Onmyoji, a nobleman in Heian-kyo

Page 1128

"I'm sorry... Lady Shonagon..."

"It's alright. If you discover any shortcomings in Kyosuke-sama, remember to report them to me next time we meet."

Sei Shonagon winked playfully at Ayase Aragaki, who was feeling ashamed and remorseful.

Kyosuke Kosaka rested his chin on his hand, looking serious.

"They're trying to plant a pawn in my camp? No problem, I have nothing to fear!"

“The wet nurses have all been dismissed, and the maids have all gotten married, so I’d better find a capable assistant.”

"That's very thoughtful."

Gazing at Sei Shonagon's smiling face, which faintly revealed a hint of childishness, Kousaka Kyosuke smiled and continued to echo her.

It was only by chance that he began to realize that Sei Shonagon was not that old.

If you were to call him a high school student, he'd be barely passable.

Analyzing historical records, that age doesn't match up at all—no wonder it's an era of radical modifications, he likes it!

"Lord Shaonayan..."

Ayase Aragaki couldn't help but shed tears, her heart filled with emotion.

She knew perfectly well that things were not like that.

Sei Shonagon only said that because he wanted to take care of her.

"I've already reported this to the Imperial Household Department. You can take Ayase with you now."

Sei Shonagon shook her head at Ayase Aragaki, then took out a small rectangular tag from her sleeve and handed it to Kyosuke Kousaka.

Kyosuke Kosaka accepted it: "It was premeditated. It seems I am truly honored."

“I believe Lord Kyosuke is a good person,” Sei Shonagon said.

"Good people can't survive."

Kousaka Kyosuke smiled helplessly at Sei Shonagon, then gestured to Aragaki Ayase to leave.

Sei Shonagon waved goodbye at the opportune moment, but said nothing more.

A pair of pale golden eyes revealed a deep reluctance.

As if he had just thought of something, Kyosuke Kosaka took out a red thread from his person.

"I almost forgot, you should tie this red thread around your wrist."

"How can I tie it to my wrist by myself?"

"You..."

Seeing that Shonagon was staring intently at him, Kousaka Kyosuke found it amusing.

Then he picked up the red thread and tied it around Sei Shonagon's neck.

Her fair, delicate hands were so tender they seemed to yield water when squeezed.

It appears even more translucent and white under the influence of the bright red lines.

Kyosuke Kousaka felt a little like licking... wait, what's wrong with me?

Could it be that some strange illness has appeared?

"All right."

"Huh, where did it go?"

"As long as you believe it's there, it will be there. Isn't that amazing?"

"I feel like I need to figure it out properly..."

Sei Shonagon stared intently at her wrist and said seriously.

She always felt that the red thread of fate had more than just the function of bringing people together.

“This is the thread of fate from the God of Marriage, it’s very rare,” Kyosuke Kousaka explained.

Although it seems like it could be sold wholesale.

Sei Shonagon exclaimed in surprise, "It is a deity born from human marriage!"

"you know?"

"It is recorded in the book that I also enjoy other miscellaneous books, and I am not only good at writing waka poems."

Sei Shonagon looked away from her wrist, a somewhat peculiar smile on her face.

Kyosuke Kosaka immediately nodded:

"Actually, I also enjoy reading miscellaneous books, especially myths, legends, strange tales, or records about local customs and traditions."

This is true.

In the modern world, he even went to visit some remaining historical sites on his own because of this interest.

I encountered many interesting things along the way.

"You are truly special."

"There are even more special things, you can explore them slowly in the future."

"Then later."

Sei Shonagon turned her head slightly away, no longer looking at Kousaka Kyosuke.

Kousaka Kyosuke, however, took a closer look at Sei Shonagon's delicate, fair neck.

And those tiny ears with a slight hint of red.

I really want to... cough cough.

"gone."

Realizing the time was almost up and the banquet was about to end, Kyosuke Kosaka decided to slip away before it was over.

As for the rest, just ignore them.

It's best to trust Fujiwara Yukinari to say a few good words to him.

Admittedly, Kyosuke Kousaka didn't really care about this at all.

Ultimately, as long as one's abilities are irreplaceable, their position is secure.

There's no need for excessive flattery or bootlicking.

Making your presence felt is a way of expressing your attitude.

This kind of thing is actually optional.

There's no need to worry too much.

"Ah."

Sei Shonagon responded softly.

After that, Kyosuke Kosaka led Ayase Aragaki out of the palace.

In front of the gate of the Fengdianliao.

A black-haired girl carrying a porridge stick walked out from the inner door.

"He should be a good husband."

"Hey, it's no use praising him to me now."

Sei Shonagon turned around and resumed her usual lively demeanor.

The black-haired girl added, "It's a certain frivolity that makes me a little angry."

"Huh? What did Kyosuke-sama just do to you?"

"No, it's just that the tone of your voice is very uncomfortable."

"Hmm... I think I understand. But I know for sure that this kind of man is the best for me."

Sei Shonagon understood the meaning behind the black-haired girl's words in less than a second.

She knows Kousaka Kyosuke quite well.

After getting to know her, Kyosuke Kosaka became more outspoken.

Isn't that just like her?

There's nothing wrong with it.

"You'll need to wear clothes in the fall, and then you'll have to get married, so you can't be too harsh on men."

Sei Shonagon added her reminder.

There are also women in the palace who dislike men, just like the younger generation before me.

But this is actually inappropriate.

Although Sei Shonagon hoped that everyone could live according to their own wishes, such a thing was far too difficult.

Because aristocratic women in this era were unable to achieve economic independence.