Still tense, but relaxing slowly with each stroke in much the same way an animal would, the onmyoji shook his head.

"No. Not really. It is considered unfashionable for most men of high station to have their hair down, so I have always kept it up. You never really think about something as particularly uncomfortable when it is a standard of everyday life. Besides that, it is easier to wear it up with the hat, you see? Just habit, and before long, you hardly notice."