In Kael's view, Lady Yukinoshita's trembling voice was normal. After all, his existence was tied to the survival of the Yukinoshita Group. The match was only a week away, yet Kael had suddenly gone missing, unreachable no matter how many times she called. He was certain Lady Yukinoshita was panicking. Her calmness was merely the composure of someone long accustomed to power. Some people, even when their hearts are in turmoil, never show it. She was likely one of those people.
Kael didn't expose her facade. Instead, he smiled and said: "Sorry, Lady Yukinoshita. I had a breakthrough recently, so I went into seclusion for half a month. But now I've emerged."
She replied evenly: "Congratulations, Renjou-kun. I imagine your gains must be great."
"Great—immensely so."
Kael didn't hide it. Devouring a complete demon god had saved him three to five years of cultivation.
The gain was enormous.
Lady Yukinoshita heard the boast in his tone. Her anxiety eased, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Renjou-kun, the match begins next week. I hope you'll bring good news."
"Rest assured, Lady Yukinoshita." Kael patted his chest, giving her confidence.
After a few more words, they ended the call.
Next, Kael called Marin, explaining he had been in seclusion and missed her calls, but now that he was out, he was eager to return her call.
Marin sighed: "Renjou-kun, cultivation is important, but life can't be only cultivation. You should experience life too."
Kael nodded repeatedly, promising never to do this again. After some sweet words, Marin forgave him. They chatted happily for over an hour before reluctantly ending the call.
Then Kael called Saki. Compared to Marin, Saki was easier to please. Kael simply promised to take her to the amusement park on Saturday, and she was overjoyed.
Nearby, Erioh listened silently, his mind turning. Experienced and shrewd, he quickly realized Kael maintained ambiguous relationships with several young women. Even Lady Yukinoshita seemed to be included. It was normal—young, vigorous, and powerful, Kael was restrained not to line them up already. The phrase "fond of youthful beauty" fit him perfectly.
Since this "Lord Demon God" was so lustful, why not send him a few women to please him? Though the Kure Clan was now his subordinates, Erioh hadn't forgotten their lives were in Kael's hands. If Kael grew displeased, he could wipe them all out. So Erioh had to win his favor. Offering women was the simplest way.
But which woman?
Karura?
No, absolutely not. As a great-granddaughter devotee, Erioh refused to sacrifice her happiness. Perhaps Fusui would have to suffer. Since Kael had brought her to the village, having her serve him seemed fitting. That would be the plan.
Kael, of course, had no idea what Erioh was plotting. After finishing with Saki, he called Mafuyu. She was furious about his absence from school for over half a month.
"Renjou-kun, I know you're busy, but don't forget your primary duty is as a student. Even if you're busy, you must maintain attendance. Do you really want to repeat a grade?"
Kael offered many apologies and promised to attend regularly. Only then did she relent.
Finally, he called Mai, explaining: "I missed your calls because I was busy. Did you need something?"
Mai replied: "It wasn't important. Actually, a senpai wants to meet you to express gratitude."
"Senpai? Who?" Kael was confused.
"Natori Shuuichi-senpai," Mai said.
Hearing the name, Kael nearly forgot who that was. But Mai's reminder jogged his memory. When she encountered the fox god, the first to help her was Natori Shuuichi, a supporting character from Natsume's Book of Friends. Unfortunately, he lacked strength and was trapped by the fox god. Later, Kael and Yato arrived to save him. After Kael devoured the fox god, he awoke to find Shuuichi gone. He hadn't seen him since.
Now Shuuichi had resurfaced, wanting to thank him. Kael was curious—why not sooner? So much time had passed.
Mai explained: "When he woke, he wanted to thank you, but you were cultivating, and he didn't want to disturb you. More importantly, his three shikigami were badly injured by the fox god and needed urgent care. So he spent these days healing them. Only recently were they saved. Now he has time, so he asked me to arrange a meeting to thank you."
Kael understood. When he had stormed the shrine and encountered the fox god, he saw Natori unconscious but not his shikigami. He thought they had died protecting him. But they had only been gravely injured, barely surviving. No wonder Shuuichi had been absent—he was busy saving them. Clearly, his bond with them was strong.
After a moment's thought, Kael said: "I'm free now. If your senpai is available, arrange to meet tonight."
"Where?" Mai asked.