Book 12: Chapter 73: The Queen’s Determination

Book 12: Chapter 73: The Queen’s Determination

Leave a comment ⇐ PreviousNext ⇒

While Queen Kaguya admitted she was aware of Lily’s true identity, she subtly implied that her knowledge came from the Female Queendom’s intelligence network, not from Lily directly, making it clear she was trying to protect her.

"Hehe, your intelligence network may be renowned, but how did it fail to detect your own queen nearly being captured by demons and subjected to... unimaginable things?" Rakshasa-Onna teased.

“That’s because only a handful of us knew about this mission,” the Queen replied, slightly embarrassed. “I did almost fall into Wakarai and Umashi’s hands, and I owe my life to your timely rescue. If you wish to mock me for it, I can’t argue. Still, I’m deeply grateful to you. Whatever past actions you’ve taken against the Female Queendom, I will not hold them against you. As for Lynne, I have never blamed her, and I certainly won’t now. Let her be a testament to the friendship and harmony between our forces. After all, in Yomi, there are few places where women can stand with dignity and independence.”

“Witness? Your Majesty, what exactly do you mean by that?” Rakshasa-Onna asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Let Lynne return with me. She can remain in contact with you, and if there’s anything you need from the Female Queendom, you can reach out to me through her. Wouldn’t that be beneficial for both sides? It would also allow me to properly repay your kindness,” the Queen suggested.

“My, my, Your Majesty, you’ve thought this through, haven’t you? But we saved you, and now you want to take such a lovely woman away from us?” Rakshasa-Onna laughed lightly.

“Let’s not hide anything. Kagami Lily is one of the Hundred Maidens of the Night Parade. She must return with us, and there are still many matters that need to be clarified,” Asura-Onna added sternly.

“Your Majesty, surely you’re aware of the Hundred Maidens’ Night Parade, a significant event handpicked by the madam herself from all across Yomi. Are you really planning to interfere with the madam’s business?” Rakshasa-Onna asked, her voice serious.

“What...” At the mention of the madam, Queen Kaguya hesitated. She knew she couldn’t oppose the madam’s plans, especially suspecting that Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna’s rescue had likely been on the madam’s orders, making it even more inappropriate for her to interfere.

“No matter what Lynne’s past identity may have been, I spent five thousand Blood Spirit Magatamas to purchase her from a slave trader. By the rules of Yomi, even though you are our benefactors, I ask that you respect this,” Chiya stated firmly.

“Five thousand? That’s quite an investment, General,” Rakshasa-Onna remarked, surprised. “Does Lily possess such charm that you’d wager your entire fortune?”

“Chiya, stop discussing this,” the Queen interrupted, preventing Chiya from saying more about purchasing Lily.

Unexpectedly, Renka chimed in, “Your Majesty, Lily is wanted by Takamagahara for ten thousand Blood Spirit Magatamas. Spending five thousand isn’t such a loss, is it?”

“What are you implying? That we would betray Lynne?” the Queen retorted angrily.

Asura-Onna walked over, her long sleeve sweeping across as she struck Renka to the ground. “Control your subordinate, sister! Since when does she have the right to speak here?” Asura-Onna snapped.

“Oh dear, Renka’s always like that. Sister, if she displeases you, next time you visit, we can punish her together,” Rakshasa-Onna said with a playful smirk.

“Renka admits her mistake! Please spare me! I won’t do it again!” Renka pleaded, fearing the potential punishment from the sisters, which could leave her bedridden for weeks.

“Step back! We don’t have time to deal with you right now,” Asura-Onna ordered curtly.

“Lily, why are you silent? Have you forgotten your oath?” Rakshasa-Onna reminded, her tone urging Lily to respond.

“Your Majesty, what about the ancient battlefield? We’ve traveled this far...” Yoshiya asked.

"If we split up now and Wakarai or Umashi return, what then? Additionally, if word of our trip to the ancient battlefield has spread, other powerful enemies may be on their way. We’ll have to set aside our mission for now..." The Queen spoke with reluctance. Though she longed to honor Tsukuyomi and the fallen sisters, she knew that if she were captured, who would carry out their final wishes?

Reluctantly, as they neared the edge of the ancient battlefield, they had no choice but to abandon their mission.

"Your Majesty, during the earlier chaos, I accidentally entered the ancient battlefield and managed to pay tribute on your behalf," Lily said gently.

"Is that so?" The Queen’s eyes glimmered with relief. "Lynne, I’m ashamed it fell upon you to offer our respects."

"It was my duty, Your Majesty."

"As you mentioned, together we don’t need to fear Wakarai and Umashi. However, if more powerful forces join them, the danger will be far greater. Let’s hurry back," Asura-Onna urged.

With that, the Queen’s group, along with Lily and the forces from the Asura and Rakshasa dojos, set off together. Their united front ensured that none of the abyssal demons dared to block their path, and those who tried were swiftly dealt with.

They quickly exited the Hell of Torment.

Once outside, the Queen summoned her Hachiwan chariot. Asura-Onna called forth a crimson cat demon, and Rakshasa-Onna summoned a phantom blue owl. Both mounts expanded in size, allowing everyone to ride comfortably.

At the Queen’s sincere request, Rakshasa-Onna permitted Lily to ride with her in the chariot for the journey home.

With their powerful flying mounts, the women began their journey back home.

Several miles away, in the mountains near the entrance to the Hell of Torment, Wakarai, Umashi, and their minions lay in ambush.

"Damn it! They’re coming back together!" Umashi growled, slamming his fist into a nearby boulder.

Wakarai, hovering in the air, shook his head in resignation. "Looks like we’ve wasted our time here."

With no hope of capturing Lily, Wakarai summoned his thunderbird, still nursing its injuries. He instructed his underlings to wait for others before heading back. "I’ll go on ahead," he said, transforming into a bolt of lightning and vanishing.

Far from the Hell of Torment, there lay a vast, scorching mountain range that stretched for thousands of miles. Sulfurous fumes and molten metal continuously flowed over its highest peaks.

Interestingly, this mountain range grew atop the rocky firmament of Yomi’s domain, making it seem inverted when viewed from Yomi’s ground below.

Uesugi Rei, her long katana strapped to her back and silver hair flowing in the wind, emerged from a deep fissure in the mountains. Standing at the edge, she gazed upward at the vast, hellish expanse stretching beneath the sky.

“So, this is Yomi-no-kuni2...”