Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 219 - Negotiation Successful

Kuroyodai let out a booming laugh so intense that it seemed to tear through the very fabric of the dimension. “That is no issue. The eight demon gods who dragged Hekiraku City away during the chaos have already been captured by my subordinates. Of course, you may reclaim control over them. As long as Hekiraku City remains within the Boundless Abyss, we abyssal demons will continue to stand as allies of the Dark Celestial Maidens. Should anyone dare strike at you, they will become our enemies too.”

“A wise decision, Kuroyodai-Okutsukokami,” Shimizu replied. “There is one more matter. During the previous chaos, some of our Dark Celestial Maiden sisters were taken by demons. We ask that those captured be released and returned to us.” She deliberately added to her demands, striking a careful balance that strengthened the illusion she was truly the Imperial Princess.

Kuroyodai’s massive face grew more solemn as he considered her request. “That matter is… complicated,” he said. “Some Dark Celestial Maidens were indeed captured, but the majority were taken by the Yomi demons. Those who were mistakenly imprisoned by us have been kept under protective custody. We will return them to you immediately. As for the others, I cannot speak to their whereabouts.”

“You needn’t worry about that, Kuroyodai-Okutsukokami. We will handle it ourselves,” Yanagihada said, stepping forward. Recovering even a few sisters was more than they had expected. For now, ensuring the escape of the remaining Celestial Maidens took priority. They would deal with the others afterward.

“In that case, I’m glad we’ve reached an agreement,” Shimizu said with a faint smile.

Kuroyodai appeared equally satisfied. Regaining control over the Boundless Abyss was no small reward.

Yet, seated beside Shimizu, Lily could not shake her unease. Everything seemed to be proceeding too smoothly. Shimizu’s performance had been flawless, and their preparation thorough, but Lily’s instincts warned her that the end would not come so easily.

“Wait a moment,” Kunhiza interjected, his snake-like hair swaying in an unsettling rhythm. “We have a small condition of our own.”

A wave of tension swept through the sisters as soon as they heard his words.

“Oh? And what might that be?” Shimizu replied, maintaining her composure.

“Your people ruled the Boundless Abyss for over a millennium,” Kunhiza said. “Naturally, they’ve left behind traps, spells, and unknown influences. We cannot be sure of the extent of the changes made. So we ask that you leave behind a key Dark Celestial Maiden, someone important, who can assist in the transition.” His gaze swept over the sisters, thick with hunger and malice.

The sisters grew visibly tense. It had been foolish to think the demons would accept the terms without asking for something more. It was clear they were not asking for just anyone. The one they wanted had to be a significant figure among the Dark Celestial Maidens.

Yet refusing could jeopardize the entire negotiation. The fate of thousands of Dark Celestial Maidens hung in the balance.

No one spoke. The weight of the moment held them in silence. Even Shimizu had not foreseen this request. In her earlier discussions with Ayaka and Lily, they had anticipated all manner of harsh demands. This one, however, was deceptively mild in appearance, yet deadly in implication. The one left behind would be in grave danger.

If she truly were the Boundless Imperial Princess, what would she say? But Shimizu was not the real Imperial Princess. A brief moment of hesitation betrayed her uncertainty. If it lasted too long, suspicion would surely follow.

“Your Highness, if I may… I will stay behind.” Yanagihada stepped forward, her gaze unwavering, her voice steady with resolve.

Everyone understood the danger: whoever stayed behind to oversee the handover would be left alone, surrounded by powerful, violent, and insatiably lustful abyssal demon gods. It was an unimaginably perilous role. Yet, to their surprise, among all the cunning and cold Dark Celestial Maidens, it was the mature and composed commander who stepped forward.

“What? Yanagihada, no—I can’t allow this!” Yinzuhi’s voice trembled with panic. Ansha remained behind in Hekiraku City, unaware of what was unfolding. The three had once served together in Takamagahara, their bond deeper than what they shared even with the Shadow Maiden.

Shimizu lowered her gaze, her expression hidden behind a veil of bangs. She said nothing.

“Yanagihada, what are you saying?” Lily quickly sent a voice transmission. “Don’t you realize you’re walking straight into a tiger’s den?”

“Don’t be impulsive,” Queen Kaguya added, her voice just as urgent.

“So what? What other choice do we have?” Yanagihada replied through the spiritual link. “Unlike most of you, my lover was a male dancer from Takamagahara. His name was Yura. We consummated our love long ago. He passed before we ever left the mortal realm. I lost my purity a millennium ago, and with it, any attachment to desires of the flesh. Why should I care what happens to this body now? They won’t kill me. If I can offer it in exchange for a sliver of hope for my sisters, then I will.”

“Yanagihada, no! I won’t allow this!” Lily cried out again through the link.

“Who do you think you are?” Yanagihada shot back. “Do you see yourself as the leader of all Celestial Battle Maidens? You have no right to decide for me. And don’t think I’m some selfless saint. If we reject their demands, a brutal battle could follow. You’ll survive because you’re a Supreme God. I might not be so lucky. I’m not ready to die, Lily.”

She passed Shimizu and stepped forward with unwavering resolve, heading toward the abyssal demons.

“Yanagihada, wait! Have you considered they may not keep their word even if you agree?” Ayaka asked through a voice transmission, her tone urgent.

“This is the only way to prevent the deaths of thousands of our sisters in battle,” Yanagihada replied. “I’ll take the risk. It’s worth it.” A gentle smile formed on her lips as silent tears slid down her pale cheeks. “Yura…”

“Yanagihada! Don’t!” Lily’s voice transmission rang with desperation. But in her current role as the married wife, she had no justification to protect a subordinate while the Imperial Princess stood by in silence.

Mental agony twisted inside Lily, but she could do nothing. Reckless action now would unravel everything they had worked for and endanger thousands of Dark Celestial Maidens. She clenched her teeth and endured.

“Are you not going to say anything, Sister Shimizu?” Lily whispered through the link, gripping the edge of her robe tightly. In response, Shimizu drew Murasame-Anko partway from its sheath, the blade releasing a chilling hum through the air.

The surrounding demons froze, the air thickening with tension in an instant.

Shimizu let out a low, playful laugh. “Yanagihada is a valued member of my Dark Celestial Maiden army,” she said coolly. “Demon gods of the Boundless Abyss, hear me. She may accompany you and assist with the handover, but only for three months.”

“After that, I will come for her myself at the edge of the abyss. If I find even the slightest trace of harm, torment, or corruption to her body or spirit, I will destroy the souls of those responsible, utterly and without mercy.”

Dark Lunar Force and Resentment Energy surged from her like a tide. It was as though the long-feared goddess of slaughter had returned. The demons stiffened, haunted by memories of a past soaked in her wrath.

Kuroyodai had no personal intentions toward Yanagihada, so he remained composed. Even so, Shimizu’s reaction had echoed the real Imperial Princess with startling precision.

“Your Highness, I take my leave. Please stay well,” Yanagihada said as she turned, knelt respectfully before Shimizu, and stepped forward into the monstrous crowd of demons.

“Yanagihada…” Lily whispered to herself. If the demons truly believed Shimizu was the Boundless Imperial Princess, they would likely avoid harming Yanagihada outright, fearing divine vengeance. But surrounded by countless lust-driven demon gods, her danger was still terrifyingly real.

“We are in agreement, then. Your Highness, may I ask, when do you intend to depart?” Kuroyodai inquired.

“The sooner, the better. But first, Hekiraku City must be made mobile,” Shimizu replied.

“Of course. The eight demon gods, along with the Dark Celestial Maidens in protective custody, will be returned to you before the day ends,” Kuroyodai assured her.

“I hope you keep your word,” Shimizu said grimly before turning to depart. Lily followed at her side, and the rest of the sisters rose into the air behind them, returning toward Hekiraku City in solemn silence.

Yanagihada stood alone, swallowed by the towering shadows of countless demon gods. Far in the distance, the lights of Hekiraku City shimmered like a beacon, just out of reach. For the first time, a wave of fear washed over her, so fierce that she felt the urge to scream, to turn back. But she didn’t.

This was the path she had chosen, and she would see it through.

“Sister Yanagihada!” Ansha collapsed against the arrow tower, sobbing uncontrollably after hearing the news. Yinzuhi and the other Dark Celestial Maidens stood in silence, their faces grim and hearts heavy.

The Dark Celestial Maidens were often accused of being manipulative and ruthless, but that cruelty was reserved for outsiders. Among themselves, their unity and bonds ran deep.

Though Yanagihada had once been ostracized for her love of a man, a rare sentiment among them, the sisters now felt only guilt and sorrow. Today’s events had stripped away past prejudice.

A fragile calm settled over Hekiraku City. Though Yomi demons occasionally launched small attacks, their strength was laughable, and the city remained unshaken. In fact, some of the Yomi demons who dared to approach were struck down by the abyssal demons themselves.

Rei stood atop the tower, watching the scattered skirmishes unfold between the two enemy factions. Could it be that the abyssal demon gods were actually keeping their word?

Then again, if they weren’t sincere, how could such brutish creatures orchestrate a deception so complex and convincing?

A few days later, the eight demon gods arrived at the depths near Hekiraku City, ready to resume their duties.

Alongside them came more than a hundred rescued Dark Celestial Maidens. Everyone knew that “protective custody” had been a lie. No words could truly capture what they had endured, but at the very least, they had been returned.

Many of the rescued sisters remained resolute, refusing to speak of what had happened. Yet they cried uncontrollably, and Lily could barely contain the sorrow rising in her heart.

She clenched her fists tightly. “Why? Why am I still not strong enough? I’ve been forced to negotiate with monsters… forced to make compromises!”

Lily was brave, decisive, and more than willing to lay down her life for her sisters, but she wasn’t reckless. She saw the bigger picture. Right now, negotiation was the wisest path, especially if it could fracture the enemy alliance. Charging into battle against twenty Supreme Gods might satisfy her fury, but it would spell disaster. Thousands of Dark Celestial Maidens would die, and her sisters would be plunged into ruin.

“I want nothing more than a battle… I want to tear every one of those demon gods apart! But I can’t… not yet.” Scarlet flames flickered in Lily’s eyes, the fire of vengeance smoldering in silence.

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