Chương 37: Chapter XI — The Calm Amidst the Storm

They arrived at the 'Soul of the Mountain,' a sprawling relaxation complex nestled in the hills. The entrance was a masterpiece of polished tiles and dark wood, leading into a courtyard paved with smooth stones and white gravel. Lanterns glowed warmly, illuminating carefully tended gardens and a flowing stream where a bamboo deer-scarer clacked rhythmically.

"Here, I had enough," Shuten Dooji announced, handing his empty gourd to a crew member.

"Really?" Galan asked.

"Thought you'd drink a few more."

"Nah, gotta save some space for the hot spring party. Can't have my stomach full when we're having fun!" Galan nodded, impressed. That actually makes sense. The oni swaggered up to the reception desk and immediately began flirting with the human woman working there.

"I wonder what kind of human he'd be if fate had a different plan," Galan mused.

"Probably dying of alcohol poisoning while deep in debt," Ootake Maru muttered, crossing his arms.

"Hey, I heard that!" Shuten Dooji called out.

"Well, I am not wrong, am I?"

"Ugh, save the quips for later. I'm busy." He turned back to the receptionist with a charming grin. While they talked, Galan wandered off.

"Where are you going, Dear God?" Ootake Maru asked.

"Sightseeing. I think he's going to take a while."

"I heard that too!" Shuten Dooji shouted again.

"Sure," Galan waved him off.

"Just keep at it." After he walked a few steps, he found the main attraction: a giant, open-air hot spring. Steam swirled over the rock-rimmed pool, obscuring the relaxed silhouettes of bathers from every race and nation. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The council had their way with the hot springs too, huh? he thought. To the left and right were the changing rooms.

Galan noted the intricate wooden carvings on the walls depicting the storm god Susanoo and the thunder god Raijin and the clever bamboo aqueducts channeling fresh water for cleansing showers. He closed his eyes, inhaling the mix of perfumes and steam.

"Dear God," Ootake Maru said, approaching him.

"You can just call me Oda, y'know?"

"And what honorific title would you prefer?" Wait, how do these things work again? Galan thought, scratching his head. Senior, Mister, Lord, Dear...

"I don't know. Just use whatever."

"So you don't really know how Japanese works, do you?"

"I mean, I just got here. Come on."

"Then how can you speak it so fluently?" Ugh, I don't feel like explaining mindcasting.

"I got some practice in during my journey. Never felt like I'd need to care about the rules since I'm a god, you know?" Ootake Maru narrowed his eyes. He's clearly hiding something.

"Very well. I shall call you Lord Oda. Is that alright with you?" Ugh, this oni is too smart for his own good.

"Yeah, of course! Sounds good." Galan gave him a thumbs-up.

"You guys!" Shuten Dooji shouted, walking toward them.

"Chooshii?" Galan replied, asking him if things are fine. Ootake Maru side-eyed Galan. How does he know that slang?

"Yeah, we're clear to enter," Shuten Dooji said.

"Alright, let's go!" Galan stretched.

"Shouldn't we bathe ourselves first?" Ootake Maru asked sternly, which caused them to stop midway down the short steps.

"What? I thought this shield thing keeps us clean," Shuten Dooji said, pointing to his back.

"That's how it works, right?" He asked Galan.

"Oh, yeah," Galan agreed.

"You guys have that now, huh? That's exactly how the shield works." He said, telling the truth.

"See, Mountain Goat?" Shuten Dooji laughed, gesturing to the pool.

"Let's just jump in!" He rushed toward the water, sharing warm greetings with his beloved fans and the random people who were just relaxing. But Ootake Maru lingered.

"Lord Oda."

"Just speak to me immediately. You don't have to keep doing that." Galan said with mild irritation.

"Why are you so casual towards everyone?" Galan lifted his hands.

"Why wouldn't I? It's not like anyone can pose a threat to me. I can be as casual as I want."

"So that is how it is..." Ootake Maru whispered.

"Yo! Are you two coming to the party or not?!" Shuten Dooji bellowed from the water.

"Ugh," Ootake Maru grimaced.

"Coming!" Galan called. He turned to Ootake Maru.

"Let's not keep him waiting, Big Broni." He walked ahead, Ootake Maru following closely.

"Your attempt at irritating me will not work."

"Sure, Big Broni."

"Hmph." Ootake Maru huffed with eyes half closed.