I who was reincarnated as the shadowy villain with the power to antagonize the nation, worked hard since infancy to avoid the flag of ruin, resulting in an extraordinary magical power that made me the strongest.

The night after the simulated battle between Tenji and Fuyuma, at the Hinanai residence’s veranda, Kyoshirou and Fuyuma gazed at the moonlight reflected in the pond in the garden while enjoying sake.

There was no awkwardness in the flowing silence as the two quietly raised their cups and drank. Perhaps it was around the time when the koi in the pond leaped into the air, and the wind chimes gently sounded their pleasant notes.

“…Hey, Kyoshirou. who is that kid?”

With eyes as cold as ice, Fuyuma caught Kyoshirou in his gaze and spoke.

Kyoshirou refilled his empty cup and calmly responded.

“Who he is? Of course, he’s my pride and joy, my son.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. That kid’s strength is abnormal—no, it’s extraordinary.”

Despite being a first-class practitioner himself, Fuyuma hadn’t anticipated being challenged by a four-year-old. To be clear, they hadn’t gone all out; it was merely a simulated battle to train Tenji. However…

“That final strike from that child made me realize that I need to prepare myself seriously.”

Fuyuma remained silent.

“In addition, that child, Tenji-kun… He has shikigami under his command, doesn’t he?”

Fuyuma pointed out, having sensed two different sources of magic energy within Tenji. Even though they were concealed to the extent that ordinary onmyoji couldn’t detect them, Fuyuma was different due to his expertise in manipulating magic energy.

“Indeed. Well done for noticing. I’ll tell you, but you must never breathe a word of it to anyone. Well, eventually, you’ll find out anyway.”

Kyoshirou poured more sake and continued.

“Now then… What comes to your mind when you hear ‘golden eyes’?”

“Could it be… ‘Catastrophic Demon’?”

“The ‘Catastrophic Demon.’ It’s the name of the most sinister demon, the one that once single-handedly brought a city to the brink of destruction and took twelve first-class onmyoji in Japan to finally exorcise.”

Back then, Fuyuma was one of those twelve, deeply involved in the worst battle.

“That’s why I remember it so clearly. Its eyes shone golden like ice. Among demons, the color of their eyes varies by rank, but there has only been one with golden eyes—the ‘Catastrophic Demon.'”

“…What?!”

Recalling those memories and hesitating, Fuyuma realized what Kyoshirou was implying.

“That’s right. It’s exactly what you’re thinking. Tenji’s shikigami, its eyes… they shine with a golden light.”

Fuyuma was left speechless.

If what Kyoshirou was saying were true, then Tenji could become an entity capable of shaking an entire nation if he wished.

“…It doesn’t seem like he poses an immediate threat. He seems to have some purpose and won’t act unless provoked.”

“I see. Nevertheless, it’s terrifying. If a demon like that follows his command as a shikigami, even a regular practitioner wouldn’t have enough magic energy to control it.”

“Exactly. The amount of magic energy Tenji has… Even if you combined yours and Kujou-sama’s, it might not be enough. I can’t even begin to fathom the abyss he might be peeking into.”

“That’s unbelievable. But I’ve heard something good.”

Kyoshirou smiled while raising his cup.

Fuyuma grinned, forming a crescent-shaped smile.

“My suspicions were not unfounded.”

He couldn’t help but imagine the bored expression on his beloved daughter’s face.

“I’d really like you to meet my daughter. Kyoshirou, would you consider coming to Kyoto for Shichi-Go-San a year from now?”

“Huh?”

Confused by this sudden request, Kyoshirou tilted his head. Fuyuma’s desire was driven by his eagerness to share stories with his daughter, Shizuku.

He believed that Kyoshirou would understand, and he hoped that Kyoshirou could respond to his daughter’s talents. He hoped that Kyoshirou could lift her out of her loneliness.

That’s the feeling he had.