Chapter 61: Make Your Choice Now

Inari is not fixed as a single, absolute deity.

In ancient times, whether due to inconvenient transportation or differing opinions, people worshipped various distinct entities. Among them, the belief in deities governing bountiful harvests was the most widespread, and those who held this faith were the most devout. Grain, regardless of the era, remains of paramount importance. Through the vicissitudes of history, the most representative Inari emerged: Miketsu, the benevolent deity who brought the harvest to the mortal realm.

As the worship ritual concluded, some people could not help but feel a sense of disappointment as they looked at the completely unresponsive surroundings. Commissioner Hakuba quickly adjusted his mindset and politely asked Yae Sakura, "May I ask the shrine maiden, has Lord Miketsu bestowed any divine decree?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the others set aside all other concerns and turned to look at Yae Sakura with eyes full of anticipation.

"I am merely a shrine maiden; I am unworthy of the title of shrine maiden of the deity," Yae Sakura replied, shaking her head slightly to first reject his designation of her as such. "Please, follow me."

The group followed Yae Sakura to another side hall. Upon reaching the center of the hall, Yae Sakura knelt gracefully on the floor. The others mirrored her action, kneeling down and facing her.

"Mortal affairs are of little importance to the gods," Yae Sakura said, her words shocking them by directly revealing that the deities did not care about the tragic events unfolding in the human world. "However, Lord Miketsu is a benevolent god, and she is willing to bestow her grace to protect pure-hearted souls."

Hearing this, the people present exchanged glances until one of them finally could not help but ask, "Shrine Maiden Yae, I wonder if we might have an audience with Lord Miketsu?"

The speaker was the Minister of Justice, though as everyone knew, those who studied the law often had a few screws loose...

*Could this fellow be a spy sent by America?!*

The shrine maiden had brought them all the way here, which clearly meant Miketsu had no desire to see them, yet you were the one with too much to say!

Yae Sakura’s eyes narrowed—just a fraction, not even a hundredth of a centimeter, returning to normal almost instantly, yet it was still caught by Commissioner Hakuba and others with keen vision. He immediately apologized on the man's behalf: "Please forgive the shrine maiden, he has just lived through the riots and his mind is not quite clear."

Yae Sakura calmly replied, "It is of no consequence. Lord Miketsu is a benevolent deity, but your merits are not yet sufficient for an audience. State the doubts within your hearts, and I shall answer them for you."

Come to think of it, how could a god be so easily seen?

The crowd let out a collective sigh of relief. They desperately wanted to give that fool a severe beating, but right now, such trivial matters were not the priority.

Who should ask the first question?

The Prime Minister looked toward Commissioner Hakuba.

Of all present, this man had had the most close-range contact with the supernatural, both previously and this time. Bearing the high expectations of the others, Commissioner Hakuba remained unfazed. Having accumulated numerous questions with nowhere to turn for answers, he naturally would not let slip such an opportunity.

First.

"Shrine Maiden Yae, I have lingering doubts concerning Sagamibo of Hakutake."

"That being has not yet returned; there is no need to worry," Yae Sakura answered evenly.

Hearing this reply, many present breathed a sigh of relief. Ever since the news of that Great Tengu had reached them, they had been filled with anxiety. According to legend, that entity's goal was the destruction of the island nation, and a Great Tengu of that caliber was obviously no ordinary supernatural being. When they first learned of it, many had not taken it seriously, believing modern military might had nothing to fear from a mere tengu.

Now... *that was something the Imperial Household stirred up, so don't try to pin the blame on the present administration!*

As for Yae Sakura saying he had "not yet returned" rather than "will not return"—well, that was enough. As long as he didn't suddenly appear in Tokyo to slaughter the Imperial Household and the Cabinet, any day bought was a day won.

He continued his inquiry, "And the origins of the umbrella-bearer?"

"They are connected to the Underworld."

"What is their purpose?"

"To release the demons lingering in the Underworld back into the mortal realm."

To speak of such monstrous things in such a calm tone...

*"Release the demons back into the mortal realm?!"*

The volume that involuntarily rose reflected their deeply shaken hearts.

The Prime Minister could no longer care that Commissioner Hakuba was better suited to ask questions; his expression turned tense as he pressed further.

"That ancient divine war shattered the world into fragments. The neglected Underworld gathered a vast multitude of human and demonic souls, and what they intend to do is unleash the Hundred Demons back among mortals."

Hearing such profound secrets so abruptly filled everyone with dread. Everyone knew that "Hundred Demons" was merely a descriptive term. It could mean a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand—it was endless!

Some noticed that Yae Sakura’s attitude toward that divine war was guarded and reticent, and they instantly understood that the waters here ran far deeper than they had imagined.

"This... is there any method of subjection? To not conceal it from the shrine maiden, the island nation's current supernatural defenses are quite weak, and even those scattered spirits are difficult to subdue. I dare ask, has Lord Miketsu bestowed any method of resolution? Whether through offerings or anything else, we are willing to pay any price! This is for the lives of the vast multitude of innocent citizens."

With that, the Prime Minister dropped straight to the floor in a full prostration. His sincerity far surpassed that of acting as America's loyal lapdog.

Yet Yae Sakura merely swept her gaze over them coldly, her rosy lips parting slightly.

"Lacking in virtue, remiss in reverence toward the gods."

The calm words struck like rolling thunder, leaving everyone thunderstruck and utterly speechless.

Before the supernatural manifested, who had ever truly been devout to the so-called gods? Weren't those rituals just meant to draw in religious factions? Which serious politician was ever a religious fanatic?

And so... things had become rather awkward now.

This short sentence held far too much meaning. Translated literally, its simplest implication was likely: *Are you even worthy?*

Perhaps this was the real truth behind why they had been denied an audience with the deity.

Commissioner Hakuba took a deep breath, completely rendered speechless by his colleagues who were so utterly clueless about the supernatural.

*You people almost managed to ruin everything!*

Fortunately, the general intelligence had been acquired; now came the final question. Bearing the pressure brought by his ignorant colleagues who spoke solely out of self-interest, he hardened his expression.

"Might the shrine maiden tell us something of the origins of that lord who crossed the sea? Once we are prepared, we wish to pay a visit to His Excellency."

He stated this with complete frankness. Currying favor with a supernatural heavyweight—what was there to be ashamed of? Sitting in this position, the very first thing one had to discard was useless pride. If he could trade such a costless commodity for the support of the strong, he hoped for more opportunities of the kind.

Yae Sakura’s expression turned solemn.

The others felt their hearts leap into their throats. With an expression like that, they knew without a doubt it was a matter of earth-shattering importance.

"I, too, know very little about that lord," Yae Sakura’s words caused them to concentrate intensely, holding their breath, not daring to speak too loudly.

They addressed him as "Lord" because Minazuki Bai had been able to march grandly into the shrine and converse with the deity of Inari, and because Yae Sakura—currently the only recognized shrine maiden of Inari—held such an attitude. All of this pointed unequivocally to that person's supreme nobility!

"Lord Miketsu informed me that that lord is destined to achieve great accomplishments, to reach the very pinnacle of this world, and to attain eternal life."

His words were astonishing enough to take one's breath away. At that moment, everyone present finally and completely comprehended the true weight of those words.