Mob Yandere

[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.

(Should I wish for Hina? No, that's not possible.)

I briefly considered that option but immediately dismissed it.

Given what I'm trying to do, that's definitely going too far.

Rather, if I think in terms of give and take....

"..."

"Tomobe-kun? ...Tomobe, kun?"

"...Oh, sorry. I'm just thinking about something."

She must have felt something was off about me being stunned and silent when she noticed.

I apologize to Tamaki who is calling out to me suspiciously.

Tamaki looks at me with a slightly worried look.

And then she opens her mouth.

"You're kind"

"Kind?"

"Tomobe-kun said that. You were worried about everyone, weren't you? That's why you were so kind. ...You even turned down a job offer that was a great opportunity for you. You're really kind."

It can't be helped, says Tamaki with a wry smile.

I was drawn to that carefree expression, and my mouth also relaxed in a troubled way.

The protagonist's virtue.

She was different from some Minister of Mercy, she was truly a man of pure virtue.

"...That's why I have no eye for people. I'm just a corporate slave"

Even if I think calmly about the handover, I can't quit my job because of it... If I think about it, it's a mindset worthy of a black company.

Really, neither the boss nor the job is normal in this workplace.

"Then, what about coming to my place?"

"Young lady Tamaki?"

After a short silence and a hesitant proposal, I turned my gaze back to the princess.

"I'm also thinking of returning the favor to Onitsuki and going back to my hometown after learning various things. To protect the village, I was wondering if you could come with me at that time."

"Me too?"

"Yes, you too, Tomobe-kun!"

A cheerful repeat of the words.

Tamaki smiles with a slight blush.

"Of course, this is after all your worries are resolved. Hotoya Village isn't that far from Onitsuki Valley, so the lord might still forgive you, right? I'd be grateful if you could protect the village together... I think it's not a bad deal for you either. I heard that Juuyaku is quite a fighting place, so I think Hotoya Village might be safer."

So, what do you think?

...Tilting her head, playing with her short hair, Tamaki proposes again.

She calls out with a slightly anxious tone.

"What about me..."

"Ah, it's not like I'm asking you to come right now! I just wanted you to consider it."

Tamaki stops me from answering and adds, probably thinking that she was too hasty and abrupt with her suggestion.

"I think Iruka and Suzune would be happy if you were there too. ...Salary and various employment conditions are negotiable, but I haven't talked to my father about it yet since it just came to my mind."

Ahahaha, Young Lady Tamaki reveals that she hasn't thought it through at all.

"...I'm sorry. I might have gotten your hopes up for nothing. I spoke without thinking."

Tamaki apologizes with an embarrassed expression, feeling a bit awkward.

"No, I'm glad for the offer itself. It's important to have options."

There is a huge difference between having a choice and not having one, and Tamaki's words were well-intentioned, so just that feeling was enough to save me.

...Even if it was a meaningless choice in the face of the fate that awaited me.

"That is..."

"It depends on the contract. At best, draw out some good conditions that are enticing."

Tamaki, with a look of surprise and expectation on her face, looks at my response twice.

Before she could say anything more, I... however, raised my spear.

"Let's keep the chatter to a minimum... Shall we have a light spar?"

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—