Mob Yandere - Chapter 158-3

[Part 3/5]

The one who answered was not Aka-bouchou, but another Tengu. Considering their presence in the meeting, they are likely of the same high-ranking status.

“What if I succeed? I don’t want to be silenced for knowing too much.”

‘Hmph. Such a submissive and despicable thought, just like a monkey. Rest assured, if you work hard, I’ll release both sides.’

“In one piece?”

‘Shall I guarantee your every organ as well?’

The Tengu in a black robe responds to my question with a sarcastic tone. There is a clear sense of superiority. Arrogant words, looking down on others. However, what matters here is not the tone or sincerity, but certainty. Therefore…

“I can’t trust a verbal promise. Make a formal contract. Everyone present here.”

‘Don’t get carried away, you monkey!!’

The response to the straightforward yet modest request is a contemptuous insult. However, I can’t be intimidated here. I reply without hesitation.

“I’m risking our lives, so at least let me fight without any worries. You don’t want to increase the number of your comrades who are eaten by prolonging the problem-solving halfway, do you? A single cannon fodder shouldn’t be enough against that damn snake.”

‘…!’

The Tengu and his group fall silent in the face of my straightforward words. They lower their heads or avert their gazes, observing each other’s reactions. It was an attitude that resembled that of humans.

Yeah. It’s the adult way of dealing with things, reading the atmosphere, caring about appearances, and giving a nod to those around you to avoid standing out. Or perhaps it’s just the behavior of an ordinary person… Is it because of my unnecessary wisdom?

(…No, that’s not it.)

I saw the only Aka-bouchou who can raise my spirits with just a look. The woman Tengu who set me up is just smiling gleefully.

I can’t understand why she’s so happy. I don’t even want to understand. There are other things I should prioritize rather than asking about that. Namely…

“Will you return the weapon before the main event? I can’t fight with just the Dagger (tantō) like this.”

I request while stroking the blood-stained Tantō. At the very least, the cursed blade pushed by Lady Onitsuki was necessary. Without that thing that can be used to kill divine beings and prolong curses, it’s honestly impossible. It’s the bare minimum requirement for handling hitmen.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of the support with great care. And if you succeed, I might even give you a reward, you know?”

“A reward, huh? Will you give me a Hagoromo (feathered kimono worn by tennin)?”

I respond to Aka-bouchou’s remark half-jokingly. By the way, it is said that Tengu feathers are soft and powerful. Hagoromo made from them are effective as curse tools, and they have value as high-quality furnishings and attire. They were also treasured as gifts… This is the story of Middle Counselor (Chuunagon)-sama.

“Well then, whether you can do that much depends on your performance. Well, I’m looking forward to it.”

“If possible, I’d like to know more about the support I can receive now, rather than future rewards. I mean, in great detail.”

With sarcasm and irony, I make my request.

“I’m glad to see you motivated. …I had my eye open.”

“…Then.”

I grit my teeth in response to Aka-bouchou’s mean gaze. That damn Tengu woman really knows how to drag me into trouble.

‘…Aka-bouchou. Stop moving forward with the conversation.’

The one who interrupted the conversation between me and the female Tengu was the Tengu wearing a green hood. They grabbed the female Tengu’s shoulder and interrupted the conversation.

“What’s the matter? Do you want to butt in? You’re so clingy.”

‘Cut the jokes. You always fool around.’

Then, they pulled the female Tengu and whispered in her ear.

‘…We still need to hear…the other party’s opinions…voting…don’t act unilaterally…’

They were probably taking countermeasures against eavesdropping. Even with my sharp hearing, I couldn’t catch it clearly. The hood cast a shadow, making it impossible to read lips. However, I could roughly guess the meaning.

“…”

‘…That’s what it is. Understood?’

“…”

‘Aka-bouchou!’

“Ah, yes, yes, yes. I understand, I understand!”

In response to the strong call, the female Tengu responded with an exasperated attitude.

“Hah. All these procedures and formalities…such a roundabout way. If my mother just stepped up and said a word, everything would be resolved!”

As she vented her frustrations and let out an annoyed sigh, the female Tengu looked down at me with an air of indifference and said,

“So, our little chat will have to wait. We’ll hash out the details tomorrow. And as for you… Oh, right. I’ll arrange a room for you.”

Her affected demeanor confirmed my suspicions. This was likely just a temporary pause for a discussion to reach a consensus among the Tengu. I get it. Even monsters have a certain level of civilization that doesn’t resort to physical altercations to settle things. But that’s not the issue here.

If there is an issue…

“Can’t I go back to my original cell?”

I was worried about the safety of Inaba-hime and the Middle Counselor. The fact that they were in an unreachable place was unsettling. I want return to their cells. However…

“No, it’s not happening. It’s too much trouble to bring them out. It’ll attract attention. …Besides, we’ll be busy from tomorrow morning anyway. You wouldn’t want to waste time, would you?”

“…What about the diplomatic mission?”

I reluctantly accepted the decision that I could understand even if I didn’t agree with it. At the same time, I asked about the whereabouts of the diplomatic mission that caused the embarrassment of the Middle Counselor being kidnapped.

As for me, I want to believe that there is no one who is more concerned about the Middle Counselor than I am.

“A messenger has been sent out to warn them. There is also surveillance. They won’t make any careless moves. …Ah, it’s probably for the sake of avoiding responsibility. They said they confirmed the fast horses.”

These were the words whispered to me by my comrades in the campsite. It seems that they are seeking an audience with the Emperor because the locals cannot make a judgment. Considering the slowness of the imperial court’s actions… still, there won’t be more than ten days of leeway. The rampage on site is also frightening.

“…Please do it as soon as possible.”

“I was planning on doing it even without being told.”

In response to Aka-bouchou’s reply, two newly armed Tengu enter the room. They try to take me away. I entrust myself to that. It’s not a funny story if I end up falling to my death because of a rampage.

“Take him to the northern mansion. Just let him stay there for now.”

‘…? Is that alright?’

Not only the Tengu soldiers, but also several other Tengu officers who seemed to be Tengu officers were giving suspicious glances towards Aka-bouchou. Nevertheless, the female Tengu calmly urged them once again.

“That way, it’s easier to surveillance. …Hurry up.”

‘Yes.’

The Tengu soldiers took me away. I was escorted out of the room that seemed to be a conference room, and out of the treehouse.

“…”

Just before leaving, I looked back. Aka-bouchou, who was engaged in conversation with the other Tengu officers, briefly glanced at me and smiled.

It was truly a very, very unpleasant smile.

* * *

Being restrained during the sightseeing flight was honestly unpleasant. Especially the gazes from the Tengu in the village were terrible.

They didn’t show themselves clearly. However, from all directions of the village in the trees, from the windows of the treehouse and from the shadows, there were impolite gazes directed at me…there was an indiscreet presence that didn’t even try to hide their curiosity. It felt like being treated as an attraction. In fact, I might have been more of a spectacle. Treated like a rare beast.

“…Can you do anything about them? It’s like being stabbed all over with needles, and I can’t compete.”

‘Just shut up and come quietly. Don’t think about unnecessary things.’

The request for at least a verbal warning was coldly rejected. Well, I understand my position.

After enduring the gaze for a while, it appeared to the north of the village. A tall and imposing tree. A Treehouse with a Fuso-style building inserted there. It’s one of the largest things I’ve seen in the village so far.

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