"The Idea of a Woman Stealing Someone Else's Partner is Ridiculous," I laughed. But After Being Reborn, I Became a Victim of Such a Woman. However, My New Fiancée was Absolutely Amazing. - Episode 37

“U-um, I made a lot of food, so if you don’t mind, Vice Captain Suzurugi, please join us for the meal.”

“Huh? No, I wouldn’t want to impose since you weren’t prepared for me.”

“It’s fine! Actually, I used a spirit charm to modify a safe into a refrigerator, so I was able to prepare a lot in advance. I cooked plenty of food. I’m not sure if it will suit the tastes of two people who always eat delicious meals, but please have some as a way to replenish your spirit energy.”

The head of the Kujou family, Fumi-sama, told me, “Come learn how to cook at least twice a week,” which just shows how simple and common my cooking tastes are. It’s a little embarrassing, but…

Well, at least I’ve gotten a little better with practice—probably!

Even if the taste isn’t perfect, I’m confident in the amount of spirit energy infused in it!

Fumi-sama even approved of that!

Vice Captain Suzurugi looked confused at my invitation.

Huh? Was it weird for me to invite him?

I glanced at my father, and he also seemed a little puzzled.

However, their expressions carried different meanings.

My father looked like he didn’t understand why my invitation was causing hesitation, while Vice Captain Suzurugi seemed to be looking at Kouga, as if asking for permission.

I followed his gaze and looked at Kouga.

Did I mess up by inviting him?

“It’s a kind offer.”

“Really? Are you sure? This is your fiancée’s homemade meal. You might not get to eat as much if I join in.”

“We must be fully prepared for the barrier repair. Especially this time.”

“Hmm… Well, that’s true, but…”

Especially this time…?

There was something about the way he said that—it felt like he was implying something serious.

“Is it true that a Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of a Hundred Demons) is going to happen?”

My father asked with a solemn expression.

I had heard about it from Sayuri, but… wait, is that rumor really spreading?

If my father is aware of it, does that mean it’s actually serious?

“I can’t say for certain that it will happen, but if we check the dates of past Hyakki Yagyō occurrences over the centuries, they often coincide with the day of the barrier repairs.”

“That’s… concerning.”

“They say Kaikitō (Spirit-Weaving Beans) have no will of their own, but the Miasma that forms from their severed branches creates Malignant Spirits, and they instinctively try to break the barrier and head toward the capital. The day when the barrier is at its weakest and the most powerful spirit energy gathers for repairs—that is the day of the Four Seasons Barrier Restoration. It seems to be an instinct for Malignant Spirits to be drawn to that energy. Over time, people started calling it the Hyakki Yagyō.”

Seriously…?!

I had no idea the barrier repair was such a dangerous event!

“That said, our Malignant Spirit Extermination Squad constantly reduces their numbers to ensure the barrier repairs proceed safely. The reason people say the risk of a Hyakki Yagyō is high this time is likely because of Kouga’s poor health over the past six months.”

Kouga lowered his head and pressed his lips together tightly.

Wait, isn’t it wrong to blame Kouga alone for this?

That’s not fair…!

“Are you saying it’s Kouga’s fault, Vice Captain?”

“No. It would be more accurate to say that people are using his poor condition as an excuse to spread such rumors. However, it is true that our squad has failed to eliminate some of our targets. That is our responsibility as a whole, not Kouga’s alone.”

“No, it’s my fault… It’s because I was weak. I wasn’t able to protect my subordinates.”

“It’s not your fault.”

I exchanged a glance with my father.

People like Kouga, who possess an enormous amount of spirit energy, use up a lot of it, making it difficult to recover fully.

So, it’s not really his fault at all.

There was nothing he could have done.

Restoring spirit energy requires consuming meals infused with spirit power.

And for someone with as much spirit energy as Kouga, there are very few people who can cook meals with enough infused energy to help him recover.

“Even so, I couldn’t protect my subordinates. The squad’s morale dropped, and I couldn’t replenish my energy properly. If the Hyakki Yagyō happens, it will be my responsibility.”

“Kouga.”

Vice Captain Suzurugi gave him a sharp look, but Kouga simply shook his head.

As if he truly believed it was all his fault.

That attitude was starting to irritate me.

“Kouga, if you’re going to keep saying things like that, then eat first!”

“Huh…?”

“When you’re hungry, you can’t think properly! Didn’t you say that a lack of spirit energy weakens the body and mind? So please, both of you, eat a lot! Then, at the barrier repair, prove those ridiculous rumors wrong! If you want, you can even come here for breakfast on the day of the event. My cooking is still a work in progress, but I’ll make sure to infuse it with plenty of spirit energy! …O-of course, I’ll save enough for the barrier repairs, too…”

I’d be in trouble if I ran out of spirit energy myself on that day.

But I want to show the people spreading those dumb rumors.

These soldiers risk their lives every day to protect us.

And when they’re at full strength, they can handle a Hyakki Yagyō without breaking a sweat!

“I’ll bring out the food now!”

“…Then, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Yes! Please eat as much as you’d like!”

I called out to the waiting attendants in the hallway.

I’m going to make sure they eat until they’re stuffed.

As I was thinking that, Vice Captain Suzurugi patted Kouga on the back and said, “You’ve truly found yourself a good fiancée.”

S-stop it…!