IBHJ Chapter 974

"How is this possible...!" Kiara suddenly stood up, as if she had seen something completely unbelievable. Her eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief.

Everyone turned to look, and saw two female fox beastfolk slowly walking in from the entrance. The first one wore gold-rimmed glasses, looking quite intellectual, while the second had an alluring figure, wearing a loose golden robe that exuded a seductive aura.

The moment Shirou saw these two fox women, especially the latter, his eyes suddenly contracted. He felt a chill run down his spine, and his mouth twitched violently.

As he and the others saw these two foxes, the two naturally also noticed his group gathered at the table. The fox wearing gold-rimmed glasses looked towards Kiara, her eyes narrowing slightly, "My, my. This is quite a surprise, wouldn't you say, little Sessyoin?"

"Indeed. A most unexpected pleasure," Demonic Bodhisattva purred, a smile playing on her lips. But her gaze wasn't on Kiara. It was locked on Artoria, who was currently inhabiting Shirou's body. She stepped closer. "What a twist of fate."

"Is there something you need? Please don't come any closer." Looking at Demonic Bodhisattva, Artoria instinctively felt a sense of disgust. Her brows furrowed sharply, her eyes sharp and cold as she stared at her.

Demonic Bodhisattva's lips curled into a coy smile as she took another step forward. "Now, now, is that any way to greet—" She paused mid-sentence, her nose twitching. Confusion flickered across her face. "Wait... something's not right. Your scent, why does it seem a bit off?"

Kiara's eyes widened. She looked at Demonic Bodhisattva in a panic. "You- why are you here?"

Demonic Bodhisattva's gaze snapped to Kiara, her expression morphing into one of distaste. "Well, well. If it isn't my least favorite person. And here I thought this day couldn't get any worse."

Kiara's fists clenched, her eyes locked on Demonic Bodhisattva, every sense on high alert. Not just her – the others too were tense, on guard. Even those who didn't know Demonic Bodhisattva, like Artoria, felt a wave of unease rolling off her and the fox lady at her side. It was the same aura of dread they'd felt from Cath Palug. These were Beasts!

And worse, they were part of the Council!

"What an unexpected pleasure to run into everyone from Chaldea here," the fox lady with glasses said, pushing them up her nose with a squint and a smile. "But don't worry, we have no intention of being your enemies. At least, not at this Connection Point."

No one bought it for a second. Charia, who was looking at them with his third eye, was practically shaking with fear. He saw countless monsters made of twisted desires crawling on Demonic Bodhisattva, and on the fox lady with glasses, a swirling mass of vengeful spirits.

They're all monsters! Charia thought, his heart pounding in his chest.

Seeing everyone's wary looks, the fox lady smiled. "My, my. Such hostility. And here I thought we were all friends." Her gaze locked onto Morrigan, eyes gleaming. "Isn't that right, dear Sweet Little Girl? Or should I say... 'Morgan le Fay'? Even I couldn't have predicted this delightful twist."

Morrigan gritted her teeth, the name practically forced out through clenched jaws: "Koyanskaya!"

"The one and only," Koyanskaya smiled, giving a curtsy.

So she was indeed one of the Beasts. But...

Shirou's eyes darted between the two women – Morrigan, trembling with anger, and Koyanskaya, the picture of smug composure. His brow furrowed. These two have history... and not the pleasant kind.

And indeed, just as he suspected, Morrigan had known Koyanskaya eight hundred years ago and had suffered quite a bit at her hands.

Koyanskaya's smile turned nostalgic. "Ah, the memories. Eight hundred years, was it? My, how time flies when you're having fun." She tapped a finger to her chin. "First Hinako during the Warring States, and now you... It seems the three of us are bound by fate. How deliciously poetic."

Morrigan's face twisted into an expression of disgust, as if constipated. She glared at Koyanskaya. "Why are you here?"

"Oh, come now," Koyanskaya chuckled, spreading her arms innocently. "Why the hostility? We're practically old friends. We don't have any deep grudges between us. Besides..." She gestured above her head with a playful wink. "Haven't you noticed my charming ID?"

Morrigan's gaze flicked upward, her eyes widening as she read the floating text: "Super Cute Fox Spirit". A strangled noise escaped her throat. "You... What kind of sick joke is this? What kind of scheme are you plotting?"

"Joke? My dear, I'm hurt," Koyanskaya pressed a hand to her chest in mock offense. "I'm simply here on business. You know me – money and amusement are my only true loves. So of course, I'm here to make money. You know I'm not interested in schemes, plots, killing, or destruction."

Morrigan let out a hollow laugh. If this woman was only interested in money and fun things, then who was it that had pushed her and Hinako to the brink of death eight hundred years ago? Who had tried every possible means to eliminate them?

Although, it was because of that experience that she, who had been so tired of the world, had become friends with the equally world-weary Hinako.

But that didn't change how dangerous the woman in front of her was.

Koyanskaya's gaze shifted, finally landing on Shirou. She said with a smile, "You must be the King of Knights, right?"

He was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "Hello."

"My, my, I'm truly indebted to you, Master," Koyanskaya said with a smile.

His brow furrowed in confusion. Master? What in the world...? He glanced at Artoria, hoping for some clarity, only to find her looking equally baffled. Obviously, she was also confused as to why Koyanskaya would call her Master.

"It's getting late," Koyanskaya glanced at the darkening sky, then turned to look at everyone and said with a smile, "Please enjoy your dinner. We'll take our leave now. Little Sessyoin, let's go."

Demonic Bodhisattva's bottom lip jutted out in a pout. "But senior," she whined, eyeing Shirou with undisguised lust, "I still want to get closer to Mr. Shirou. Can't we stay a little longer?"

Koyanskaya's smile sharpened dangerously. "Now, now, little one. Disobedience has... consequences. Consider that friendly advice from your senior."

Demonic Bodhisattva's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Fine," she muttered, falling into step behind Koyanskaya. She couldn't resist throwing longing glances back at Shirou with each step.

As they neared the exit, Koyanskaya suddenly stopped beside Charia. She smiled down at him. Her voice was honey-sweet, but her eyes glittered with predatory greed. "Say, little one... that fascinating third eye of yours. Is it for sale?"

The air around them seemed to freeze. Despite Koyanskaya's gentle tone, Charia felt as if Death itself had whispered in his ear. His face drained of color, eyes wide with terror as he scrambled backward, nearly toppling over in his haste to put distance between them.

"Koyanskaya!" Morrigan slammed the table and stood up, glaring at fox lady. That eye was her prey!

"Seems it's not for sale, what a pity. But, the innocent suffer for possessing a precious jewel, those who are guilty will be punished," Koyanskaya said with a smile as she looked at Charia.

Charia saw a vision of a pitch-black demon fox holding him in its palm. Fear gripped his heart, making him tremble uncontrollably. Just as she was about to continue her intimidation, a sword suddenly appeared in front of her. She looked up to see a pair of blue eyes blazing with barely contained flames.

"That's enough," Shirou said coldly.

Koyanskaya paused, tilting her head as she studied him. "How curious... There's something different about you. Your soul... it's quite... unique."

With a final, mysterious smile, she turned on her heel. "Come along, little Sessyoin. We've outstayed our welcome."

Everyone frowned as they watched the two negotiate with the inn owner and then check into two guest rooms.

"This has become troublesome," Morrigan said, biting her nails.

"You're not wrong," he sighed, massaging his temples. A dull throb was building behind his eyes.

Both he and Morrigan sensed the trouble, but while Morrigan was worried about Koyanskaya, he was concerned about Demonic Bodhisattva.

After dinner was over, Artoria approached Shirou.

"What's wrong, Artie?"

She hesitated, weighing her words. "My King, there's something... off about the other Kiara. I can't quite put my finger on it, but..."

His expression hardened. "Trust your instincts. She's dangerous. Keep your guard up around her."

"Understood." she nodded.

Their conversation was cut short by the sudden creak of the door. Mordred swaggered in, then froze, eyes widening as she spotted her father.

"What the—" Mordred's finger pointed accusingly at Artoria. "Why are you here?"

"Why can't I be here?" Artoria tilted her head, saying, "I should be the one asking, why are you here?"

Mordred's chest puffed out, her chin jutting forward defiantly. "That sneaky fox, Koyanskaya, is clearly up to no good! I'm here to protect Mom, obviously!"

"Oh. Coincidentally, so am I. But you're too weak, you should quickly go back to your room," Artoria said calmly.

"You're the weak one!" Mordred stomped her foot in frustration.

"No. You're the weak one."

"What! Listen here..."

Shirou watched the escalating argument, his hand slowly sliding down his face in exasperation. What kind of situation was this?