Book 12: Chapter 73: The Queen’s Determination
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While Queen Kaguya admitted she was aware of Lily’s true identity, she subtly implied that her knowledge came from the Female Queendom’s intelligencework, not from Lily directly, making it clear she was trying to protect her.
"Hehe, your intelligencework 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 med 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 ces where women can stand with dignity and independence.”
“<em>Witness</em>? 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-Onnaughed 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 rified,” 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 nning 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 ns, 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 ve 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 yful 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.
Lily longed to stay with the Queen and the others, especially after witnessing the memories of Tsukuyomi no Mikoto on the ancient battlefield, which deepened her sense of connection to the Goddess and the Celestial Maidens. However, she had sworn to return with Rakshasa-Onna and Asura-Onna, and breaking that promise now would be dishonorable.
Driven by her determination to save the Queen, Lily had sworn to return with them. To go back on her word now, in their presence, would tarnish her integrity. While she would use any tactic against an enemy, here, among those who were neither true allies nor foes but had shown her kindness, Lily felt bound to honor her vow.
Lily bowed apologetically and said, "I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I made a promise that after this battle, I would return with Her Highness Rakshasa to fulfill the mission of the Hundred Maidens."
“Why?” the Queen asked in surprise, clutching Lily’s hand, clearly reluctant to let her leave. She whispered, "Is this the condition they set for saving me?"
“Your Majesty…”
Caught in a difficult situation, the Queen, despite her strength and current predicament, couldn’t force Lily to stay without risking Lily’s honor or appearing ungrateful.
The Queen sighed deeply, still holding Lily’s hand. "Lynne, do you realize the danger of the Hundred Maidens? Out of one hundred, only one survives. Though your strength has grown, thepetition is about more than just power. Even the smallest risk worries me."
Lily gently reassured her, "Your Majesty, please don’t worry. Beyond strength, there are other aspects where I’m confident I won’t fall short."
Lily’s confidence wasn’t baseless. Her strength surpassed many of the other contestants, and when it came to other qualities—whether beauty, grace, or elegance—she wasn’t one to boast, but she was determined not to falter in her mission.
The Queen, feeling a bit more at ease, turned to Rakshasa-Onna and Asura-Onna. "Though I have faith in Lynne’s abilities, should she face defeat in the Night Parade, my queendom will spare no expense to ensure her freedom. I doubt any other ce could offer a better bargain."
Her resolve was unmistakable.
"Rest assured, arrangements will be made for that," Rakshasa-Onna replied with a smile.
Moved, Lily responded, "I can’t thank you enough, Your Majesty1."
“What do you mean, Lynne? You risked your life fighting Supreme Gods to save us!” the Queen added, echoing Lily’s emotions.
“Alright, must we really have these discussions here in the Female Prison Hell?” Asura-Onna interrupted. “It’s time to leave. Lily,e with us.”
Helpless, Lily reluctantly released the Queen’s hand and moved toward Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna.
“Wait!” the Queen suddenly called out. “Even though Wakarai and Umashi have retreated, there’s no guarantee they won’t try to ambush us again. It would be safer to travel together. Either of our groups could be at risk if we run into those two powerful foes alone.”
After a brief pause, the Queen added, “Allow me to apany Lynne.”
The sisters exchanged nces and nodded in agreement.
“What you say makes sense. Let’s return together,” Asura-Onna agreed.
“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 identally 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 ridefortably.
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 minionsy in ambush.
"Damn it! They’reing back together!" Umashi growled, mming 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, therey 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…”