Ren froze—he hadn't expected Oba-san to ask that.
Truth be told,
without noticing,
eighteen years had passed since he was reborn here; half a month ago he'd just celebrated his eighteenth birthday.
He was truly an adult now.
Before coming of age, Ren's days had been packed.
Stillness and focus—
that was the daily routine.
Over these eighteen years, Oba-san had found him all kinds of teachers: fistwork, bladework, staff, sword…
In short,
if it could be learned, he learned it—every school and style.
He'd unlocked who knew how many Traits of White, Green, and Blue quality.
However,
aside from [Spiritual Power] and [Yokai Power], he'd never touched a Purple Trait.
As for onmyoji arts?
He hadn't studied them. Oba-san's take was: don't. While you're young, Yu—polish your fundamentals.
Why?
She never said, and Ren never asked. Would Oba-san ever harm him?
And today,
she asked what he planned to do next.
"Mm…"
Ren thought a moment, then asked back, "Oba-san, is there something you want to say?"
"Yu, you're eighteen now—an adult. It's time to consider your path forward," Machiyoi said gently.
"Eh?"
Kaguya tilted her head, curious. "Only eighteen? This humble one recalls that on the surface, some come of age at fifteen or sixteen, some as early as twelve or thirteen…"
"Kaguya,"
Machiyoi explained, "Yu himself said eighteen was best. I agree—by eighteen a child's bones are truly finished growing."
"Oh!"
Kaguya "oh'd," but her big black eyes began to whirl.
Listening to his aunt and daughter talk, Ren fell briefly silent.
What to do?
What to make?
Hmm—
Across these eighteen years, he'd thought about it, but most of the time he set it aside.
Too tiring.
Sure,
he only had to work to grow stronger—but work was still work.
Even now,
he was focused on getting stronger. In a world where strength rules, strength mattered most. Everything else… he'd barely considered.
"Yu, don't rush. Take your time,"
"Your life ahead will be endless,"
"and although,"
"your talent and aptitude are poor, you yourself are very special,"
Machiyoi soothed him with warmth.
As for Yu's special nature?
Please.
Don't underestimate a great yokai who'd lived an unknowable span—how could she not see it?
"I understand," Ren nodded.
Kaguya smiled, sweet-voiced. "Father, this humble one thinks you can find yourself something to do—but there's no need to hurry. The long-lived kind have their own way of doing things. Take it slow."
"I know."
He did.
Oba-san had taught him: on the road to strength, you may push and strive; but in life and dealings, don't rush—move at an easy pace.
The long-lived have long lives; too much haste leaves blanks in one's years.
As to whether he could become one of the long-lived?
Honestly—
Ren wouldn't say it, but Machiyoi and Kaguya brimmed with confidence. His ability was too monstrous—a walking bug.
"Speaking of which…"
Kaguya's dark eyes turned. "Father, since you've inherited this ruined city—why not try being a city lord?"
"A city lord?"
Ren blinked.
Truth was,
he'd never thought about it.
He didn't see himself as good at managing anything; he'd simply grown up in this broken city.
One day he'd leave.
But his "daughter's" suggestion made him think.
After a moment,
Ren shook his head. "Kaguya, I'm not good at administration. And I'm not the type to 'save the world when I rise.' In this age of night-parading yokai, protecting common folk isn't something I can do."
"Father, that's not what this humble one meant~"
"Then?"
"In my view, you only need to repair the city. As for subjects—choose them slowly. A few are enough. It's just something to keep you occupied."
"I see…"
Her proposal set him brooding.
If it was like that, it didn't sound bad.
Then Kaguya's tone turned teasing. "Father, this humble one also knows human men have… needs. In the future, renovate the city well, and build golden pavilions to keep your beauties."
"Heh heh heh—"
Machiyoi couldn't help a hand-over-mouth laugh.
She had no other thoughts about it.
What's strange about that?
Never map the values of the long-lived onto humans—that won't fit.
Besides,
in this chaotic era, city lords and onmyoji with money and power—never mind gilded rooms—some even keep a whole island of canaries overseas.
Rare, yes—but not unheard of.
"Can't deny it,"
Ren chuckled. "Kaguya, I won't pretend—any man would have that thought, right?"
"Exactly."
"Exactly."
"When the time comes, Father, gather a proper retinue: great yokai, gods lingering from the age of myth, gifted races!"
"And when the time comes…"
"this humble one thinks you could start a war."
Kaguya grew animated, waving her tiny hands, more and more excited, black eyes beginning to gleam.
(End of Chapter)
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