Mob Yandere

Chapter 191-3

[Part 3/4]

But... surprised?

"What are you surprised about?"

"I suddenly heard that they wanted to take in Tomobe-kun. I couldn't believe it."

"You think you have more talent than me, right?"

"I'm not that full of myself! ...But I really didn't picture Tomobe-kun leaving anywhere."

"Considering this job, that's a bit..."

Rather, if I'm not careful, it wouldn't be surprising for me to vanish at any time.

To be honest, from my position, I'm just the first servant accompanying on this mission, which is a novel's cliché.

...Usually, in these stories, if you turn around, you're bitten or have disappeared (rolling eyes).

In any case, her statement just now can only be seen as a lack of awareness towards the job.

I understand that it's a life-threatening job. No, it's not that... but about this time, you know? Anyway, they said it was a pretty good offer, right?"

"Either those 2 have very loose lips, or they've become quite close... Ah, well, yes. It's true that they offered a reasonable treatment."

As I realized that Tamaki had somehow come to know so much without me noticing, I gave an affirmative nod.

Well, it's not a secret that needs to be kept, anyway.

"But you didn't agree, did you?"

"Even if I agreed, it's the kind of deal that could be overturned by a single word from the head of the household."

Being a "servant" as a Household Member Coordinator—holding an official rank.

Even though my status has improved considerably, I can't deny that I'm still the property of the Yandere Psycho Father and Onitsuki.

It's a deal that can easily be turned down by him, no matter what conditions are attached.

And fortunately for me, I knew that man would never agree to it.

...It's only natural, right?

Because if he lets me go, he won't get the satisfaction of watching me suffer in a miserable state of powerlessness and despair, will he?

"I'm honestly happy about it too, but... you're being so casual about it? Even though it's a rare invitation? Tomobe-kun, I thought you'd be more concerned about the treatment and money."

Tamaki's question, stemming from her lack of knowledge about various unnecessary behind-the-scenes details.

Fortunately, I had prepared an answer in advance.

"Because of you, young lady Tamaki."

"Huh!? M-Me!? W-What!? What do you mean by that!?"

Tamaki was startled by the sudden mention of her name.

Her embarrassed and confused flustered gestures, like those of a maiden, are reassuring to watch.

Especially in a world like this.

"It's not a good expression to say 'fate,' but... I'm partly responsible for Young Lady Tamaki walking the path of an exorcist. And yet, it seems she's not even half-baked, let alone fully mature. I do feel responsible. I can't take my eyes off you until you can stand on your own."

Until you live and get your happy ending, okay?

"Oh, that's... too much!"

Tamaki, taken aback by my unexpectedly sharp reply, becomes sulky and shows her displeasure.

The way she pouts is rather endearing.

At least more so than a demon's sulky face.

"That's the truth, right? And..."

I shift my gaze from Tamaki to take in the surroundings.

My fellow servants are sparring in the arena, and I know every one of their names.

Even if their faces are hidden under masks, I can tell just by their movements.

They are comrades who share the same meals.

"I'm still worried about the servants' subordinates. Master Shirowakamaru must be a bit of a handful, but just like Tamaki, I want to keep an eye on them a little longer. ...It would be nice if I could somehow help Magoroku and the others become independent."

Especially, I was most concerned about Magoroku and the others' future.

My subordinates are reliable.

Once they get over this hill, things shouldn't get worse.

Shirowakamaru has more than enough talent to save himself.

But those 2... It might sound arrogant, but there was a significant chance they would be lost without me.

If only I could entrust them to someone I can trust.

It was gentle, soft, cheerful, yet commanding no arguments....

* * *

The final evening meal at the Juuyaku household, however, was not that luxurious.

It was not because they were short on money, nor was it due to a lack of hospitality.

It was, quite naturally, a matter of considerate thoughtfulness.

Tomorrow, they will step into the territory of another family.

That means they will be stepping outside the responsibilities of the Juuyaku family.

It means there is no obligation to guarantee Juuyaku's safety.

Engaging in acts that would indulge and intoxicate within such circumstances would, indeed, be irresponsible.

Thus, simplicity and sturdiness.

That is why the delegation could wake up feeling refreshed in the early morning without dragging any remnants from the previous day.

Rather, the moderate fatigue from joint training contributed to a good sleep.

In the morning, they were served tea and breakfast to help wake them up. After packing their bags, they set off at 4 a.m.

Heading north, the five western districts of Isaka Province, bordering the Juuyaku family's lands, fall under the jurisdiction of the Takemika family. They're responsible for both exterminating youkai and managing spiritual veins.

"I heard the next family is quiet and difficult. I need to pull myself together."

Inaba, the servant squad leader, speaks a word beside Tamaki, who is riding in the center of the procession along the city road.

"Yes. The Juuyaku houses were easy, but they were the exception. ...I think we could reach the border by evening."

At this point, it seems like a long time ago, but Tamaki agrees with a bitter smile as she thinks about the houses she visited before the Juyaku house.

And she remembers the route she was told before leaving.

According to the explanation from the Juuyaku family who led us on the way, even if they took a couple of breaks along the way, they would still be able to make it before sunset.

"Well then, shall we proceed as planned?"

"Yeah. I'm counting on you...?"

As she confirmed the plan while conversing with the leader of the servant squad, Tamaki tilted her head in thought.

She instinctively stopped the horse's steps.

"Tamaki-sama? What's wrong?"

"No, it's just..."

Unable to immediately answer her subordinate's question, Tamaki struggled to find a response.

An uncomfortable feeling lingered.

It was as if she had forgotten something important, something she couldn't quite grasp.

A sense of overlooking something significant... and the confusion that came from not being able to put it into words.

"Tamaki-sama...?"

"Um... no, it's fine. Let's go, okay?"

At her subordinate's repeated inquiry, Tamaki resumed the march.

She couldn't show her agitation in front of her subordinates.

If she panicked, her subordinates would follow suit.

So she acted courageously.

"Let's go, yes. We have to go..."

As they marched, an indescribable anxiety swirled endlessly in Tamaki's heart.

And no matter how much she pondered, she couldn't recall what it was that troubled her, continuing to murmur as if in a daze...

"..."

In a corner of the queue, the wolf woman scratched her head in apparent annoyance at her friend's condition.

Then, she clicked her tongue while looking back at the path she had walked....

* * *

I moved through the deserted mountain forest.

Suppressing my footsteps, diluting my presence, I sprinted.

Seeing through the techniques of forgery, deception, and concealment, I navigated through a series of simple traps, pushing deeper and deeper inside....

"..."

I stopped in my tracks, noticing traces—