Mob Yandere

[Part 2/4]

As I cracked my stiff shoulders, Magoroku continued. He has sharp ears. ...Grilled chicken with salt sounds delicious.

"Well then, it's been a while... if it's not too much trouble, may I play the koto?"

Since we've been on the move constantly, I hadn't seen Mari play her koto in a while. It seems she thought that if she didn't practice for too long, her skills would dull. She wanted to play as a way to practice.

"Of course. Feel free to play as much as you like."

"If it's okay with you, I'd love to."

"Alright. It's settled then. Magoroku, want to listen together later with some drinks and snacks? I'll share my good stuff with you."

"Haha, I'd be happy to join! But... should we not tell Big Sis Iruka? Won't she say something later?"

"Is it okay if she take all the drinks and snacks?"

As we joked around, I pulled out one of the bottles of imported sake that Kayo had given me to relax, while taking off the heavy gear I had on. Magoroku went off to look for a maid to ask for some side dishes. Then he opened the shoji paper door and was taken aback by the elderly innkeeper waiting there.

"Whoa!? W-What's going on?"

"...Where is the Onitsuki family's' Household Member Coordinator?"

The response to Magoroku's blinking inquiry was the old woman's heavy bow and her hoarse voice.

"...It's me. What do you need?"

I stepped forward, pushing Magoroku back. She glanced at me, slightly furrowing her brow... probably because I looked like a servant... and then she bowed again, trying to compose herself. Then she answered.

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"It's a guest. Please come quickly. The representative of young lady, has already arrived."

At the unexpected statement from the innkeeper, I furrowed my brow this time...

* * *

"Could it be that the head of the family is personally here to greet us... I'm truly sorry for the trouble, along with Tamaki."

In the finest guest room of the inn, I stood beside Tamaki, speaking on our behalf. I bowed sincerely and humbly. It was definitely necessary.

"No, no, no. If it's a delegation from the renowned Onitsuki family, then it's an honor to welcome you! There's no need for such concern!"

Her response was solemn for her age, yet lively and clear, as if it rang out. It seemed there was not a hint of malice or sarcasm in her tone.

"However... I sincerely apologize for not meeting your expectations, but I'm not those who carry the blood of Onitsuki. I'm merely the Household Member Coordinator summoned by Onitsuki. I'm certainly not the kind of people who would warrant a visit from the head of the family."

I answered clearly like that to gauge the true intentions of the person in front of me. With my head bowed, I peeked at the other person through the gap.

The man looked like he was over 60, with a face full of wrinkles, but he still had a strong build with broad shoulders. He had a big grin that seemed to stretch his muscles, and he widened his eyes slightly, shaking his head while saying, "No, no, no." His behavior seemed a bit exaggerated.

Well, considering the rumors, there's a good chance he's just being genuine.

"Don't be so modest. Compared to Onitsuki, our family's history is quite short... not even half as long. The skills of our clan are nothing but child's play compared to Onitsuki. ...Even as a household member, it's the same. I've heard that the household members of the Onitsuki family are quite skilled. Especially..."

Then the man looked me over carefully. He noticed that I was still in my work clothes instead of formal attire due to my rush.

"Just as I thought. Wearing Tengu feather clothing and carrying 2 exquisite daggers (tantō). And... was it Teguruma? I've heard that the thread of the giant spider can cut through steel? You seem to be well-equipped with hidden weapons and curse tools, don't you?"

The man... Juuyaku Ichishen from the Center region exorcists pointed this out leisurely, without any hesitation or reservation. Tamaki and I froze for a moment. In fact, Tamaki glanced at me.

"...I was in a hurry. Please forgive my rudeness."

"No, no! Not at all! You truly have the mindset of someone always on the battlefield; I'm impressed! If you're an exorcist, it should be like this!!"

The head of the Juuyaku family laughed heartily, as if to brush off my polite apology. It seemed genuine, not an act or sarcasm.

Once, the Yakushiji family was a powerful force among exorcists, known for their skills in spiritual medicine. However, they eventually declined due to the machinations of the Youkai Salvation Organization and the policies of the imperial court, leading to their downfall. Yet, not all branches of their lineage disappeared. In fact, there are still household members belonging to the Onitsuki family who excel in handling spiritual medicine, and these branches have been valued in various fields, keeping their legacy alive.

The Juuyaku family, with a history of 2 hundred years, is a legitimate exorcist family that originated from a branch of the Yakushiji family. They were originally members of a different household but, after many twists and turns, they became an independent exorcist family. The current head is the 4th generation. And... they are known for being strong against youkai spirits.

The exorcist families in the Center region are not just a bunch of weaklings. There are indeed powerful individuals, and some families even possess extraordinary techniques that are hard to approach.

However, like most exorcist families, it is true that the majority prioritize the maintenance and management of their territory, the Spiritual Vein. The Center region is a peaceful place. It seems that aside from those dispatched to the Omnyouji Bureau, some only engage in actual combat a few times a year by exterminating low-level youkai. In the original story, there were even those who insulted them, calling them "a well-trained group of virgins." While that might be an exaggeration, it cannot be denied that many of them lack real combat experience.

What makes the Juuyaku family unusual is that they actively take their clan members out for expeditions beyond their territory. Most of their clan members belong to the Omnyouji Bureau or are employed by noble families, samurai, or wealthy merchants, gaining real combat experience as bodyguards or helpers in various regions. Some even have experience as mercenaries across the sea. This information is not from the original story but comes from connections gained as a Household Member Coordinator.

(And this head in front of me is the one who built such a family...)

Age 80 or 90. It seems he became the head of the family at 30. This man is said to have taken the ordinary operations of the Juuyaku family and transformed it into a fierce fighting force over half a century. So scary... If my true-self gets revealed, he might come to kill me.

"Household Member Coordinator, is there something on my face?"

"!? ...No, I had heard about you beforehand. As expected of the loyal subject of Juuyaku. Impressive that you can capture my gaze."

I honestly admit to the observation. At the very least, it seems he can see through blatant lies. I'll avoid lying.

"Hahaha! No, no, don't worry about it. It's rather embarrassing that someone of my name is known! ...And you are the young lady summoned from Hotoya, right? I've heard rumors about you!"

"Eh!? Oh, yes!? ...Rumors, you say?"

Tamaki is surprised by the sudden mention and confused by the talk of rumors. No one is happy to be talked about like that.

"Indeed! Your fighting in Hieda district and the defeat of 'Mayoiga' at Mount Hōraku! I don't know the details, but I've heard you've been active in the town as well. Wow, for your age, you're quite brave. I'd like our young ones to learn from you!"

"Uh, uh...?"

Overwhelmed by the loud praise, Tamaki can only respond in a daze. She seems to be struggling to keep up with the energy.

(In a way, this is a hassle...)

People who lack motivation, those who are clingy, and those who flatter can be annoying, but having someone like this man show enthusiasm and try to win favor is troublesome too. When someone is watching, it makes things difficult. If they start acting all high and mighty, it would be unbearable. Both Tamaki and I have our own burdens to carry.

"Oh, I almost forgot. This is a small gift from my family. Please, accept it!"

Unaware of my worries and Tamaki's confusion, the head of the Juuyaku family continues the conversation. He unwraps the furoshiki he had beside him, revealing a lacquered tiered box. He opens the lid of the expensive box.

And what he presents is...

"...Huh, what's this?"

"What do you mean? It's a sparrow."

"A sparrow?"

"Yes. It's a sparrow."

The head of the family calmly responds to Tamaki's question. Tamaki looks at the contents of the bento box with a strained expression. Packed with ice, there's a large amount of sparrow meat (over a hundred whole birds) with their feathers plucked. If it were just one or 2, Tamaki, having grown up in the countryside, might be okay with it. But seeing so many of them, looking like little chicks, that have been brutally killed is quite hard to take.

"...By the way, how do you eat it?"

"Whole, of course?"

"Whole..."

"Yes. You eat it whole, starting from the head."

"..."

Tamaki slowly looks over here. With slightly teary eyes, she seems to be asking for help.