In truth, giving gifts was quite simple. For example, he could give Kaguya Houraisan a game collection from "Potato" (Ubisoft), a barrel of Thunder Ale to each of the three Oni, and some accessories or clothes to Mokou.
But the problem was that "Gifts from the Youkai Mountain" were more complicated. Lancer was well aware that Kaguya Houraisan was a Celestial; he even doubted there was anything left on the ground she cared about. The same went for the three Oni—when it came to alcohol, Onigashima was far more famous than the Youkai Mountain.
But as Lancer wandered, he spotted a small shop with decent business. The shopkeeper was a spider with eight appendages, wearing a sleeveless men's kimono. He looked quite interesting.
'A spider?'
Lancer didn't have a good impression of spiders. Even when he was an ordinary person, he couldn't handle those furry things. Plus, he had been disgusted by that Tsuchigumo before—the thing had died but decided to self-destruct, completely contaminating the land. Just thinking about it made Lancer annoyed.
However, if Lancer truly understood Japanese youkai, he would know that "Tsuchigumo" and ordinary "Spider Youkai" were essentially two completely different existences.
Generally, the most numerous youkai were "Wild Youkai," mostly formed from plants or animals. Next were the Tsukumogami that appeared due to the increase in human population. As for the Primordial Youkai, who had no physical form and were born from resentment or spiritual energy, they could be classified directly as "Yaoyorozu no Kami" (the Eight Million Gods).
The category the "Tsuchigumo" belonged to was an even more special existence—a type of youkai that was almost impossible to replicate in this era.
The origin of the "Tsuchigumo" was simply a barbarian tribe that opposed ordinary people. After being subjugated by Emperor Jimmu, they turned into monsters called "Tsuchigumo" out of resentment. It took hundreds, nearly a thousand years to become what they are now. Simply put, they were "Youkai turned from humans." The reason they were irreplicable was that the first generation of Tsuchigumo was too numerous—hundreds or thousands of barbarians collectively transforming into Tsuchigumo was almost impossible in the present.
As for the spider uncle in front of him, there was no trace of resentment on him. He appeared to be a youkai turned from an ordinary spider.
"Young man, is there anything you'd like to buy?"
The youkai appeared very calm upon seeing Lancer "human appearance." After all, in the minds of average youkai, ordinary humans didn't exist here. Although humans weren't on the Tengu's menu and they weren't blood-drinking beasts—and it could even be said that although they could reproduce directly between Tengu—as youkai transformed from humans, they still maintained human habits. For example, some Tengu who were once human liked to maintain their human form.
Furthermore, aside from some youkai who were extremely hostile toward humans, powerful youkai could generally transform into human shapes; it saved them some trouble. After all, battle maniacs like the Oni were a minority.
So, in a youkai settlement like this, the "humans" who appeared were generally not to be trifled with.
On the other hand, being strong also meant having sufficient purchasing power. Plus, with the Tengu clan maintaining order in the market, even Great Youkai wouldn't act out here. There was no need. Thus, a "big spender" like him was essentially a fat sheep in the eyes of any merchant.
Lancer didn't know that he—or rather, his wallet—was being targeted. Instead, he walked into the shop at the man's greeting.
Initially, Lancer was curious about what kind of shop had so many customers. Upon entering, he saw it was a tailor shop.
As Lancer looked around, the man, suspected to be a spider spirit, came to his side to explain.
"The clothes we make in this shop are generally tailored for the customer's true form. All clothes are made from a single thread and possess heat-insulating and fireproof properties. Ordinary fire cannot even ignite the clothes we make..."
The man's words piqued Lancer interest. Clothes made by youkai were quite a novelty.
He had just been considering gifts, and this might be a good choice.
Undoubtedly, the clothes here weren't cheap, but the number of customers in the shop showed that business was booming. As the owner said, these clothes could last for many years.
"I'd like to custom-order some things..."
Lancer didn't know that while he was shopping, the Great Tengu who had led him in had gone to "Tenma's" residence to report on him. After hearing the report, she remained silent for a long while, seemingly deep in thought.
In reality, what Lancer wanted was "information," something replicable. The only problem was that the information he sought was no small matter; once publicized, it could easily cause a commotion. That was why most of the people who knew back then kept their mouths shut.
But in truth, she had no good feelings toward that "Youkai Sage." Hiding the news was merely due to personal reasons, and since that person had started frequently contacting youkai in various places, it might not be long before her affairs became public knowledge.
In other words, the chips she held weren't as valuable as she had imagined...
"Agree to it. Fine. But it won't be without a price. I need him to go to the Kappa and retrieve something for me."
"Retrieve something from the Kappa... Could it be that?"
The Great Tengu was stunned for a moment, his expression turning subtle. He knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Will he be willing? That thing is not simple..."
"The thing he wants is in my hands. I set the requirements; the only thing he can do is either do it or not. As for whether he can achieve the best result... and if he can't, what of it?"
Tenma's words left him stunned for two seconds before he nodded. Indeed, even if the other party failed, they wouldn't lose anything. It didn't matter. This open-mindedness of not being fixated on results was perhaps part of the wisdom she had cultivated over nearly a millennium.
However, just as he left Tenma's residence and returned to his office, the surveillance report on Lancer recent activities was delivered to his desk.
He had originally considered whether to strike directly if Lancer did anything, or to let it go for now. But seeing Lancer actions on the report, he really didn't know how to comment.
"What the hell?"