Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1129

Having brothers with families and a father with other wives and concubines meant that he couldn't provide much support.

She still needs her husband's support to make a living.

I can't live without getting married.

Naturally, Sei Shonagon chose a self-centered path from the very beginning.

Thinking that if she ever left the palace, and didn't want to get married, she would try her best not to rely on her brothers' and father's support, but instead farm the land herself and become self-sufficient.

However, Sei Shonagon hoped that her successors would not hold the same mindset as her.

"...Thank you for the reminder, Shonagon-sama."

"Take my advice and then thank me."

Sei Shonagon pouted and left unhappily.

By the way.

Sei Shonagon was also quite willful; her personality was just that changeable.

at the same time.

As Kousaka Kyosuke returned to his residence with Ayase Aragaki, he vaguely sensed a suspicious gaze directed at him from behind, and his heart skipped a beat.

"It seems the shared name aroused suspicion. It's alright, so what if they recognize us?"

Small scene.

There's absolutely no need to panic.

Even though she was his adopted sister's friend, to him she was just someone who needed a little care.

It's not worth his excessive concern.

As long as you survive and don't get hurt, that's enough.

To be honest, Kyosuke Kosaka has never been too worried about his modern identity being exposed.

Each of his partners liked him, so even if his identity was exposed, would they stop him from having a banquet?

How can this be?

We arrived at our accommodation.

Kousaka Kyosuke had just returned, and Su Chang, who hadn't gone out all day, quickly followed him as if guided by his scent.

"Kyosuke-sama!"

"Eh."

Kousaka Kyosuke responded softly, and casually reached out to pat Su Chang's head.

Su Chang let out a giggle.

Following behind Kyosaka, Ayase Aragaki muttered to herself, "Kirino said that when they were little, her brother loved to pat her head, but he hasn't done that since starting middle school..."

293. Sushang, Ayase, Kikyo / An Accident in the Suburbs

"Since you're here, could you help take her to the temporary accommodation in the northeast room?"

"Hmm, who is this? Kyosuke-sama?"

"Just ask yourself, you might be pleasantly surprised."

Gently stroking Su Chang's hair, Kousaka Kyosuke smiled and left.

The remaining opportunities for interaction were given to Su Chang and Aragaki Ayase.

Throughout the journey, Kyosuke Kosaka hadn't really spoken to Ayase Aragaki.

He simply said a few words to her to keep up with him.

There's really no need to talk about other things.

Firstly, they weren't familiar with each other, and secondly, their identities and statuses were too different.

Besides, what can you even talk about on the street?

It would be better to just let the socially adept partner in the palace handle it.

It's effortless and easy.

Why not?

"Alright! Kyosuke-sama, you've worked hard. Go back and rest now."

"It wasn't too tiring. Because of the presence of that high-ranking official in the banquet, most of us didn't participate, so we spent a lot of time wandering around the palace."

"Oh, that's great, no need for social engagements~"

"That's true. That's why you look so energetic now. I'll head back now."

"Mmm! Take care, Kyosuke-sama~"

"Ok."

Kousaka Kyosuke smiled at Su Chang and then left.

There was no intention to interact with Ayase Aragaki throughout the entire event.

He thought about it.

It would be fine to have Ayase Aragaki, her stepsister's good friend, do some simple chores in the bedroom.

There's no need to force a conversation and make each other uncomfortable.

And so, Kyosuke Kosaka returned to his bedchamber.

Su Chang, who was cheerfully waving to Kousaka Kyosuke, soon turned her attention to Aragaki Ayase.

Ayase Aragaki also said goodbye to Kyosuke Kousaka.

It was just a silent bow, just like the etiquette in the palace.

There are always many noble people coming and going in the palace. If everyone had to greet each other when they met, it would make the surroundings noisy.

Therefore, people often subconsciously choose to remain silent when bowing.

"Hey, I'm Su Chang, what's your name?"

“Reporting to Lady Sushang, my name is Qin Lingse.”

"So that's how it is!"

Upon hearing Ayase Aragaki's respectful response, Su Chang immediately understood the "surprise" that Kyosuke Kosaka had mentioned.

Isn't it a wonderful surprise to have a companion from your own clan arrive?

"Was it separated?"

"Yes, the master has been moved to Awaji..."

Ayase Aragaki spoke cautiously with her head down, her heart filled with unease.

My father was an inconspicuous minor nobleman in the palace.

Even though they don't have a high position, they still hold a job.

Therefore, they were able to ensure their basic needs for food and clothing, and even had a considerable surplus.

If I had moved to Awaji with my master's family this time, I might not have even lost my life.

After all, everyone in the imperial court knew how dangerous it was outside the capital.

It was like a forest shrouded in mist, where countless evil spirits awaited the living to emerge from Kyoto, ready to devour them.

Let's just talk about the nobles who were sent to other states to serve as governors.

At least 20-30% of them disappeared for unknown reasons.

This is almost a well-known fact.

It was precisely for this reason that the father had no intention of following along and quickly severed ties with his master's family.

This kind of thing seems incredibly heartless and cruel.

Let's be serious.

This is very likely to be seen by the world as being an opportunist.

At least, Ayase Aragaki was ridiculed and mocked multiple times in the palace, and this was related to that.

She didn't dare say anything.

They were even less willing to tell anyone about it.

However, now that Su Chang has asked, Ayase Aragaki feels it is necessary to answer this question seriously.

"Hmm, Awaji, I remember it's a very far place, it's probably better not to go—by the way, did Kyosuke-sama bring you here for some reason?"

Su Chang asked again.

Su Chang understood the issue that Ayase Aragaki was concerned about at the moment.

Since this involves survival, it is understandable that the ruler of the state would not want to follow his master to a distant land.