The Fierce Saintess

Episode 39: Joukyou 4 (1687) - Part 1

Your gift will give me the strength to post the next chapter, the next story.

I'm sorry my father was hospitalized, he got infection in his stomach but really refuse to go to doctor unitl the very end. What a hectic weekend for me and my ma. Anyway, enjoy the chapter. I'll post more later if I have the time, gotta work now.

*****

At noon, five days after the giant spider incident, Tomonobu was summoned by the head of the family, Yasutomi. Normally, he would have been called much sooner, but the injuries inflicted by the giant spider had caused him to run a fever, keeping him bedridden until yesterday. Even now, a painful heat still lingered on the left half of his face.

According to the doctor who treated him, the wound was deep enough to expose his cheekbone and had gouged out his flesh, meaning that a scar would remain even after it healed.

Touching the cloth wrapped diagonally across his face to avoid his eyes and nose, he thought he was fortunate that his eyes hadn't been gouged out. His hands were also slathered with ointment and wrapped in bandages.

Looking at both of his hands, Tomonobu recalled the moment he sustained these injuries. Just like the wound on his cheek, the ache in his chest refused to leave. Even though he knew that all the time they had spent together and the words they had shared were complete fabrications, his heart still longed for Kohiru, leaving him consumed by a helpless sense of grief.

The page who served as a guide arrived outside his room to announce his arrival. Tomonobu answered and stood up, though in truth, he had no idea what to say or how to say it.

Of course, he understood that he had to explain the outline of what had transpired, but he lacked the confidence to explain it well.

Therefore, he decided to bring Kohiru's skin with him. While he was bedridden, a manservant must have washed it for him; the mud was cleanly gone. However, its fur was coarse and stiff, and its color was gray. Cradling it carefully as if it were something precious, he left his room to head to the chamber where the head of the family awaited.

As he walked down the corridor behind the leading page, he heard voices chanting mantras from all directions. Since it was still within the New Year period, there shouldn't have been any official training for the candidates, so this was likely voluntary practice. Moreover, it wasn't just one or two people—he could sense the fervent training coming from almost every room.

「Everyone was praised for doing well during the incident the other day, you see.」

As Tomonobu involuntarily paused in front of a room where the voices were particularly loud, the page explained to him.

「At first, everyone was depressed, thinking they hadn't been able to do anything. While Lord Yasumasa and Princess Kana were desperately confronting the spider, all they could do was chant mantras while trembling behind them. They felt completely powerless.」

Tomonobu also vaguely remembered that scene.

「However, Lord Yasumasa and Princess Kana told them that because everyone did what they could, the two of them were able to push through as well. I was there, so I know—most of them were simply chanting mantras for dear life because they didn't want to die. Yet Lord Yasumasa said that was precisely why it helped reinforce the barrier. The Princess also said that everyone's mantras gave an extra push to her attack talismans and expressed her gratitude. Receiving those words must have made them feel truly grateful and happy. It's been like this ever since New Year's Day.」

Listening to those words, Tomonobu reflected on his own behavior up until very recently.

He had looked down on candidates with lower social status or divine power than his own, and had even secretly looked down on Yasumasa, considering him a failure who had only been granted a Color-Bearer despite being the heir. He had also thought of Yasumasa as a spineless fool for not getting angry when his younger sister was granted a Pattern-Bearer.

And as a result of his conceited belief that he alone was special, he had been taken advantage of by a monster.

(I am the biggest fool of all.)

＊＊

「This way.」

「Pardon me.」

He was led into the room used for formal audiences. Aside from the family head, his uncle Tomoyasu, who served as the acting head of Kotokui house, was also present. His uncle frowned upon seeing the bandages wrapped around Tomonobu's face and hands.

「Lord Yasutomi, I was not informed that Tomonobu sustained injuries. Furthermore, I would like to hear about the extent of his treatment.」

「I believe I informed you earlier that his life is in no danger. Moreover, he has been examined by a physician and medicine has been applied.」

Yasutomi spoke in a tone that implied, *What more could you possibly ask for?*, causing his uncle to grit his teeth.

It seemed his uncle was dissatisfied that Onmyoudou magic hadn't been used for the treatment, but Yasutomi had deemed it unnecessary.

Even Tomonobu felt this was only natural. Considering what he had done, he was grateful just to have been examined by a physician.

(Besides, I was purified...)

Before being treated by the doctor, Tomonobu and the two candidates trapped in the webs had been subjected to purification rituals by an Onmyouji.

Tomonobu understood that his uncle was trying to prevent him and the Tsuchimikado house from being put at a disadvantage, but he was fully aware that the blame for this entire affair rested solely on himself.

While watching the two engage in what seemed like political maneuvering, he idly stroked Kohiru's fur. The fur touching his fingertips was prickly and coarse, yet it brought an inexplicable sense of calm to his heart.

The maneuvering finally came to an end. Yasutomi called out Tomonobu's name.

「Kotokui Tomonobu. First of all, state in detail how such a situation came to pass.」

「Yes...... It was last year, on my way back from visiting my father's grave, when I met *her*...」

Placing his hand on the pelt upon his knees, Tomonobu began recounting the events from his first encounter with Kohiru. He explained in broken sentences how she was well-versed in the affairs of the Kamo family, leading him to never doubt that she was a stray divine messenger; how she hinted during their journey to Kyoto that she was the reincarnation of Akitaka, which he took completely to heart; and how he harbored a sense of rivalry toward Princess Kana.

「And on that day, flushed with the excitement of finally obtaining a divine messenger with a mark, I welcomed Kohiru inside... And then...」

「So it was all a scheme by that monster, was it?」

Yasutomi interjected.

「...Yes.」

「You were deceived into inviting an entity harboring malice toward the residents of our estate inside, then.」

「That is correct. I am truly, deeply sorry.」

Yasutomi watched Tomonobu, who pressed his forehead against the tatami mat in apology, for a short while before letting out a single sigh and simply replying, 「I understand.」

As a result of the discussions between both families, multiple letters requesting leniency regarding Tomonobu's actions—stating that *'it was an accident resulting from a youth prior to Genpuku being deceived by a monster masquerading as a divine messenger, and should be handled as quietly as possible'*—arrived not only from the Tsuchimikado house but also from various temples and shrines in Nanto, including Kōfuku-ji. Consequently, no official punishment was handed down publicly.

However, the Tsuchimikado house was made to bear the expenses required for repairing the damaged buildings, as well as the condolence payments to the families of the fallen guards.

Yet behind the scenes, a secret promise was forged. Upon reaching adulthood and officially assuming the headship of the family, Tomonobu would 《voluntarily pledge to recognize the Tsuchimikado family as the head house of Onmyoudou, placing the Kotokui house under their jurisdiction.》

[This promise was fulfilled in the second year of Genroku (1689), when Tomonobu reached the age of fourteen by traditional age reckoning. From then on, the Kotokui family, acting under the direction of the Tsuchimikado family, served as Onmyou-no-Suke generations after generations, taking charge exclusively of calendar annotations (with one exception). Furthermore, it is said that Tomonobu yielded the position of family head to Tomochika, the son of his uncle Tomoyasu, at a young age, spending the rest of his life as a solitary Onmyouji.]

＊＊＊＊

「Now then, from here on is a request from Lady Kuzunoha. I shall take my leave.」

After Tomoyasu departed the room, Yasutomi spoke, stood up, and nodded. A small whirlwind arose, from which a brilliantly shining white fox appeared. Upon its forehead was a light blue mark resembling a swirling cloud.

「I am called Hayate.」

「Ah...」

Tomonobu recognized that name.

「Kohiru's...」

「Yes. I heard all of your conversation just now. I deeply apologize for the trouble Kohiru caused on this occasion.」

With those words, Hayate lowered his head.

「No, I... I was deceived by a spider masquerading under Kohiru's name. Kohiru herself did nothing...」

Flustered by the unexpected apology, Tomonobu tried to protest, but Hayate slowly shook his head.

「It all stems from her feelings.」

Saying this, he gazed at Tomonobu with a wistful expression.

「Ah, indeed, you do resemble him...」

He murmured softly to himself.

* * *

「These are items borrowed through the kindness of Lady Kuzunoha.」

Transforming into human form, clad in *suikan* and a high *tate-eboshi*, Hayate retrieved a small set of bells wrapped in crimson silk and a white cloth from his robes. The meticulous care with which he handled them made it obvious that they were precious artifacts.

「Kohiru brought these bells out from the Hermit Realm to use for the Soul-Calling Ritual, but it is said they suddenly returned about fifty years ago.」

「The Soul-Calling... Was that real after all...?」

He explained that this was a special bell set with the *Makarukaeshi no Tama*, one of the Ten Sacred Treasures.

「This is also an item originally managed by Lord Takamura, and bringing it out into the human world is forbidden. However, we have specially borrowed it for this occasion.」

Saying so, he unfolded the white cloth. Measuring about one foot square, the cloth had an 'X'-like pattern embroidered in crimson at its four corners and center.

「This is an item known as the *Kusagusa no Mono no Hire*. For this occasion, I requested Lord Takamura's permission to use it just once. Could you hand *that* to me?」

*That* referred to Kohiru's skin. Although Tomonobu felt reluctant to part with it, he knew he had no right to hold onto it and hesitantly handed it over to Hayate.

He placed the pelt onto the unfolded cloth. Compared to the object placed upon it, the cloth looked far too small, but—

*Whoosh!*

Just when it seemed the cloth expanded dramatically all at once—

*Swish!*

The cloth itself snugly wrapped around Kohiru's pelt. Then, shrinking down with a rustle, it returned to nearly the exact size it had been when folded.

「It is said that this cloth can purify all manner of things. With this, Kohiru's defilement shall also be cleansed.」

Placing the white cloth bundle back atop the crimson silk, Hayate next picked up the bells.

「Lastly, partly as an apology, I intend to perform the Soul-Calling Ritual that Kohiru had promised, just once. Whom would you like to call?」

「...Anyone is fine? Is it... could it be Kohiru...?」

Hayate nodded, moved behind Tomonobu, and held the bells out so his arms extended beside Tomonobu's head. The bells were now directly in front of Tomonobu's forehead.

「Focus your mind firmly on the person you wish to call.」

Closing his eyes as instructed, he desperately thought of Kohiru. The bells shook, and a resonant voice began to chant.

*Riiing, riiing, riiing...*

*Shake them, sway them gently,*

*Riiing...*

*Ring the bells of the Soul's Return,*

*Riiing...*

*Departing alone to the Enma Hall,*

*Riiing...*

*Past the second night of the red demon,*

*Riiing, ring...*

*Awaiting on the third day's beastly trail,*

*Riiing, riiing, ring...*

*Reaching the four-month Shura highway at last,*

*Riiing, ring, ring, ring...*

*Offer five, six, seven, and eight,*

*Ring, ring, ring, ring...*

file *Full and complete, gather unto this place,*

*Riiing...*

*Fulfilled and gently swaying, ring the bells,*

*Riiing...*

*Shake them, ring the bells of Soul-Calling,*

*Riiing, riiing, riiing...*

Opening his eyes amid the reverberations of the bells, a hazy shadow gradually took on human form. Before long, it assumed the appearance of the Kohiru that Tomonobu knew.

「Kohiru!」

Even if it was an illusion shown by the giant spider, Tomonobu was overjoyed to see Kohiru's form once again. Thinking she wouldn't recognize him, he nevertheless found himself calling her name and reaching out his hand. Whereupon—

『I am so deeply sorry. Because of me...』

Kohiru also extended her hand. But she quickly pulled it back, as if declaring that she had no right to do so. That gesture caused a tiny seed of hope to sprout in Tomonobu's chest. His heart raced.

「You recognize me? Really...?」

『Of course I do. After all, talking with you, Tomo-san, was so very wonderful. Throughout our journey, I was happy the entire time. And yet, I caused you to suffer such terrible things...』

Looking at Kohiru as she bowed her head while speaking, Tomonobu felt as though his directionless feelings had finally found their destination. It brought him immense joy, yet at the same time, an unbearable sadness.

(Kohiru really was there... Not everything was a lie...)

「The spell is about to end.」

Hayate's voice came from behind.

「Ah... We'll meet again, won't we...?」

Though Kohiru's face contorted sorrowfully, she spoke.

『If my atonement comes to an end and I am permitted to return to the human world once more... Should that happen, I will surely come to see you. No matter how much time it takes, even if Tomo-san no longer recognizes me, I will still come to see you. So...』

He reached out toward Kohiru's fading, disappearing figure, but there was no way his hand could reach. Turning around, he looked at Hayate, who simply shook his head horizontally.

(It was a promise for only once...)

「Will I be able to meet her while I'm still alive?」

Hayate noticed the hopeful plea lurking within the muttered question. However, Kohiru's sin was heavy, and human life was short. Knowing that many divine messengers, starting with Lady Komachi, were furious over this incident, he understood it wouldn't be easy. The hope would go unfulfilled.

「It is likely impossible, I am afraid.」

「I see...」

As Hayate watched Tomonobu slump his shoulders and leave the room with a downcast head, he gave a wry smile at the fact that his twin, whose face he hadn't seen in a long time, hadn't said a single word to him.

Then, alone in the room, he retrieved the bell set with the *Tarutama*. Unlike the rest, this was an item Hayate himself had begged to borrow. *'With a wish from the bottom of your heart, just once.'* He rang it.

(Even if it lies far beyond the horizon of time...)

*Tink...*

(May a day come when Kohiru and Lord Tomonobu can laugh together once more...)