Chapter 107.4

Chapter 107.4

[Part 4/4]

I nodded and took another look at Gonzo's appearance. He seemed to have been lost for quite some time. The archaic-style crossbow he held was probably a leaked government-issued item. It was said that the reign of Emperor Gyokuro, who was renowned as a wise ruler, was also a time of battling corruption and deceit.

"According to past investigation records, there have been similar cases. Although seeing it firsthand surprised me..."

Although they had reached this room, it seemed they couldn't proceed any further.

"More people are coming in, huh...? Hey, you guys. Are these people genuine?"

Gonzo observed my appearance, then looked at the young boys behind me who were observing the situation from behind. He directed his question to the servant leader from the Sakuama family.

"I recognize Yun-shoku (允職) and the newcomers there. They respond to questions accurately without any oddities. It's unlikely that youkais are just disguising themselves," the servant leader responded.

"Is that so? These monsters can take on all sorts of disguises, right? Can you guarantee that these guys are truly human, even on the inside?"

"...By the way you're talking, have you encountered someone who has taken on human form?"

I sought confirmation from Gonzo, but the servant leader of the Sakuama family was the one who answer.

"These people... I think the bandit and the laborers have seen it before..."

"..."

Gonzo, whom I looked at once again, fell into silence. He seemed reluctant to speak, unwilling to share information. Perhaps he held suspicions about me.

"Yeah, we've seen them."

"It was a woman. When our companion approached her seeking help, she devoured him whole...!!"

Instead of the bandit, it was the laborers who spoke desperately, their faces trembling. They explained in trembling voices. It seemed these two had originally been a group of three laborers. They had been foolishly deceived by a disguised servant and had become a meal. While one of them was being devoured, the other two managed to escape.

From then on, the survivors and I engaged in a dialogue, exchanging information and sharing our findings.

"I see... So you understand that this place is a kind of safe zone. The reason you all attacked us was probably because you mistook us for youkai, is that correct?"

"Given the circumstances so far..."

The servant leader from the Sakuama family spoke as a representative, apologizing for my confirmation.

"No, we understand too. We've been through several rooms ourselves. It's only natural to have mistrust and caution."

* * *

'But isn't that useless?!'

They shouted at the guest, who was both a visitor and an emissary.

'Right now, just a little longer! I am delving deeper and deeper into the main spiritual vein! So... why? Why did they come to me now?! Why?!'

Internally, the master of the room mocked themselves. In a way, their guest participation felt orchestrated, but there was no need to express it aloud. Knowing wouldn't bring any benefit; it would only complicate things further.

Ignorance is bliss, and it's the fault of those who allow themselves to be deceived. Fortunately, these types of vegetal beings live in isolation, making them easy to deceive in that sense.

"Reflecting on the past is not productive, is it? Let's focus on the future, on our contract, our promise."

'I know! I'll hold them off. But you provide assistance!'

"Just remember to deliver the requested prey to me beforehand, won't you?"

'...Of course. But will they really come? Will there be help?'

"That's why I'm making the arrangements, aren't I? And I'm here as a guarantee. I don't think a calamity youkai is something to be taken lightly, do you?"

As the guest pointed out while chuckling, the 'Mayoiga' fell silent. It seemed they had partially accepted the opinion but still hadn't fully trusted them.

(Well, it doesn't really matter. ...But openly showing such attitude is unacceptable, isn't it?)

Unfortunately, with this attitude, they were unsuitable to join their group. ...Although, even if they displayed wisdom, the conclusion wouldn't change.

"Well, well. Let's patiently wait for help without being too uptight, shall we? ...By the way, how about another serving of dumplings?"

Leaning on their hand and playing with the finished skewer, the emissary from the salvation youkai shamelessly made the request to the ruler of this space.

The weasel with a sickle, Yuka, made the declaration in a rather frivolous manner...

Fan art:

Title: the bear character offering an obscene fruit to its master from the previous chapter

URL: here

Additionally, there is a piece featuring a masked warrior, Miss Murasaki-sama (Vocaloid Hatsune Miku), performing a song by garnet-san. The Japanese-style rider aesthetic suits her quite well... (Note: Commercial evaluation)

Links: Pixiv and Nico nico douga