Chapter 161-4

Chapter 161-4

[Part 4/4]

"Mother (Okaa-sama) is 'Mother'. The Queen of Anma Mountain. The leader of the village. Our mother. ...Not just by marriage, but truly blood-related. The Tengu in this village, including me, are all 'Mother's' children.'

"Children."

"Yeah, children."

Well, it's quite a big family, isn't it? ...No, is it reasonable considering the number of eggs a bird lays at once and the lifespan of monsters?

"...By the way, didn't you say that the Bouchou group is in charge of running the village? Is that a lie from the Tengu?"

"I told you, 'Mother' retired and became a recluse a long time ago. Since then, she has basically not interfered with politics. ...Even when that damn snake attacked."

At that point, I feel a strong sense of disgust towards the female Tengu's attitude. I scratch my head and frown with resentment. Frowning, I further explain.

The attack by the giant snake... In response to that, the miscellaneous monsters the Tengu had under their control all defected, and the Tengu village that had long held dominion over Anma Mountain decided to exterminate them in order to protect their own interests and position. And it is said that they requested the participation of "Mother," one of the most powerful individuals in the Tengu village.

But the children' hopes were crushed. Their mother rejected their request to join the army, let alone asking for support for Fus-kuni. And to make things worse, she advised them to choose between the two. Of course, the Tengu village refused this, and the extermination squad set off... only to suffer a major defeat. They lost valuable weapons and countless skilled fighters.

"She didn't even budge, even though her children were eaten. And now... why is she suddenly coming out? Why now, and why did she do that?"

She slouched on the spot, expressing her complaints with hatred and frustration in her tone. It was a raw outpouring of emotions, unlike the carefree attitude she usually put on. At least, that's how it seemed to me.

If this is acting, then there's nothing else I can do.

"...Tell me. What's the enemy's strategy?"

"Inaba-hime?"

I was momentarily stunned by the princess of Kakitsugi's words. And I understood her meaning and rejected them.

"Inaba-hime, it's okay. I'll go. Please wait here."

"I should have promised you. If you can't do it, I'll be the next one."

"I'm not dead yet, am I?"

"But you can't fight. Am I wrong?"

Inaba-hime's point was sharp. The wound on my hand was more serious than it looked. From her point of view, it was impossible for us to return within a few days. It was natural for her to decide to replace me.

She probably doesn't know this, but my Youbo (youkai mother) factor is... However, even if my healing ability improves, it won't be instantaneous unless I turn into a Yokai. Considering the mental fatigue, it cannot be used continuously. There was a limit to how much I could move due to the painkilling anesthetics. It's fine if I'm in combat, but if I'm under anesthesia before the battle begins, my body won't last.

"...Excuse me, but this is impossible with Inaba-hime's power. You must be prepared to die."

"We've made a contract. We have to keep it. Even if we can't do it, it will buy us time. Isn't that right?"

Even if I die, it means that I should try to recover from my wounds in that time and retry. Her matter-of-fact tone makes it a truly exorcist-like statement. However...

"You're sweating on your forehead. You shouldn't push yourself too hard."

"..."

The beads of sweat that gushed out from the tension were proof that she was forcing herself to speak, and the silence affirmed it.

"There's no need to rush to death. Or is there some reason you want to put yourself in danger?"

It might have been a cheap shot to point out her not-so-pleasant family situation that crossed my mind. But it would have been worse to let this younger girl die. I'll accept being hated.

The female Tengu, who had eased the tension as if a weight had been lifted off her, looked at Inaba-hime and made a demand.

"Bring me the porridge you make in the kitchen. Hurry up. This guy here puked up his breakfast for me. I need to teach him a lesson again, you know?"

By the way, the female Tengu winked and said, "Can you bring some for me too?" Inaba-hime stared at the annoying Tengu and let out a long, deep sigh, completely exasperated.

"...Don't you have a food?"

"...I'd like to have it while it's still warm."

Inaba-hime, who sighed again, this time realizing that I responded with a bow to her question, stood up and said, "I'll bring it." Deep inside, I apologized once again and started picturing the schedule ahead in my mind...

But then, I felt countless youkai outside.

"!"

I endured the intense pain and prepared myself. The female Tengu supported my crumbling posture. We looked into each other's eyes, and we agreed. We approached the window and peeked out.

In the darkness, countless bonfires burned like fireballs...

"This is..."

I squinted my eyes. Without realizing it, over a hundred Tengu had surrounded the treehouse. Every one of them held swords, naginatas, shakujos (Buddhist staffs), and bows. I could also see several giant youkai birds that seemed to be controlled like puppets. We were literally completely surrounded.

"Just to clarify, is that some kind of welcoming party for you?"

"Sorry, but we don't have a culture of welcoming with an army."

"I figured as much."

The response to my question was expected. I had hoped for something beyond my imagination.

'Aka-bougumi Bougumi-cho, Shinbouchou Kaede! Are you there? I can sense your presence!! Answer me!!'

One person stepped forward from the army and called out with a very serious and accusing attitude.

"Who's there? Does anyone know?"

"It's the second in command of the Ao-Bougumi. Hmm, I have a bad feeling about this."

We looked at each other, and could smell trouble. A very, very unpleasant scent of trouble.

'It's an order. Immediately hand over the monkey assassin who are with you there!! This is not a request. It's an order!! Hurry, bring him out and surrender!! For the sake of our mother and village, as the final duty of a Bouchou, prepare yourself!!'

Tengu, who seemed to be the second in command of the Ao-Bougumi, declared. With a very, very sorrowful voice, he shouted the demands that should have been against the contract.

'To the people of Tengu's village! We convey the demands of our king!! Your foolish plan is exposed! Stop your useless resistance!!'

'The king is merciful!! The king may forgive your violent acts! In five days, everyone must gather under the king and show obedience!! Lower your heads and make the agreement!! Hand over the assassin!!'

'If you are disobedient, I will punish you by humiliating and eliminating your leader! And I will thoroughly trample upon your village! I will cut you off from your roots!'

'You foolish and half-hearted birds, think carefully and make a decision!!'

At the same time, in the council chamber of the Tengu village, a youkai bird sent as a messenger kept repeating the same text over and over again, like a broken machine...

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