Mob Yandere

[Part 1/5]

After completing most of the exploration of the secret experimental site established by the outlaw exorcists, I sent a message to report the situation.

A day later, a transfer team dispatched by Juuyaku (the branch of medicine family) arrived for a more thorough investigation and to collect various materials and equipment. In exchange, I and two guides left the site. Our destination was the capital of Juuyaku, specifically the Juuyaku family estate.

Despite having a population of around two thousand, the village of Nagatsuka, located in the spiritually rich Center region, was relatively prosperous. The welcome we received at the Juuyaku estate was almost overwhelming compared to how we had been treated at other houses we visited. It was astonishing to see the head of the household come out to the estate's entrance to express gratitude and bow to the Household Member Coordinator. It was also surprising that those standing behind him didn't glare at us in frustration. This seemed to be a unique aspect of Juuyaku culture, reflecting their extreme martial disposition.

After arriving earlier, Tamaki and I provided a detailed verbal report to the head of the household. We also drafted and stamped documents for the district office and the Onmyouji Bureau. That night, we were treated to an extravagant feast, likely the most lavish meal since the start of this assignment.

The seasonal tempura of conger eel was fluffy, and the mountain of sea urchin was rich in flavor. The plump sea bream was grilled with salt. The luxurious seafood was probably hurriedly sourced by fast horses. Given the urgency of the procurement, it must have cost a significant amount. The dessert, made of shaved ice topped with sugar and fruit syrup, was a summer indulgence.

The sturdy and practical Juuyaku family prepared a lavish spread, which clearly demonstrated their sincerity. The local mountain delicacies were abundant, and the sake was of the finest quality. It was a truly extravagant dinner.

"I'm truly humbled by such generosity..."

"No, no, that's not the case at all! Rather, I should be thanking you! After all, you helped clean up the shame of our household, Household Member Coordinator!"

Despite being the head of the household, Juuyaku Ichishen came down from the upper seat to warmly welcome me, showering me with compliments. As for me, I still couldn't figure out how to interact with this head of the household. It wouldn't be good to be too humble or too arrogant, right?

"Did you conduct various investigations on the way to the estate? I admire your diligence. ...So, what did you find? How is my jurisdiction?"

"I believe it is well-managed. I haven't seen any youkai at all. This incident can be considered an exception. Of course, I will need to patrol the uninvestigated areas over the next few days."

"If you find anything suspicious, please feel free to let me know at any time. If necessary, I can provide assistance, and I will also open up our library for you. Please don't hesitate."

It seemed he was listening to the reports from the two guides and supervisors. He made such a proposal while keeping track of our actions.

(Although he's keeping an eye on us, he's also being cooperative... or is it the other way around?)

There might be guests with bad habits. It's possible that someone could misuse their position to cause trouble within the estate. Conversely, there could also be issues with our own people. Monitoring to prevent problems and cooperating sincerely with the tasks at hand is not contradictory at all. In fact, I might be the one whose sense of things is a bit off. The dynamics among the household members can be quite competitive.

"..."

"Is something the matter? Do you have any concerns?"

"Whoa!?"

I realized that the head of the household was leaning in, staring at my face—well, my mask, really—so closely that I instinctively flinched back. I quickly cleared my throat to regain my composure. �

"No... this is good sake. I think I'm starting to feel a bit tipsy. I need to be careful not to drink too much."

"This job is like being on a constant battlefield. You never know when you might have to fight. It's definitely not good to get drunk... But there's no need to worry about that; the security of this estate is top-notch. Even if someone gets a bit tipsy, I promise you, on my name as Juuyaku, that no intruder will be able to sneak in and harm us!"

His confidence was evident, but I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

...So, you're saying there's still a chance that someone from within could betray us?"

"Hahaha! You're quite sharp! ...Alright then. I promise you, on my name as Juuyaku Ichishen, that I will ensure the safety of the Household Member Coordinator tonight!"

"Safety for the Onitsuki group, right?"

After glancing at Tamaki, who was chatting and enjoying the feast with the Juuyaku family, I jokingly pointed this out, but the head of the household just laughed even more heartily, seemingly pleased with my comment.

"Indeed! Rest assured. There are no traitors in my house. ...Or do you need a vow?"

"No, it's just a bit of fun. ...Surely, the Juuyaku family, known for their loyalty to the emperor, wouldn't harm us who serve the imperial court?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

That incident in the stable was merely a friendly exchange, both sides keeping their true strengths hidden. I decided to forget how close we had come to trouble.

"Hahaha! If that's the case, you can still drink more! Come, let's have a toast!"

With a cheerful laugh, the head of the household boldly accepted what could have been seen as a rude comment, and without any hesitation, he offered me a sake bottle. I accepted it with my small cup. After downing the hot sake, I was offered another cup from the side. The surface of the sake was shimmering with fat, and bones were sinking beneath it.

"This is sake made with sea bream bones."

"It's fragrant. Thank you... Wait, is that you, Kaya?"

I reached out happily, enjoying the salty and savory aroma, and then looked up, recognizing the voice.

The young lady of Juuyaku, smiled elegantly in her formal attire, her hair neatly arranged. I remembered seeing her among the Juuyaku people talking with Tamaki earlier. But this is...

(So, it's true that clothes make the person. I felt like I had seen this somewhere before...)

I was shocked to realize it only now, at this distance, that she had changed so much. Behind her, I could see a slender young lady waiting with food. She also had a noticeable difference between her formal and work attire. Could it be...?

"...Is that your idea, the head of the household?"

"What can I do for you?"

"Isn't this a bit too much of a sales pitch?"

"Hmm. I have no idea what you're talking about."

I sighed at the head of the household's feigned ignorance in response to my pointed observation. For now, I accepted the cup. It was delicious, damn it.

"Ah. I appreciate the high praise, but... this isn't a very wise choice, is it?"

I could understand the temptation to extract something from those with high spiritual power or exceptional abilities. But in my case, it was different. My situation was tied to the dynamics of political intrigue. With knowledge of the original story, tools, and skills, I had somehow managed to rise or be placed in this position. My own lineage held no value. Targeting me would be a futile effort.

...The Youbo (youkai mother) factor? That would actually be a negative, wouldn't it? Thinking about it calmly, passing that factor onto another family's bloodline would be nothing short of an act of terrorism.

"Well, well, you're quite the serious one. ...Hmm. Both of you, step back."

I wondered what he thought of my attitude as he shrugged and smiled before calmly ordering his companions. They silently withdrew from the scene. By the way, they left the food behind. Such hospitality! Wait a minute. This abalone fish is still alive, isn't it? It's writhing in agony as it's being grilled, soaking in soy sauce! It looks like it's screaming in pain! The way it's thrashing around is quite inappropriate!!

"...About the report, it seems there's some leniency here?"

Whether he knew my inner thoughts or not, his question blended into the noise of the banquet after the two had stepped back. I was forced to return to reality and respond.

"...Well then. What are you talking about?"

"I apologize for my earlier foolishness. Please forgive me, as it was just a jest at the drinking table."

In response to the quick-witted retort made to cover up the situation, the head of the household made a decisive judgment.

"That's against the rules, right? You're being a bit too careless."

"You're a coward."

"That's an essential part of our job, isn't it? If it can be resolved with my mind, it should be easy, right?"

"You're truly a fighter... I won't deny there's some justification. However, the situation was also unique. Please don't think of it as a simple blunder."

He admitted his fault but pointed out an important line that shouldn't be crossed. Aside from the last moment of panic against the octopus, neither of them made any blatant mistakes. At least, it doesn't seem like a harsh punishment is warranted.

"I understand your feelings. However, this job is one where even a slight lapse can lead to death. If it were just your own life at stake, that would be one thing, but your failure could potentially lead to the downfall of your family, your people, and this country. I hope you understand this is not based on emotion."

"That's true. But isn't it a mistake to only hold them responsible? You appointed them yourself, after all. And you mixed in factors beyond just pure combat... am I wrong?"

The fact that I was assigned two guides, and that they were the ones chosen, was the head's decision. What if there had been three guides? Or if a different person had been selected? Couldn't things have ended more safely? I pointed this out rather arrogantly.

...By the way, if I had said this during the Yun-shoku era, I would have been killed for my rudeness. I've certainly become more brazen.

"...You're absolutely right. That was indeed a mistake in my judgment."

The head accepted my criticism without getting angry. I wanted to believe it's because he recognized the logic, not just his status... but is that really the case?

"So, are we letting the two of them go without punishment?"

"I can't let that happen. I'd like to avoid a light punishment, if possible."

"I truly hope it's something light... No, I know it's rude to get involved in matters like this, but please forgive my impudence."

If there are things that need to be pointed out or corrected, I will apologize again. Etiquette is important. It's about balancing the scales.

"No, it's fine. As I mentioned before, it's very helpful to have someone from the outside point things out like that. Few people are willing to stick their noses into the affairs of others without any benefit to themselves. So, there's no need to hold back, right?"

Ichishen spoke up to that point and took a sip from his cup filled with sake. He crunched on some tsukemono (pickled vegetables) with a satisfying sound, nodding happily. There was not a trace of malice in his demeanor; he seemed genuinely cheerful. However, his words just now...

"From the outside, you say... Could it be about those two girls who were so forward?"

The mention of "forward" referred, of course, to the two girls who had been quite suggestive. From what I had gathered from various sources beforehand, I had never heard of such a thing happening. Surely, I couldn't be the first one to receive such a service. Perhaps those who had been entertained in a similar gray area had chosen to remain silent.

"Haha, you don't hold back, do you?"

"Please, no jokes. It may sound crude, but... does that mean that when colleagues visit, they are always treated this way?"

Despite my bitter tone, the head of the household showed no sign of discomfort; he simply shook his head quietly.

"It's quite unfair to think of us as indiscriminate. I must deny that on behalf of my family's honor. Even so, I do choose my guests carefully, you know?"

"Even if you say that... after being assigned two girls, it's hard for me to trust your words."

With a sour expression hidden beneath my facade, I reached for the abalone that had finished cooking. If what the head of the household said was true, it made even less sense for me to be assigned two girls. I couldn't understand what had caught his eye about me.