The intensity of the battle with Yuugi Hoshiguma was in no way inferior to that with Suika Ibuki; after all, their statuses were equal. However, this time Lancer wasn't in as miserable a state as before—at least he didn't need to be wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
This outcome wasn't because Yuugi had grown weaker, but because Lancer had grown stronger. Both the newborn "Gae Bolg: Transitional Death-Spike" and Lancer regained right arm significantly increased his combat power. The only trouble was that he still needed time to get used to the arm; previously, his "right arm" was almost treated as a "consumable," and combat habits aren't easily changed. Regardless, the pros outweighed the cons.
With the help of Rune magic, the ice-crafted arm was nearly indistinguishable from a normal one. However, it couldn't substitute for everything. Sometimes, his right arm simply couldn't withstand certain pressures—it was, after all, an external replacement and not a body part that had grown with him. His actual body was already an existence at the "monster" level.
Another major reason was that Lancer fighting style happened to counter Yuugi's.
Though both were power-type fighters, there were distinct differences. Much like their ultimate techniques—"Three Steps to Ruination" and "Three Steps to Certain Kill"—one focused on "total destruction" while the other focused on "single-point detonation." An agile warrior like Lancer naturally counters a pure power warrior. Furthermore, Yuugi didn't excel at wide-range attacks. Even the abilities she awakened after becoming a "Great Youkai" could only momentarily restrain Lancer; once he broke free, her defeat was a foregone conclusion.
Yet, neither Lancer nor Yuugi cared much about victory or defeat; they simply enjoyed the fight.
During the banquet following the battle, Fujiwara no Mokou was startled. She had attended the party for her coming-of-age ceremony a month prior and thought she had seen the limits of how much Suika and Yuugi could drink. She hadn't realized they were holding back then. Seeing them now, as the Oni drank directly from massive wine barrels, she felt completely out of place.
Inevitably, she was pressured into drinking a few cups herself. Fortunately, after merging with the Hourai Elixir and the Phoenix's flames, her physical constitution had been enhanced. Eventually, with flushed cheeks, she curled up beside Lancer in a half-dreaming state.
It was because of this state that she overheard something she wasn't supposed to know: the news that Lancer was preparing to leave.
Waking up in the middle of the night due to the alcohol, she heard voices nearby.
"Lancer, doing it like this... what's the difference between this and entrusting your orphans to someone?"
Is that Sister Kaguya voice? For some reason, Mokou felt a sense of exasperation in that tone.
"Don't exaggerate. I still want to live for a while. I don't want to die before I find a way home or reach the realm my Masters attained."
If Lancer was once lost, he had now at least found his goal—though he had never shared this with anyone.
"But you said you plan to leave, right?"
"Yeah. In the future, I probably won't be able to look after Mokou like I do now. But I believe my friends, including Yuugi and the others, will help me take care of her."
"Hmph!"
Hearing Kaguya words, Mokou felt the tipsiness surge again and gradually drifted back to sleep. However, she curled her body even tighter—a clear sign that her heart lacked a sense of security...
As she slept, Mokou heart was in turmoil. She didn't notice that while the two were talking, their eyes were unconsciously darting toward her.
Once she fell asleep again, Kaguya, who had been maintaining a "Yamato Nadeshiko" poise, returned to "normal" and picked up her paused handheld console.
"Do you have to be so secretive? Can't you just tell her directly?"
"I'm not very good at this kind of thing."
"Hmph! You aren't even afraid of Master, but you're afraid of Mokou-chan..."
In Kaguya mind, Lancer had always been a friendly gaming buddy. Her battle with Eirin had shown her his other side—a man forged in blood and fire—but now, because of Mokou, she was seeing yet another side.
A clumsy, yet gentle side...
"Then... can't you just not leave?"
For some reason, these words slipped out of her mouth. She immediately realized how it sounded, lowered her head with a red face, and tried to look absorbed in her game. Not realizing that her blushing face had zero persuasive power, she added another layer of excuse:
"If it really doesn't work, let's hide for a while. If Mother comes to find trouble, I can explain for you. After all, no one from the Lunar Capital died this time..."
Her voice grew quieter as she realized how forced the explanation was. She waited for a response, even a tease, but none came. When she carefully peeked over her console, she saw Lancer pinching his chin, lost in thought.
What was Lancer thinking about? Naturally, it was the sudden trigger of a "Chain Quest."
Side Mission: Princess Kaguya Troubles ④
Description: A girl caught in confusion faces her family and friends at a loss. Make her laugh from the bottom of her heart.
Rewards: Stone Bowl of Buddha, Hourai Jeweled Branch, Robe of the Fire Rat, Dragon's Neck Jewel, Cowrie of the Swallow.
Current Favorability: 60
Ever since the Boatman officer informed the five suitors that Princess Kaguya had been taken back to the moon, Mission ③ had concluded as all five gave up. Lancer had been wondering why Mission ④ hadn't appeared yet; clearly, ③ wasn't the final link.
Now the mission was here, but it felt strange. The rewards weren't points or skills, but the five treasures Kaguya had mentioned.
Could it be that these five treasures aren't just things she made up to make things difficult for them?
Since Lancer wasn't one of the suitors—and the whole idea was his suggestion anyway—he decided to ask her directly.
"Kaguya, what's the deal with those five treasures you mentioned before? Do they have some special functions?"
Kaguya, who had been expecting a retort, was stunned. Why was he asking this?
A thought crossed her mind, and she suddenly blushed...