Chapter 62: Kunou-hime!

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Determined to press onward, he forged ahead through the mist's chilling embrace, his grip on the young girl unwavering.

Within the ethereal veil of mist, a voice pierced through the silence, tinged with amusement and a touch of playful elegance. "Well, well...immune to my poison mist, are we? Quite impressive, nya!" the voice chimed, reveling in the unexpected turn of events.

Issei narrowed his eyes, his focus cutting through the haze as he searched for the source of the voice. 'Only one Youkai scent here. It's unlikely to be Kunou's mother,' he silently deduced, aware that this encounter might be a detour from their original mission. Nevertheless, he couldn't ignore the possibility that this enigmatic woman held the answers they sought.

Pressing forward into the inner courtyard of the shrine, Issei's gaze swept the surroundings, observing the misty tendrils that caressed the ancient stone structures.

The voice, filled with whimsical curiosity, continued to tease him. "Who's this enigmatic stranger who graces my presence?" it inquired, its tone a captivating blend of intrigue and enthusiasm.

Growing ever more impatient, Issei maintained his resolve, exchanging banter for directness. He scanned his surroundings once more before responding, his voice laced with a controlled urgency.

"I am searching for this child's mother. I tracked a Youkai scent to this shrine. Are you acquainted with Kunou and her mother?" he asked, his words cutting through the mist with an air of authority.

The echoes of Issei's words hung in the air, mingling with the dissipating mist as it revealed the enigmatic figure before him. The veil of darkness receded, unveiling a woman with lustrous dark hair cascading around her shoulders.

She possessed an otherworldly allure, her features enhanced by the presence of delicate cat ears perched atop her head and vibrant yellow eyes that shimmered with mysterious allure.

Her figure, accentuated by an impressively ample bosom, held a mesmerizing charm that drew Issei's gaze.

In that instant, Issei's suspicions were confirmed. This captivating woman standing before him exuded the very same Youkai scent he had been tracking. She stood as the sole presence within the shrine, her essence enveloping the sacred space.

Issei's keen senses detected another layer to her being, a hint of devilish essence intertwined with her Youkai nature, heightening his intrigue and fascination.

Bewilderment flickered across Issei's face as he surveyed the surroundings, his gaze never wavering from the enigmatic Nekomata. "Are you the sole Youkai present here?" he questioned, his voice betraying his curiosity and desire for answers.

Amusement danced in the Nekomata's eyes as she considered Issei's question. Her voice dripped with playful charm as she responded, her words carrying a hint of an enigmatic past. "Indeed, I stand alone in this shrine," she confessed, her tone wrapped in a tantalizing aura of mystery.

Issei's curiosity grew, and he leaned forward, his tone laced with a subtle urgency. "So...you're familiar with Yasaka-sama?" he inquired, his words hinting at the importance of their quest.

A mischievous smile played upon the Nekomata's lips as she acknowledged Issei's question. "Ah, Yasaka-sama," she murmured knowingly. "Seems like you're embarking on a mission to find her," she added, her voice betraying a hint of insight.

Issei's attention sharpened, his inquiries becoming more direct as he sought the answers they desperately needed.

"Indeed, her daughter believes she has been kidnapped. Do you have any knowledge or insights into this matter?" he pressed, his voice conveying a desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic mother and her alleged abduction.

To Issei's surprise, the woman before him let out a light, melodic laughter. Her playful grin only seemed to grow wider as she spoke. "Hahaha! You must have mistaken me for Yasaka-sama and made the arduous journey all the way here? I must admit, I am genuinely surprised that you managed to sense my presence. Normally, I keep this place so well-hidden that few are able to locate it. Your ability to find me and your immunity to my mist speak volumes. You're probably a dragon, aren't you?"

As Issei's frustration was apparent on his face, he couldn't afford to waste any time. There was a kid's mother to find before midnight, a race to participate in, and money to earn. He sighed tiredly and asked the alluring woman if she possessed any relevant information. It was clear that his patience was running thin.

The nekomata, still wearing a playful grin, chuckled lightly at Issei's impatience. "Hmm, I must admit, I am curious. How exactly did Kunou-hime end up in the company of a dragon? Perhaps you wouldn't mind shedding some light on that?"

Issei, feeling the weight of his responsibilities and the ticking clock, abruptly pivoted and began striding away from the mysterious woman. He didn't have time for games or idle chatter. "This is pointless," he muttered to himself. "I'm not here for games."

But in a sudden and unexpected moment, the dark-haired woman materialized right in front of him, blocking his path. She seemed determined not to let him leave so easily.

"Hold on," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "There's no need to rush off so soon. We haven't even exchanged introductions yet. It's a bit impolite to leave me hanging like this."

Issei's frustration grew stronger, causing his tone to become laced with annoyance. "Honestly, I couldn't care less about your identity. It's clear that you have nothing to offer me in terms of assistance," he retorted, trying to brush past the alluring woman.

But before Issei could take another step, the Nekomata swiftly interposed herself, gracefully moving in front of him. Her body lightly brushed against his chest, and a mischievous smile played at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps," she purred, "I could offer you some assistance, provided that you exhibit better manners."

Issei couldn't help but feel a mix of intrigue and confusion at the sudden change in her demeanor. Her presence was undeniably captivating, though he didn't fully trust her intentions. Still, he couldn't deny the allure she emanated. With a tinge of curiosity, he decided to entertain her request.