Chapter 135.2

Chapter 135.2

[Part 2/6]

"Advisor? You mean that black butterfly lady?"

Onitsuki's Advisor, Onitsuki Kochou, was one of the heroines (?) of 'Firefly of the Dark Night (Yamiyo no Hotaru),' an old woman who appeared much younger than her age. She had inadvertently taken care of me during my laborer apprentice days.

"Yes, I was honestly surprised. That Advisor arranging for someone to look after you... I even suspected that you might be caught up in some conspiracy."

"Hahaha, well..."

It wasn't a laughing matter. At least, it was certain that I was getting entangled in some sort of conspiracy. However, Advisor...

(Surprisingly responsible? Well, I can't really imagine her having a good personality...)

Given her complicated and mysterious family's power dynamics, it was scary to act recklessly. ...More importantly, the punishment I just received was a prime example of that. Walls have ears, and shouji paper doors have eyes. It's not too much to say it again. This was only the first day. I couldn't predict how they would react if I made the next move.

"Then I suppose I should inform the acquaintances in the medic group. If I recall correctly, that girl is from a branch of the Yakushiji family, right? Given her position, they wouldn't handle her roughly all of a sudden."

The Yakushiji family, even within the regular exorcists' households, was known for their development and production of spiritual medicines and prohibited substances. The main family had declined and went extinct due to the conspiracy of the enemy force "Youkai Salvation" before the main story's timeline. However, before that, under the guidance of the Minister of The Right, the family's knowledge was passed on to the imperial academy of pharmacology and local exorcists' families under the guise of technical instruction.

The Dokusawa family is descended from them. Their skills and knowledge carried more weight than their status as household members. Serving as assistants or Yun-shoku for the Medic or Research group for generations granted a significant position. Especially for the Medic group. Those higher-ups have their lives on the line, and they can't oppose doctors. Even among Yun-shoku, it's different for the Medic group. Her father was a Yun-shoku for the Medic group.

"True, but... resting, huh?"

It hurts. It hurts a lot. Not in terms of physical pain, but the inconvenience. Asking me to rest now is almost like cutting off my options. Forget about planning, even training time... if my muscles become dull and weaken, I won't survive battles where survival is at stake. Unfortunately, the destination I'm being sent to doesn't seem like a place where I'll survive such battles.

(Maybe I could use my weakened condition as an excuse to decline... is that even possible?)

In a momentary exchange (?), I understood. If I throw a tantrum and refuse to go, that little brat will forcibly take me. Taking me, the one appointed by Father, is already a done deal for that loli Gorilla-sama. I can't escape anymore. Even if I plead with her, she might just bulldoze over me.

"...Spare me."

I collapsed onto my bed, looking up at the ceiling and sighing. If she know I'm just a pebble on the roadside, why can't she leave me be? Why does it have to be like this? Could it be that even this is within Psycho Father's expectations? How annoying.

"...Is it a bother? Do you need help or advice?"

"..."

Yun-shoku, who had been sitting beside me, asked while I was lamenting. I turned my silent gaze towards my superior and mentor, who genuinely cared for me.

Staring at that face, full of concern...

"I-I'm sorry..."

Her apology came in a voice on the verge of tears. Is this due to fear? Or maybe because she had bumped her face earlier?

"No, it's not like I'm bullying you... but I get nervous when I'm stared at for too long too. If you're bored, feel free to find something to do."

While I'm taking care of office tasks, I'm plagued by the sensation of being surveilled as she kneels next to me, continuously watching me. Well, if I were actually being surveilled, that would be fine, but... I had noticed that the feeling of her gaze was different. It's not quite like that. It's kind of scattered and restless.

"No. It's not that I'm bored... it's just that I thought you were really amazing."

"...Amazing?"

I tilted my head in response to her unexpected answer.

"Yes. You've been writing and working with numbers so smoothly since earlier... I mean, it's so cool! I don't really understand the content, though!"

"Huh?"

Her straightforward, sparkling eyes, like those of a puppy looking up at its owner, left me utterly bewildered. No, even if I'm respected for something like that... Wait, could it be that I have a high literacy rate?

I occasionally forget, but being unable to read, write, or do calculations is not uncommon. Moreover, she had received Kuchinasi's stamp of approval, stating that her head and comprehension were not up to par.

"Didn't you say you were bad at reading, writing, and math?"

"Y-Yes... I'm ashamed to say..."

Hisame responded with genuine embarrassment to my pointing it out. Given her attitude, maybe...

"Could it be that you don't even know how to write your own name?"

"Y-Yes! Um, how did you know!?"

"Well, it's not like it's hard to guess..."

It was just a hunch... could it actually be true?

"It might be fine for someone at the bottom... but as you move up, you'll struggle, you know?"

If she becomes a squad leader, being illiterate and bad with numbers would be problematic. By that time, though, if she's still alive...

"Yes, Kuchinasi mentioned that too. But..."

Hisame's timid voice was hard to make out as she hesitated. Whatever I could manage to discern, the content was overwhelmingly negative. It seemed like she was aware of her poor comprehension and memorization skills and had given up on learning.