My Husband

Tamamo Cat often did and said things at the wrong time, but she always told the truth.

No one doubted her. Usually, her remarks just gave everyone something to gossip about over tea. This time, though, she had dropped a bombshell.

Tamamo Cat had just said that this human carried the scents of both the princess and her close friend Mole, as well as Tamamo-no-Mae and Tamamo Cat herself. That was some serious gossip.

Everyone present knew what a fox's scent on someone meant.

Every god and spirit turned to look at Tamamo-no-Mae, their eyes asking the same question: When did you two get together?

Tamamo-no-Mae had no way to explain herself. She wanted to know when she had supposedly gotten together with him, too.

She had only met this human today. How was she meant to answer? She had planned to wait until the banquet ended, then ask him in secret tonight.

Now Tamamo Cat had announced it to everyone. Her hard-earned reputation was ruined.

Tamamo-no-Mae chose to play dead. Despite her reputation for being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, she suddenly passed out from the wine.

Everyone knew she was faking, but no one called her out. She might have only three tails left, but at her peak, she had been far beyond their league.

If she regained her strength one day and came after them for this, it would be no laughing matter. They wanted to live to a ripe old age.

With no hope of getting anything from Tamamo-no-Mae, they turned to the human man. He was juggling at least four women, all of them formidable, and somehow none had found out.

Another round of toasts began. They swore they would get him drunk today and drag the truth out of him.