Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 170 - Real Acting

It wouldn’t be difficult for the Dark Celestial Maidens to verify whether she was truly the Boundless Imperial Princess. All they needed to do was question her about events everyone knew. If she failed to answer, it would prove she was an impostor—even if answering correctly didn’t fully confirm her identity.

The real challenge was asking her in front of everyone. Given the Imperial Princess’ usual temperament, doing so publicly could have serious consequences.

Despite their growing suspicions, none of the Dark Celestial Maidens dared to speak up first.

“What are you standing around for? Clean up this mess and get the wedding back on track,” Shimizu said with a teasing smile.

The Dark Celestial Maidens and attendants hesitated in place, paralyzed by uncertainty and fear.

“Brother Wakarai, even if this impure princess isn’t an impostor, she’s clearly changed. This could be the perfect chance to take revenge and claim those women,” Fushirai whispered via voice transmission to Wakarai and a few other Supreme Gods. He was small in stature, but his ambitions ran deep.

“But we don’t know where the Dark Celestial Maidens, the abyssal demon gods, or the other factions stand,” he added cautiously. “If we act rashly, we might provoke all of them at once. This may be a rare opportunity—but one misstep, and we’ll gain nothing.”

“You’re right, Fushirai,” Wakarai replied after a moment of thought. “First, we need to gauge where the Dark Celestial Maidens and the abyssal demon gods stand. Even if the Imperial Princess has weakened or changed, defeating her here might still be beyond our reach.”

“Then what do we do now?” Kurorai asked. “This opportunity is more favorable than we ever imagined. If we don’t act now, will there ever be a better chance?”

Wakarai was silent for a moment, then smiled darkly.

A tense standoff formed between the demons, the Dark Celestial Maidens, and Lily’s companions.

At that moment, Wakarai floated forward, his long hair drifting behind him. He smiled politely at the wary Celestial Maidens and offered a formal bow to Shimizu. “I, Wakarai, speak for myself and my seven Thunder God brothers. We offer our sincere congratulations on Your Highness’ grand wedding.”

“What?” The Dark Celestial Maidens were taken aback. They knew Wakarai’s intentions had never been pure—especially after he’d been humiliated by the Imperial Princess. With doubts about their mistress’ identity still lingering, why would he offer such praise?

Even Lily, Shimizu, and the others were baffled. None of them could guess what Wakarai was planning. But the current balance of power was precarious. Wakarai and his fellow Thunder Gods formed one of Yomi’s strongest factions. Once he made the first move, several neutral groups quickly followed suit.

The Lord of Oblivion stepped forward and offered a formal gesture, a gentle smile stretched across his grotesque, aged face. “Yes, yes. Lord Wakarai speaks true. We came here for a wedding, not a war. I even brought generous gifts, you know. What a pity things turned so chaotic… but it’s fine now. The Sanzu Demon Queen and I both offer our blessings to Your Highness. Congratulations.”

The Lord of Oblivion and the Sanzu Demon Queen were ancient overlords of Yomi, predating even the Madam herself, and their authority carried enormous weight. Once they gave their blessings, the rest of Yomi’s powers—regardless of personal doubts—followed their lead, offering praise and cheering loudly.

This left the Dark Celestial Maidens in a bind. If something truly had changed with their leader, could they risk defying so many major powers? With no better option, the commanders reluctantly ordered the dancers and ceremonial demons to resume the performance, though it only made the atmosphere feel more surreal.

Seeing how the situation had shifted, Asura-Onna and Rakshasa-Onna stepped forward.

Asura-Onna bowed slightly and said, “Your Highness, Boundless Imperial Princess. What happened earlier was clearly a misunderstanding. Given the Madam’s deep ties with the Boundless Abyss, we are willing to let the matter rest. Naturally, we are pleased to see that the wedding will proceed.”

The others could only play along. Queen Kaguya and the rest followed suit, offering their formal congratulations.

Music resumed promptly, filling the air with uneasy festivity.

Despite the lingering chaos, abyssal servants emerged from the edges of the Rinraku Stage, carrying out the prepared feast. Much of it had been damaged in the earlier conflict—several dishes, gifts, and fine wines were either ruined or missing, leaving the spread far less extravagant than intended.

Meanwhile, Lily found herself flustered and uncertain as Shimizu held her close and occasionally touched her inappropriately. She had no idea how to respond or what to do next.

Rei and Ayaka stood behind the pair, watching awkwardly. Though they knew Shimizu was acting, her behavior felt excessive. Still, neither of them could speak up without drawing suspicion.

As the feast progressed, drunken demons began causing havoc. Shouts and scuffles broke out among the weaker ones, turning the celebration into near-bedlam.

Amid the noise, music, and confusion, Wakarai quietly slipped away toward the rear of Hekiraku City. There, nestled among the shadowed cliffs, loomed a towering demon god whose massive form blended seamlessly into the jagged landscape.

It was none other than Kuroyodai-Okutsukokami.

If the Imperial Princess were truly compromised, this ancient and unmatched demon god would be the natural successor to lead all of the Boundless Abyss.

“Your Highness, Kuroyodai-Okutsukokami,” Wakarai greeted with a deep bow.

The colossal demon slowly turned his head, gazing at Wakarai with eyes the size of boulders. “You are Wakarai of the Eight Thunder Gods. I’ve heard of you.”

“Heh, among the oldest and strongest beings in all of Yomi, who could rival you, Your Highness?”

Once considered rivals, the two now stood in ambiguous alliance.

Fushirai took the opportunity to approach the Dark Celestial Maiden commanders, while Kurorai and Lord Umashi mingled with other Yomi Supreme Gods. Whatever their intentions, they were clearly plotting something.

Shimizu’s instincts sharpened. Beneath the surface of revelry, she could sense the looming storm. Trouble was only beginning.

Taking Lily’s hand, Shimizu spoke with a smile, “Today’s unfortunate misunderstanding has clearly exhausted my dear Lyn-hime. Just look at the state of her dress. That’s enough ceremony for now. Please, enjoy the feast and drink to your hearts’ content. We’ll be excusing ourselves.”

Without waiting for a reply, Shimizu turned away and took Lily with her, flying in the direction of Hekiraku City.

A large Infernal demon let out a boisterous laugh. “Your Highness, off to consummate the marriage with the fairest woman in all three realms?”

From another corner, a drunk Infernal man called out, “Your Highness, mind if we bring the party along?” His lecherous gaze followed the departing figures with visible envy.

“Watch your tongue!” barked two nearby Dark Celestial Maiden guards.

“Lily, Shimizu, are you two really…?” Ayaka asked, unable to suppress her concern. Though she knew it was part of the plan, unease still lingered in her chest.

“If I’m playing the Imperial Princess, I have to stay in character,” Shimizu said through voice transmission with a mischievous tone. “Wouldn’t the real one already be dragging her bride to bed by now?”

“What…?” Ayaka was momentarily stunned.

“I’d like to invite my in-laws and Queen Kaguya into Hekiraku City so we can continue the celebration together,” Shimizu instructed a Dark Celestial Maiden in the same authoritative tone the Imperial Princess once used.

“Understood…” the Dark Celestial Maiden replied, hesitating slightly before obeying. She led Asura-Onna, Rakshasa-Onna, Queen Kaguya, and the others into Hekiraku City.

Rei, Ayaka, and Nanako quietly followed along without question. And so, all of Lily’s sisters made their way into Hekiraku City. The Dark Celestial Maidens escorted them to guest chambers on the middle levels, while Shimizu personally brought Lily to the ceremonial wedding room.

The wedding chamber was freshly prepared, never before occupied. It was tastefully decorated—elegant rather than extravagant—with tall floral arrangements set before painted folding screens.

Soft candlelight bathed the room, where silk ribbons hung like gentle streamers across the walls and beams.

“You’re all dismissed,” Shimizu said calmly.

Shimizu led Lily inside. Though suspicion lingered, the Dark Celestial Maidens dared not follow. They shut the doors behind them. Some left, while a few remained outside on guard duty.

Two of the Dark Celestial Maiden commanders stood before the closed doors, exchanging uncertain glances.

“Do you think Her Highness is truly alright?” one commander, her hair tied in a single ponytail, whispered via transmission.

“I doubt it. Her soul’s fluctuations feel off, though her body is undeniably hers. And that old wound—how did it vanish overnight? I was originally worried she might be too injured for tonight’s… routine. But now, maybe there’s no need to worry?” the other, short-haired commander responded.

“This isn’t the time for that!” the ponytailed one muttered, blushing slightly. “Still… I vaguely recall a time when Her Highness’ soul energy surged dramatically. She changed after that, stronger—almost reborn. Maybe her techniques can alter her soul or even heal something so old?”

“Exactly. That’s why I haven’t said anything outright. Otherwise, I’d think she’s not the real Imperial Princess anymore. But back then, she didn’t even go by that title.”

“Right… ‘Imperial Princess’ was a title she took on only after arriving in the Boundless Abyss. We Dark Celestial Maidens have no names. She led us all, but back then, we only called her Her Highness, or the Shadow Maiden. No one ever knew her real name.”

“Maybe she never had a name at all. She’s always been… the shadow of something greater.”

Meanwhile, inside the wedding chamber… Lily let out a soft sigh. Now that they had successfully deceived everyone, she could relax—at least slightly. But her body was still unusually sensitive from the ordeal she’d endured the night before, and the romantic ambiance of the room didn’t help.

“What do we do now, Sister Shimizu? The demon feast outside won’t end anytime soon. How are we supposed to escape?” Lily asked nervously.

Though the Boundless Imperial Princess was no longer a threat, the city was still crawling with abyssal demon gods and Yomi elites—many of whom had clear desires for her and the others. The danger hadn’t passed. If anything, it had grown more unpredictable.

“Even if those forces outside aren’t truly united, once they learn the truth, we could be facing half of Yomi. That could be even more dangerous than fighting the Imperial Princess,” Lily added, her anxiety growing.

“Which means,” Shimizu said playfully, slipping behind Lily and wrapping her arms around her, “our act needs to feel even more real.”

“H-Huh?” Lily flushed and tried to wriggle free. “Sister Shimizu, what are you doing? This isn’t the time for jokes like that!”

“And why not?” Shimizu murmured, standing on her toes to whisper close to Lily’s ear. “Isn’t this the perfect time to consummate our wedding? What else would we do in here?”

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