21st Century Necromancer

Returning to the Necromantic Space, Chen Yu expressed his gratitude to Artoria and Joan of Arc for their assistance, as well as to the ship-girls for their support, before finally retreating into the castle.

"Honey, you're back? Are you okay? I saw some ship-girls leave earlier—what was that Ghoul about? Did you manage to figure it out?" Jounouchi Hiromi, who had returned slightly earlier than Chen Yu, hurriedly asked with concern when she saw him come back.

"It was the two Ghouls from Meiji Shrine. The one who went to Minami's house was Empress Shoken. They must be running out of patience." Chen Yu embraced his wife, helped her sit down, and then explained, "However, when Artoria, Joan of Arc, and I pursued them to Meiji Shrine, Emperor Meiji was rather impolite and even seemed prepared to fight us. So, I called in reinforcements—just to make a point."

"Emperor Meiji? Empress Shoken? Are you talking about those enshrined at Meiji Shrine? How are they involved in all this?" Jounouchi Hiromi asked in surprise, her confusion evident as she looked at Chen Yu.

Still, as she questioned Chen Yu, her gaze betrayed her deep concern and worry for him.

Chen Yu comforted his wife, his smile soothing as he explained, "Hiromi, you've forgotten that this matter involves my collaboration with the Inari God, haven't you? While the Inari God is undoubtedly powerful as a deity, there are some things even They need others to handle. The two Ghouls at Meiji Shrine are collaborators brought in by the Inari God.

But from the looks of it now, it seems like a certain former Emperor hasn't quite wrapped his head around the situation and still thinks he's the Emperor!"

Although Chen Yu's words reassured Jounouchi Hiromi, they also left her with a sense of absurdity.

In Japan, ordinary people have a deep reverence for the Emperor, and this stems largely from the Meiji Restoration Period, during which Emperor Meiji established the absolute authority of the Emperor through legal reforms and elevated the Emperor to the status of a spiritual symbol for the Japanese population.

As for Emperor Meiji himself, being a prominent figure in Japan's modern history, his influence is naturally immortalized in bold strokes throughout historical accounts.

Thus, for Jounouchi Hiromi, the idea of a conflict between Chen Yu and Emperor Meiji felt downright surreal.

Nevertheless, despite the absurdity, Jounouchi Hiromi resolutely chose to stand by her husband. After listening to Chen Yu's explanation, she asked with concern, "What do you plan to do next, honey? Should you seek out the Inari God and ask them to issue a warning? Do you think they might cause trouble for you?"

"I'll definitely go see the Inari God, but there's no need to trouble Them with issuing warnings for such matters. After encountering Warspite and the others, as long as that Emperor Meiji has any shred of sense left, he won't choose to confront us head-on." Chen Yu didn't think it necessary to involve the Inari God at this stage, though Jounouchi Hiromi's concerns were not without merit. "That said, to prevent them from scheming in the shadows, I should notify the Inari God regardless."

Hearing Chen Yu say this, Jounouchi Hiromi felt considerably relieved. She nodded and asked, "Are you heading over there now?"

"Yes, there's no time to lose. I'd better go see the Inari God right away." Chen Yu smiled at Jounouchi Hiromi, gently brushing her cheek. "You should rest early, honey. I'll be back soon—no need to wait up for me."

With that, Chen Yu turned and left to report the situation to the Inari God.

As she watched Chen Yu depart, Jounouchi Hiromi couldn't help but feel a lingering worry, even though she knew the situation wasn't as dire as she initially feared.

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Upon leaving the Necromantic Space, Chen Yu didn't choose to walk as he usually would. Instead, he used the power of a spell to appear directly before the Inari God.

The Inari God, upon seeing Chen Yu materialize before Them, showed a flicker of surprise. Setting down Their teacup, They asked, "Lord Chen Yu, what brings you here at such a late hour?"

"It's still about that matter." Without reservation, Chen Yu sat before the Inari God and recounted the events that had transpired. "Earlier, while I was dining at Minami's little shop, I ran into Empress Shoken from Meiji Shrine. It seems they're growing a bit impatient. Later, when I pursued the matter to Meiji Shrine, that Emperor Meiji had an overbearing attitude—as though he still believed himself to be the Emperor."

"Oh? Such a thing happened?" After hearing Chen Yu's account, the Inari God's brows furrowed slightly.

To Them, Emperor Meiji was not someone They held in high esteem, and They couldn't help but comment upon hearing Chen Yu's story, "The temperament of a sovereign—truly unfit for divine occupation."

Hearing the Inari God's critique of Emperor Meiji, Chen Yu couldn't help but reflect inwardly. For those who had been Emperors during their lifetimes, adjusting their mentality after death was undoubtedly a struggle.

Especially for those who had wielded absolute power at their peak, living a life where everyone complied with their every command—it was almost impossible for them to shift from a mindset of imperial supremacy to that of an ordinary spirit.

This was precisely why emperors aspiring to ascend as ghastly gods were numerous throughout history, yet only a scant few ever succeeded.

The obstacles were twofold: first, a lack of noteworthy deeds during their lives meant insufficient Power of Faith to solidify their position. Second, their mentality couldn't withstand the stark reality of being reduced from a supreme sovereign to nothing more than a wandering ghost, less significant than even a minor mountain deity.

Nevertheless, Chen Yu hadn't come to the Inari God to critique Emperor Meiji's disposition. After briefly explaining the earlier events, Chen Yu addressed the Inari God, "Now that someone's grown restless, it's better to resolve this matter sooner rather than later. I've already completed my preparations on my side. May I ask if Lord Miketsu's arrangements are also in place?"

"Although a few deities have yet to agree to join, all the necessary contacts have been made. When the time comes for the plan's execution, They will unite in response." The Inari God nodded slightly, providing a definitive answer to Chen Yu's inquiry.

Hearing this, Chen Yu nodded in satisfaction. "In that case, let's proceed as per the previously agreed plan. It's indeed time to bring this matter to an end."

"I entrust everything to you, Lord Chen Yu. Once the matter is resolved, both the Divine Position of the Sanzu River and The Other Shore will be yours to claim." The Inari God solemnly reaffirmed Their promise, reiterating the reward offered initially.

Chen Yu smiled faintly. Though he wasn't overly attached to acquiring the Divine Positions of the Sanzu River and The Other Shore, he had no reason to turn down such an incentive either.

"We'll discuss the division of benefits after the matter is settled. Meanwhile, I suggest issuing a warning to those two at Meiji Shrine. It would be best to ensure they don't introduce unnecessary complications to our plan."