My theory is that Maribel doesn't become Yukari nor is she already her, I think that they live in parallel universes and are interconnected by their ability to see boundaries (and as Maribel's ability further evolves, manipulate them as well). Maribel might turn into a youkai but I believe that she will still be a human with Yukari's power and manage to consciously traverse the Hakurei barrier together with Renko and enter Gensoukyou.

It does seem like most of the human villagers live a happy life but it's more akin to the happiness a caged animals feels. I'm sure that if they were to face some crisis, the youkai would insure they don't die out. I wouldn't be surprised if any of the sages are pulling the strings within the village in order to keep the humans from learning that in reality the youkai need them and not the other way around. But since people from the outside world are permitted to reside in the village it seems like they're not that adverse to the humans gaining more technological advancements. Maybe there is hope for a future where human and youkai can co exist in harmony with technology and magic.

> Are there weather conditions to account for? If so, what are they?
> Do we need to re-chart our course, given we stopped here for the night?

> Resume eating as well.

>Breakfast carries on as Orihime uses the silence to talk about minor day to day things; some of the minutia of the clothe she is currently dyeing, about how the river of sake imparts a distinct flavor to the fish (she assures you it won't leave you intoxicated), about how the silk cocoons on the nearby mulberry orchid came in wonderfully last year.
>But soon enough, all of you ae finished, and it is time to determine what to do for the day.

>_

Just got home last night, this was super fun! I'm going to make another long post here like I did last year, stay tuned.