The subtle morning light, filtering through the delicate window lattices, cast dappled shadows within the bedchamber.
The lingering, enchanting, and sacred scent of last night still hung in the air, along with the faint, unique fragrance of Miroku.
Knock... Knock...
Two soft knocks on the door broke the silence.
According to usual custom, Miroku should have already risen and prepared for her morning duties, but this morning…
The maid outside the door hesitantly asked, "Miroku-sama, are you awake? It's already morning. Today's morning prayer…"
The two people embracing in bed were woken almost simultaneously.
Miroku's long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. All the wild and embarrassing memories of last night instantly flooded back.
Especially later, their intimacy while in the Priestess state…
Miroku's cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and she instinctively tried to burrow deeper into the covers but Shun's arm held her firmly in place.
Receiving no response, the maid outside the door called out softly once more, "Miroku-sama?"
Miroku immediately felt a surge of panic. She looked at Shun, silently asking with her eyes: What should they do now? Her current state, and the obvious presence of another person in the room.
Shun, however, seemed composed. He even deliberately lowered his head and pressed a morning kiss on her smooth forehead.
Only then did he slowly speak to the outside of the door, announcing with an undeniable authority, "Withdraw. Prepare breakfast and bring it. All matters for today are to be postponed."
The maid outside was clearly stunned. This was clearly a man's voice. And it was coming from Miroku's bedchamber.
This…
The maid was so shocked she could barely speak, but the invisible pressure contained within that voice was immense.
She could only stammer, "Yes… Your servant obeys."
Subsequently, there was a flurry of hurried footsteps from outside the door.
…
Miroku heard the maid's fleeing footsteps and was so embarrassed she wished the ground would swallow her whole. She couldn't help but clench her small fists and lightly hit Shun's chest.
"You… how could you just say that? They must all know, it's so embarrassing."
"What if they know? Does my wife need to hide? Or are you saying you don't want to take responsibility for me?"
Shun smiled like a cat that had successfully stolen a fish. He tightened his arm, pulling her more securely into his embrace, savoring the soft, smooth touch of the morning.
"Who… who said they don't want to take responsibility?" Miroku mumbled softly, burying her face in his chest.
Feeling his strong heartbeat and warm body temperature, she felt a little shy, yet also an indescribable sense of security and belonging. He was the husband from her prophecy, and the one who had forcefully rescued her from a predetermined tragic fate. With him, it seemed she didn't need to care about worldly opinions.
She slightly raised her head, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes "It's just that the people and priests of the Land of Demons might need some time to accept this."
"Accept? I will make them accept it. Your man possesses the power to change all rules. Moreover, this is heaven's will, isn't it?"
Shun chuckled, his fingertips playing with a strand of her hair.
Miroku looked at his confident and domineering demeanor, and the worry in her heart gradually dissipated. Perhaps, this was the beginning of her new destiny.
Shun pulled her back into his embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Sleep a little longer, or we could do something else. Morning exercises are good for physical and mental health."
His hands were moving, and the atmosphere became ambiguous.
Miroku gasped, and the blush that had just faded from her face surged again.
"Let's get washed up first, we still have breakfast to eat soon."
Hearing this, Shun had no choice but to stop his somewhat mischievous hands.
A moment later, the maid's cautious voice came from outside the chamber, "Miroku-sama, breakfast is ready. Shall we bring it in?"
This time, they had learned their lesson and dared not knock on the door so easily.
Shun glanced at Miroku, and seeing her nod, he called out, "Bring it in."
The door was gently pushed open, and several maids entered, carrying a sumptuous breakfast. They quickly and quietly placed the food on the table in the outer room.
They dared not look up the entire time, but their slightly trembling hands exposed their inner nervousness and curiosity.
After setting everything down, they quickly retreated like startled birds, gently closing the door behind them.
The meal was exquisite, mostly featuring specialty dishes from the Land of Demons, along with some nourishing soups.
"Eat something first."
Shun helped Miroku up, naturally draped an outer robe over her, and led her to the table to sit down. He personally served her a bowl of fragrant soup.
Miroku felt a warmth in her heart as she watched his thoughtfulness.
The two then shared breakfast like an ordinary couple in this somewhat peculiar atmosphere.
During the meal, Shun suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, how far is the lair of that thing called Moryo in your Land of Demons from here?"
Miroku was sipping her soup in small mouthfuls. Hearing this, she paused slightly, her expression becoming more serious.
"Moryo's physical body is sealed deep within Mount Demon Sealing by generations of ancestors, but its evil resentment and Mental Energy still pervade outside, forming large areas of poisonous swamps, where the environment is extremely harsh."
Shun raised an eyebrow, feeling the deep resonance of natural energy within his body, a holy light that seemed capable of purifying all defilement.
He looked at Miroku, a slight smile in his eyes. "My Nature Mode has a special restraining effect on such evil entities. It's perfect for a warm-up, and incidentally to completely get rid of this trouble for you."
Looking at the battle intent gleaming in his eyes, and thinking of his miraculous power, Miroku's worries gradually gave way to a sense of security. She took a deep breath, and a determined light flickered in her beautiful eyes.
"Good. If there truly is someone in this world who can completely destroy Moryo, I believe that person must be you. I will announce this matter shortly."
Shun waved his hand, a domineering smile on his face. "Alright, you tell them that the Fire God is going to destroy Moryo, and they can come along to watch."
"Okay."