Nearly three months had passed since she set out, and during these three months, Fujiwara no Mokou had undergone a massive transformation. If the Fujiwara no Mokou who initially left Fujiwara-kyo was like a child possessing a treasure without knowing it, then after experiencing a series of human evils, she had matured significantly.
At the very least, that gentle smile she used to show to everyone was now reserved only for her friends.
This growth was undoubtedly cruel, and it was something Lancer originally did not want to see. He had hoped Fujiwara no Mokou would always be that innocent girl staying in her room, smiling at his arrival. However, after surviving more conspiracies than most people could imagine, Lancer had long since abandoned such naive thoughts. Previously, he was merely unwilling to proactively shatter it, but once Fujiwara no Mokou chose to grow and voluntarily left Fujiwara-kyo, Lancer—while following and protecting her—did not forget to let her experience the wickedness of the world.
For instance, when she was attacked by a man while staying in a village shortly after leaving Fujiwara-kyo, Lancer did not directly intervene to nail the man to the ground. Instead, he made a noise to let Mokou "discover" the attacker herself, and then requested a youkai he knew to make the attacker expose all his thoughts, just like a villain in a movie.
Undoubtedly, the attacker was eventually knocked unconscious by an enraged Fujiwara no Mokou. However, in her kindness, she did not kill him but chose to leave the village overnight. But would Lancer, who watched the whole thing and even used a pebble to alert Mokou, let the man off so easily?
The answer is self-evident. Lancer was not a pervert who enjoyed torturing people, but he didn't mind letting the man experience unimaginable pain before death. For example, fixing his limbs with ice and letting the ice melt slowly, while positioned beneath him was a polished and sanded stalagmite...
Along this journey, Fujiwara no Mokou encountered many "people." There were scumbags filled with filth like the one before, bandits who attacked commoners on the road, human traffickers, court nobles who committed evil by relying on their status, and youkai who attacked humans...
It could be said that on this journey, Fujiwara no Mokou saw almost a miniature of this era. Countless cruel and dark things appeared before her, which undoubtedly struck her young heart time and again. Lancer even felt the urge to rush out and comfort her several times, but in the end, she pulled through. Every time he saw her tearful yet determined eyes, Lancer felt proud from the bottom of his heart, but he also felt heartache.
Of course, besides these bastards, there were also good people. For example, a merchant caravan that gave her a ride after seeing her alone, a hunter who gave her food, an old person who provided free lodging, and youkai who quietly helped their neighbors...
It was precisely because of their existence that Fujiwara no Mokou did not lose hope in this world. However, the majority were "ordinary people"; they neither showed malice toward Fujiwara no Mokou nor helped her, and this is the reality of the world.
Black and white is not reality; reality is a chaotic shade of gray.
When seeing Fujiwara no Mokou reveal a happy smile after eliminating an evil youkai with the help of a local priest, Lancer couldn't help but smile as well.
And at that moment——————
"Lancer, do you know? You look like a stalker when you make that expression."
The familiar teasing voice from behind did not make Lancer turn his head. Instead, he remained lying on a tree branch, quietly watching below. It was not until Fujiwara no Mokou and the others left that Lancer sat up straight.
"I'm not that kind of guy. If you call me a 'stupid big brother,' I won't object."
After saying these somewhat defensive words, Lancer helplessly rubbed his head.
"Is it time...?"
"Yes, the banquet is already prepared."
Lancer did not like partings, especially when good friends were involved, but it was unavoidable; after all, the "System" wouldn't listen to him.
During these past several months, Lancer had also completed the "Toukiton" (Oni Slayer Chronicles) series of missions. Unfortunately, this mission would only settle once the time expired, as he might kill stronger youkai in the remaining time. Aside from that, beyond training, he was exactly as he described himself:
"Following behind Fujiwara no Mokou like a stupid big brother."
"Send me back first. You can go pick up Mokou and bring her back later."
"Mhm."
Yukari Yakumo's expression looked no different from usual, but as she watched Lancer back, her eyes flickered with unknown thoughts.
——————
This time, the banquet was not held at Youkai Mountain as usual, but rather in an unnamed valley. Even more strangely, the banquet was held in the early hours of the morning.
The reason for choosing this time was because there were only a few hours left until his "departure." It would be easier for him to slip away. In fact, he was already prepared to take all the blame from Kaguya Houraisan onto himself; choosing an open space for the banquet was even intended to make it easier for "Tsukuyomi" to discover his presence.
As for the youkai attending the banquet, although they were all together, the arrangement placed the other youkai quite far away, except for the Great Youkai sitting next to Lancer. Lancer had also informed everyone in advance that they might face an attack from the moon, and Tsukuyomi himself might appear. No one objected, as Lancer was doing this to ensure everyone's safety.
As the moon slowly rose, the start of the banquet drew closer. Lancer, in Kaguya Houraisan room, waited for Yukari Yakumo and the Fujiwara no Mokou who came with her.
At this time, Fujiwara no Mokou was no longer wearing a magnificent kimono, but rather a set of pleated skirts (hakama), which were more suitable for movement. Her appearance had not changed at all—thanks to the "Hourai Elixir," Mokou time had been frozen at this moment—but even though her appearance remained the same, her temperament had undergone a massive change.
Her eyes had become very spirited, her facial expression more natural, and even the angle of her ponytail behind her had risen, making her look more energetic.
If she used to be like a canary locked in a cage—beautiful and eye-catching—then now she was a young eagle soaring freely. Though still small, she was full of presence. Given Mokou abilities, it would be more appropriate to say she was a phoenix that had just undergone nirvana and was gradually spreading its wings.
However, when Fujiwara no Mokou saw Lancer, she once again revealed that familiar, gentle smile.
Indeed, some things remained unchanged. It was just that she was no longer as generous as before; her gentleness and smiles would only be revealed in front of certain special people...