The afterlife blew up Gensokyo

Fujiwara no Mokou was squatting by the pond, feeding the goldfish. The clear water shimmered in the sunlight, and the goldfish swayed their tails leisurely.

sunny.

Shi Bai stretched, enjoying the warm autumn breeze.

On a tranquil autumn day, in this secluded bamboo forest, the afternoon always seemed exceptionally long. Under the lazy sunlight, Fujiwara no Mokou, who was enthusiastically teasing the goldfish in the pond in the courtyard, suddenly felt a pang of wish that time could stand still at this moment.

However, this feeling was quickly shattered when Kaguya Houraisan rushed in excitedly from outside.

"Brother, let's have roasted pigeon this afternoon. I just caught a very fat pigeon in the woods."

Holding up the plump pigeon she was holding, Kaguya Houraisan looked at him intently.

"No, pigeons are so cute, how can we eat them?"

Before he could reply, Fujiwara no Mokou, who had been squatting by the pond feeding the goldfish, ran over to Houraisan Kaguya and, after giving her a slightly disgruntled look, snatched the pigeon from her hand.

"Why don't we keep this pigeon as a pet? Pigeons are so cute! We should cherish them... How did it die?"

"This pigeon was so stupid. It crashed into a tree and died. I tried to save it, but it was too late."

Kaguya Houraisan blinked, her face showing complete innocence.

"But didn't you just say that you didn't catch this pigeon..."

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Meihong, you must have misheard. I was the one who found the pigeon this time."

Kaguya Houraisan held up one finger and waved it in front of her, her face serious.

“This pigeon is so pitiful, so we need to perform a ritual to help it pass on to the afterlife, Mokou, you…”

"This pigeon was really cute, and now it's so cute it's almost unbearable. It's no wonder the pigeon died."

The person calmly accepted the pigeon from Fujiwara no Mokou's hand.

"Kaguya, go to the room and bring the grill."

"Okay, no problem, Mokou, let's go together."

A sly glint flashed in her eyes, and without a word, Houraisan Kaguya grabbed Fujiwara no Mokou and ran into the house.

"But……"

"Oh, no buts, Nanako, don't you want some roast pigeon? Let's go!"

"Uh……"

Five minutes later, the grill was set up.

Twenty minutes later, a fragrant roasted pigeon was ready.

At the same time, just as the pigeon was roasted, Kaguya Houraisan solemnly handed a note to someone.

"Oh right, I almost forgot, this is a note that Yonglin gave to you, brother. Please take a look."

Another letter has arrived?

Slightly puzzled, Shi Bai looked at Kaguya Houraisan in front of him, put down the fragrant roasted pigeon in front of him, and took the note from her hand and unfolded it.

The note was indeed written in Yagokoro Eirin's handwriting. He was very familiar with Yagokoro Eirin's handwriting when he used to correct her homework.

The note didn't contain any substantial content; it basically said that the situation in the Lunar Capital was relatively stable, and since she was very busy with work recently, she entrusted him to take care of Kaguya Houraisan.

That was the literal meaning of the note, but he had read the subconscious meaning that Yagokoro Eirin was trying to convey. After all, Yagokoro Eirin had already made up her mind to leave the Lunar Capital and sever all ties with it.

From this perspective, the message on the note becomes quite meaningful. Yagokoro Eirin naturally doesn't want Kaguya Houraisan to return to the Moon Capital. After all, after consuming the Hourai Elixir, Kaguya Houraisan has become an Hourai person. So, could she obtain a method to achieve immortality from the Hourai people?

Her previous request to banish Kaguya of Houraisan to live in the underworld was based on this consideration, since the gods of the Lunar Capital might not be willing to give up the opportunity to have an immortal life.

The reason Eirin Yagokoro asked him to take care of Kaguya Houraisan was less because she was worried about the people underground, and more because she was worried about the gods in the Lunar Capital. No one doesn't yearn for immortality and eternal life, not even the gods in the Lunar Capital who have lived for countless years.

It is precisely because the longer one lives that one becomes more afraid of death and cherishes one's life more. In the invasion war against the other world a thousand years ago, many of the gods in the Lunar Capital died; otherwise, they would not have devoted themselves to developing the technological strength of the Lunar Capital.

It is precisely because the gods in the Moon Capital cherish their lives even more that, even though a thousand years have passed, they dare not reopen the gate to that world, but instead continue to accumulate the strength of the Moon Capital itself.

At this critical moment, a being with immortality suddenly appeared in the Lunar Capital. How could the gods not be driven mad by this?

Even if they guessed that the Medicine of Hourai was related to Eirin Yagokoro, what could they do to Eirin Yagokoro if she didn't admit it? Although Eirin Yagokoro rarely took action and spent more time healing the sick, she was still at the top of the Lunar Capital in terms of strength.

It was because Kaguya Houraisan inadvertently revealed the existence of the Hourai Elixir that Eirin Yagokoro, who had originally planned to leave the Lunar Capital, had no choice but to stay there for a while longer. She couldn't afford to reveal any flaws, otherwise she might be fine, but Kaguya Houraisan would definitely suffer.

The people in the Moon Capital never expected Eirin Yagokoro to leave, and naturally they didn't think that Kaguya Houraisan might not return. If they wanted to obtain the Hourai Elixir, as long as Kaguya Houraisan remained in the Moon Capital, they would have plenty of time and opportunities to find the secret of the Hourai Elixir from her.

If they can't handle Eirin Yagokoro and the others, surely they can handle a mere princess of the Moon Capital? They've already waited for so long, they don't mind waiting a little longer.

Or perhaps even Kaguya Houraisan herself didn't realize this. When she returned to the Lunar Capital, without Eirin Yagokoro's protection, she would definitely suffer the most miserable treatment.

Therefore, in Eirin Yagokoro's escape plan, Kaguya Houraisan could not return to the Lunar Capital. She knew more about the dark secrets hidden in the Lunar Capital than anyone else.

Although she knew all this, she didn't tell Kaguya Houraisan any of it. She only told her teacher about it during the time when Shibai went to the Lunar Capital.

Eirin Yagokoro could foresee that if she and Kaguya Houraisan abandoned Luna Capital and began their escape, Luna Capital would be furious. The power they had accumulated over a thousand years would be terrifying to unleash.

She can leave alone, but if she wants to escape with Kaguya Houraisan... she only has one chance.

This is why Kaguya Houraisan was punished by being forced to live among the people on the surface and underground. Long before the gods of the Lunar Capital discovered Kaguya Houraisan's affairs, she had already made this plan in her mind.

While others plan only one step ahead, Eirin Yagokoro's plans are already far ahead of everyone else's. Before you know it, you've unknowingly walked into her plan... This is what is known as the "Heavenly Mind".

(Looks like I'll have to find some time to bring this up with Kaguya Houraisan later...)

Looking at the words on the note, Shi Bai frowned slightly and began to ponder.

Actually, persuading a certain NEET princess to stay on Earth and not return to the Moon Capital would be quite simple. He has a million ways to achieve this goal. The simplest way is non-violent non-cooperation, just tie her up... What he's worried about now is something else.

When Kaguya Houraisan returns to the Moon Capital after serving her sentence, and Eirin Yagokoro betrays and escapes with Kaguya, how will the Moon Capital react?

With all hope extinguished and fueled by the rage of betrayal, it's possible they might wage war against the Earthlings in search of the elixir of immortality and the whereabouts of Eirin Yagokoro. And if this war were to break out...

No, if I can think of this, then Eirin Yagokoro must have thought of it too. Given her aversion to war, she must have a backup plan to prevent this war from breaking out...

Thinking of this, Shi Bai couldn't help but breathe a slight sigh of relief.

So having a capable student is really nice, especially one with the brilliant mind of the moon who anticipates everything... Hmm? What's that line of text on the back...?

Turning the note over, Shi Bai felt a little strange, but after reading the contents of the note, cold sweat involuntarily streamed down his forehead.

In the line on the back, Yagokoro Eirin discussed with him in a rather kind tone the reason why her pet moon pigeon had died after crashing into a bamboo stalk. She also kindly suggested that the new pet she sent to deliver the letter this time should not have any accidents. If possible, she would like to see the reply delivered by the carrier pigeon.

Moon dove? There are no doves here, this is clearly just a picture...

His lips twitched involuntarily, and Shi Bai slowly lowered his head, his face slightly stiff. Then he saw the fragrant roasted pigeon in front of him, which had already been devoured by Kaguya Houraisan and Fujiwara no Mokou... Where was his portion?!

"Kaguya, could you explain to me briefly where you found this note?"

Looking up at Kaguya Houraisan, who was pretending to be looking around at the scenery with an innocent expression, Shi Bai's words carried a hint of gritted teeth.

"Of course I found it~ I was taking a walk in the woods when I suddenly saw a pigeon crash into a tree and die. I wanted to help it, but I was helpless because I don't know any medicine, so I brought this adorable pigeon back."

Kaguya Houraisan shook her head, a look of regret on her face.

"Then when I found this pigeon, I suddenly noticed a piece of paper scattered on the ground. After picking it up, I realized that it was written by Yonglin to you, my elder brother. Don't you think that's a coincidence?"

Princess Du's face was filled with innocence.

Shi Bai: "..."

After a moment of silence, Shi Bai turned to look at Fujiwara no Mokou, who was sneaking away.

"Haha, the weather is really nice today... I didn't mean to leave it for you!! I'm so sorry!!"

Before she could finish half of the excuse she was making for herself, Fujiwara no Mokou automatically surrendered, obediently pointing to a certain NEET princess next to her, betraying her without hesitation.

"It was Kaguya who suggested that there wasn't enough pigeon, so she and I shared it!"

"Nonsense!! You ate half of this pigeon-shaped 'Mokou' too!!"

Kaguya Houraisan retorted sharply, revealing their superficial sisterly relationship in an instant.

Then, the two of them started arguing, and even got up and seemed about to fight. But just as Shi Bai was about to stop them... they had already escaped his attack range and turned and ran away together in perfect unison.

"........."

Looking at the pile of bones left over from the meal, Shi Bai suddenly felt like playing a piece called "Erquan Yingyue" for himself.

P.S.: Long live the pigeons! ヽ(ー_ー)ノ

Take a day off

I have a health problem, a severe headache, so I need to take a day off.

The following is just filler to reach the word count...

Outside the long pavilion, along the ancient road, fragrant grasses stretch to the horizon.

The evening breeze rustles the willows, the flute's melody fades, the setting sun shines beyond the mountains.

At the ends of the earth, my close friends are scattered and few remain.

A pot of turbid wine exhausts the remaining joy, tonight's parting dream is cold.

Chapter Thirty: Even Xiaoye couldn't beat me!

The Moon Capital, Eirin Yagokoro's exclusive laboratory.

"No, it's still missing a crucial point..."

Leaning back in her chair, Yagokoro Eirin touched her forehead with her fingers, which were damp with cool water, looking slightly tired.

Some things are not so easy to understand. At her current point, there are too many things she can't let go of, and in many situations, she is often powerless to change her circumstances.

Otherwise, the invasion war against the other world by the Lunar Capital a thousand years ago would never have been possible. In that war, the things she could do were actually quite limited.

From that time on, she deliberately began to sever the distance between herself and other gods, and wearily supported and waited for the growth of her successor. At the beginning, she actually chose Kaguya Houraisan, but later changed it to the sisters Watatsuki Yorihime and Watatsuki Toyohime.

Her original plan was to quietly leave the Moon Capital after they had grown up to find her teacher and learn from him as before. However, due to the turmoil caused by the Elixir of Penglai in the Moon Capital, she had to change her plans several times.

Kaguya Houraisan could no longer stay in the Lunar Capital; without her, it would be a hell for her. So she had to take the other person with her and escape... just escape.

Because with their strength, they simply cannot fight against the behemoth that is the Lunar Capital. If a battle were to break out, regardless of the final outcome, the Lunar Capital would be completely destroyed.

She wasn't old-fashioned; she simply didn't want to see her life's work destroyed. No one loved the Moon Capital more than she did, and Moonlit Night knew this clearly, which was why they trusted her so much... But now she had to leave the Moon Capital.

"...Should we ask the teacher for help? No, the teacher's current condition is not suitable. He still needs my medication to recuperate..."

As if she had thought of something, Yagokoro Eirin sighed with a hint of helplessness.

Perhaps even Shi Bai himself didn't know that when Yagokoro Eirin performed that surgery on him before... she briefly entered the prison in his heart.

Although the time spent inside was quite short, it was enough for Yagokoro Eirin to understand the situation there. Whether it was due to luck or misfortune, among those thirteen cells, the one Yagokoro Eirin encountered was the one ranked first in terms of danger, the one who was most like a normal person and the easiest to get along with, the most harmless but also the most dangerous—the one that Tokihaku called Tokihaku.

Yagokoro Eirin didn't want to bother her teacher with such a trivial matter, as the teacher's problems were already quite serious.

"...How about we find the remaining key factor on the ground?"

Perhaps because she thought of her teacher, Yagokoro Eirin suddenly thought of a feasible solution to a key point in her plan, but she immediately frowned again.

"But if we were to proceed with the plan according to that idea, we would need a very reliable leader... Would there be a suitable candidate on the ground?"

While she was lost in thought, a magic circle on the table in front of her suddenly lit up. A moment later, when the light dimmed, an intricately carved wooden box appeared on the table in front of her.

After a moment of surprise, Yagokoro Eirin reached out and opened the box. When she saw what was inside, she quickly fell silent.

"........."

Because of her previous painful experience of her pet pigeon being hit by a tree and killed, she added a few lines to the note when she sent the letter this time.

The reply must be delivered by one's own pigeon.

Eirin Yagokoro thought this would ensure everything was alright and that her beloved pet would return safely. But who could explain to her... what was going on with the pigeon inside the wooden box in front of her, which was basically just a skeleton?!

Upon discovering that all the bones that made up her beloved pet moon pigeon were intact and that all the joints were glued together with superglue, she became even more silent.

Perhaps this could be considered a reply sent back by one's own pigeon?

Just as Yagokoro Eirin began to question her life, before she could even retrieve the reply letter that was trapped under the pigeon's claws, the door to her laboratory was suddenly pushed open, and the figure of the Detective Heroine silently walked in from outside.

"........."

Putting aside the thought of reading the reply for the moment, Eirin Yagokoro silently closed the box, then looked up at the Detective Hishikami sitting across from her at the table.

"Are you really sure you want to stay in the Moon Capital? If you want to leave, you can actually choose to leave with me."