Miko Miroku noticed the subtle atmosphere between the two and smiled softly. Gentle yet dignified, she said, "Lord Shinichi, Lady Tsunade, everyone in the Land of Demons is deeply grateful for your heroic deeds. Please allow us to extend our hospitality and invite you to dinner at the Miko Palace, where we can properly celebrate your victory."
Her voice was gentle as water, yet held a firmness that left no room for refusal.
Shinichi's eyes flickered at her words. Then he smiled and waved a hand. "Haha, that sounds good. That fight really took it out of me. I'm starving."
Tsunade was still caught up in her earlier emotions. She turned her head slightly and gave Shinichi a complicated look before finally nodding without saying anything more.
Seeing that they had agreed, Miroku personally led them toward the palace.
Along the way, residents of the Land of Demons heard that the two heroes were coming and gathered of their own accord on either side of the road, gazing at them with reverence.
Children excitedly tugged at their parents' hands, pointing at Shinichi and Tsunade as they cried, "Mom, are those the great heroes who defeated Moryo? They're amazing!"
"Yes, sweetheart. They saved our Land of Demons."
Some dropped to their knees and bowed in excitement, some shed tears of gratitude, and others quietly prayed for their safe return.
Faced with this scene, Tsunade scratched the back of her head awkwardly and muttered, "Seriously, all I did was knock around a few small fry. Why are they making such a big deal out of it...?"
Shinichi leaned toward her ear with a broad smile and teased, "You're the Land of Demons' Lightning Valkyrie. Isn't it only natural that you're this popular?"
Tsunade glared at him but did not argue.
When the