-508- Be my shikigami

About half an hour later, the Reiki fluctuations that had been constant at the peak of Mt Gozan disappeared.

The once densely dark sky returned to its original state.

The dissipating divine energy gradually drifted away.

Even the flickering flames of the bonfire, visible from the mountaintop, vanished, leaving behind a quiet and profound Mt Gozan.

Soon after, Dairenji Suzuka descended from the mountain.

With reddened eyes and tear-streaked face, she appeared before Rozen and Natsume without the arrogance and brashness she had displayed when they first met.

In response to this, Natsume didn't know what to say, and Rozen simply looked at Dairenji Suzuka silently, saying nothing.

Because everything that needed to be said had surely been clarified between Dairenji Suzuka and her brother.

As expected...

"I won't consider using the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual' anymore."

Dairenji Suzuka, her voice hoarse from crying, spoke while shedding tears.

"Brother... didn't't want that..."

This was Dairenji Suzuka's reasoning.

Thinking about it, it was only natural.

If Dairenji Toshiya truly cared for his sister and knew that she intended to touch taboos for his sake, even willing to sacrifice her own life to bargain for his, then he would definitely stop her, wouldn't he?

For Rozen and Natsume, regardless of what was said, Dairenji Suzuka would never give up, but it was different when it came to Dairenji Toshiya.

Therefore, upon learning her brother's intentions, Dairenji Suzuka would not continue to do such a thing, no matter what.

"The departed have passed on; let them rest."

Rozen uttered only this sentence, causing Dairenji Suzuka to nod in an unusually obedient manner.

It seemed that Dairenji Suzuka's obsession had indeed been dispelled.

However, it remained unknown what Dairenji Suzuka would prepare to do after this.

Originally, Dairenji Suzuka intended to use the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual' of the Imperial-style to resurrect her brother, which was why she pursued the international top-grade Onmyoji qualification and became an expert in researching the Imperial-style.

Now, with this purpose gone, one couldn't help but worry about what Dairenji Suzuka would plan next.

In fact, Dairenji Suzuka spoke for herself.

"I no longer have a reason to return to the Onmyo Agency."

Dairenji Suzuka self-mockingly said these words.

"I might as well wait here for the Onmyo Agency to arrive and let them handle it."

This was the only way out that Dairenji Suzuka could think of.

Although Dairenji Suzuka ultimately did not perform the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual', her research into soul magic had already bordered on taboo.

Moreover, being the daughter of Dairenji Shidou, who already drew significant attention within the Onmyo Agency, attempting to break taboos this time would undoubtedly be quickly discovered by these watchful eyes, and they would seize the opportunity to apprehend her.

Previously, Dairenji Suzuka had prepared to sacrifice her own life to resurrect her brother. So, after she was confident in achieving the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual', she disregarded these people. Therefore, there would definitely be plenty of evidence left in her research room that could be discovered at any time.

Moreover, Natsume brought this piece of news.

"After my brother left us, he seemed to have immediately reported to the Onmyo Agency with Touji. So, the mystical investigators are on its way."

One could only say that this was an inevitable outcome.

In summary, Dairenji Suzuka was certain that she would not escape being captured by the Bureau of Onmyo.

However, she appeared indifferent to all this, her eyes revealing only confusion.

Seeing this, Rozen understood that this young girl was still too young after all, even though she possessed excellent jutsu skills and magical talent. Her mental state was still immature.

Thinking about this, Rozen said something to Dairenji Suzuka.

"You remember what you said, right? That as long as I help you, you'll do anything?"

Rozen brought up this matter.

"This..."

Dairenji Suzuka was stunned.

Looking at Dairenji Suzuka in this state, Rozen smiled slightly.

"Although you said you'd agree to anything if I helped you resurrect your brother, now that you've decided not to bring him back and I've allowed you to meet him, logically speaking, you owe me a favor. That should be enough for me to make a request, right?"

Rozen spoke in a straightforward manner.

In response, Dairenji Suzuka fell silent for a moment and then let out a disdainful snort.

"If you want to propose a condition, that's your business, but don't blame me for reminding you. I will soon be taken away by the mystical investigators and face disciplinary action. Don't place too much hope on me."

The implication was that if she was powerless, there was nothing Dairenji Suzuka could do. On the other hand, if there was a way, she would agree.

It was quite a circuitous way of speaking.

Rozen smirked.

"Very well..."

Rozen presented a condition.

"Be my Shikigami."

When this sentence came from Rozen's mouth, both of the girls present were dumbfounded.

"Shi... Shikigami...?"

Dairenji Suzuka was utterly astonished.

"Huh? Huh huh huh huh...!?"

Natsume, even more astonished, exclaimed.

...

Later, the mystical investigator's forces arrived at the foot of Mt Gozan.

They surrounded Rozen's group of three and also brought Harutora and Touji with them.

"Are you alright!?"

Harutora rushed over in a hurry.

"It seems like it was resolved smoothly."

Touji was a little regretful, displaying a somewhat disappointed appearance.

Of course, both of them also saw Dairenji Suzuka, but they didn't know that she was the one who sent a Shikigami to call Rozen away earlier. Hence, they were somewhat surprised.

"This person looks familiar...?"

"Isn't this the 'Child Prodigy' of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'?"

Harutora and Touji were somewhat dazed.

However, disregarding the reactions of the two, the mystical investigators surrounded Dairenji Suzuka.

"National first-class Onmyoji, Dairenji Suzuka, you are suspected of engaging in forbidden techniques. You are being arrested on charges of magical crimes. Please cooperate."

The captain of the mystical investigator's team sternly shouted these words and took Dairenji Suzuka away.

Dairenji Suzuka didn't resist and let the mystical investigators take her away. However, she no longer displayed sorrow and pain in her expression, nor did she appear strong and arrogant. All that was left was confusion.

Upon closer inspection, Natsume's face was equally unpleasant, almost as if sulking. She paid no attention to Rozen, maintaining a cold demeanor even when facing Harutora and Touji, leaving the two puzzled.

As for Rozen, he watched Dairenji Suzuka's departure and muttered these words.

"I hope this can give you a sense of purpose for your second chance at life..."

Rozen sincerely wished this.

Following that...

"You are Tsuchimikado Akikan, right?"

The captain of the mystical investigators approached seriously and threw out these words.

"Could I ask you to come with us as well?"

Upon hearing this, Rozen didn't find it strange or unexpected. He simply nodded.

"Let's go."

The words were very decisive.

So, boarding the mystical investigator's vehicle, Rozen returned to Tokyo and headed to the Onmyo Agency.