According to the "unequal treaty" signed the day before, Tamamo Hotaru had no right to refuse.
So after breakfast that morning, she returned to the film set with a look of utter helplessness.
From time to time, her gaze drifted toward a certain young girl with blonde hair and twin tails.
"I never thought that jerk would go for this type…"
A hint of sour jealousy rose in her heart. She truly couldn't see where she was lacking compared to that girl.
It was understandable that she thought this way. Shinji had only told her to watch Moxi's every move closely, but he had never revealed Moxi's true identity to her.
This was entirely for her own safety.
If he had told her the truth beforehand, she would almost certainly have exposed her hand sooner or later — which was the exact opposite of what Shinji wanted.
If he could confirm that Moxi was the only Special Grade Cursed Spirit here, Shinji was prepared to take direct, forceful action.
If not, he would have to leave first and search for other targets elsewhere.
There was no other choice.
No matter how arrogant he might be, he wasn't foolish enough to take on a group of Special Grade Cursed Spirits all by himself.
---
Today's scene was about Princess Feng and Princess Yun setting sail across the sea, accompanied by their little maid and Monkey D. Luffy.
The script itself was already ridiculous enough, but movies from this era were often even more absurd.
As long as there was money to be made, everyone was fine with it — it was certainly better than having the whole project collapse.
Throughout the day, Tamamo Hotaru kept her mission firmly in mind. She stuck close to Moxi, pulling her aside whenever she got the chance.
She bombarded her with every kind of question imaginable — from her height and weight, to how many people were in her family, how much land they owned, her hobbies, and even what kind of men she liked…
She rotated through endless variations of interrogation, leaving Moxi completely baffled!
"What on earth is wrong with this woman?!"
Moxi went from being wary, to confused, to utterly bewildered.
Right now, she seriously suspected that this woman might be one of those legendary "women who love women."
"Is she trying to hit on me?!"
Moxi was shocked!
Back in the day, both of them had been among the top courtesans at the Red Chamber, but they had never actually met.
Tamamo Hotaru had always maintained a mysterious, distant persona. Even just a meeting with her cost a fortune.
She was the type who wouldn't work for a whole year, but once she did, she earned enough to live comfortably for three years — her ability to draw wealth was terrifying.
Moxi, on the other hand, was more about "selling dog meat as lamb."
Her specialty was the one‑time big score! She would trick customers in every way possible, then set them up for a massive extortion.
In a way, both were experts at making big money — they just used different methods.
But it was true that they had never crossed paths before.
Tamamo Hotaru had never even met the other top courtesans.
Moxi was a bit different — she had met the former Twelfth Courtesan… and ended up killing her, simply because that woman kept provoking her over and over again.
It was all very awkward.
---
Off to the side, Kazahana Yukihime felt incredibly superfluous.
She was supposed to be one of the leading ladies.
Even if someone wanted to build good relationships, they should be doing it with her, right? After all, she had sacrificed so much for this role.
Instead, this newcomer — who was admittedly far more beautiful than herself — was running circles around a little girl who looked far too young to be associating with, while completely ignoring her. It was absolutely infuriating!
Unable to help herself, Yukihime crept closer, trying to overhear what on earth those two were talking about.
"I'll say it one more time — I don't like men. There. Stop testing me. But… since you're pretty enough to look at, I suppose I can give you a chance to chase after me. But let me make this clear: fun only, no marriage. And I hate women who cling like sticky plaster."
When Moxi said this with an air of utmost arrogance, it wasn't just Tamamo Hotaru who froze — even Kazahana Yukihime, who was eavesdropping nearby, was stunned silent.
So… so that's the kind of relationship they have?!
Yukihime looked at them with a strange, new expression, then quietly backed away.
And with that, she completely gave up on the idea of getting closer to Tamamo Hotaru.
After all, her own orientation was perfectly normal, and she had absolutely no interest in that kind of thing.
---
"I'm not… I didn't mean…"
Tamamo Hotaru waved her hands frantically, her face burning red with embarrassment. She had never imagined things would develop like this.
Did I just steal someone else's woman?
"Tsk, tsk… look at you blushing. Not bad. Keep that up — I really like this mood."
Moxi chuckled mischievously.
Back in the Red Chamber, she had always loved curling up in the arms of beautiful older sisters.
Tamamo Hotaru's figure wasn't overly voluptuous, sure — but she was undeniably gorgeous.
Moxi left happily, even inviting her out for dinner that evening, adding that "afterwards, we can have some real fun~"
Within half a day, all sorts of rumors and versions of the story had spread everywhere.
Kazahana Yukihime hadn't been the only one who "accidentally" overheard that conversation!
From then on, whenever people looked at Tamamo Hotaru, there was always a hint of regret in their eyes.
So beautiful, yet she really leaves no chance for men… such a total waste of resources.
Tamamo Hotaru's head was throbbing, but she had no choice but to play along obediently.
She even had to sacrifice her evening to go to dinner with Moxi.
"Forget it… I'll just make everything clear tonight once and for all."
---
And so, when filming finished for the day, Moxi changed into a sharp, little tailored suit.
She even drew on a pair of fake mustaches, then carried a huge bouquet of roses to come pick up her "lady."
"Would you do me the honor of dining with me, my beautiful Princess~?"
Tamamo Hotaru's face turned bright red — whether from embarrassment or sheer anxiety, she wasn't sure.
"Whoa… so pretty! Such a waste!"
"This really leaves no hope for us men at all…"
"Damn it… my heart just skipped a beat."
"Let's go to the street next door tonight?"
"Yeah! Let's go right now!"
---
After dinner and a long walk, Moxi suggested going back to her place, casually mentioning that she had bought a brand‑new bed that was "huge and incredibly soft."
Tamamo Hotaru finally couldn't take it anymore. She fled in panic.
"Haha… playing hard to get? Interesting."
Moxi remained brimming with confidence.
---
Later that night, under Shinji's relentless questioning, Tamamo Hotaru recounted everything that had happened during the day, looking utterly drained of life.
Shinji had promised he wouldn't laugh… and he held it in so hard he made the most ridiculous facial expressions…
But in the end, he burst out laughing uncontrollably.
This kind of absurd development wasn't something even the craziest scriptwriter would dare write!
"And then? She invited you to her place… and you just ran back here?"
"What else was I supposed to do?! Go with her?!"
Tamamo Hotaru glared at him irritably.
"Ah, well… it's not like you'd really lose anything anyway. But fine, fine — if you didn't want to go, you didn't want to go."
Shinji thought for a moment and instructed:
"For the next few days, just keep things exactly as they are between you two. But try to find out if she has any friends or companions here… anyone she works with or stays with."
"Alright… got it."
Knowing exactly how to balance discipline and reward, Shinji glanced at her and added:
"If you help me successfully wrap this whole thing up, all those unequal treaties we signed before will be declared null and void."
"Really?!"
Tamamo Hotaru's eyes instantly lit up.
If she could be treated like a normal person again, who would want to keep being a… well, you know.
Seeing Shinji nod, she immediately pounded her chest and promised loudly:
"Don't you worry! I will definitely help you… capture her completely!"
Shinji felt vaguely that something in her choice of words sounded a bit off… but seeing her enthusiasm, he decided not to ask any further.
____________________
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