Mob Yandere

Chapter 167-4

[Part 4/4]

"You're involved, aren't you? Take some responsibility and explain. The village is in turmoil."

"Seriously?"

Kaede, with a very troublesome expression, looks even more displeased when she looks at Hina. And then she begins to explain. About the snake, the attacks on the pioneer village and the envoys, and... the youkai lurking among the envoys.

"Regarding the envoys, we only shot one person. And... they weren't exactly your people."

The first contact with the envoys. Negotiations. At that time, Kaede and the others had seen through that the head of the Kakitsugi family wasn't human. The warning wasn't actually aimed only at the envoys.

And Kaede had shared that information with me when she had the chance, so I had been keeping my trump card ready for when it was needed. I had been waiting for an opportunity to rescue Kakitsugi Inaba while pretending not to notice until the last moment, for her safety. I had also considered that if there were a spy for the giant snake, they could become carriers of deceptive information. Well, it turned out to be needless worry and effort, didn't it?

"Your big shots are safe too. He's probably leisurely drinking tea and composing poetry by now. He's all relaxed and carefree."

"So what?"

"Did you guys seriously just mock us this far and then try to brush it off and make peace? What a pain."

Feeling the intense hostility directed at them, all of the Tengu except for Kaede braced themselves. It was the expected reaction.

"...Back then, things were tough for us too. We had no choice but to invite reinforcements in that manner. Cut us some slack, will you?"

It must have been incredibly difficult for the proud Tengu village to seek help from the court, which they scornfully likened to a group of monkeys. Hence, Kaede and the extremist anti-god snake faction didn't just drive away the envoys but also resorted to kidnapping to establish a fait accompli... but that was only for the Tengu's benefit. It had nothing to do with the court.

"We don't have any obligation to consider your bird circumstances. No obligation of loyalty either. Don't you think so?"

"...I'm the one at the center of this commotion. You need my head? If so, feel free to take it."

"What value does the head of just one bird-brain have? ...Did you try to make this man a scapegoat for the curse? Don't make me laugh...!!"

After briefly glancing at me, the sharp gaze Tengu shot at me was even more intense than before. The sword was already drawn. Tension hung in the air, ready to explode. No, it was on the brink of explosion. A slight trigger could open the gates to a fierce battle.

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"Hina-sama, please stop!!"

"Tomobe! I...!!"

"Hina!"

"Huh!?"

At the second call, Hina halted her movement, dispersing the hostility. Instead, her overflowing emotions were indescribable. She gazed intently at me, her childhood friend...

"I understand that you're worried... and I understand the reasons. But this is a matter even Middle Counselor-sama has approved."

I probably expected it accurately. That old man is cunning. All the pieces were starting to come together in my mind.

"Kaede. Have you prepared a gift for the snake's defeat?"

"Monkey... If it's an apology and a token of gratitude to the court, then yes, we can offer one."

Kaede directed this question to one of the assistants who was wary of Hina.

'...One reason we gather goods is for trading with others. We don't need much in terms of luxury items. We can provide iron from the mountains and sacred wood as well. We don't need as much of those for our own lives.'

Tengu's assistant responded with a voice altered by a resonating curse. After glancing at me, they watched Hina's reaction warily.

"...Are you expecting us to just accept that? It doesn't seem sincere at all."

Hina didn't hide her hostility towards Tengu's attempt to resolve things with money. The tense atmosphere grew even more strained.

"But regardless of you, won't your superior agree? War costs money, right? From the stingy court's perspective, they'd gladly accept a compromise if it means saving face and getting some money. Am I wrong?"

"..."

I see through her motives... It was a rude remark, but it hit the mark. Hina fell silent for a while without moving, but her next words were unexpectedly extreme.

"Then, if I just burn down all your bird buildings, we'll get everything, right?"

'...!!'

One of the Tengu swung their sword. I summoned all my strength and swung my arm. The threads of Teguruma's spider severed the sword. And then... I grabbed onto Hina's hakama, who was about to unleash flames.

"Hina, please stop!!"

"Huh!? Why...!!?"

The flames of Annihilation, fearing to involve me, abruptly vanished.

"I've told you before, haven't I? Getting your hands dirty... and besides..."

And besides, nobody on our side has been killed. Seeing the human side of these Tengu makes it confusing to simply slaughter them as mere youkai. Especially if there's love for family involved. Especially for Kaede, who sacrificed her wings as repayment.

...Yeah, it's just excuses. It's just a matter of feelings. This situation is too loose. That's why, right?

"Please... just please...!!"

"..."

I looked up at Hina. Hina looked down at me. Our gazes intersected, peering into each other's eyes, trying to understand each other's true intentions.

We continued to stare at each other for a long, long time...

"...Handling the snake's affair would be troublesome if it becomes yours. You might attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."

I understood what Hina was implying. It's fine to modestly sit on the sidelines during the exorcism. But if I stand out too much, I'll invite jealousy. I'll become a pawn in a conspiracy. And above all, even my own body will be doubted... So, I played along.

"...I know. The main force of the subjugation is Princess."

"I won't acknowledge the creature that came out of your pocket. Reporting it would cause trouble. I don't want to tarnish my splendid achievements. Don't you agree?"

Shishimai, mentioned in the conversation, frowned as she lay Inaba-hime, who had fainted, beside her. She snorted discontentedly. I'm sorry, but to me, princess' words are like divine guidance.

"...Indeed, that's absolutely correct."

I simply affirmed her words, with utmost gratitude.

Because she had shown willingness to compromise within the limits of her position and authority. When it came to light, who could guarantee that she wouldn't face any penalties?

"Hehe, laugh it off. As I am now, I can't unlimitedly help you. This is my limit."

"...No. It was selfish of me. Please forgive my behavior, taking advantage of your position."

I released my grip on her hakama. The fine attire was soiled to the extent that it was ruined by the mud, dirt, and juices stuck to her palms.

Probably more expensive than what I'm worth.

"...I'm truly sorry."

I apologize once again for now.

"Hah, don't worry about it. We've been through a lot together. I wouldn't care if you dirtied me up a bit now. Besides, didn't my jacket get all muddy when I supported you earlier?"

"Oh, uh, about that..."

Hina responded with a cheerful smile to my reaction. The sword she held in her hand was already sheathed, and the ominous killing intent had dispersed like mist. Feeling awkward about the mention, I averted my gaze. It's beyond words, really.

...Well, anyway. Let's leave the aftermath aside for now. The main issue seems to be resolved. Probably, right?

...But I feel like I'm forgetting something very important though.

'...Is the conversation over? Then let's do it!'

As I pondered over such matters, a voice called out from behind.

"Huh?"

I turned around without caution, and a shock ran through my head. My vision spun around and around. I could see Hina yelling something angrily, and Shishimai calmly declaring something.

In one of Shishimai's hands was a toy hammer, and in the other, a set of blocks. The blocks gave off a strange impression of being freshly made... and then I understood. I understood the meaning behind this action.

Hiding evidence is definitely a smart move for exorcists. Memories and awareness, faded and erased...

(Oh, come to think of it...)

And just before consciousness completely faded, I thought.

(Why hasn't the damn snake's parting gift arrived?)

My doubt about the arrival of the punishment (curse) for killing a god, which I had prepared for, also dispersed along with it...