"Because many prominent figures in Fujiwara-kyō admire that 'Kaguya-hime', they also went to that small village. And as you know, what Youkai love most is human liver, and besides young girls, what attracts Youkai the most are those prominent figures. Therefore, our Onmyōryō had to send some people to personally protect them. According to the previous batches of Onmyoji we sent, they also resolved quite a few Youkai along the way. I suppose this should be good news for you, Lancer?"
Although Lancer seemed interested in that 'Kaguya-hime', the funashiyaku did not forget to use his 'bait'. However, the expression on Lancer face became a little strange.
Undoubtedly, those Youkai were the bait to ask Lancer for help. As for those prominent figures, they were also bait to attract the appearance of Youkai from a certain perspective. Of course, this kind of thing could not be stated explicitly, but neither party was stupid and could guess the meaning behind the funashiyaku's words. Lancer also directly nodded and agreed.
Being able to complete the task conveniently and witness the 'legendary Kaguya-hime' was a good trip for Lancer.
"Then when are we leaving?"
"Leaving at noon today..."
After saying that, the funashiyaku found Lancer looking at him with a strange expression. He also quietly opened his fan to cover his mouth, smiling without speaking.
"You Son of a bitch."
Lancer realized that even if he didn't agree, they probably had a backup plan, but since he had agreed, he didn't plan to go back on his word.
"Since Sir Lancer intends to participate, I will take you to meet the lords who plan to depart together this time."
"Can't I skip it?"
"..."
Although he didn't speak, the other party's expression of covering his mouth with a fan and smiling without speaking explained his meaning.
——————
Lancer, sitting in the carriage, looked a little bored. After all, they were currently inside Fujiwara-kyō, and the carriage needed to 'limit its speed'. In terms of speed alone, it wasn't much faster than Lancer walking. However, the funashiyaku didn't care about Lancer reaction. The two had met quite a few times, and Lancer uninhibited image had also left a deep impression on him. Furthermore, he now had more important things to do.
"The court nobles departing this time are mainly led by Lord Fujiwara no Fuhito. Sir Lancer, your main task is to protect Lord Fujiwara no Fuhito safety. Lord Fujiwara has risen from a small official to the current Junior Second Rank, Minister of the Right, and can be said to be the idol of countless people. It can even be said that the reason why Fujiwara-kyō is so prosperous today is due to Lord Fujiwara's efforts..."
The funashiyaku kept popularizing to Lancer how amazing that Fujiwara no Fuhito was. Even if Lancer didn't want to listen, he probably got the gist after the other party talked for so long. In short, the other party only had one meaning after talking for a long time —————— the other party is very powerful, don't look for trouble with him.
The carriage only slowed down and stopped in front of an extremely luxurious Japanese-style courtyard after the popularization ended. Lancer even suspected that the other party had arrived long ago but circled around nearby just to remind him.
The funashiyaku got off the carriage and directly told the coachman to wait for him ahead. He then took Lancer to the main gate, announced his identity first, and after nearly 10 minutes, the gate guard led the funashiyaku and Lancer inside.
During this time, Lancer didn't forget to complain to the other party.
"I thought the guard would directly say 'we've been waiting for you for a long time' and take us straight in."
It wasn't that Lancer was deliberately looking for trouble. After all, he often saw similar scenes in the TV dramas he watched before. The funashiyaku, however, rolled his eyes at Lancer.
"If the Chief or Deputy Chief came, it might be possible, but for me... how could it be."
The leader of the Onmyōryō, the so-called 'Chief', actually only held an official rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade. However, their strength and the matters they were involved in gave them influence far beyond their official rank, but this also depended on the person. Their influence on someone like Fujiwara no Fuhito, who was Junior Second Rank, was very limited.
When the two followed the attendant into the mansion, the funashiyaku behaved very respectfully, while Lancer followed behind the other party with a casual expression, occasionally complaining inwardly about the decorations here.
Although Lancer had no research on decoration or anything, he used to frequent the Imperial Palace, so he had the most basic ability to appreciate art. Along the way, he also saw some patrolling soldiers, busy servants, and people suspected to be Fujiwara no Fuhito family members.
After walking for nearly five minutes in this manner, they finally arrived at a huge building.
And when Lancer followed the funashiyaku into the house, he was stunned for a moment, because he didn't expect to see an 'acquaintance' here.
And Fujiwara no Fuhito, who was sitting there, was also stunned for a moment. He had met the funashiyaku many times, but he didn't expect to see Lancer behind him.
He knew that after rushing back to Fujiwara-kyō, besides ordering his subordinates to find information about the person who might have conspired against him, he also asked people to inquire about Lancer information at the Onmyōryō. Logically speaking, the Onmyōryō, as a management department, should have information about someone with such strength, but in the end, they found nothing. But today, the other party actually appeared with the Onmyōryō people, which was truly interesting.
There was no doubt that Lancer help at the time made him very grateful, but that was all. He mostly hoped to win Lancer over. He was also very enthusiastic when he saw Lancer again.
Lancer, on the other hand, appeared very calm, maintaining a certain distance from the other party while not being rude. But overall, the communication between the two was relatively smooth.
However, just at this moment, Lancer noticed that someone behind him seemed to be staring at him?
Quietly turning his head, as expected, he saw a figure hiding behind the door. When the other party noticed Lancer gaze, she quickly ran away, but seemed to have made a considerable noise because of her haste.
This time, not only Lancer, but also the funashiyaku and Fujiwara no Fuhito, who were talking, noticed the abnormality outside the door.
The funashiyaku pretended not to know anything as usual, covering his mouth with a fan, while Fujiwara no Fuhito showed a helpless expression on his face. Based on the height, he probably guessed the identity of the person.
"I apologize, it must be my daughter outside. Before, when I took my daughter to the new fief granted by His Highness and returned, we were attacked by Youkai. Thank you, Sir, for your assistance. Afterwards, Sir left in a hurry, and my daughter always wanted to thank you but didn't have the chance. This time, she probably also wanted to thank you, Sir?"
Fujiwara no Fuhito didn't know why his daughter appeared outside the door, but there was nothing wrong with him saying this. Lancer eyes, on the other hand, lit up.
He himself was not interested in communicating with those hypocritical court nobles. It seemed like that little girl was a good excuse?
"In that case, I will go and check on Miss Fujiwara, to prevent Miss Fujiwara from falling and getting injured."
After saying that, Lancer got up directly, and Fujiwara no Fuhito also nodded after hesitating for a while.
"Then I'll trouble you, Sir."