Invitation

Yura's expression darkened as she listened to Seimei's words. Although various signs pointed to the Minamoto Clan's involvement in the incident, she was still reluctant to believe they were the masterminds.

“Seimei, everything you've said so far is just speculation and conjecture, isn't it? There's no concrete evidence yet...”

“Yes, we don't have definitive proof of the Minamoto Clan's connection to this matter yet, but their involvement is highly probable. We cannot ignore them when we act. Furthermore, we need to use this operation to uncover crucial evidence, so we must carefully plan our approach,” Seimei said with an air of confidence. Seeing his demeanor, Miketsu calmly responded.

“It seems you already have a concrete plan for how to proceed?”

“Haha, just a suggestion. I believe that since the Minamoto Clan, one of the Three Great Clans of Heian-kyo, is likely behind this, and they live among us with informants scattered throughout Heian-kyo, a direct move to capture the Yokai would likely tip them off. Not only would the Yokai escape, but it would also give them time to destroy any relevant evidence...” Seimei unfurled the folding fan in his hand, fanning himself lightly as he spoke, continuing with a graceful expression.

“Therefore, I propose that our operation be split into two paths: one to deal with the man-eating Yokai, and the other to handle the Minamoto Clan. We'll maintain strict secrecy beforehand, then launch both simultaneously, leaving them no room to react. What do you think?” Seimei asked, his questioning gaze sweeping over Miketsu and Yura. Miketsu, her expression unchanged, nodded in response.

“What you've said makes a lot of sense. Please continue.”

“Heh, I knew Lady Yura would see clearly. First, we can invite the Minamoto Clan's patriarch and principal elders to a meeting under the pretext of discussing important matters. Then, we'll assign people to strictly monitor them. As long as the three of us, Onmyo Taiyu, sign the summons, they will have no choice but to come.

“Additionally, we must secretly assemble a small team of trusted retainers. While monitoring the Minamoto Clan's high-ranking members, we will personally lead this team to the Yokai's lair to apprehend it. I will leave a clone shikigami in the Onmyoryo to deal with the Minamoto Clan members, ensuring they don't detect anything amiss. This way, we can minimize the chance of tipping them off... This is my plan. What do you two think?” Seimei said, turning his gaze towards Miketsu and Yura.

Listening to Seimei's words, Miketsu pondered for a moment, then responded directly.

“Indeed, it's a well-considered and feasible plan. The Minamoto Clan's suspicion is too great to ignore. Simply inviting their leadership for discussions and monitoring them isn't an overt display of hostility. Even if evidence later proves they weren't behind it, our good relations won't be damaged, and the matter can be handled peacefully... I think this plan is excellent, and I can accept it. What about you, Yura?” Miketsu said, looking at Yura, who was still deep in frowning thought.

“Well... if the Minamoto Clan truly isn't involved, this plan won't harm them. I suppose I can accept it too. I just hope no unexpected complications arise in the end...” Yura was particularly concerned about the Minamoto Clan, who had shown her kindness. Now that Seimei's plan had accounted for the possibility of their innocence and subsequent handling, she had no reason to object.

“Good, since both of you agree, there's no time to lose. We'll launch the operation immediately tomorrow morning. The three of us will jointly draft a letter summoning the Minamoto Clan's family head and principal elders to the Onmyoryo for a meeting. Afterward, we'll split up to gather our trusted guards, without revealing the purpose of the operation. Tomorrow, once the Minamoto Clan members arrive, we will immediately leave the city to capture the Yokai.” As he spoke, Seimei pulled a roll of white paper from the side of his desk, picked up a brush, and began writing.

...

After Seimei finished drafting the letter, Miketsu and Yura each signed (or stamped) their names on it. They then bid farewell to Seimei and left the Astronomical Pavilion to prepare for the next day's operation.

Seimei took a small knife and cut off the written portion of the letter, unfolding it in his hand to examine it carefully. When he saw the names of the three Onmyo Taiyu signed together, a faint smile curved his lips.

“Heh...”

With a cold chuckle, Seimei rolled up the letter, placed it inside a small bamboo tube, and sealed it with a talisman. He then tossed out a white paper figure. The paper figure ignited in mid-air, transforming into a massive White Crane. Seimei handed the bamboo tube to the White Crane, which picked it up in its beak. The White Crane then flapped its wings, leaped into the sky, and flew towards the Upper Capital District.

After all this, Seimei brewed a cup of tea with the leaves on his desk. Gazing at the steaming tea, he took a vibrant red pill from his robe, dissolved it in the tea, then raised the cup and drank it in one gulp.

...

In the Upper Capital District of Heian-kyo, at the Asakura Residence, Miketsu, clad in a pure white Kariginu, sat composed in a quiet room. Before her was Makoto, a bird Yokai maiden with bright yellow wings.

“So, are you clear on everything?”

“Understood. I will convey Lady Uka's will in its entirety.”

After responding, Makoto transformed into a small, beautiful bird and flew out the window with incredible speed, heading directly towards the southern sky.

Watching the departing Makoto and the crescent moon in the sky, Miketsu let out a soft sigh.

...

In the Upper Capital District of Heian-kyo, at the Minamoto Residence.

Inside a dojo filled with various weapons, Minamoto no Yorimitsu sat in plain clothes beneath a large banner bearing the Sasa Rindo family crest. He was currently holding a white paper covered in writing, perusing it with keen interest.

“Interesting, very interesting. Three Onmyo Taiyu have simultaneously sent us an invitation for a discussion... This is the first time I've had such prestige since becoming patriarch,” Minamoto no Yorimitsu said with a smile, looking at the letter in his hand. Beside him, Onikiri, kneeling on the ground, wore a worried expression.

“My Lord, this summons from the Onmyoryo is too sudden and urgent, with no prior warning. I suspect there might be an issue,” Onikiri stated directly. Minamoto no Yorimitsu, however, replied with unusual composure.

“Don't overthink it, Onikiri. We are all officials serving the same court, Onmyoji who jointly protect the human realm. What problems could there be? Is Abe no Seimei going to set up a trap for me?” Minamoto no Yorimitsu said with a laugh, his expression radiating fearless confidence.

“Since it's a joint invitation from the three Onmyo Taiyu of the Onmyoryo, it would be disrespectful for me, Minamoto no Yorimitsu, not to go. Inform the clan elders to prepare to accompany me to the Onmyoryo tomorrow.”

“Yes, My Lord...” Onikiri responded, then vanished in a flash, leaving Minamoto no Yorimitsu alone in the room.

Minamoto no Yorimitsu set Seimei's letter aside. From beneath the books on the table, he retrieved a square, palm-sized piece of paper. It was blank, but covered with countless folded creases.

After intently staring at the paper for a moment, Minamoto no Yorimitsu moved it over the candle on the table, allowing it to burn.