The Mansion

Listening to Seimei's words, Miketsu and Yura's first thought was the Minamoto Clan. The Minamoto Clan was originally the most skilled among Heian-kyo's Onmyo Clans in controlling shikigami. One of the biggest characteristics of the shikigami they commanded was their ability to conceal their demonic energy to a great extent. Yura and Miketsu had witnessed all of this long ago.

Furthermore, as a clan that once managed the Demon-Binding Jail, the Minamoto Clan had a considerable number of dark secrets in their past, especially concerning their attitude towards shikigami and yokai. However, in reality, many of these actions were taken by the Minamoto Clan on behalf of the entire Onmyo-ryo, from a human perspective. These past incidents were swept under the rug and left unmentioned when the Onmyo-ryo promised to abandon the Demon-Binding Jail and underwent internal changes, and a corresponding compromise was reached with Owl. But that didn't mean those things hadn't happened.

"Hmm... The Minamoto Clan is indeed a suspicious party, but those fellows have been quite low-key ever since the last incident with the Great Snake. They haven't caused any trouble for a long time. Is it highly likely they're plotting something now?" Miketsu mused, confirming that the Minamoto Clan indeed had some questionable aspects.

"This, we can't jump to conclusions," Yura, standing nearby, said with a slight frown. "The Minamoto family has been focused on research into artificial shikigami and the repair of the White Tiger Array for over a decade. They haven't had the energy to get involved in other matters." Her becoming a Senior Secretary was inseparable from the political support of the Minamoto Clan, and thus she was very familiar with the Minamoto Clan's current situation.

"I haven't definitively confirmed that this matter is related to the Minamoto Clan; it's just that their suspicion is very high at the moment. We cannot overlook their past simply because of their long period of quietude. Minamoto no Yorimitsu is a very shrewd individual. If he intends to do something in secret, I fear even you, Yura, would find it difficult to discern." Seimei continued, looking at Yura, his words carrying a hint of warning.

"But we don't have any evidence now to indicate a connection between this matter and the Minamoto Clan, do we?"

"We need to find the evidence, and the Minamoto Clan is a very clear direction for investigation. The head of the Minamoto Clan has always been the White Tiger Divine General. Without evidence, I would never easily move against him." Seimei continued, and Yura couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his words.

"The Minamoto Clan can indeed be a direction for investigation. In any case, there should be no harm in paying closer attention." After a moment of thought, Miketsu also nodded and said. Regarding whether the Minamoto Clan was involved in this matter, she planned to confirm it with divination after returning.

"Very well, in that case, I will arrange for shikigami and personnel to handle this. Don't worry, Yura, this is just for some peripheral investigation and surveillance. We will not take action until there is evidence." Seimei offered reassuring words, knowing Yura's character, she wouldn't tip off the Minamoto Clan about such matters.

"Understood... I just hope nothing comes of it on their end."

"That's good then…"

Hearing Yura's reply, Seimei smiled faintly. He then said nothing more, but poured himself a cup of tea from a teapot. He then took two small red pills from his sleeve and placed them into the tea, where they quickly dissolved completely. Afterward, Seimei quickly drank the tea.

"Are those the pills you use to treat your somnambulism?" Seeing Seimei's actions, Miketsu asked with some curiosity.

"Yes, I discovered them after consulting many medical texts. The refining method isn't difficult, and the effects are remarkable. I put in a lot of effort to cure this somnambulism." A faint smile appeared on his lips as Seimei slowly spoke.

"So, how are the effects? I've also found some remedies recently; if yours don't work, Seimei, you could try them." Listening to Seimei, Yura suddenly asked with great concern.

"Heh heh, thank you for your concern. The pills are very effective. I haven't had any somnambulism incidents for about a month now. Heh heh, finally, I don't have to worry about waking up in strange places anymore."

Seimei continued to speak with a smile, while Miketsu silently watched everything before her from the other side, pondering something without speaking further.

...

After further discussions with Seimei and Yura on other matters, Miketsu left the Astronomical Pavilion and rode her small donkey all the way out of the Greater Imperial Palace. However, this time she wasn't in a hurry to return to Mount Inari, but instead rode into the Upper Capital District. After numerous turns through the markets, she arrived before a large mansion.

"My Lady!"

As Miketsu dismounted her donkey, the guards at the mansion gate immediately bowed and spoke. Additionally, specialized servants came to lead Ami to the stables. After a simple nod of acknowledgment, Miketsu walked directly through the main gate.

This was the Asakura Residence, the nominal residence of the Great Onmyoji Asakura Hao in Heian-kyo. Although Miketsu didn't often stay overnight here, the facilities were exceptionally complete. Ox-carts, samurai, household servants... not only were none missing, but there were many of them. Just the gatekeepers at the entrance numbered six, and the stables where Ami was led were packed with fine horses.

Miketsu walked into the mansion. Household servants coming and going all bowed to her. Amidst their respectful gazes, Miketsu walked straight ahead into the house. What then met her eyes was a continuous scene of splendor and luxury.

Paper doors adorned with exquisite paintings, wooden beams inlaid with golden frames, jade calligraphy and paintings, folding screens, miniature rock gardens... All sorts of exquisitely crafted artworks decorated every corner. Arranged logically and laid out properly, the dazzling array did not appear chaotic, giving the entire house an air of noble beauty, elegant and refined.

Compared to other noble residences, which generally leaned towards simplicity, Miketsu's Asakura Residence appeared much more luxurious and grand. Just looking inside, it was almost like a miniature palace. In fact, whether it was the number of servants or the interior decorations, Miketsu's Asakura Residence exceeded the boundaries of ordinary nobility. Yet, all of this was not prepared for Miketsu herself.

After passing through several rooms, Miketsu arrived before a sliding door painted with images of a bright moon and bamboo forest. After pausing for a moment before the door, Miketsu slid it open.

Inside the beautifully decorated room, a girl of about twelve or thirteen was just finishing dressing, attended by maids. Her neat, jet-black hime-cut hair cascaded to her ankles. Exquisite jade hairpins and gold ornaments adorned it. An elaborate, luxurious, and well-fitting furisode kimono was worn over her. Her lovely face revealed a beauty beyond her years. Seeing Miketsu's arrival, the girl turned her head, an undisguised joy appearing on her face.

"Welcome back, Mother!"

"Of course, little princess…"