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A gentle mountain breeze rustled through the trees, the leaves whispering softly under the silvery moonlight.

Time slipped by quietly beneath the pale glow.

Eventually, even the bright, full moon overhead became partially obscured behind a thin veil of drifting clouds. Only then did the lively commotion outside Yasaka Shrine finally fade into blissful tranquility.

Spread upon the wooden veranda was a luxurious silk kimono—once dignified and elegant when worn by the beautiful blonde woman, now casually laid out like bedding upon the floor. The pair's mingled sweat gently soaked through its fabric, blending seamlessly until nothing separated them.

Another soft breeze swept down from the mountain, rustling the surrounding leaves.

Propping herself on one elbow, Yasaka lounged gracefully upon the makeshift bed. A warm, affectionate smile curved her luscious lips as her fluffy tails instinctively curled around the boy in her embrace, pulling him ever closer into her softness.

"There," she murmured sweetly. "All warm now?"

"Mmm..."

Nestled comfortably between her plush curves, Bokue gave a muffled, somewhat vague response.

Cold? Impossible. Even setting aside the pleasant summer evening temperatures, after such a vigorous session of "exercise" and with Yasaka holding him so closely, feeling cold was completely out of the question.

"Hehe~"

Seeing Bokue's slightly helpless yet adorably contented expression, Yasaka's smile brightened even more. She looked every bit like a mischievous fox that had just caught a delicious treat.

Although certain unexpected events had caused Yasaka to prematurely enjoy this particular "wine"—originally intending to wait a few more years—she found herself thoroughly satisfied with the experience.

Considering Bokue was already so remarkable at his current age, possessing stamina, skill, and plenty to spare... she could only imagine how impressive he'd become in the future.

Just imagining that made her heart race slightly.

Oh, how she wished she could fast-forward to that future right now...

"So..." Yasaka gently composed herself, brushing Bokue's hair softly. "Have you decided what you'll do next?"

"Yeah."

Without hesitation, Bokue offered his firm answer.

"I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I'll head west."

"West...?"

Yasaka blinked, momentarily confused.

As the Great Youkai General of Eastern Japan, Yasaka knew the youkai hierarchy and territories within the country intimately. Beyond Kyoto itself, there were only three other prominent youkai strongholds in Japan:

The eastern Kantō region (Tokyo), the southwestern island of Shikoku, and the Tōhoku region's distant Youkai clans.

Kyoto naturally held the highest rank—known as the "Millennial Demon Capital." Bokue had just come from the northeast, which understandably left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Yet, just as Yasaka opened her mouth to express her confusion.

"I've already decided, Yasaka-nee-san. Nothing will change my mind."

He glanced briefly toward the distant horizon, where the first faint blush of dawn began coloring the sky.

"I'll depart at sunrise today. And, Yasaka-nee-san... please tell Kunou for me. She—"

Yasaka suddenly recalled what Kunou had said before drifting off to sleep. A pang of guilt pierced her heart briefly.

But Bokue interrupted gently, shaking his head again:

"If I tell her myself, she'll just cry and cling onto me, begging me not to go or insisting to come along. Once that happens, I'd never be able to refuse."

"Still, you can't just—"

Yasaka started to protest but was swiftly silenced by Bokue's warm lips softly pressing against her own, stopping her words gently but firmly.

"Don't worry. For youkai with lifespans like ours, one or two years apart is basically like a week or two for humans. She'll be fine."

"Mm..."

Caught entirely off guard by Bokue's confident, tender gesture, Yasaka felt her cheeks flush warmly. She was amazed at how quickly Bokue had matured—from not even understanding the meaning behind touching a girl's behind to boldly silencing her protests.

Children grew up far too quickly...

"Oh, right." Bokue pulled back slightly.

"Yes?"

"Since I'm leaving soon, how about we do it one more time before I go?"

"Huh...?"

Yasaka blinked in surprise, quickly glancing toward the eastern sky. The horizon had already turned brighter with approaching dawn.

"But—it's already nearly morning! Kunou will wake up any minute! Wait, Bokue, we really—mmnn...!"

She tried feebly to protest again, but Bokue had already moved decisively, determined to offer one last passionate act of "filial piety" before departing.

❁❁❁❁

And so, as morning sunlight fully enveloped the land—roughly two hours later, around seven—Kunou finally stirred awake in her cozy bedroom.

Unlike usual mornings where she woke feeling slightly groggy and reluctant to leave the warm covers, today Kunou felt unusually refreshed, her mind clear and energized as if she'd enjoyed an absolutely perfect night's sleep.

Seeing how bright the sunlight pouring through her windows was, Kunou suddenly realized—

"Oh no! I overslept!"

Panicking at her surprising lateness, Kunou quickly kicked aside her blanket and leaped out of bed, her fluffy tail trailing behind her as she dashed barefoot out of the bedroom.

When she reached the dining room, the table—which usually displayed neatly prepared breakfasts—sat strangely empty. Instead, she heard a faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen.

Confused, Kunou cautiously peeked inside.

There stood her ever-elegant mother, Yasaka, gracefully preparing breakfast herself. Due to the warm summer morning and heat from the stove, sweat lightly moistened her beautiful neck and delicate jawline, causing her silk kimono to cling enticingly to her exquisite curves.

Noticing her daughter's approach, Yasaka offered an apologetic yet tender smile.

"I'm so sorry, Kunou dear. Mommy overslept as well. I've just started preparing breakfast now, so please wait just a little longer. You can eat first, sweetie—Mommy will take a quick bath after this."

"Okay~"

Unsuspecting, Kunou nodded obediently.

At the time, she never imagined this seemingly minor morning mishap would cause a missed farewell—and that the brief goodbye they missed today would stretch into ten long years apart.

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