain middle-aged man tucked away his fanatical LOLI-con side and returned to his usual serious image. Lancer finally breathed a sigh of relief; holding back roasts was exhausting.
Knowing that Lancer wasn't interested in the Kabuki or similar performances favored by typical nobles, nothing of the sort appeared during dinner. However, while Fujiwara no Fuhito was considering when to mention his daughter to Lancer, an 'accident' occurred.
Perhaps because he was already used to drinking with the three 'Oni Kings,' Lancer drinking speed unconsciously picked up while drinking with Fuhito. The final result was that Fuhito was accidentally made drunk by Lancer. Even the servants were startled when they came in.
Lancer was arranged to stay in a guest room, so he had a place to sleep. However, unlike most people in this era who slept early and woke early, Lancer was used to staying up all night—from his studies in the past, to gaming in college, to his current habit of training late at night and early in the morning. For most, it was bedtime, but for Lancer, the night had just begun.
Suddenly, he remembered a promise he made to a certain girl.
Because of Kaguya Houraisan special nature, Lancer had been vague about many things when talking with Fujiwara no Mokou. But the business with the three Oni Kings was fine; she should be interested, right?
With that thought, he 'expertly' jumped onto the roof and headed toward Mokou small courtyard.
The girl Lancer remembered was currently sitting in formal wear in her room, looking at the burning candle flame, feeling a bit lost. Her already red face looked like it might emit steam at any moment under the candlelight.
It wasn't strange; after all, her father was going to 'propose a match' for her tonight. Moreover, the person was a man she cared deeply about. How could she not be nervous?
At that moment, a sudden knock on the door sounded.
"Father?!"
"No, it's me."
"Ah~!"
Mokou, not expecting to hear Lancer voice, let out a strange cry and then became flustered.
Why did he come to find her?
Was it because of what her father said?
Has Mr. Lancer already agreed?
Even though the maids had already cleaned the room, she still felt lost looking around her own space.
"Lord Lancer! Please wait a moment!"
Lancer, standing outside, found it a bit strange. Was she tidying the room?
Lancer waited outside for several minutes before the door was quietly pulled open a crack, and a blushing face peeked out.
"Lord Lancer..."
"Yo~ Long time no see~"
Seeing Lancer bright smile, the nervous Mokou suddenly felt strange. Was Lancer current attitude an agreement with her father words or a rejection? She truly didn't know why he had such an expression, so words slipped out of her mouth involuntarily.
"Lord Lancer, um... did Father speak with you?"
Mokou closed her eyes involuntarily, her hand gripping the sliding door so hard her fingertips turned white from tension. She kept her eyes shut, not daring to look at him.
However————
"What?"
Lancer, standing outside the door, was completely bewildered.