"It's about Benimaru." Damien said. "Kaede-san's request is for a marriage alliance with the kijin."
"The couple in question would be the Tengu's princess and Benimaru."
The kijin held an unparalleled position in the Monster Kingdom, arguably the strongest clan.
With four followers, plus their status as kin, their influence was immense.
Kaede, being a shrewd leader, knew that tying the Tengu to the kijin would secure their place under Damien's rule.
Damien didn't mind such strategizing.
A mother and clan leader wanting the best for her daughter and people was only natural.
"So it's Benimaru…"
"That means Benimaru will be Hakurou's son-in-law, right?" Shion said, realization dawning.
Her stance reflected the kijin's position... they had no objections and were willing to accept the terms.
"Congratulations, Akahiko." Hoshiga said, nudging the kijin leader with his shoulder.
The Star Wolves and Kijin leaders, both middle-aged in appearance, shared a similar demeanor and had much in common.
"Hakurou's daughter, huh? Not bad." Akahiko said, though his words lacked sincerity. "I just wonder if Benimaru is willing."
Willing or not?
For a marriage alliance of this magnitude, personal choice was hardly a factor.
This was for the good of the Monster Kingdom... how could he act recklessly?
Akahiko rubbing his hands, 'Defiant son! Will you agree, or does your father need to make you agree?!'
"Just accept your new sister-in-law."
Indeed, Benimaru's sacrifice was no big deal.
If he dared say "no," Hakurou would draw his blade and take him out on the spot.
You dare reject my daughter? I'll break your legs!
Hakurou, having gained a daughter late in life, had arranged for her to marry Benimaru.
Refuse?
Then you clearly haven't learned the meaning of my sword is not to be trifled with!
"I've decided to personally lead a group there." Damien announced, his gaze sweeping over his followers. "No soldiers, just my followers."
As the lord, he couldn't miss his follower's wedding.
It was also a chance to show the Tengu the Monster Kingdom's strength.
"Then I'll accompany you as your guard." Artoria said.
New to the group and unfamiliar with many matters, she stayed quiet until now.
But with Damien traveling, she was determined to join him.
"Alright, Artoria, you're with me."
"Me too, me too!" Ogerpon raised her hand. "Ogerpon wants to come play!"
"Sure thing." Damien said, fondly patting Ogerpon's head.
He had a notorious soft spot for cute girls.
"I'll stay in town." Justeaze said. "The Einzbern children have just been revived, and I'm worried they won't adjust to life here."
Though the trip was meant to display strength, a smooth outcome would require staying there for a while.
She couldn't abandon her children at such a critical time.
"Souei, you stay too."
"Yes, my lord." Souei replied without questioning, ready to follow orders.
"Then it's settled." Damien said. "I'll take Shuna, Shion, Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Ogerpon, and Artoria... six in total."
Shuna and Shion, being kin to Benimaru and Hakurou, had to come along.
Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Ogerpon, and Artoria were Damien's trump cards to intimidate the Tengu.
[Artoria Pendragon]
[Magicules: 300,000 EP (Chosen Hero Egg)]
[Snow Empress]
[Magicules: 260,000 EP (Demon Lord Seed)]
[Ogerpon]
[Magicules: 200,000 EP (Demon Lord Seed)]
[Ice Empress]
[Magicules: 120,000 EP]
Their magicule counts varied.
This was because their current soul strength could only handle so much.
As previously noted, soul strength determined a majin's magicule capacity.
For majin with growth-oriented unique skills, increasing soul strength was as easy as eating or drinking.
[Shuna]
Magicules: 100,000 EP
[Shion]
Magicules: 100,000 EP
Shuna and Shion each had 100,000 EP.
That figure was a threshold for soul capacity.
Originally B-rank ogres, their time with unique skills was short, and their foundation was lacking.
To advance beyond Special A-rank, they needed to boost their soul strength first.
This was also the issue faced by Demon Lord Seeds like Frey and Clayman.
Damien could forcibly elevate a majin to 100,000 EP.
But that was the limit.
Beyond that, majin had to forge their own path.
Of course, once Damien amassed enough soul energy, he could empower their unique skills, raising their limits further.
"When do we leave?"
"Right now!" Damien replied.
He didn't like to dawdle.
With Hakurou and Benimaru already at the Tengu's Sacred Mountain, Damien could lock onto their location and use spatial magic to arrive instantly.
Meanwhile, deep in the Kusha Mountains in the eastern Jura Forest, within the Tengu's hidden village…
"Mother."
"Father."
A girl in a white kimono, with beast ears atop her head, gazed earnestly at the white-haired woman resting in bed.
Beside her, Hakurou sat attentively.
Their bond, undiminished by 300 years of separation, had only grown stronger.
"Oh, Momiji-chan, you're here." Hakurou said, stroking his long beard with a warm smile. "Benimaru hasn't been bullying you, has he?"
"No, Benimaru-sama's swordsmanship is exceptional, and I've learned much from him."
"Good, good." Hakurou nodded, relieved to hear the youngsters were getting along.
Unlike the original story, where Benimaru and others visited with the snake women, this time they came alone.
This kept the Tengu, especially Kaede's faction, at a friendly disposition.
With their father leading the group, Momiji and Kaede extended the highest hospitality, warmly receiving the dozen kijin visitors.
But soon, the Tengu realized something.
The kijin's strength far exceeded their expectations.
All dozen kijin were A-rank or higher majin.
This alone demanded the Tengu's serious attention, not to mention the mysterious, powerful majin they called their lord.
***
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