21st Century Necromancer

While Chen Yu was handling various tasks, some matters, though no longer driven by his intervention, continued to operate independently under the watchful eyes of various factions.

Although the matter of breaking the taboo between life and death was fully overseen by Chen Yu, the intricate entanglement of deities and mortal forces involved was far-reaching. Not only did the Japanese Government take part, but the deities led by the Inari God had their hands in it as well.

Among these, the two ghouls overseeing Meiji Shrine in Tokyo were particularly invested in the issue.

On one hand, the matter occurred in Tokyo, and as the Guardians of Tokyo, these two ghouls were duty-bound to keep an eye on it.

On the other hand, they were naturally incentivized by the Inari God, who promised ample rewards should they facilitate this affair successfully—a far better outcome than standing in the Inari God's way and being crushed.

It's worth noting that while the two ghouls of Meiji Shrine could be considered gods, they were fundamentally different from true deities. If Meiji Shrine were destroyed, while they might not be entirely killed, their vitality would suffer catastrophic damage, their centuries-long accumulation would turn to dust, and they might even face complete annihilation.

Therefore, when it came to this matter, the two ghouls not only openly sided with the Inari God but were remarkably diligent in their involvement.

Despite their attention to the affair, the one truly managing the situation was Empress Shōken rather than Emperor Meiji himself. For all his reverence among the Japanese people and historical records, Emperor Meiji was essentially a capricious and unruly figure.

Conversely, Empress Shōken, born into a prestigious family and educated in both traditional and modern disciplines, handled situations in a more refined and composed manner.

This distinction was clear during their lifetimes and remained evident even after they became ghouls. Most of the minor and complex affairs were managed by Empress Shōken, while Emperor Meiji focused on cultivating his strength.

Take, for instance, the recent incident of halting the Metropolitan Police Department's personnel. It was Empress Shōken who took charge, as things would have undoubtedly spiraled out of control if it had been left to Emperor Meiji, given his heavy-handed approach.

Emperor Meiji's temperament issues weren't just limited to being overly forceful; his impatience was equally troublesome.

Empress Shōken understood that the matter Chen Yu was working on couldn't be rushed or handled impetuously. Allowing it to unfold naturally over time, as Chen Yu intended, was the best course of action.

Yet under Emperor Meiji's constant urgings, even though she knew such interference would be counterproductive and might worsen the situation, Empress Shōken had no choice. To prevent Emperor Meiji from directly meddling, she decided to intervene herself by personally visiting Minami.

Of course, as the former Empress who had once supported Emperor Meiji in ruling the nation, she would never resort to something lowly like walking. Still, she avoided bringing any attention to herself with the pomp of her former imperial status.

After arranging for a car through Meiji Shrine, Empress Shōken drove to Minami's small shop.

However, upon her arrival at Minami's shop, she witnessed a surprising and unexpected scene: three demigods and three legendary figures—two men and one woman—were dining there.

"What kind of shop is this to attract so many transcendent beings?" Empress Shōken couldn't help but feel astonished, though she maintained her composure and stepped inside.

As it turned out, those dining at Minami's shop included none other than Chen Yu and Hiromi Jounouchi. Besides the couple, Artoria and Joan of Arc had joined them, each accompanied by their respective lackeys.

Initially, Chen Yu and Hiromi Jounouchi were merely out to enjoy a meal, but Artoria and Joan of Arc had spent quite some time in Chen Yu's Necromantic Space. Though their experiences within had been pleasant, and they were well cared for by Chen Yu, that didn't mean they didn't want to leave.

After both had expressed their wishes multiple times, Chen Yu agreed to their request and granted them freedom to come and go from the Necromantic Space.

As for why this group had gathered at Minami's shop today, it was because Artoria and Joan of Arc had invited Hiromi Jounouchi, who happened to have the day off, for a shopping trip. After finishing their outing, they came to find Chen Yu after his shift to have a meal together.

And so, the group arrived in full.

Three demigods, three legendary beings—a party of six—sat at the shop counter in a line, taking up nearly one-third of the small shop's seating and grabbing significant attention.

To make matters more striking, four of the six individuals were foreigners, naturally drawing even greater notice.

As a result, when Empress Shōken entered, the shop was distinctly divided into two groups—Chen Yu and his companions on one side, and the other customers on the other—leaving the middle spaces conspicuously empty.

"Your Highness… Madam, please have a seat." The attendant accompanying Empress Shōken pulled out a handkerchief, wiped down the chair and table, laid a small tablecloth, and gestured politely for her to sit.

Unconcerned, Empress Shōken sat gracefully. Once seated, she cast a subtle glance at Chen Yu and his company, nodding courteously to the three demigods.

For Empress Shōken, there was nothing unusual about this exchange. The demigods, sensing her ghoul nature, naturally had no reason to question it. However, her aristocratic elegance and demeanor sparked hushed conversations among the other patrons, with many murmuring that such a noblewoman didn't belong in such a modest establishment.

"Welcome, Madam. May I ask what you'd like to eat?" Minami approached Empress Shōken, visibly nervous.

Empress Shōken, of course, recognized Minami as the person she had come to find, but she said nothing more. Glancing at Minami, she replied, "I'll have your most signature dish, please."

Minami stared at Empress Shōken in surprise, as if she didn't quite understand her words.

This wasn't due to any mistake in Empress Shōken's articulation or Minami's comprehension, but rather the difference between Meiji-era Japanese and contemporary Japanese.

Just as Minami hesitated, Chen Yu spoke up from the side: "Madam, prepare your most famous dish for her, please."

For demigods, understanding a language wasn't dependent on mere sounds.

With Chen Yu's assistance, Minami promptly relayed the order to her father, while Empress Shōken turned her attention to Chen Yu. The presence of three demigods in Tokyo was something she, as the Guardian of Tokyo, had to keep a close watch on.