"Lord Kaikain, may I ask why you wanted to see me?" Yōki, who had just finished her work and was about to return to her room to rest, looked at Hideyoshi Kaikain in confusion when she saw him seeking her out.
Chapter 18: Mamikirimaru
"Yesterday's events gave Princess Ying Ji quite a fright. That was my mistake." Hideyoshi Kaikain looked at Yōki apologetically. Although the main gate was used to receive guests and could not be sealed with a barrier, the fault did not lie with him.
But the yokai had entered, and that was an undeniable fact. So it was indeed his failure.
"Oh, that? Didn't I turn out fine...? You needn't take it to heart. Besides, it's already over." Yōki shook her head, unconcerned.
"Still... Princess, you were nearly in danger. I truly failed in my duty. So, take this sword with you for protection, Princess Ying Ji. It is a demon-slaying sword made specifically for yokai. It cannot harm humans and can only kill yokai.
So Your Highness need not worry about it hurting you." Hideyoshi Kaikain handed the demon-slaying sword Mamikirimaru to Princess Ying Ji.
After what had happened yesterday... Hideyoshi Kaikain had realized that even the tightest defenses could have unforeseen gaps. Moreover, that Great Yokai among Great Yokai in Kyoto... had been growing increasingly lawless these past few days.
It had specifically been abducting noble princesses like Yōki, who possessed mysterious powers. Thus, Hideyoshi Kaikain had used the Kaikain family's unique Onmyo arts to return to the Kaikain headquarters and retrieve the demon-slaying sword Mamikirimaru bestowed upon him by the family head.
"This... but I am merely a woman. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to wield a sword..." Yōki looked at the katana before her hesitantly.
"Take it. Although yesterday's situation is unlikely