Aside from Plum Blossom Woman and Plum Tree, the other yokai in the courtyard also greatly interested the Scholar.
He had never encountered so many yokai before.
And they all lived so peacefully together in one courtyard.
Hmm.
Or should he say harmoniously?
To be honest, he had never imagined that word could describe yokai.
In his mind, yokai were supposed to be like the one that had driven him away at the art exhibition last time.
Self-centered.
Strongly territorial.
And wary and defensive.
"Of course."
Xiao Xiao smiled.
"You can stay as long as you like."
"You're more than welcome."
"Besides—"
Xiao Xiao winked at the Scholar. "I've already accepted your 'bribe.'"
He pointed to the painting the Scholar had just given him.
"How could I possibly say no?"
"Huh?"
The Scholar froze, then hurried to explain, "It's not—"
The painting wasn't a bribe.
It was a gift for Lord Xiao Xiao.
A token of gratitude.
"I know."
Xiao Xiao's eyes curved with his smile. "I was just joking."
"Looks like it wasn't a very appropriate joke."
"Huh?"
"No, I..."
The Scholar grew flustered.
He hadn't meant to say anything bad about Lord Xiao Xiao.
He had been so quick to explain because he was afraid Lord Xiao Xiao would think that his silence meant he admitted the painting was a bribe.
That certainly wouldn't have been right.
Xiao Xiao chuckled.
"I know."
"Chang En."
"Welcome to my home."
The Scholar smiled.
"Thank you."
Xiao Xiao carried the painting inside.
He planned to hang it in his room.
"Xiao Xiao."
Madam Xiao was almost getting used to running into her son in the living room from time to time.
"What brings you home this time?"
"This."
Xiao Xiao held up the