The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 101

"And you brought her inside the castle?! Do you have any idea what you've done?" he asked, disbelieving.

"We know, yes," Suguru answered.

Seimei placed his hands on his knees. He leaned forward — they must have been more powerful than he expected. He'd noticed it of course, but there was something more to it now that he was paying attention. It was common for sorcerers to disguise their true power, especially these days. This was more purposeful — more insistent. They were hiding it in plain sight for a reason.

"We came to speak with you about our current mission, but we have come across an issue," Suguru said calmly, his eyes opening to stare into Seimei's. His stare was cold and serious, a sudden shift that set Seimei off his game. "We want access to the shrine for the fox curse tonight. We will be removing this girl's soul from Tamamo-no-mae's body."

"Ah, and what will happen with the Fox then?" Seimei asked.

"Ideally," Suguru chuckled, "she'll do as she's told and make herself scarce. But we'll see. She's always got something up her sleeve."

Seimei found himself speechless again. "But, you can't—"

"We'll take care of it," Satoru interrupted. "Don't you worry a thing about it."

"It's in your best interest to stay out of our way," Suguru added.

Seimei held up his hand. No, these sorcerers were not the usual bunch. Perhaps they could be useful? It was best to allow them to use what they pleased. The emperor need not even know until after their actions with the fox. Should they actually banish her — well, that's just perfect! And if they don't? He can take his opportunity to try to catch her himself.

"I will allow it," he said calmly, "But I would hear nothing of your "mission" until after this ordeal. Then I would like to hear the details. Perhaps we can work together! It's been such a long time since I've been able to leave the castle walls, myself."

"So you want us to prove ourselves do you?" Boe scoffed, quickly putting her head back down with a scowl.

Seimei sneered. "Yes, that's exactly what I'd like you to do."

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The courtyard behind the castle was hushed and lanterns flickered along the stone path, casting long pale shapes across the ground. With every step closer the oppressive feeling of cursed energy tingled in the air. The guards beside them kept their spears close, but their nerves were already starting to fray.

Sarah walked ahead, wrists bound by black rope, but her steps carried an arrogant confidence despite it. Tamamo's expression didn't sit quite right on her face — haughty and irritated. She was out of patience, and beside her Satoru matched that energy. His arms were in his sleeves, displaying the nobility he so rarely showed. Perfectly trained posture, his expression even and eyes bright and focused ahead, but the aggravation barely simmering beneath.

At a careful distance, Suguru, Nanami, Boe, and Rin followed. The concern was evident on all of their faces, but they still followed without hesitation. And further back, nearest to the edge of the courtyard, Abe no Seimei watched with his own entourage. His eyes were narrowed, his head cocked in lazy arrogance. He seemed assured that this would go wrong.

When they neared the shrine her posture straightened, chin tilted and lashes fluttering up at Satoru beside her. Tamamo-no-mae's voice slid out smooth and mocking, "Will you be so kind, Satoru sweetheart? Remove these bindings. They do not suit me."

Satoru didn't answer. His expression didn't even waver. He loosened the knots with his fingers and slipped the ropes free.

The entire courtyard held its breath.