The crimson princess

Pov Dia,

I was waiting for Yasaka to return with the adult and the four children because two of them were from the Oni royalty and wanted to thank me.

Dia: "You have shown great talent, you know."

Old Man: "It's nothing compared to you. I never reached transcendence."

It's a bit sad that he didn't succeed, especially when I'm sure he spent centuries perfecting his technique.

Little girl with pink hair: "Onee-san, you're really strong!"

Little red-haired boy: "How can we become as strong as you?"

The group had just arrived, and it was probably the two from the royal family who decided to speak.

Dia: "It takes intensive training, avoiding reliance on just one technique, and staying motivated."

Little red-haired boy: "That's what Hakurou always says."

Dia: "Hakurou? I don't think I know him, but he seems to be a good teacher to instill such a fighting ethic."

The children looked at the old man, and I immediately understood that he was Hakurou.

Hakurou: "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier, but the circumstances weren't ideal for introductions. I am Hakurou, a swordsman who teaches the art of the katana to the new generation."

Purple-haired girl: "My name is Shion."

Blue-haired boy: "I'm Souei."

Red-haired boy: "I am Benimaru, the son of the brother of the current leader of the Oni."

Pink-haired girl: "I'm Shuna, Benimaru's little sister."

They introduced themselves in their own way. I could see that only Benimaru and Shuna had noble culture running in their veins, while Shion clearly had the least. Souei, on the other hand, was a little rough, but I didn't necessarily see that as a bad thing. I thought he might fit well in a training camp for Shadow Garden—he could even have the potential to become an executive in the organization.

I went to talk to the adult who had protected the children, even though he had no combat skills.

Dia: "Why didn't you run away with the kids?"

Man: "We were cornered, and I couldn't allow anything serious to happen to Benimaru-sama and Shuna-sama."

Dia: "You have great courage, and it's exceptional. What is your profession?"

Man: "My name is Kurobe, and I am a blacksmith."

My interest in him suddenly increased. I had always needed a blacksmith for the four Longinus I planned to create.

Dia: "Would you like to help me become a legendary blacksmith by forging Longinus?"

Kurobe: "Unfortunately, it is impossible to create Longinus."

Dia: "I have all the necessary elements to create four. I just need a blacksmith to forge the materials into the designs I've already created."

Spending a few centuries trying to find a good blacksmith has been hard, so I used the time to develop the different patterns.

Kurobe, even though he didn't entirely believe it was possible, was still intrigued by the offer and accepted.

Shuna: "Excuse me, Onee-san, but are you a devil?"

Dia: "Yes, I am. Why?"

Shuna: "I just think it's unusual for a Kitsune to be on your side—not that I don't want the races to coexist."

Dia: "This Kitsune is the daughter of Inari and Kurama, the former leaders of the Youkai faction who were murdered. To protect what her mother built, I helped her. I didn't expect your village to be attacked. It's likely the same culprit as the one behind the couple's murder."

We continued talking, and each child was enjoyable to interact with. Shion was perhaps less so than the others, as I couldn't see much potential in her.

Yasaka: "Hey, I recognize you! You're Sword Oni!"

My head turned at the mention of that name, and I saw Yasaka speaking to Hakurou.