He dreaded soap-opera drama, but this harmony terrified him. Himezuru said, "Miyuki's near-daily demands are abnormal." Shizuku: "Deflecting then dominating her makes Yūgen a true playboy." Celia: "Against stamina-bro, I'd gladly slave"—prompting instinctive backbreaker.
"Nn... Early, Yūgen."
"Sorry, Fuko. Wake you?"
"No issue. But... involving you makes me want total submission."
Contrary to his equality ideal, fiancées seemed fine being commanded. Treating wives as slaves was impossible—he'd consulted Tatsuya on Miyuki.
Only apologies returned. Implicit: Give up.
"No submission. Soap-opera chaos either."
"I get it, but such love makes acceptance tempting."
"Hearing that from you..."
Mistresses aside, no differential treatment among fiancées... though future exceptions loomed.
This crossed premarital lines, but Sen'hime and Gōzō approved; Yotsuba (Maya), Kitayama (Shio and Kurenai), Ise, Tsukuba heads, even Kuzuma Jūzō tacitly condoned.
"Others said that... Miyuki-jō?"
"Correct. Naming absent women now feels wrong."
"My fault—no issue."
Post-compe, he'd acquire sites, build shrine. Reporting to Sen'hime including 'Sanctuary' raised concerns over Traditionalist proximity at Kagurazaka inn. Absorb Kyoto Traditionalists in the chaos.
Costs from personal/Kagurazaka assets; Uesugi carpenters. Naming rights irked, but he proposed Kamiizumi Seiran Tenmangu (Haruaki Abe guardian, Arashiyama pacification)—Sen'hime approved.
Shrine duties under her; he wouldn't micromanage, even indirectly.
◇ ◇ ◇
October 19, Friday. Early departure completed Inariyama east array. Suppressing tourism urges, Yūgen and Fuko visited Kurama Temple. Reimi reported to Yasukata home separately.
No rough welcome like Enryaku-ji, but distant surveillance en route. Not temple—continental sorcery, Zhou Gongjin-like.
"Yūgen, persistent watchers... What now?"
"If they act, counter. Can't overdefend unprovoked."
Even continental casters wouldn't attack near orthodox stronghold—risking Kurama's wrath. Housing Bishamonten (Seven Lucky Gods), visited by Heian literati, Muromachi/Azuchi-Momoyama warlords for victory. Ancient: Jianzhen disciple saved from oni by Bishamonten—grass hut origin.
Traditionalists basing on "Kurama Tengu" lore knew placement alone achieved nothing.
"Bloodline guaranteeing mastery? Absurd—like elite athletes/artists. Sweetly underestimating ancient-to-modern translation."
Individual aptitude variance inevitable, but USNA defined modern magic. Aerial object movement alone demanded multi-system/process—inefficient versus hands.
Nuclear restraint narrowed physics alteration—understandable. But ancient users needing sustain viewed modern disdain as jealousy.
Governments/militaries favored modern—more "controllable." Ancient users rebelled against tool-like treatment.
Ultimately, state greed tarnished ancient standing—policymakers' fault. Yūgen wished self-cleansing before intervention.
"Fire from mages seems riskier?"
"Mages aren't public servants. I get your point."
Some ancient in military, but many in civilian jobs; not all magic-factor bearers in enabling environments.
Last year's Magic High grads: under half to university/defense academy. Lacking tailored paths; schools negligent.
Conservatism preserved order but bred magic crime.
"Ah, the abbot himself greets. Fuko, please."
"Sigh... Mother's proxy too—troublesome."
At the gate: abbot, monks in kasaya bowing.
Pre-notified, but this welcome surprised; Yūgen wry-smiled.
Ascending, he spoke first.
"Kagurazaka heir, Kagurazaka Yūgen. Grateful for the reception."
"Forty-Nine Institute, Fuko."
"Kurama abbot. Kagurazaka protector visit—first in five generations. Indebted, instructed utmost courtesy. And Kaga Ichinomiya lady. Humble hospitality—this way."
Abbot training under Kagurazaka; post-Hakone, Fuji Sea of Trees for mind-extinction enlightenment. Not Buddhist satori, but unshakable spirit for superior magic—logical.
Talent, sacred sites aside—effort and innate ability decided. Not magic-exclusive.
Shrine for 'Sanctuary' maintenance, multifaceted roles.
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