Chapter 124.4

Chapter 124.4

[Part 4/4]

"Oh, right..." The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

As if remembering, Iruka swung her tail and took something out from behind her. She revealed a small clay pot.

"What's that?"

"A clay pot."

"I can see that... Why?"

The answer to Suzune's question was steam. As Iruka lifted the lid of the clay pot, a steamy aroma filled the air, revealing a bowl of porridge mixed with various ingredients. It was a mixture of ingredients meant to warm the body, including ginger.

"I heard mixing ginger and other things can keep the body warm. Anyway, you can't fight on an empty stomach. Here."

She then took out two bowls. Suzune understood Iruka's intention. Clearly, she had brought dinner.

"You don't have to put so much. ...I don't have much of an appetite."

She didn't really want to eat. But she couldn't dismiss the meal that had been prepared for her. She knew that being able to eat was not something to be taken for granted.

"Hey, hey... You're still such a light eater? You won't grow if you don't eat when you can."

"What are you talking about?"

"Huh?"

There probably wasn't any ill intent. She was sure Iruka didn't have any ill intent. But Suzune, already the smallest among the three, couldn't help but feel Iruka's words as a slight insult. Witnessing the confusion in Suzune's eyes as she struggled to understand the meaning of the response only irritated her further.

"End—this—topic!"

Holding back the rising anger, Suzune took the bowl that was offered to her. She forcefully grabbed the porridge with her chopsticks and chewed on it, swallowing quickly. Chewing, swallowing, and then thinking. Was this one bigger just because it was taking up more nutrients for its head?

"Thanks for the meal!"

"That was quick!?"

With a proud "hmph!" and a snort, Suzune declared she was done. Iruka, surprised by the lightning speed, watched in astonishment. Suzune's behavior resembled her childhood, when she used to eat rapidly and got scolded by her family for not chewing properly.

Her true self, without any masks...

"I'm going to step out and enjoy the night breeze for a bit. I'll be back soon, so don't worry."

"Sure thing!?"

Surely, his back in a coat and the blurred outline felt familiar, which was why she pursued him.

In the depths of her memory, his back resembled that of his brother...

"Wait, please, brother...!!"

A shaky voice, rushed and spun in a hurry. The person saying it didn't fully grasp its significance, let alone comprehend it.

The maid kept chasing the man through the city at night...

* * *

'It's quite exasperating. Can't she even tell the difference?'

Watching the maid following the shadows, who was heading towards the entertainment district, from the inn's rooftop, a shikigami said with a sigh. It wasn't just the girl;s recklessness, but more than that, they were annoyed by the overly nostalgic behavior and the fact that she showed it while trying to hide. She was getting involved in a world outside human boundaries. At the very least, they wished the maid had a better sense of observation... but they couldn't afford to be carelessly exposed.

'...Is anyone watching?'

The hummingbird looked around to make sure. There might be someone skillfully shadowing her. He knew several who could do that. But...

'I can't get close to that guy, and there's no need to stay idle, right?'

A quiet sigh, followed by a decision.

'I'll at least keep an eye on the surveillance.'

Presumably, that man would want that too...

A gust of wind blew. In the next moment, the hummingbird's figure disappeared...

Fan Art Introduction:

Title:Tomobe's Illustration - Main Character (Servant)

URL: Link to Illustration

Title: Onitsuki Kochou (AI)

URL:Link to Illustration

Title: Young Onitsuki Hina (Imagery from the first chapter) AI

URL:Link

Title: Korishiraki (AI)

URL:Link to Illustration