I'm a thankful fox in Tokyo

Chapter 297 Liuli
After entering Chiyoda Ward, the car turned left and right, and finally entered a fairly large area surrounded by walls of private residences.

I changed to another car in the parking lot inside. The driver was a demon exorcist with magical powers. He seemed to know me and greeted me politely with a smile when he saw me.

"Long time no see, Tono-kun."

Dong Yeyu looked at the demon hunter in front of him and thought for a moment: "You are... from Taoxiang at that time..."

"Yoshida Kazuto."

"Mr. Yoshida, it's been a long time since we last met. Why are you here to be a driver?" Higashino Yu was a little curious. Is the Jinguji family so extravagant that even a skilled exorcist has to be a driver?

Yoshida Kazuto opened the car door for Higashino Yu and said, "The master of the family attaches great importance to your first visit, so he sent me here. Please take a seat. I will take you to the main family of Jinguji later."

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami and others also got on the car soon after. She was a little absent-minded, as if she was still thinking about the question just now.

After starting the car, we followed the path inside the residence into the courtyard, and it was as if we had entered another world, with the noisy city atmosphere gradually being blocked out.

As we went deeper, bright light shone down, the road became wider, and the tall buildings that were originally visible around us disappeared for some reason. Instead, there were extremely beautiful scenery of wilderness and mountains, and farmers working in the fields. It was like traveling back to the Edo period.

"Are we outside the world's veil?"

Asumi saw Sanae turning her head to look at the scenery outside the window, and suddenly she revealed a nostalgic look. The exposed side of her face seemed to be covered with a veil called dream under the light and shadow. Her ice-blue eyes turned into a blue color as if filled with moonlight under the light. The aura that had always been there seemed to melt and become more gentle.

It gives people a feeling that can be seen but not touched.

She seemed different today.

Higashino Yu looked back from the passenger seat, but it was not surprising considering that she did show her sentimental side occasionally.

Then he used his magic power to look around, "Is this an illusion?"

"It's not an illusion, Higashino Nissan." Kaori replied sweetly: "Let Sister Hiiragi Kagami answer this question!"

As she spoke, she tugged at her cousin's kimono collar to prevent her from getting hung up on the issue of monsters and humans and ending up saying something bad.

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami was interrupted from thinking, he looked out the window, and remembered that it was the first time for Higashino Yu and Asumi Sanae to come to the main family's mansion, so as the host, he had the responsibility to explain.

So I introduced her to Higashino Yu and Asumi Sanae.

"Remember the Taoxiang I mentioned last time?"

Dong Yeyu was thoughtful. Is this a blessed place? He was quite surprised. Does a human demon hunter family have such a background?

As if noticing Higashino Yu's surprise, Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami shook his head slightly.

"It's just a place similar to the fairyland, but a hair's breadth away from the truth. This is where our ancestor accidentally saved a god who was playing around in the human world. The god gave this place to our family as a thank you gift after repaying his kindness."

"It is far inferior to Taoxiang in terms of scale and abundance of spiritual energy. It only covers an area of ​​about 15,000 square meters. After building the mansion, there is not much space left. My family tried to open up some medicinal fields to grow some spiritual herbs, but the harvest was very poor. It's better than nothing."

"But as a place to stay, it is considered very safe, and it helped the Jinguji family avoid several disasters of extermination."

Asumi saw Sanae looking at this paradise that seemed unaffected by time, with a curious look on her face: "What about the place I visited before--"

"It's also here, but enter through another door. After passing through the door, you will be inside the mansion."

“Is that why you can’t see these views?”

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami was also a little speechless when she said this, and looked at her calmly: "When you and Liuli came to my house as a child, didn't you wonder why you couldn't see any tall buildings?"

Ming saw Sanae was stunned for a second, and her noble princess-like temperament naturally enveloped her. She raised her head slightly and said: "At that time, my sister and I were exploring the mysteries of this world."

Liuli? Sister?
When did Sanae have a sister? Dong Yeyu was stunned and looked at the two girls in confusion: "Liuli, who is that?"

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami was a little surprised when he saw that Higashino Yu was obviously unaware of the situation. These two people have known each other for such a long time, but have they never introduced them to their families?

She looked at Asumi Sanae, "You and Yu have never talked about Ruri?"

"It won't be too late to introduce her to her when we find her." Asumi Sanae answered calmly.

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami frowned and wanted to say something, but seeing that the girl had turned her head away and didn't want to continue the topic, he sighed.

Your good friend was abducted by human traffickers?

This was the first thought that came to Higashino Yu's mind, but he remembered that ever since he met Asumi Sanae, she had been looking for monsters.

Could it be that it was not just because of his interest in monsters, but also because of this Miss Liuli? Was she taken away by a monster?
If it was a kind-hearted monster, it would be fine, at most we would just experience a journey like Alice in Wonderland or Spirited Away, but if it was a demon...
Higashino Yu thought of what happened to Hanako. If she encountered a monster, she would probably not have a good ending either.

After all, he is a friend of a very close friend, so Dongye Yu would not hesitate to help if he can.

So he asked with some concern: "Sanae, has Miss Liuli gone missing recently?"

Asuhi saw Sanae turning to look at him with a calm expression, not knowing what she was thinking.

Look at what I'm doing. I'm looking for someone. It's rare that I want to take the initiative to help you. Can you be serious?

Dong Yeyu frowned: "You don't believe in my ability? If it comes to finding someone, I think I'm pretty good at it. Do you have any underwear that Miss Liuli has worn?"

"Underwear?" Shiori was stunned for a second, then suddenly realized: "Oh! Higashino Nissan, you want to smell——"

Before she could finish her words, Kaori covered her sister's mouth with a dark face and said, "Stupid sister, Yoshida-san is still here, how can you tell the secret of Tono Nissan!"

Brain: It's your turn, nose.

Nose: Do you think of me now?
Brain: You're not going? Then don't appear on stage anymore.

Nose: No, brother, I have been a professional fox nose for 16 years. Is she a beautiful girl? I smell it——

What the hell!
Higashino Yu quickly stopped the little drama in his mind. Is this really a demon in his heart?
Asuhi saw Sanae leaning forward slightly and asked seriously, "Sir Knight, this is the secret of the Moon Witch. Do you really want to know?"

"Once you know the witch's secret, there is no choice but to leave."

The person is missing. Why are you still talking about secrets here instead of looking for him? What's wrong with you?
The emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is, right? Does Miss Liuli have a grudge against you? Dong Yeyu was a little speechless: "Human life is at stake, can you please speak quickly?"

"I will enlighten you at the right time." She just smiled mysteriously.

Higashino Yuze looked at her expressionlessly, a little angry. Do you think this is cool and witchy?
Is Sanae such a person who disregards life?

Higashino Yu frowned and looked at Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami.

The girl pursed her lips slightly and said, "Let her tell you this herself. I can only tell you that things are not as you imagined. Liuli can't be found."

Is there another reason? Dong Ye Yu pondered in his heart and nodded, accepting this explanation.

The car soon reached the end and stopped beside a huge mansion with white walls and black tiles. The gate was very imposing.

"This is the east gate of the Jinguji main family, which is also the main gate. The head of the family specially allowed you to enter from here to show respect in order to welcome you."

After parking the car, Yoshida Kazuto brought Higashino Yu and the others to the gate and introduced them briefly. Then he bowed deeply and said, "The rest of the way, young master, I will guide you. I will take my leave now."

Perhaps sensing the solemnity of the atmosphere, Higashino Yu also became serious and returned the greeting together with Asumi Sanae.

"Please follow me, my two guests."

Jinguji Hiiragi's mirror image seemed to no longer recognize Higashino Yu and Asumi Sanae. His demeanor suddenly became distant and polite. He led the two of them into the Jinguji house with light and slow steps, while Kaori Shiori followed closely behind.

The Jinguji family is quite large, completely different from the small and beautiful Iori family, and has a grand and majestic style.

The architectural style seems to be that of a bedroom, and it was a super mansion that only the upper-class nobles of the ancient island country could afford to live in.

There are not only bedrooms for the host, but also main halls for holding ceremonies or singing and dancing performances to entertain guests, as well as a series of supporting corridors and palaces.

From a distance, there is an open courtyard and pond in front of the main hall, with exquisite crisscrossing arch bridges spanning the pond, and lotus leaves and lotus pods planted in the pond.

The road was full of twists and turns, and Dong Ye Yu almost got dizzy. He met many exorcists on the road, both men and women, young and old, and some were acquaintances he had met in Taoxiang. They greeted each other politely.

Could it be that this mansion could house all the members of the Jinguji family?

Dongye Yu walked for a long circle and suddenly looked at the three sisters of Jinguji with some pity. It would be difficult to live with such a large family of relatives.

No wonder Kaori Shiori always likes to come over to my place to play.

Thinking of this, Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami pushed open a shoji door, walked into a place similar to a closed corridor, climbed the stairs and pushed open another door.

"This is the main hall. My father is waiting for you inside."

When Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami said this, he glanced at Higashino Yu, and then looked at Asumi Sanae for a moment.

"Did you really tell me in advance that you were going to visit?"

"Yeah." Asuhi saw Sanae nod slightly, choosing to trust the wisdom of the old man at home.

"Then please wait here for a moment, Dongye-kun, please come in."

As Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami spoke, he slowly pushed open the shoji door. Higashino Yu followed him inside, and his view suddenly opened up.

The front hall faces a spacious courtyard. At this time, the door is open and the inside is quite bright. Jinguji Nobuyoshi is kneeling in the first seat, and beside him is a noble lady in bright kimono, who is his wife.

Kneeling down at the right hand side were a row of demon hunters wearing haori with Jinguji family patterns. There were both men and women, and most of them were not young. The youngest looked to be in his forties, while the oldest might be in his seventies or eighties, with a head full of silver hair, but they were in good spirits.

As soon as there was any movement at the gate of the Du Palace, everyone turned to look over, their eyes full of scrutiny.

What does this mean? Am I here as a guest or as a judge?
Higashino Yu stood there in a daze for a second, feeling something was wrong. He subconsciously looked at the teacup next to Jinguji Nobuyoshi. Would the breaking of the cup serve as a signal for five hundred swordsmen to rush out from the back hall?
"Father, elders, Dong Yejun has arrived."

Jinguji Xinyi looked at the elders of each family, smiled, and pointed to the seat closest to him on the left: "It is a great honor to have such a distinguished guest here. Please take a seat."

Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami tugged at Higashino Yu's sleeve, and they both bowed slightly. Then she led Higashino Yu to the first seat for guests on the left side of Jinguji Nobuyoshi - he was the only guest.

Then Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami sat back down to her father's left.

Jinguji Nobuyoshi first smiled and chatted with Higashino Yu as if no one was around, and asked about trivial things like the ride experience on the way here.

Then he introduced to everyone:

"As you have seen, this is the young talent from Kanto, Higashino Yu, who fought bravely against the demons in the Battle of Taoxiang and saved my daughter, my brother, my sister-in-law, my niece, and many of the Jinguji family's backbones."

How did I become a Kanto? Dong Yeyu was stunned, but he had no interest in the dispute between Kanto and Kansai, so he did not correct it.

As for young talents, if I am not considered a talent, then who can be considered one?
Higashino Yu was still somewhat confident about this, so he accepted the title.

After listening to him, the others did not rush to speak, but bowed to Dong Ye Yu.

Higashino Yu glanced at Jinguji Hiiragi Kagami.

She looked straight ahead, with a calm expression, as if she didn't notice my inquiring gaze, and just nodded slightly.

Dong Ye Yu then imitated the other person and returned the greeting.

"I brought my wife and daughter to express my gratitude, but Mr. Higashino was a gentle man, like a soft jade, with the demeanor of an ancient gentleman. He refused to accept a large gift, but only a small one. We had no choice but to return. But after returning, I kept thinking about it and always felt uneasy. How could the Jinguji family treat their benefactor so poorly?"

Some older men nodded slightly. They saved so many people in my family, but only let them live in a small house. It was like sending away beggars. If people told others about it, they would think that our Jinguji family valued money more than their lives.

Others had blank expressions on their faces, and it wasn't clear if they were listening or not, while others were looking at Higashino Yu very rudely.

It seems that the Jinguji family is not of one mind.

Dong Ye Yu was sitting opposite them and observing. This was quite normal, as brothers in ordinary families would have conflicts. What's more, such a large family had been passed down for so many years, with more than a dozen large and small demon hunter families gathered under the main family. It was normal to have factions.

(End of this chapter)