Ourning to the main cve hall the first thing I noticed was that as the seats were filling up there had been a definite shift in the numbers, a noticeable group f behind Kudou-san, who must have finished his meeting, and Haru-san and Eri, who both looked pretty tired. On seeing me, Eri smiled in relief, mopping sweat from her brow. Oh, so the Diviner and Princess Mikasa are ba the stage, but Kudou-san remained here, huh?

  “You’re back?” Eri asked. “Where’s Shaeu?”

  “Hanging out with the others. She’ll return in time for the start.” I said. “So, how was it, doing some adult work?” I asked teasingly. “Does my old school even allow part-time jobs?”

  “Yeah, very funny.” Eri pouted adorably, and Haru-san smiled a little at our banter. “You know they do, our school isn’t that strict. Besides, it isn’t like I’m getting paid.” I made a quip about paying her in hugs, so she rolled her eyes at my me humour before tinuing. “Still, it was… iing, I guess? I thought I’d be more wary of speaking to people, but when it’s for work, it doesn’t seem so hard.”

  Haru-san nodded, flourishiablet whioages and pages of data. “Yes, I’m… not the outgoing person I used to be. Well, I’m not even a person now, I’m a ghost.” She deadpanned, and I was beginning to realise that sort of grim humht be one way she was g with her trauma and guilt. “Although…” she let out a long sigh. “… I was never really that outgoing. Sure, I had friends ao the usual drinking parties with my colleagues, but I was always a daddy’s girl, I guess. I liked spending time at home. But…” she looked at Eri, a touch fondly. “… well, when it’s for work, all business, it’s a lot easier. You know what to expect, what you have to do. Although…” her smile ged, as she tapped at her head. “… I do have an advantage in that. See the notes in purple here?” she showed me the tablet, and I could see she had made annotations based on reading their thoughts via telepathy.

  “That’s pretty shrewd.” I said, impressed. “So, your trol, is it improving?”

  “I still get leakage.” She sighed. “But I rgely turn it off, and I focus on a person now, though again I hear other thoughts nearby.” Her voice dropped to a faint whisper at that, before she g Eri. “I think you did well, sidering your worries. I’d hire you at the Ministry with how itted you are, well, to helping Akio-san, anyway.”

  Eri blushed a little at that. “Reading what I’m thinking isn’t fair. But, well, you did give me pointers and advice as I was helping, so I five you!”

  “Ah, to be young again.” Kudou-san ughed, and from beside him, Chiyo-san agreed.

  “Indeed. I hought I’d be sitting here on the same side as you.”

  “Well, us elderly folk have to stick together. I dare say Bankei will e around as well? What we are aiming for is very mu lih his desires, right?”

  As the two tiheir discussion, that reminded me. “So, Haru-san…” I said, serious, and as Shaeu came into the hall and sat down beside us, I raised the stage of my pn. “I was thinking, your Territory… I know you were pnning to establish it in Tokyo, which makes sense, but… perhaps instead, if we could find a pce with suitable earth or water element here in Kyoto, we could set up a Ring Gate linking it to Shirohebizumi Shrine…” If the uping threat from these ‘ants’ is in the Boundary, then via Ring Gate we could respond in minutes, and it offers other possibilities. We station troops here, prepare defences…

  Shaeu scowled, thinking. “Well, that-that would be one idea. The plentiful earth element thanks to Asha’s Rhyming Tree should be able to support another Ring Gate without much-much issue, but Primal Forest, the ruler of the treekin and pntkin, is a greedy one indeed.” She frowned, her brows furrowing. “My useless brother often pins about the price he had to pay to secure the gates he did-did. Though… well, it is not-not as though we do not-not have leverage. Though he may demand a price that you are unwilling to pay.” It seemed she had some idea of what he would charge.

  “Well, as long as it’s not too onerous, we sider it. I really don’t want to let the Diviner die. It isn’t fair.”

  “Always with the girls in trouble. No, well, she’s not a girl is she? An older woman for a ge.” Eri sighed. “You should have more tact, I’m sitting right here.”

  “I know you don’t wao die either.” I ruffled her hair to stop her pouting. “Besides, she’s a bit like you in a way. She’s never had that much of a life. At least you had Aiko by your side. All she had was her visions. It’d be o show her that fate isn’t absolute, and that life holds a lot of fun, happy things.”

  “I get it, damn, I get it.” Eri sighed. “It was the same with Shaeu. Why did I have to fall in love with such a pyboy?” she sighed. “Well, one or two more… I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

  Yeah, I’ve de a lot, but I suppose after Shiro, there’s no reason for them to believe me. Giving up on that, I turo Haru-san again, who was looking on, her pale face amused. “So yeah. I know you have the Ministry job, and I think this be a part of that, in a way. It’s a bit cheeky of me telling you where to pce your owory, but this way you ute to it through mine when needed, and I support you. You might have to spend some nights at Shirohebizumi, which I’m sorry about. I know you want to live at home with your father, but… well, at least until we stave off the uping threat…”

  “There’s no need for that.” Haru-san shook her head. “After all, I’m your Vassal, right? Not just that… if you dismissed me, I’d lose my body and I’d be back to being a sad little Onryo, drifting though that Boundary, just g all the time.” She smiled then, her mencholy somehow beautiful, like a sad work of art. “This… this is satisfying.” She gestured to the tablet, with all its data. “It’s work with dignity and meaning. And I’ve been around your Territory enough to know that matters too. So I’ll do it. Though making me work at the Ministry by day and in Kyoto at night…” she wi Eri and Shaeu, surprising me. “… Akio-san sure is a svedriver, right? Talk about the boss of a bpany!”

  “Well, he does-does work this princess hard.” Shaeu admitted. “Yet he does not-not spare himself, so I five him. I am rather magnanimous after all.”

  “I want Akio to rely on me.” Eri said happily. “As long as we have time for each other, I don’t mind!”

  Kudou-san burst out ughing at that. “Lucky, a flower in each hand. More, if Takakura-san is to be believed. I’d better watch you don’t sink your cws into my precious Shiori!” he joked. “Anyway, it’s nearly time.” He gestured to the stage, where Uchida-san and the others were seated. “You should head up. Take my pce. After all, you have some support.”

  I do. The seats behind me have faces I saw on the Susanoo and Amaterasu benches before. I guess people have talked during the recess. Oh well… With o nod to my allies, I strode fidently to the stage and sat down beside Matsumuro-san and the Princess. “How was she?” I asked the Princess, who seemed shocked I had addressed her, before she managed a shy smile.

  “Tsukiko- is as she always is. Stubborn.” She managed a small chuckle. “But… I think she’s happy you are so vehemently defending her, Akio-san. Oh, I call you that, right?”

  “Don’t mind it. I get that’s just how princesses are, my own is rather forward.” She followed my gaze, before nodding, her braids swaying.

  “Well, I won’t mind it then.” She let out a tired sigh. “But… you do have a pn, right? It seemed to me our talk during the break was left unfinished.”

  “I do.” I turo the Diviner, who was listening impassively. “So when you hear it, I hope you’ll see how serious I am.”

  My only answer was a slight ination of her head, aing the urge to use my Eye to check her facial expression behind the veil, I waited for Bankei-san to start the stage of the cve, which had moved away from a debate on leadership or the Ministry itself, to what faith sought as a whole from this new order, and could tribute. As the old monk stood up to speak, I readied myself for another battle of wits, hoping it would go as well as the first one, despite the craziness and personal revetions that had required…

  ********

  “… a lot of shrines have been lost over the turies.” The middle-aged man in priestly robes was saying from he front of the Amaterasu benches. “I think that since roof that is undeniable that the Gods are real and that they favour Japan, we should be helped to restore our old, crumbling shrines, and for those that have lost the nd over the years due to poverty or duplicity to be offered restitution and helped to recim it.”

  I mean, yes, he raises a det point. I had been listening patiently to the people who had submitted a request to speak, and we had decided to split the debate into two sides, one fog oerial, and ohe Boundary. It rgely es down to money, resped influence. Which is what I was looking for, so I do uand it.

  “Well, from the standpoint of nobility…” Takakura-san fielded this question first. “… the true noble families have always safeguarded the shrines and temples on their nds. Though I do suspect that some shrine property might be in their portfolios. It isn’t unreasoo iate for their return, and scrape together finance for shrine renovations…” his gaze shifted to me, as he could see I wished to speak.

  “Yes, ownership of the shrine is an important issue. I myself, despite not ing from a shrine background, own one. Shirohebizumi.” I o Shirohebi and Kana’s grandfather.

  That caused a stir. “And why is that, Akio-san?” Saionji-san asked mildly, though I was aware he knew, as I had told him prior to this. I guess he wants to use it as a talking point?

  “It’s simple. We’ve talked a little about the bes of trolling both the Material and the Boundary. I trol the Boundary around Shirohebizumi, and by gaining ownership of it in this world too, the ether density has increased and there are other bes.”

  “But shrines should stay in the hands of the faithful! I appreciate that you have brought a kami into this world, but even so…” another priest said, from the Susanoo side.

  “If I may.” Masaji-san said, looking unfortable at both the attention and being away from Susanoo, as he had joined my group. “I too was somewhat wary and offehat Oshiro-san would ask for ownership of what our family has so zealously protected over the years. At first, all we had to go on was an oracle from the White Snake, which was ambiguous. But in time, we saw that he was ear and that he was not ag purely out of selfish is. We have a tract that is legally binding, so despite ownership resting with Oshiro-san, the shrine is still our responsibility, and he ot betray us.”

  “Indeed, it isss necessssssary.” Shirohebi agreed, drawing everyone’s eyes. “The ssspiritual and the physssical are intrinsssically linked. Both mussst work together, ssshould we wisssh to prosssper.”

  “Yes. Well, to answer your question, I think we should be making sure all the shrines and temples are restored. But I think that if your shrine es uhe Territory of a didate, or Chosen, as we are calling them here….” Ugh, I know we need universal terminology, but I am so used to saying didate… “… then a tract of the sort I have with Shirohebizumi is warranted. Although… that would only apply to Chosen whister with the Ministry.”

  “In terms of funding, the Ministry will have a budget pulled from the National one, as well as some voluntary support from upper nobility. That means that expenditure has to be rigorously audited, and stand up to public scrutiny. After all, we serve this try.” Takakura-san said. “Money will be avaible, but we have a lot of demands for it.”

  “If I may…” I interrupted. “This is something I’ve been thinking about. The Boundary offers numerous opportunities for making money. I io work with some of the nobility, such as Ichijou House, to see what novel applicatioher bring to Japan. Whether it will pan out in the short-term remains to be seen, but if it does, I’ll naturally i in buying up nd further strengthening my owory. If there are shrines and temples within those, naturally I’ll be them the same deal as Shirohebizumi. Perhaps this could be a standard sort of thing. For those of you whose Chosen are also part of the owning family…” I Yamato-san, who nodded back, face stiff. “… then you have other s, but looking around, maybe only one in a hundred will be that fortunate. In terms of rest disused, abandoned and otherwise defunct shrines, bringing in new priests and shrine maidens… well, that strikes me as a good idea, with one caveat.”

  “And what would that be?” Uchida-san asked. He was still pale from the Chirurgery, but even so, he was deftly navigating the political tides.

  “Well, non-Japanese Gods. I do agree that we shouldn’t abandon our traditions.” I shrugged. “I’m a half, so I’ve been brought up a little differently, but even so. I believe that Japan has always been very accepting of other faiths, so long as they don’t assert themselves too boldly. It strikes me as unfair that for example… well, I’m a Chosen of Tyr.” I said, reiterating a point I had said in the first session. “So while I pay homage to gods such as Tsukuyomi…” the Diviner reacted to that. “…or Amaterasu.” Now the Princess looked pensive. “Or Kannon. I also want to give thanks to Tyr.”

  “The eight million kami, and the great Gods of Japan, they should be the oo deliver us from these dangers.” Yamato-san insisted.

  “I know what you mean, Yamato-kun.” Saionji-san addressed him a touch mogly, causing Yamato-san to look angry. “After all, Kannon is effectively one of mine.” He again poihat out, further annoying him. “But Akio-san does have a point. I don’t believe it would be too much of a stretch to allow shrin Gods. We have churches, mosques and other such, do we not? Though again, it should not e at the expense of the eight million.”

  True. Japan wouldn’t be Japan without all our traditions. Well, some could use a bit of a clear-out, like some outdated attitudes to women, and the overtime culture and bpanies, but the religion here doesn’t persecute and doesn’t assert, so… “Indeed. I don’t worship Tyr, and while I would look positively on any request he or his Valkyrie makes iure, if it went against my beliefs or morals, I’d refuse. But I would like to honour them a bit.” Maybe I’ll set up a shrio Ortlinde and Tyr. I see why some wouldn’t want to disclose who gave them their divine favour, as it might reveal weaknesses, but acc to Ta?hā I am not even using Tyr’s favour, so…

  “What about education?” Bankei-san said, surprising everyone. “Kudou-san, yranddaughter was dispatched to the school for noble daughters in Tokyht? There were some soo the academy for males as well. Your branch family too, Takakura-sama, if I am not mistaken.”

  “Indeed.” He agreed. “They have been teag courses on faith to them. Strengthening the ties between us.”

  “Well, perhaps that could be extended natio is all very well having religious rituals and holidays. But to truly uand and appreciate faith, further work is needed. And with tangible proof of the Diviually being revealed, it will be a subject few question.”

  I see. That makes sense. Maybe we o fold some Education staff and resources into the Ministry as well. Though we would have to learn about other subject matters too. Yokai, fn Gods and monsters…

  As the versation tinued, it became clear their s were tied into the Boundary and what it would offer. It was refreshing to see people so eager for the ges the return of the Gods could bring, and several put questions to me regarding Chirurgery, though I said I would have to review the details that Haru-san and Eri had collected. I was then asked whether I would be prepared to accept money for Chirurgery, which was a good question.

  “Actually, in a way I already am, as I am being pensated by the Gover for my work on their behalf. However, I’d rather focus on supp those who have great potential, who will work with the Ministry. Leaving aside those in positions of authority…” Uchida-san and Saionji-san both looked at each other. “… faith liaisons will likely be he Ministry is very much a work in progress, but I’m pleased that everyone seems to accept the need for it.” Well, not everyone does I’m sure, but they’ll follow the prevailing winds… As the versation tinued, I cast my eyes over to Shaeu, who was yawning and looking bored, while Haru-san was taking notes oablet, Eri beside her asking questions. Yeah, I get it, Shaeu. But the part might be more iing for you…

  ********

  “… so in review, a standard tract, based on the one Oshiro-san has with Shirohebizumi shrine will be established, and a w pushed through to give additional prote to those families whose shrines and temples are uhe Territory of another. If these are uhe influence of a Chosen employed by the Military over, then a stipend will be paid as pensation, yearly, and…”

  As we finished up with the Material matters, it was time to turn to the Boundary, where I and Yamato-san would be talking. People had rgely given up shiftiween fas for now, though I had gathered a number more, and had absorbed a further k of Tsukuyomi, and now rivalled the numbers Susanoo had. Though it still is a little annoying Hikawa-san and the other heads of the Susanoo-fa shrines I have allied with are still sitting with their inal power bloc.

  “All right then. I hope you aren’t bored of my voice.” I joked. “It’s been some serious topics, but I think we’ve made some headway. But now we o talk about the other side of the , one equally important.” I Yamato-san, who had e up to the stage.

  “You saw my Golden Warrior. I know that Oshiro-san here perform simir feats.” He said, though his expression wasn’t that plimentary. “Others of you have simir abilities, and we have seen what that girl do, even without being Chosen.” He Eri, who returhe attention with a stiff bow of her own. “But there is more to the realm of the spiritual, this Boundary, than that. Not only do the kami dwell there, but there are also creatures out of myth and legend, Yokai and more.”

  Yamato went on to describe the Night Parade, Taishakama-san and the others who saw it with me shuddering in remembrance, and Shaeu was now fully alert and listening. Once he was done, I briefly mentioned about those I had entered, such as the Fae, orcs, gnolls and more. “They are se beings, just like us.” I said in clusion. “Well, most of them. There are plenty of giant is and other nasties, as well as the u dead. I don’t feel bad about sending them to their rest.” I made sure my Charm, Majesty and League were at their highest, as what I was going to say was crucial. “… others I’ve killed, I feel pretty bad about. My hands are bloody. It does feel less real than killing a human.” I should know, after all, I’ve killed those too. “And some I don’t regret, such as the Myids, who only wao reduce everything around them to a pgue-filled hell where only they live. But I think we o be cautious. After all, these creatures oned the mortal world we live in, hard as it is to believe. I’ve heard too many tell me that for it to be a lie. And I think it likely they will again.”

  “Kyoto is especially full of powerful beings. There are other sacred sites too. Mount Fuji, Mount Kurama, Mount Tateyama, Mount Hakusan, Ise Grand Shrine, so many others. I expect they too will have their dwellers.”

  “Yes.” Princess Mikasa said, standing and quailing a little uhe expet gazes the rge crowd gave her. “Ise Grand Shrine is surrounded by numerous groups of Yokai and other beings. I’ve tried to leave them alone, and those that didn’t…” she swallowed. “the Light of Amaterasu purified them.”

  “We o secure as much Territory in these areas, as well as major poputiores such as Tokyo, as we .” I finished for her. “Peaceful alliance is possible, and I think that should be our first option. Those we coexist with, we should.”

  “Though those we ot, we should show no mercy.” Yamato-san decred, talking over me. “Especially creatures such as orcs. After all, are they not myths imported from other nds? We have no use for such immigrants.”

  Wow, harsh. I ey sister in my thoughts. “Well, we have to remember that while the Boundary might seem a bit like a game, like a trapped-in-a-VRMMO story…” Mine-san and a few of the younger people reacted to that. “… it isn’t NPC’s we are fighting, but living beings. And the danger is very real too.”

  “Indeed. People have died, and even a shrine has now fallen, desecrated, the enshrined kami sin. All because the idiots within took unnecessary risks.” Saionji-san decred. Kudou-sa out a long sigh, signalling his agreement, even if I thought the ses were harsh. After all, it could easily have been me dead enough times, though tely I finally seem to be getting ahead of the curve…

  “Proteg a Territory is hard work. In mine, I have a lot of Fae and other creatures I’ve allied with. A mutually beneficial agreement. Look, we ’t regute everything that happens in the Boundary, in someoerritory, but I do suggest making allies, there are other bes as well. But generally, a Territory is ruled by the one who holds power over the Anchor. And I firmly believe that we shouldn’t attack each other recklessly. Chosen are a finite resource, and the Diviner, Matsumuro-san, has predicted we don’t have a lot of time, which tracks with what I and some others have been told. We ’t predict what will happen, but repare. To that end…” I grinned. “I was hoping to be able to have one of my panio up a Territory in Kyoto, so I make good on my promise of proteg Matsumuro-san, as rovide support and expertise.”

  “But if Territories decred to the Ministry are inviote, then that means you would effectively be g a k of Kyoto for your own.” Yamato-san said, suspi radiating from him. He really o learn how to mask his emotioer, not that I’m an expert at it…

  “That’s true. Obviously any shrihat fell uhat area, I would offer the same deal as I did to Shirohebizumi shrine, and I would hope anyone affected would talk to Izumi-san and Shirohebi to uand the implications of that. I would also need an area ri earth or water elements.”

  “Elements, huh. I think we should expin, as only those who have been Chosen will uand.” Bankei-san said, still moderating the discussion, which was far more peaceful than this m’s.

  “Well, that’s simple. The Boundary tains a wealth of mysterious things. One resource that be exploited is elemental energies. They be used by those with talent, and though it is difficult, people learn to use them, just like Eri did. Kiyomizu-dera has an abundance of light element, for example. Obviously, one trol who uses the elements on their owory, but I foresee a future where elements and other such things are taxed by the Ministry and gover, and the tax be used to be the try and other worthy causes….” I unched into my idea. While I wouldn’t wele aion, loerm we had to think as a try, as a world, as a whole. “… so I need access to that elemeo link up a travel gate, which is Fae teology. Just another reason to try being friendly with others.” I cluded, after expining to the rapt crowd.

  “Excuse me, Akio-san.” Saionji-san had a rather scary expression on his face. “Didn’t you chide me for using the Gaze of Avalokitesvara recklessly, when now I find you messing with spatial abilities yourself?”

  Oh. Yes. That’s true. But… “Yes, I see why you might be a bit upset. However, I am being cautious and not overusing them.” The cost, for one. I wonder what this Primal Forest is going to ask for… “The ability is different too. Shaeu could move between the nds of the Fae and Japan’s Boundary without a Gate, so they are already ected, and it is a single, fixed point. So while I won’t say the risk is is far less problematic…”

  “I’ll let you vince me. This time.” Saionji-san smiled, though it wasn’t a pleasant one.

  “That still sidesteps the main issue.” Uchida-san said then. “I appud your willio safeguard the noble Lady Diviner.” He stubbornly wasn’t using her name. “However, the e is you will cim a k of Kyoto, and uhe ws proposed, it will remain yours forever.” Yamato-san echoed him, agreeing with his father.

  “Well, obviously there be trades done.” I sighed. “One offer Territory to another, or even break dowerritory pletely and relocate elsewhere. Moving it seems to take a higher-Raerritory, but breaking it down and starting a new one should work. Obviously to prevent issues, it should require the sent of all parties, and be mediated by the Ministry, another duty it should take on, that way we avoid power harassmeortion and other underhanded means. But trading for favours, money or resources, that should be fair game.”

  “I see. That seems… reasonable. So ohe threat has passed to the dy Diviner…” Uchida-san mused.

  “Well, it’s wasteful breaking down a Territory, but certainly, my goal is to safeguard Matsumuro-san. Anything else is sedary.”

  The Princess giggled at that, whispering that I was a dangerous man.

  “So, the Boundary has an influen the Material, and is filled with beings and resources, that even if they don’t bear fruit now, in a year, five or ten, we might well see a paradigm shift in sd diplomacy.” I summed up. “W with the Ministry, politis, stists and the nobility, I hope t a revolution to this try. Imagine if we could make transpates that worked here ierial. Wouldn’t that hold infinite possibilities? Medie, energy, material sce… who knows what we could achieve?”

  At that, Haru-san and Eri started to appud me, and a few others joined in, though it died a bit of a death. Still, I’d said my pieothing would be decided today, there was still the two sessions tomorrow, but it definitely looked like people were taken with the ideas I had presented. Leaning ba my chair, I listened as another member of the audience asked their question…

  ********

  Well, that was lengthy. As the closing remarks of the day were made by Bankei-san, I headed back towards my seats. I passed by Akai, who shrank ba her own chair as I passed, hissing, but I was starting to get used to that by now so I paid her no mind.

  “That was very well-well done, Akio.” Shaeu approved. “You sounded rather regal. I do so hope you be as eloquent when you meet-meet the rulers of the Seelie Court.”

  “I’ll do my best. So, Eri, Haru-san, ready to meet up with Aiko and the others? They’ll kill us if we miss the cert.”

  “Not me.” Haru-san shook her head. “I’m not muto popur music. Besides…” she looked a bit embarrassed, her pale skin flushing slightly. “… Your parents asked me to join them for a meal, along with some of the other adults.”

  Really? Well, I guess it’s all good. It’s o see her socialising. “Well, in that case…” I turo see Mine-san there, looking expet. “… did you want to e with us, Mine-san? You don’t look like an idol fan, but…”

  Before she could speak, Uchida-san had arrived, grabbing her arm. “You have no time for pying around. We have a meeting to go to.” Behind him, an apologetic Hikawa-san shrugged.

  “Aw, that’s totally me. I was like, looking forward to having some fun.” She sighed. “Oh well, see you ter, Akio-kun. Girls.” She puffed out her cheeks, piergs glittering. “Have some fun for me!”

  “Sure thing.” I said, watg as Yamato-san gathered up more of his fa, including most of the shrines I was involved with, as well as Susanoo’s other didates. Well, Susanoo is bleeding o Amaterasu and whatever the hell my fa would be called? Tsukuyomi still? Or Tyr? No, Ortlinde sounds cooler…

  “I don’t like him very much. He has cold eyes.” Eri said, pouting.

  “Well, he’s a bit arrogant, sure. He does have some talent to back it up though. Those Golden Warriors are a very nice skill, and his Territory is great for a Rank 2. Oh well, let’s go meet up with the others. I hear my phone pinging stantly.”

  “Mioo.” Eri agreed, as did Shaeu. “Aiko is going crazy with anticipation.”

  “Fihen. Although…” Hopefully the cert will distract me from the ever-increasing bad feeling my Fht is giving me. Well, Haru-san will be with my parents, that’s good. The Mori’s should be there too. And I’ll be with my sis and the shrine maidens, so I protect them… even so… Taking no ces, I sent a message tor and our meraries, giving them some instrus. cve’s been going well, so… No, there’s no way I’m letting disaster strike…

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