Quoted By:
“If I may be so presumptuous… I hope that one day, we may bridge the - heh - <span class="mu-i">boundary</span> that exists between the two. I consider some youkai to be very good friends of mine, and I would be very sad if I had to stop meeting them. Why, they tend to be some of my best listeners! I can always count on them for a good tip.”
Reaching into your pocket, you take out a well-worn coin pouch. Covered in a myriad of shoddy patches, it nonetheless makes a delightful jingling sound.
With a focus you tend to only see on grown men in the gambling dens, Reimu's eyes lock onto the pouch, unerringly tracking its movement before finally snapping back to your face.
Uh.
Okay, then. She likes money. Duly noted.
You'll have to remember to mail her something for the New Years.
With deliberate care, you stuff your coin pouch back into the recesses of your pocket, clearing your throat before continuing as if nothing happened.
"But of course, I'd be remiss to overlook the many, many cases where human and youkai interaction have led to… less than stellar results. Beyond my own academic interest in the matter, I imagine few people would be particularly happy, if, say, the oni were to one day reappear."
The miko scowls at the mention of the drunkard ogres, but seemingly accepts your concession. Reimu reluctantly sits back down. Though the young miko still wears a look of mild discontent, she seems to be willing to let slide your pro-youkai sentiments.
Exhaling lightly, you lean over the table, reaching out a hand to playfully ruffle her hair.
At your touch, a little squeak escapes her. A terrible war is fought within yourself as you resist the urge to laugh, yet you somehow manage to bravely soldier on.
"But that's exactly why we depend on the youkai exterminators–people like you, Miss Reimu."
She peers up at you. Even through the veil of her bangs, the doubt in her eyes is palpable.
"Like me…?"
"Mhm. After all, it's because of the Hakurei Clan that those of us in the Human Village can live our days in peace. For that, you have my utmost thanks."
She goes oddly still at that. Unused to praise, perhaps.
[3/5]
