Chapter 136.2

Name:Mob Yandere Author:
Chapter 136.2

[Part 2/4]

"So, a pioneer village, you say?"

"Do you know about it? Are you from a similar place?"

I ask Hisame with curiosity, who instantly guesses it. But Hisame shakes her head.

"No, I... heard about it from Kuchinasi squad leader..."

"Squad leader?"

"Yes. He mentioned it when he was sold during the famine..."

"I see."

It was a story I hadn't heard before, but it wasn't uncommon. Patterns of where servants were procured were known, even if Kuchinasi hadn't disclosed it himself. He probably let it slip while he was deep in his cups, I figured...

"Well, I'm in a similar situation. Can't help it. I've got three younger siblings in their growing years. Got paid for it, so I can't refuse to work."

Clearly, there was a mismatch between the rewards my families received and the danger of the job... Was that the case for everyone? Even in my previous life, the value and weight of life varied by region.

"...You have siblings?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah, you too?"

Hisame shrunk back nervously at my question.

"Yes... I have a big sister."

"I see."

I was about to ask how she was doing, but I quickly stopped myself. Given the circumstances, it wasn't appropriate. In my case, it was a straightforward matter, but for others, it might be a delicate topic. Besides...

"!!?"

"They're here!"

Hisame senses the presence with her excellent detection skills, and I noticed it based on my past experiences. Soon after, it appears.

'!!!!'

In a great gust, the rice stalks, along with the muddy water, were blown high into the sky, and peering out from the bottom of the rice paddy were earthworms. They formed a group of large earthworms.

"Aaaaa!!?"

"Youkais!? Why are they here!?"

The sudden and unexpected appearance of monsters sent the temporary soldiers, who made up the formation, into a panic. The horses they were managing were no exception. They became agitated and forgot about the restraints on the carriages. They wanted to escape this place as soon as possible. The formation fell apart, and the chaos escalated.

"Hisame, how's the situation around us?"

"Whoa!? Um... I sense some small animals, but that's it? I think... within my range..."

Hisame, who had been keeping an eye on our surroundings, answered timidly, gradually lowering her voice. It was a very uncertain response.

"I see. Do you believe it?"

"If possible, I'd rather you didn't trust me too much..."

"You did notice those worms earlier, though. Have some confidence."

She probably noticed them among the group, if not first... or at least second or third. That's sufficient. It's enough to earn trust.

"But still..."

"Constant vigilance during the day and night is tiring, you know? I've heard about your capabilities from Senior Kuchinasi. Well, do your best."

"But..."

The junior who was complaining about being assigned work by her senior. Harassment? Who knows.

"...But then, the weather is so hot."

I complained as I wiped the sweat from my forehead under the scorching sun. It was quite hot even though there was no global warming or heat island effect. A warm summer was troublesome for a farmer's son, but excessive heat was just as bad. I wonder how my hometown is doing?

"It's good that my clothes are dry... But it's a pain to join up with the others."

Summer in Fusō-kuni is humid. It's even more stifling in black attire. In such conditions, reuniting with the group ahead of us... Ah, I don't like that at all. By the time we arrive, I'll be drenched in sweat despite my bath.

"What should we do?"

"...How about we have lunch before departing? It's best to join up later, maybe even at night. We won't be stepping into the forbidden area until tomorrow anyway."

It seemed that we would reach the boundary of the third-class forbidden area by evening at the current pace. Of course, we wouldn't enter immediately upon arrival. Nighttime is the time for youkai. We planned to rest overnight at the Imperial Court's checkpoint, just before the forbidden area.

"So, can I count on you for fire?"

"Fire? But we don't have anything that requires fire in our portable rations."

Hisame tilted her head in confusion at my request. It's true that there was no need for fire in the portable rations, which mainly consisted of dried rice and fish. I meant something else.

"In other words... this one's different!!"

"Huh!?"

As Hisame screamed, I threw the spear I had placed beside me sharply into the riverbed like a harpoon. Startled by my sudden action, Hisame, who was beside me, watched in shock as I rushed over to the spear and pushed the quivering shaft deep into the ground with all my strength.

"Wh-what... are you doing?"

"It's like this. ...Alright, get ready to catch!!"