Chapter 162-2

Chapter 162-2

[Part 2/4]

Although the words of Ao-Bougumi's assistant were spoken in a mechanical tone, they couldn't hide the frustration and impatience. The seeping anger tells the seriousness of the situation.

"About this mess, huh? About Mother? After we all cursed her so much before going to defeat her, it's too late for regrets now, isn't it?"

'...It's not just that. I've heard from the inspectors who returned. You, as well as the assassin, were thoroughly defeated and fled, right? There's no hope of winning anymore. We should make a wise choice.'

"Are you giving up on avenging those who were eaten? Even though they're our family?"

Aka-Bouchou retorts sternly. Growing even more displeased, Aka-Bouchou's assistant replies.

'Sacrifice the small for the sake of the great. Isn't that reasonable? Useless resistance only piles up sacrifices.'

"Do you think that filthy snake is satisfied being a leader in this small mountain? Instead of being a lackey, you'll be crushed. Do you understand?"

'We make agreements. It's unlikely that we would be used up considering our value... And it's unthinkable for us to unilaterally lose to such monkeys. Stop being defeatist.'

"I think surrendering to such a filthy snake is defeatist... It's been talked about in old stories that it's not about expecting the mercy of the gods. Have you listened to lullabies again?"

It was truly a tit-for-tat exchange. The leader's assistant of Ao-Bougumi signaled to the subordinates behind them as they sniffed. The encirclement was closing in.

'Don't act so cool after barely escaping. If you Aka-Bougumi had done your job properly, it wouldn't have come to this. Don't make excuses as a defeated army. It's unsightly.'

"You're doing as you please. Everyone agreed, didn't they?"

For the people of the Tengu village in Mt. Anma, the presence of the divine serpent was unacceptable.

It not only threatened their exclusive control over the Spiritual Vein's benefits, but also posed a threat to the balance of power in the mountains, which the Tengu had maintained by subduing the Mry demons and imposing tribute and labor. The village had suffered many casualties in the initial attack, so it was only natural that they unanimously decided to exterminate the serpent.

At the same time, the decision to exterminate the serpent was made hastily and recklessly due to political reasons. This was the reason for their great defeat.

"The opponent is a god, no matter how corrupted. It was your side that criticized our suggestion to conduct a thorough investigation and proceed with caution. Before those monkeys start acting all high and mighty, we need to make an example for the mountain folks. Thanks to that, our leader, was devoured along with the sacred artifact!"

'I admit that our judgment was flawed. That's why we should make the right choice now, shouldn't we? Are you the one who is acting based on personal emotions? Can you really forgive the fact that many innocent people were devoured and my sisters were killed?'

The leader's assistant of Ao-Bougumi suggests that Anma Tengu is not acting for the survival of the village, but merely for revenge.

"...There's no point in deceiving ourselves. Yes, that's right. Half of it is true."

Kaede nods, acknowledging the criticism. Then she counters.

"But, the other half is truly for the sake of the village. Shall I say it again? Do we have a reason to stand at the forefront of the battle for the sake of such a disgusting snake?"

'Today is more important than tomorrow. It is crucial to live and survive. Consider the safety of our mother...!!'

The leader's assistant of Ao-Bougumi is shouting, tightening the encirclement. It's clear that the encircling side is frustrated. They're anxious. At the same time, they're tense, like a Kudzu vine.

(I've tried my best to summarize it... Well, it's understandable that emotions alone won't lead to acceptance, right?)

The assassin fled with their companion, and their mother was captured. Despair can be understood. At the same time, there is certainly anger towards becoming a pawn in the hands of the enemy. Kaede herself is aware that the existence of Tengu is prideful.

The people around them are starting to imagine convenient things because of her confidence.

Aka-bouchou responded with a hesitant tone to the verbose man's words, clicking her tongue and retreating with a humble attitude. Surprised by this behavior, but clearing their throat, the leader's assistant declared.

'...Well, fine. It's an attitude to be admired that you voluntarily surrender. Come forward with your companion who is hiding inside. Even if it's just your head, it's fine. If you want to live a long life, it's best to obediently follow.'

"I refuse."

'Huh?'

When young man refused to respond immediately to the command, the leader's assistant felt confused. They were momentarily speechless at the unexpected reply. The human continued to press on as if piling on top of it.

"You all gathered here for a reason. As a hired person, I need to promote myself to increase my value. ...It seems like my clumsy partner is struggling in an argument as well."

"Hey. Who are you calling a partner?"

"Then, a sidekick?"

"Annoying."

A brief exchange occurred between the two of them, as if they were showing off. And the man looked around. Countless gazes staring at him with complete armor, overcoats, and masks... He shrugged and smirked.

"Don't be so tense. Let's take it easy, shall we? Come on, you guys, smile!"

Taking off his own mask, the man revealed a confident smile to the Tengu. The Tengu couldn't help but gasp.

The man's actions were a confirmation that he was indeed the real assassin, and at the same time, removing his armor was a way to prove the presence or absence of hostility. The Tengu immediately understood this, hence their astonishment.

'...Are you trying to convince me? Don't make a fool out of me. It's not something that can be covered up by saying something now, you loser.'

"Are you the ones who lost? And also, this partner of mine...that woman named 'Mother' too. We missed a golden opportunity. I want additional rewards when we succeed in subjugation."

The man calmly responds to Matsuhana's words. They frown behind their cloak at the arrogant remarks, their mouth tightly closed. They chew on the bitter pill.

'Don't act tough. You've been toyed with, haven't you? You can't escape from this encirclement even if you try to deceive us.'

"Only this red partner is acting tough. I'm actually on the side that's annoyed. Just when I tried to subjugate again, she became timid. I went through the trouble of giving the snake another chance to challenge, you know."

"Hey."

"Isn't it the truth?"

"Mmm."

A counterargument to the condemnation. Even if Aka-bouchou tries to resist, she remain silent when words of confirmation are spoken. Matsuhana is slightly surprised by Kaede's unexpected and sincere attitude.

'Have you been fooled? What a pathetic person. To be defeated by a monkey like that...'

"That monkey said he'll let you guys win. Do you understand?"

'Don't say random things!'

"I'm not saying random things, that's why I'm standing here."

And the man walked confidently. He put his hand on his waist, aimed his weapon, and leisurely observed the surrounding troops forming an encirclement.