Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 154 – Before the Night

Rei continued her descent along the bone-chilling valley path, her sword sheathed securely on her back, as faint glimmers of light appeared in the distance.

She journeyed with a group of demons and female experts, all heading towards the distant lights to attend the wedding. From ahead drifted eerie, ancient melodies unique to Yomi, utterly distinct from mortal music—haunting tunes resembling the anguished cries of tormented demonesses.

As Rei walked further down the valley, the path opened to reveal an immense expanse ahead. Countless red lanterns were scattered throughout the boundless, dark abyss, glittering like warm, distant stars.

In the distance, numerous strange pavilions and platforms floated mysteriously in the Boundless Abyss, connected by roads, bridges, and courtyards, forming wondrous constellations suspended within the darkness.

Clearly, the construction of the Rinpeki Stage had been completed just in time, finalized the night before the grand wedding.

Upon closer observation, Rei noticed that although these structures seemed to float freely, they were actually suspended by countless interwoven chains hidden within the shadows. These massive bundles of black chains were pulled taut by enormous demon gods, barely visible and effectively camouflaged against the surrounding dark mountain cliffs.

Besides the eight great demon gods, tens of thousands of smaller demon gods tirelessly maintained the immense Rinpeki Stage’s stability, firmly anchoring it in place.

“Lil’ Lily!” Rei gazed anxiously at the far end of the immense Rinpeki Stage—over ten kilometers across—her eyes moving toward the gigantic floating structure of Hekiraku City above.

As Rei and her group finally reached one of the numerous suspension bridges connecting the mountain range to the Rinpeki Stage, several immense abyss demon gods blocked their path, their massive bodies nearly obscuring her entire view. All demons attending the wedding were halted at these bridges, while numerous Dark Celestial Maidens stood vigilantly on guard.

Some of these maidens patrolled the skies, standing gracefully atop the heads or bodies of dragon-like fish and other aerial creatures.

“The wedding celebration has not yet commenced. Seating will only be available tomorrow. Guests from all parts of the world, please wait here patiently,” announced a Dark Celestial Maiden from her position atop the shoulder of a giant demon god.

The demons muttered curses and grumbled in frustration but had no choice other than to wait at the entrance of the valley.

Rei leaped atop a large boulder and studied the Rinpeki Stage, searching desperately for any infiltration points. However, she saw only extensive layers of security, including countless black-armored demon gods patrolling vigilantly and battalions of Dark Celestial Maidens, all fiercely loyal to the Imperial Princess. The defenses intensified toward the center, making the Rinpeki Stage nearly impossible to breach.

Even for a Supreme God, attempting to force entry would be suicidal. Rei could only wait patiently for the right opportunity. She gazed towards Hekiraku City, over ten kilometers distant, anxiety filling her heart. “Lily, how are you faring now? Has that Boundless Imperial Princess harmed you, Lil’ Lily…?”

Meanwhile, Ayaka had managed to elude her pursuers, yet she remained utterly lost within the depths of the abyss, carefully traveling along the dark cliffs.

Sensing Lily’s presence here was impossible. Ayaka and Nanako had no choice but to follow their instincts, carefully navigating the treacherous path in single file.

“If I recall correctly, there’s only one day remaining until the grand wedding. Lily, are you safe right now? Do you know how worried I am…?”

Nanako followed behind Ayaka, holding the Sakura Parasol listlessly. Since Kagura’s soul separated from hers, she had remained in a perpetual, slightly dazed state.

Nanako couldn’t help reminiscing about her first encounter with Lily—how jealousy had led her into a fierce battle against that voluptuous woman, resulting in her becoming Lily’s servant upon defeat. She vividly recalled nearly being captured by the Hojo and Daidouji clans, and how Lily had risked everything to save her…

Moreover, when Lily plunged off the cliff, Nanako opened the Sakura Parasol without hesitation and leaped after her.

Nanako involuntarily glanced down into the endless, dark abyss beneath her feet.

‘I’ve just parted ways with Kagura… Right now, I don’t even know the meaning of my existence. Do I truly hold any significance to Sister Lily? Yet, as long as Sister Lily needs me, no matter how hopeless or dark this abyss may be, I would leap into it again without a second thought! Sister Lily, you absolutely mustn’t marry that so-called Imperial Princess. Please, Sister Lily, don’t get hurt. I’m so worried about you!’

Meanwhile, Shimizu traveled alongside a group of demons, finally reaching the edge of the Boundless Abyss. From her current vantage point, even the distant glow of Hekiraku City wasn’t visible yet.

She silently gazed into the endless darkness ahead. As her long hair gently fluttered in the breeze, Shimizu felt an uneasy premonition, vaguely comprehending the helplessness and suffering Lily must be enduring right now.

“Lily, to be completely honest, I have absolutely no confidence in rescuing you. Even though I’ve grown much stronger, I fear my current strength remains far inferior to yours—let alone powerful divine beings, especially someone like the Boundless Imperial Princess, the greatest Supreme God. Nevertheless, since you’re in danger, I’ll be there for you, even if there’s not the slightest hope of victory.”

Of course, Shimizu fully understood how perilous the realm of Yomi was.

“But I also realize, Lily, that the danger you’re facing now is a thousand times greater than anything confronting me. Your predicament is infinitely worse than mine!”

Within the towering darkness of Hekiraku City, there was a tiny, almost unnoticeable window. A faint, dim yellow glow seeped out from within.

Inside this lonely room sat Lily, the woman whom countless sisters worried about, quietly passing the final night before her wedding to the Boundless Imperial Princess. This night would most likely be Lily’s final evening as a maiden.

Clearly, Lily still couldn’t be together with her beloved, yet soon she would lose her right to remain a maiden.

Her naturally sensitive body had already been severely afflicted by the combined curses of Shuten Doji and Minamoto no Yoritomo. Furthermore, she now suffered from the potent poison of the Fragrance-Breaker Pill.

Given her current physical state, escape today was utterly impossible. And tomorrow, should Lily refuse to submit, her fate would undoubtedly be death. Yet Lily knew clearly that she absolutely couldn’t afford to die. Not merely for her own sake, but because of her senior sister and all the other sisters relying on her.

Regardless of the humiliation she might endure or whatever she might lose, Lily could not allow herself to perish. Even as her sisters, unaware of her true plight, anxiously worried about her, Lily herself no longer felt sorrow or despair.

Outside, countless lanterns floated around the ceremonial platform, creating the illusion of a starry night. The now-completed Rinpeki Stage was enveloped in thin, purplish mist, reminiscent of a blood-tinted galaxy.

Lily glanced toward it briefly, her eyes flickering with emotion as a tragic smile appeared on her face. Since she had already made her decision, what purpose was there in self-pity, hopelessness, or despair? She would rather bravely face it with a calm, confident smile.

With grace, Lily turned and retrieved the ancient mirror, her most precious possession that had accompanied her since her arrival in this world. She carefully placed the ancient mirror upon a small wooden table and began applying her makeup.

Lily retrieved a comb from the ancient mirror and gently brushed her long, silky hair that flowed gracefully like a dark river. Afterward, she picked out her most vibrant lipstick and carefully applied her makeup.

“They say a woman is most beautiful as a bride. Then, shouldn’t senior sister be the first one to witness my most beautiful moment?” Lily murmured softly to herself while gazing into the mirror, imagining the reflection to be that of her senior sister.

“Senior sister, do you like this shade of lipstick? And this perfume—do you like it? I’ve never worn perfume before, so I wonder—do you prefer my natural scent, or would you enjoy a hint of fragrance? Since brides typically wear it on their wedding day, I’ll follow suit. Is that alright with you?”

A woman naturally dresses herself up to please the one she loves.

Having completed her makeup, Lily no longer felt the torment caused by the Fragrance-Breaker Pill. Instead, accepting her fate gracefully, she appeared even more alluring and mature, transforming into an absolute goddess of beauty.

Lily rose gracefully and stepped back slightly, allowing the mirror to capture her full figure. The vibrant crimson of her gown was dazzling enough to enchant even the darkness of Yomi itself. Ninety-nine golden-hued Higanbana flowers blossomed splendidly upon her dress.

Lily had dressed herself in the wedding gown for which she had sacrificed her freedom, meticulously adjusting every detail. When she extended her arms, the elegant sleeves touched the floor gracefully, perfectly tailored to complement her tall figure.

Lily spun around gently, resembling the fairest and most radiant bride in the darkness of night.

“Even a bride shrouded in darkness dreams of marrying her true love beneath the warmth of the sun. Senior sister, look at me—do you think I’m beautiful? Do you like what you see?”

At that moment, every stone door within the Mirror Dimension closed tightly, sealing out her sisters and Shikigami from the octagonal hall. No one else was permitted entry.

Outside, Lily moved closer to the mirror and knelt down gracefully, gazing deeply at her own reflection. Her pale, beautiful face displayed a mixture of calmness and delicate shyness as she softly parted her vividly painted lips.

“Senior sister… I’m coming now.”

Inside the silent stone chamber of the Mirror Dimension, scattered cherry blossom petals appeared gently as Lily’s consciousness materialized at the chamber’s center. She wore the same elaborate Higanbana wedding gown and refined makeup that adorned her outside form.

The stone door leading into the chamber where her comatose senior sister rested slowly opened with a quiet rumble.

With an expression that blended shyness and nobility, Lily moved forward, her glowing red skirt trailing elegantly across the dark stone floor. Her long, beautiful legs carried her toward the room with serene, graceful strides.

“I’m sorry, senior sister… Even though you haven’t yet awakened, I’m about to do something rather disrespectful to you.” Lily’s eyes reflected a distant bittersweet joy mixed with ashamed yet resolute determination.

“I’ve been utterly useless, unable to protect my purity for you. Still, at least in my heart, I wish to offer my first time to you.” This was the final decision Lily made on the eve of her wedding.

Her eyes seemed filled with tears, yet none fell. She smiled faintly, though her heart was steeped deeply in bitterness. Perhaps all she felt was the deep humiliation stemming from her own helplessness.

Lily stepped slowly into her senior sister’s room, the long, crimson dress trailing gracefully behind her, its hem nearly covering the entire floor of the stone chamber.

“Anything that belongs to you, Senior sister, I refuse to surrender to those who forced my hand. The Imperial Princess? Yomi demons? Those depraved demon gods? Hmph, it doesn’t matter who it is. “onight… Senior sister, there’s only you and me.”

“Senior sister, do you still remember what you said to me back then?” It was on that evening when one chapter ended, yet everything else had just begun. “I like you.”

“You’ve always been secretly peeking at me, haven’t you? Honestly, I love seeing you behave like that—I truly adore you… It was actually me who secretly pulled some strings to have you join this trip… I’m so sorry. I never imagined things would turn out this way… Back then, I originally thought… that night at the hotel in Kyoto…”

Lily slowly approached her senior sister, who lay gracefully upon the bed.

“Senior sister, since this is also your wish, please allow me to take the initiative today and fulfill this promise to you…”

Lily lowered her head slightly, a deep blush spreading across her face as she briefly hesitated. Her chest rose and fell heavily, mirroring her turbulent emotions. After a fleeting moment of uncertainty, she gathered her resolve and made her final decision with unwavering determination.

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