Demon Sword Maiden - Volume 8 - Higanbana: Chapter 26 – Thrice is the Limit
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Volume 8 - Higanbana: Chapter 26 – Thrice is the Limit

Book 5: Chapter 69: The Mystery of the Phenomenon

Lily walked along the dark silent courtyard and silently sent Kagura and Yuki-onna back into the mirror. Arriving at the study room, she saw Ayaka reading a tome of ancient poems and saluted at the entrance, Lady Ayaka.

Putting down the book Ayaka looked at Lily, Lily, youve returned. Enter.

Yes.

Lily, where did you go? Why didnt you return all night? Ayaka sternly asked her.

Lily thought of the figure on the fifth floor who looked like Ayaka, but decided not to ask. I went to the Fuyutsuki, I needed to purchase training materials and crafting treasures.

Oh? Ayaka gained a bit of interest, but when Lily mentioned the Fuyutsuki, Ayakas expression did not change one bit. Perhaps she had really seen another person.

The Fuyutsuki, did you attend the auction?

Yes.

Were there any quality treasures?

Most were nothing of note, but I did spend a large amount of magatama to purchase a jade material. It is said that it surpa.s.ses the ninth grade.

Surpa.s.ses the ninth grade? What treasure is it? Can you show me?

Lily presented the black lacquered wood box to Ayaka. I feel that this jade material is without equal. Lady Ayaka, please help me evaluate it.

As Ayaka opened the box, a cold poignant glow shown through.

The Chrysanths Ice Crystal? Ayakas unchanging face showed a rare emotion.

The Lady is knowledgeable.

Ayaka looked at the iced jade in the box, her eyes reflecting the icy glow. The Chrysanth Ice Crystal is indeed a material surpa.s.sing the ninth grade. It is said that there is only one crystal in this entire Heian-kyo, but to think you managed to buy it. How much did you spend?

Four hundred magatamas.

Ayaka mulled it over, Not bad, for this treasure, any price below five hundred is still a bargain. But Lily, though this treasure is worth the money, it will not be effective if its used in a general manner. How do you plan on using this material?

Lily didnt conceal her plans, she brought out the ancient blueprint, Lady, I plan on using this to make the domain treasure, unmelted snow bracelet.

Domain treasure? Ayaka was surprised at that, Domain treasures are extremely rare and valuable.

Taking a look at the blueprint, she felt a fluctuation of rare emotion. Her eyes flashed with excitement as she looked at Lily, Lily, this treasure and blueprint, can you give them to me? After all, I taught you arcane arts without holding anything back, or perhaps I can take a few treasures to exchange with you?

Facing Ayakas surprising request, Lily was dazed for a few seconds, she bowed respectfully, Lady Ayakas care and guidance cannot be compared to a few treasures. If the lady likes it, I am willing to gift it.

What? Ayakas eyes glowed with light, You wont be disappointed? Wont regret?

My capabilities are too low. As I am right now, I am incapable of repaying Lady Ayakas kindness. To have something that the lady likes, I will give it wholeheartedly. Lily looked at Ayaka seriously. This treasure is important to me, I cannot say I wont be disappointed, but this treasure cannot be compared to my affection for you. I am truly willing to give this.

Ayaka looked at Lily tenderly and laughed, Ahahahaha! Lily, as expected, you are a good lady. You value friends.h.i.+p over fame and fortune. I havent evaluated you wrongly. Though the Chrysanths Ice Crystal is also a treasure to me, how could I take my familys lovely samurais treasure?

Huh?

Ayaka put the ice crystal and blueprint away, Lily, though you have both the blueprint and ice crystal, who can craft such a jade treasure besides he who is called the heavenly craftsman? Only, very few people can actually request his work. If you went, you wouldnt even be able to meet him. In truth, those who are familiar with the information trade are already aware you won the ice crystals auction. I was just teasing you.

Ehh? Lady Ayaka what to do? Thats right if all she had were the materials and no matching craftsman, how would the bracelet be created? Even if she asked Uehara Ehiro, she was a bladesmith, not a jade worker.

Hehe, dont worry, its why I was teasing you. Let me handle this, Ill go contact the heavenly craftsman about the unmelted snow bracelet.

Really? Lily was delighted. Big sister Ayaka didnt want her treasures, she knew Lily had no capable craftsman and planned on helping.

Thank you Lady Ayaka. Lily knelt and bowed.

Youre welcome. I understand your att.i.tude a bit more now. From your theft of the Bureau of Divinations Treasury, I had thought you were a utilitarian type of person, but now it seems that you have a different type of innocent sincerity. Ayaka nodded in satisfaction.

Ashamed and at a loss, Lily had no idea how to respond.

This issue, just relax and let me handle it. When the bracelet is finished, I will help you put it on your wrist, ok?

Lily noticed that once Ayaka understood Lilys heart, her words became more intimate and trusting. Lily thanksLady Ayaka. Then I shall gather the auxiliary materials and crafting cost as soon as possible.

I have plenty of those auxiliary materials here, a small matter, no need to concern yourself. Ayaka casually replied.

Lily knew that to one of the peak experts of Heian-kyo, it really was nothing but a small matter, she didnt refuse, for that would be rude. Lady Ayakas dignity and face was more important than that small amount of money. She gave her thanks and accepted.

Right, Lily. I called you to give you an important task.

Please tell me.

Ayaka looked out the window, that worrying phenomenon still visible against the black sky. These few days weve all seen that natural phenomenon. I feel that this extended night is not like the other extended nights. I feel extremely uneasy. Lily, go meet a person for me and ask her what her opinion on this phenomenon is. For various reasons my ident.i.ty doesnt let me meet her.

Understood. Might I ask who this person is and where she might be?

Her name is Fayumi no Yoruko, shes a well known madam of an aristocratic family in Heian-kyo and a very famous swordmaster. Though shes called madam, its just an honorific, shes still single.

Madam Fayumi is it Hearing that she was a famous swordmaster was awe-inspiring. For Ayaka to name her a swordmaster, then she must be an expert among experts.

Ayaka waved a hand pulling the doors closed. Though it was her own residence, she was very careful and sent out two talismans to silence the room.

Lily, keep this a secret, Im only telling you because you are a mirror girl. On the surface, Madam Fayumi is a well known madam and swordmaster, but in truth shes a heavens chosen daughter who can receive heavenly oracles! At the same time, shes also the secret leader of the Heian-kyo sword mikos.

Leader of the sword mikos!? Lily was shocked.

You understand now why my ident.i.ty doesnt allow me to meet her. But this natural phenomenon, I would like to hear her opinion on it. If its a heavenly oracle, then bring it to me. Ayaka solemnly ordered.

Lily understands and obeys. Lily knew, this was a big matter. This was not only related to the heavenly path, but also the safety of the imperial court. Lily agreed with the utmost seriousness.

Ayaka nodded, I will a.s.sign an ox-cart to send you there. This matter should be settled sooner rather than later, you should depart now.

Understood.

Lily For some reason, Ayakas long fingers lightly caressed Lilys shoulders and hands. This may seem like an ordinary guest visit, but it may involve something serious. You be careful out there.

Ayakas eyes expressed her unspoken words. This was something concerning the heavenly path and the imperial court. Besides Ayaka, there were probably many other forces interested in this phenomenon. Lily knew this task was not without dangers.

Lily understands. Lady Ayaka, I used to be a powerless woman, but after encountering and overcoming all sorts of dangers, what dangers do I not know? Please be at ease, I will definitely accomplish this task. Lily a.s.sured calmly, she was so calm Ayaka was surprised.

Ayakas mood calmed down, perhaps she had really found the right person for the task.

Since it was nighttime, Lily didnt bother dressing up. She left the study and followed Ayakas arrangements and departed from the backdoor. There, the black clad elder had arranged an ox-cart for her.

Lady Lily, please come aboard. They were only going to one of Heian-kyos mansions, but to think this unfathomably powerful elder was going to drive the cart leaving the backdoor unguarded. This made Lily feel uneasy.

When Lily went to get onto the cart, the elder extended his hand as a step.

Elder

Lady, the lord Chief Advisor has made arrangements. From now on you are one of this manors female masters, we must treat you like our lord.

Lily felt a bit embarra.s.sed, but since she had a heavy responsibility, without any pretentiousness she resolutely and elegantly stepped on the elders hand to get on the ox-cart.

In the pitch dark night, the ox-cart secretly travelled toward a place in Heian-kyo.