There is a mountain very close to the village where white foxes are said to reside. We climbed the long stone stairs leading to the top of the mountain.
The stairs are uneven, bumpy and distorted. But their age is strangely nostalgic and charming.
—Kon!
A small fox, still very young, ran down the stairs. When Kaede saw it, she held out her hands and crouched happily.
—Kon-chan!
—Kon!
The little fox, with its magnificent golden fur, jumped into Kaede’s arms.
Obi nodded regretfully.
—To think that this little animal is really the White Fox God.
—Is he a strong monster?
—Yes, he’s still young, but when he grows up, he’ll be a very powerful one. It’s a rarer species than my Orthrus.
Oh, so he’s just like Obi’s wolf. It looks like a pretty strong animal to be honest.
—Oh, Kon-chan!
—Um.
But then Kon-chan bites my leg.
Frau and Panda were smiling.
—It looks like he’s jealous. You have Kaede’s scent on you, my Lord.
—Kyui.
—I’m embarrassed that my master smells of me.
Hey, won’t someone get this little fox off of me? It’s been biting me for a while now.
I stared at the little fox.
He opened his mouth with a snap and rolled his eyes, then plopped down on the ground and showed his belly as if to be petted.
—He has realized that he is no match for you. He gave up easily.
—Kyu.
—Exactly. The master is the master after all.
—Kon.
The little fox lifted its tail and howled helplessly.
At the top of the staircase, there is a stone gate, through which you can see the vast grounds.
The top was paved with stones and lined with fine wooden buildings. In the center of the area, several white wolves were at work.
—When this is finished, we will have dinner.
They are probably rebuilding a building. And the person who held the plans and gave the orders was Grandfather Yatsufusa.
But… Why is he dressed like that?
He is wearing a loose-fitting navy-blue dress and a headband. His shoes have an unfamiliar shape and design.
—Yatsufusa-sama, Toru-sama has arrived.
—Whoa! I beg your pardon, master. I’m sorry for making you walk to this place without welcoming you. It’s not as clean as our home, but we’re going to serve tea in a moment, so make yourselves at home.
Grandpa Yatsufusa said as he bowed to me with a big smile.
I had a feeling before that Grandpa Yatsufusa didn’t get along very well with Kaede’s grandmother, and after what I had just witnessed, he made it clear.
—Um, Yatsufusa-sama, where is the obaba-sama?
—Ah, she… She’s on the other side. She’s not ready to move yet, but she’s in a condition to talk, go and reassure her.
—Yes! Master, may I leave you alone for a moment?
I nodded at her request, and she quickly ran off with the little fox at high speed.
The other side must be the realm of the celestial beasts. So, I must assume that the white fox does not live here.
—I’m so tired from climbing those stairs, is there anything sweet I can eat?
—Kyui～
—The fairy girl has just arrived at the right time. I just made some delicious Daifuku.
—What’s a Daifuku? Is it something delicious?
—Kyu!
Frau’s eyes sparkled after hearing that unfamiliar word.
—This is delicious ～!
—Kyu～
Frau exclaimed as she squirmed with excitement after chewing the snack.
It has a rather unusual texture, but it’s sweet and very addictive. I wonder how they will elaborate it?
—I hope they like it, it’s my favorite candy. After a hard day’s work, tea and this is the best thing ever.
—You’ve lived long enough to know what’s good. Then I’ll pat you on the shoulder for showing me this treat.
—Oh, I like the sound of that. In that case, I’ll give you some more, eat as many as you want.
—Thank you, Grandpa!
—Fufu, how cute are the kids.
Don’t let my looks fool you, I’m 28 years old.
I grabbed my cup, and proceeded to pour some tea, then poured it down my throat. It tastes nice.
—Why are the old guys building it again?
—Well, I suppose they could have, but they’re always liable to get into trouble. So I had no choice but to take the job. And that old lady and I have a long history, so I can’t leave her on her own right now.
—You’re a good friend after all.
—No! It’s different! I… I had no choice but to do it.
Hmm, I guess Grandpa isn’t so honest with himself.
I ate another Daifuku and looked down from the top of the stairs.
It’s a nice view. And it’s also a very peaceful place to live. I wonder if Kaede grew up looking at this every day.
—Are you Toru-sama?
I turned around and saw three women with white cloths on their faces.
They all have white fox ears and tails, and wore white coats with long red undercoats.
—Yes.
—Tamamo-sama wants to see you. We will show you the way, follow us.
The women lead us to an old hut on the grounds. Inside, as expected, there was a mirror, and one by one the women entered it.
After them, we proceeded to enter.
Inside the mirror, deep darkness reigned.
Bamboo groves grew on both sides, and the straight path was flanked by oval luminaries that glowed dimly.
When I look up, I can see the starry sky through the bamboo.
It always seems to be night in this area of celestial beasts.
The rustling of the leaves in the quality breeze, gave a feeling of mistrust clinging to my body.
—I feel as if I am being watched.
—Kyui.
—It’s like…
Beyond the bamboo grove, purple flames with skulls are running through the air.
—Please be careful. There are monsters here.
—If you stay away from us, you might get eaten.
The three women started laughing, I wonder what’s so funny.
Are there really monsters? If so, what kind are they? Now curiosity is killing me.
—Hey, is it possible that I can see them?
—You’ve got to be kidding me. Now is not a good time.
I proceeded to pick up one of the skulls surrounded by purple flames, and looked at it closely.
I think it’s an undead, but of a type I don’t remember. The flames are not an illusion, they are really burning.
This place is really interesting. I wish I could explore it further.
—I’m surprised you’re able to take one of those things. I guess there’s a reason Kaede-sama chose you as her teacher. Although, grabbing one of those things in your hand is…
The voice of the women guiding us seemed to whisper.
Maybe it’s one of those things I’m not supposed to take? Or is it related to the monster that inhabits this place?
—Don’t let us out of your sight.
After those words, we proceeded to follow the women more closely.
Cemeteries with countless fire skulls flying around us, a meadow full of black rock massifs, swamps full of croaking frogs, and a crossroad lined with countless stone statues of corrosion, were places we ended up crossing as soon as we entered the mirror.
But as soon as we reached the meadow with its white flowers, I felt that this guide would soon come to an end.
Again, the scenery returned to the bamboo forest and we arrived at a large wooden gate.
—Your guests are here.
—Please open the door.
—Please open the door.
At the sound of the three women’s voices, the large, thick doors creaked open.
On the other side of the door was a magnificent house.
The three guides entered the house in silence.
—Please wait here.
We were ushered into a room in front of a sliding paper door. And after a few brief moments, the door opened by itself.
At the back of the room, a woman exhales smoke languidly. She appears to be in her mid-thirties, and the first thing that catches the eye was her long white nine-tails.
She was a woman who dressed elegantly, and at the same time showed a great cleavage where her breasts were in full view.
—So, you’re the boy who protected my pretty Kaede.
—Yes, I’m Toru, this is Frau….
—You don’t need to introduce yourself. Kaede already told me.
The woman discarded the ashes from the smoke pipe into the brazier.
This woman is Kaede’s grandmother? Somehow I thought she would have lived as long as Yatsufusa’s grandfather, but she looks young and terribly bewitching.
Her gaze, her gestures, her words, everything has a mysterious quality that makes men fall in love with her.
—Thank you for bringing Kaede here. Now, I would like to know… Have you already done anything indecent with her?
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