Mob Yandere

[Part 2/4]

I heard the rustling sound of her passing through the cage, followed by the click of the door locking shut.

Her footsteps faded... and in this restraint where I couldn't even turn my head, I strained to catch any faint sounds behind me, trying to make sense of what was happening.

...That's why I was silent, straining to listen.

(Twenty steps back, there's a metal fence. With a padlock, there might also be a bolt and chain? Based on the sound's echo and the immediate turn, it's probably a corner cage... The layout should be correct. The problem is surveillance, right? Even so...)

A low sigh escaped me.

And in the silent darkness, I began to think of ways to escape this situation.

Eventually, my thoughts shifted to questioning the attitude of the Juuyaku family...

(What on earth are they planning to do?)

I had already talked things over with several members of the group, including Tamaki.

In reality, I was just part of the advance team.

I would conduct the initial infiltration and investigation, while Tamaki and the others would pretend to head to the next destination, bypassing the Juuyaku family's jurisdiction and surveillance.

Naturally, I would make contact with the district magistrates and report the urgent situation based on the information collected during my stay with the Juuyaku family.

I'd report it, no question.

Regardless of my fate, a large-scale investigation will likely take place soon.

The Juuyaku family should have been cornered from the start. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

And I can't believe they are so incompetent that they can't foresee this.

Yet, they are treating this situation so half-heartedly.

That overly relaxed attitude of Kaya.

It was just too unnatural.

(Are they planning to attack Tamaki and silence her? Poison her? No, that would only make things worse. Do they intend to bribe me to spread false information? Ridiculous, that's unlikely.)

I think of several possibilities, but I dismiss them as I consider their reality.

The more I think, the more questions arise.

What are they really plotting?

If there's a chance of destruction, it wouldn't be strange for them to be more anxious.

"Could it be that they are connected...?"

It's a possible scenario.

The villains from the original story flash through my mind.

Their influence was extensive, with roots spread everywhere.

With that crazy Minister's immense power, it wouldn't be hard to socially erase someone like a Household Member Coordinator.

They might even approach Tamaki with a smile, pretending she's missing... That's no joke.

That would be a straight path to a bad ending!

(I will definitely escape...!)

Shuddering at the chilling imagination, I desperately plan my escape.

Fortunately, my trump card isn't exclusive to this family.

I have been thinking of various strategies.

I've learned from past failures.

I won't repeat the same mistakes.

Therefore, I send the signal to finally play the cards I've been hiding all along.

With a click of my tongue, I direct it deep within my mouth...

* * *

'So, is it fine for me to remain completely unaware and oblivious to everything?'

"Indeed. For us, that alone is sufficient assistance. Any further help might put you in danger, right? There's no need to worry about it."

In that place, a variety of trees and flowers were flourishing and blooming.

And birds and insects were fluttering, dancing, and gathering.

In the center of the space, which had the feel of a botanical garden or greenhouse, a man was deep in conversation.

While examining the leaves of the spiritual herbs, Juuyaku Ichishen, the head of the Juuyaku family, offered his gratitude to the inorganic ibis bird that seemed oddly out of place in the lush surroundings.

However, the ibis bird merely responded coldly to his words of thanks.

'Such words are unnecessary. As long as you fulfill the contract that has been in place since the previous generation, that is all we require.'

From the perspective of the colleague speaking from behind the ibis bird, that was all that mattered.

And so, they continued to turn a blind eye to their neighbor's actions that bordered on taboo.

They chose to overlook.

And every so often, they'd provide the necessary materials.

The rewards gained from just that were enormous, and there were likely other families with similar contracts.

For those who created the ibis bird, as long as their involvement remained unclear, that was enough.

"Of course, I understand. No matter what happens, there will never be evidence showing your family's involvement. I guarantee it on my life."

However, the person behind the ibis bird was not moved in the slightest by Ichishen's respectful declaration.

Words can be said easily.

In fact, if the matter were to come to light, the person could very well face execution.

In such a situation, even risking one's life would be as good as a blank check.

Truly, it was an empty statement.

Though it was never spoken aloud.

'...That is indeed a reassuring statement. Then, we shall look forward to the Juuyaku family's actions this time?'

After a brief silence, the ibis bird spat out words that lacked sincerity.

They wonder how they'll resolve this situation... well, it's not like there's no way around it.

Rather, it might even be an opportunity depending on the situation.

It could lead to even greater benefits from the Juuyaku family.

The person on the other side of the shikigami ibis bird sensed that Juuyaku wasn't revealing everything, all their results, to their collaborators.

Depending on how things played out, there might even be a chance to intervene... though, of course, it would require careful thought.

'Well then, farewell for now.'

With that, the shikigami ibis bird self-immolated in a sudden burst of flames.

It burned up instantly, leaving only a faint ash behind.

It was a thorough incineration, making it impossible to trace back to the one who controlled it.

"Hmm, as always, a splendid severing of ties."

The effort put into the shikigami ibis bird was a clear sign that Juuyaku was encouraging them verbally while remaining prepared to cut ties at any moment.

And Juuyaku Ichishen did not criticize this behavior; rather, he praised it.

No one wishes to be dragged down by others.

It's human nature to benefit from others and, when things go wrong, to offer them up as sacrifices for self-preservation.

Even after years of interaction, being cautious and not getting swept away by emotions was rather commendable.

Those involved in exorcism must be like this, after all....

"...So, is it time for the report?"

"Yes, my lord."

Ichishen, who had started collecting the toxic juice from the youkai plants thriving on youkai blood, called out to a member of his clan who had quietly appeared behind him.

When he turned around, he saw a slender girl kneeling with her head bowed.

A member of the Juuyaku family, Juuyaku Hana, began her report in a calm manner.

"The target has been successfully captured and restrained. Kaya is already on surveillance. Meanwhile, I have confirmed that the remaining expedition team has exited the jurisdiction without any dropouts or separations. There are no signs of unrest. I believe the plan was a success."

"Good work. Withdraw the surveillance at the border, leaving only the minimum necessary. ...Ah, yes, that's right. Here, take this."

This was an instruction in response to the report.

And from his pocket, the head of the family presented a scroll.

"This is a response to the proposal. Confirm it here. If there are no issues, draft it formally and send it back to me."

"Understood."

Following orders, she examined the contents of the scroll.

She read through the approved text smoothly and then directed a slightly surprised gaze at the head of the family.

"My lord... is this really true?"

"Of course. What would be the point of admitting a lie here?"

"But, this is..."

"Is there something you're unhappy about?"

"No... nothing like that."

There shouldn't be any dissatisfaction.

Rather, it's better than she expected.

However, with this, it feels like they are....

"If this isn't enough, we'll move to Plan D."

"What about Plan C?"

"Wasn't it you who suggested it would fail? Am I wrong?"

"You're right."

Indeed, Plan C was the quickest and cheapest option, but both of the executors opposed it.

They judged it would definitely fail.

And the lord accepted their opinions without scolding them for being weak.

This is the content of the scroll.

Given their position, asking for more is too much.

They are being too unreasonable.

This is the end of the matter.

It would be appropriate to wrap things up here.

There's no way they can make further concessions.

Ah.

If only they were foolish enough not to notice, they could have resolved this peacefully.

If they were foolish enough to bite the bait, they could have accepted their fate.

So why?

Why, of all things, this...?

"...Just to be safe, should we strengthen our security?"

"No need. That would only attract attention from outside. We might get noticed. ...The outsiders are enough. Return the insiders to their usual positions."

"Understood."

The lord's orders are absolute.

Immediately, the messenger birds take flight.

The simple shikigami of the messenger birds scatter away....

"Well then, that's that."

"Hmm. Let's wait for good news. ...Hmm? It's a bit noisy, isn't it?"