Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1586

As for how Shijou Tei was so sure that the forces represented by his classmates and friends would want benefits?

That's completely obvious.

These so-called interests, including power, land, and many other aspects, are essential for the future development of power.

If not, they will naturally blend into the crowd, gradually becoming ordinary people, subject to governance. Few people can bear such a change in status.

"Hide, that might help," Hachiman quickly suggested.

He spent the rest of his life like this.

This has led to a growing belief that "avoidance" is a very effective method.

"I agree. This is something we might have to face sooner or later, but we can't face it now."

Hannya, Hikigaya's shikigami, agrees with what his master Hikigaya has to say.

Hachiman's heart skipped a beat; he sensed there was more to the conversation than met the eye...

"One should be single-minded in doing things, especially in a battle where one's life may be at stake at any time."

Horikita Manabu noticed that Shijou-tei's condition was not right, so he had to remind him with rather serious words.

Shijou Tei didn't mind these words that sounded like a lecture; he raised his hand slightly and stretched his muscles.

“I understand what everyone is saying. Some of the people who came to me have been kind to me and my father, so I can’t avoid them.”

"...This is really a headache." Ayanokouji felt a sense of unease upon hearing this.

Whether in this era or in modern times, gratitude is a very difficult issue to handle.

Once you have received a favor from someone, you must not betray that kindness.

This is the main reason why modern Japanese people are so careful to maintain a delicate distance in interpersonal relationships.

"Whether we like it or not, we have to fulfill our obligation to repay kindness... This is always the most awkward issue for everyone."

Ayanokouji thought to himself.

Especially here, if a bad reputation for ingratitude spreads, it will hurt more than just one person.

Perhaps a smart person wouldn't do something so stupid.

But for some reason, Ayanokouji couldn't help but think of the various actions that Kiyotaka Ayanokouji had taken after Kousaka Kyosuke appeared in a dream, and the actions of many people who knew Shijou Tei, which made him feel suffocated.

It wouldn't be surprising to continue doing so now.

Just thinking about it, it's absolutely terrifying.

"..."

Horikita Manabu was speechless.

This involved the Shijo Emperor's family affairs, and he couldn't say any more about it.

"I'm sorry, it was wrong of me to bring up such unrelated things without permission."

Realizing that his stress was contagious to his companions, Shijou Tei quickly apologized.

Hikigaya immediately said, "Your matter is still very important. Your support is indispensable in the battle. If efficiency is reduced because of this, wouldn't that be terrible? So, let's work together to find a solution."

Avoiding trouble has always been Hachiman's guiding principle.

But he still knew that there were things he couldn't avoid.

Right now, Shijou Tei's mind is disturbed, having gone through many battles with him, so it is necessary to resolve this.

At this point, you can't be bothered by the trouble.

Otherwise, he might lose even more in the future...

"What do you think?" Ayanokoji asked Shijou Tei directly.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Shijou Tei smiled and said, "If anyone can provide a brilliant idea, I'd be happy to."

His companions are all very clever and must be able to provide a method that he might have overlooked.

With his parents not here, he'll have to handle things on his own for now. It would be good to ask his companions for help as well, so as not to make any mistakes and cause any bad consequences.

Thus, the group began to conduct various analyses, trying to come up with a good solution without any future problems.

Ayanokouji, by once again using the foolish behavior of some people as evidence, rejected yet another method.

"Can people be that stupid...?"

Hachiman spoke hesitantly, then fell silent.

He has encountered many people who lack self-awareness and are so stupid that he almost wanted to punch them.

Ayanokouji's guess is possible, even if the probability is very low.

"Aren't you going to eat yet?"

Kyosuke Kousaka, who had just finished lunch, looked at the group of people who had fallen silent and felt quite strange.

Upon asking, I discovered that all the brothers-in-law were still here and hadn't gone to eat. What problem had they encountered that required such a long discussion?

495. Guidance/Situation changed, capture Orochi.

"Kyosuke-sama!"

Upon seeing Kyosuke Kosaka's arrival, the group that had been discussing quickly bowed to him.

Kyosuke Kosaka waved his hand dismissively.

"I heard you haven't eaten yet, so I brought some food. Let's eat and chat."

Even though we've already had lunch, it's okay to eat again.

After all, dinner parties can promote communication.

He really wanted to learn more about these people.

After all, they are family members of Komachi, Shizuko, Maki, and Suzune, so it's only natural for her husband to take extra care of them.

"I'll pack it right away!"

Without hesitation, Hachiman immediately began tidying up the only table in the pavilion.

Seeing this, Hannya actively helped, and the rest of the people also helped. Finally, at Kosaka Kyosuke's suggestion, everyone sat together at one table, and six sets of prepared meals were brought out.

Then everyone started eating.

Then, with Kyosuke Kosaka occasionally speaking to warm things up, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious, and they gained a basic understanding of some things.

What followed was not surprising at all.

That's life. Once you connect with people, it's normal to have various interactions with them.

"Lord Kyosuke, I will handle this matter."

Shijou Tei was uneasy, but outwardly showed no sign of panic.

He largely represents the reputation of his father and sister. If he handles things poorly, it's not impossible that his father and sister, who are connected to Kousaka Kyosuke, will be affected.

Anyway, he didn't want to gamble!

"Don't worry, I was just asking out of curiosity, but I have no reason to teach you how to do things. To be honest, I came here to see if your strength has improved."

Kyosuke Kosaka naturally changed the subject, showing that he didn't really care about those irrelevant people.

Based on his understanding of Shijou Tei, he knew that Shijou Tei would never do anything foolish, and that was enough.

There's no need to interfere in other matters.

"If that's the case, then I want to apologize to Lord Kyosuke. I haven't made much progress in terms of strength."

Ayanokouji lowered his head in shame to express his apology.

Kyosuke Kosaka said, "It's alright. It's hard to improve once you reach a bottleneck in your skills. You should eat first."

"Yes……"

Ayanokouji obediently continued eating, feeling rather complicated inside.

Kyosuke Kosaka behaved just like his "senpai," but their relationship was more than that.

"They're pretty much the same as the people from the Qin family."

Ayanokouji couldn't help but think of other people.

Among his colleagues were many members of the Qin clan, and a considerable number of them were more capable fighters than him.

Even with much guidance from Kyosuke Kousaka, it's still difficult to catch up.

These people had also been instructed by Kousaka Kyosuke, just not as frequently as he had, not to mention how many years the Qin family had practiced martial arts.

It's already quite an achievement that I've been able to stand with them in just over a year.

Ayanokouji doesn't think he can become as strong as the protagonists of anime and movies, to the point of being unmatched.

Yes, countless people more capable than him have been constantly teaching him how to be humble.

Fortunately, these outstanding people all have good personalities, just like Kyosuke Kosaka now, who acts like a senior and sometimes gives him guidance.

“I happen to have some questions I’d like to ask Kyosuke-sama,” Horikita Manabu said slowly after Ayanokoji finished speaking.