Chapter 172-1

Chapter 172-1

[Part 1/4]

In this world, there aren't many places where humans can dominate.

Youkais inhabit the seas, mountains, grasslands, and every other place. Most of the existing human nations, even those that control vast territories on the map, only rule over cities and roads in reality. There are countless examples of this.

Only a few places, like the 'homeland' of the Western Empire, the 'Central Plains' of the Continental Dynasty, or the 'Sacred Realm' of Tenjiku (ancient India-like), can be said to truly dominate the land. Even in Fusō-kuni, where human power is relatively strong, the Center Region is the only place that's not suspicious.

...On the map, it's the border of Fusō-kuni, but in reality, the governance barely reaches the deep mountains. It's a vast, unexplored territory where only occasional patrols of soldiers, hunters, and woodcutters dare to tread. And that's where the girls were.

'So, what do you think that kid did? He killed his own father!!'

'Eh~, is that for real? That's super cool!!'

The girls chattered excitedly, their beautiful faces and vibrant clothing making them look like a garden of flowers. But it was all strange. In the deep forest, where even strong men would struggle, these delicate girls were living as if it were nothing.

An experienced hunter would have immediately hidden and readied their arquebus gun. A woodcutter would have held their breath and waited for them to leave. Anyone who made a living in the mountains would have immediately realized their true nature ―― youkai foxes, cruel Youkais that deceive and manipulate humans....

'Haha! It's so sweet. I tricked a warrior's kid into avenging his father's death!'

Their unnatural appearance, unlike anything in the human world, was still playing tricks in the forest. Their high-pitched voices and cruel laughter were enough to make one feel nauseous.

One fox had become a merchant's maid and used illusions to deceive the merchant and his son. The merchant was tricked into thinking his maid was his own, and the son was made to sympathize with her, causing a huge commotion. In the end, the merchant was stabbed to death from behind, and the son was executed for the crime of patricide.

A certain fox boasted about driving a wealthy couple to ruin. She disguised herself as a innocent young girl and deceived a husband who was protecting her. On the other hand, she approached his wife as a beautiful woman and manipulated her into committing adultery, ultimately leading to a bloody feud.

The third fox told a proud and ridiculous story. She killed a daughter of a samurai (warrior) family and wore her skin. She then approached the girl's fiancé's father (father-in-law) and seduced him, making him see illusions. The fox made it seem like the world was mourning and the man had committed suicide, and in the end, both families were destroyed in a brutal vendetta. The fox laughed and rolled on the ground, enjoying the whole thing.

Each of the foxes told their stories without any shame. Their bright laughter echoed like a bell. The youkai fox was indeed a being filled with malice.

'...Hmm?'

'What's wrong, Suiko?'

The 5-tailed fox, Suiko, tilted her head and swished her tails, and the remaining 2 foxes gave it a suspicious look.

'No, I just have a weird feeling...?'

The youkai fox was cunning. It was clever because of its cunning nature. And because of its intelligence, the beasts didn't let their guard down and were always on the lookout for its presence. But...

'...There's nothing here, right?'

'It's just your imagination, right? We're in the middle of nowhere in these mountains. And besides, there's no way someone could deceive us like that.'

They are two five-tailed and one four-tailed. The great 9-tailed youkai fox was far beyond them, but normally, it would take a hundred years to grow just one more tail. And the youkai fox was skilled in illusions and had a sharp sense as a beast. There was no existence that could escape its detection. Even average exorcists could detect it while chatting casually.

'...Maybe that's it.'

But still, they couldn't understand, and no matter how hard they tried to sense something, they felt nothing. Ruri Suiko, the youkai fox with the name, tilted her head and eventually resumed its casual conversation with its companions. They were the ones on guard duty, but who would visit this remote area...?

"..."

The tanuki, which was using stealth and illusions, walked right past them without being detected....

Ako Murasaki was frozen in shock, her eyes wide with amazement, as she stared at Miyataka's young lady and me, who were lying together on the futon in the dark room, sweating profusely. She seemed to be unable to comprehend what was happening in front of her, what it meant, or what was going on.

"Wh, wha...?"

"Uh, ah, this is... um..."

As I tried to explain, my body was pulled closer to hers, and I was embraced by the half-n*ked woman, her chest sweaty and heaving.

"That's not good enough. He has been taking care of the child all day, so he deserves a reward. Right?"

The agreement was sought in a sweet voice, with our cheeks touching. It was an obvious, blatant provocation. I looked at Ako. Her mouth was agape, her eyes wide with shock.

"R-reward?"

"That's right, a reward. Hehe, he's really strong, and he has got me in a tight grip. I can't escape. Seriously, his arm strength is amazing!"

As she said that, the lascivious young lady flowed with her words, and I couldn't take it anymore. Use proper grammar, please.

"A-amazing, grip...?"

My plea didn't reach Ako's ears. Instead, she reacted to Shinobu's words, and her cheeks, already red, turned an even deeper shade of crimson. Her emotions were out of control, and tears began to well up in her eyes. And then...

"A, and y-you shameless people who don't care about time or place! I'll punish you myself... ugh!!? Ngggh!!?"

As she shouted, she tried to draw her youkai sword, but for some reason, the blade was stuck, and she couldn't pull it out of its scabbard. Instead, she strained too hard and ended up face-planting onto the futon, her face buried in the bedding. By the way, she was rolling her eyes and groaning.

"...I guess. Can't help it."

"Uh, what’s going on...anyway, good job?"

'...'

I was showing my gratitude to the silent snake sword, which had inflated its blade to prevent her from drawing it, following its owner's warning before the visit.

...mainly for protecting its own life, Murasaki's life.

* * *

Miyataka Shinobu had forced her way into staying overnight, and it was unavoidable. So, why did Murasaki come out early in the morning? ...Ah. That's right. It's just as expected, a typical monkey show.

The day before, during her second visit (the sweets box was from a famous old shop with a golden lid), she encountered Miyataka's young lady while visiting. Not only that, but she also got hit on the head with a souvenir and passed out. The problem was what happened after that.

Let's set aside the criticism from her maid for now. I'll also set aside the ridiculous response from the young lady, who was too indecent. Anyway, I cleaned her up, got her to take a bath, and when she woke up with a nasty smell and tears in her eyes, I suggested she take a bath.

Originally, it was meant for those pesky brats, but it's only natural to prioritize the guest who got splashed with dirty water. Murasaki herself refused to return to the mansion with her head covered in dirty water. It's only natural, considering the various misunderstandings that could happen. It's like the worst rumor game, and it could even lead to the Murasaki household's hitman brother coming after me. That was the last thing I wanted.

"I'll stay here too, then!"

Murasaki's sudden declaration after her bath made things even more troublesome. According to her, Onitsuki and Miyataka didn't get along, and it was out of the question to put Miyataka's young lady, who had a bad reputation, under the same roof as the household member coordinator. It was a hassle, and I wanted to keep an eye on them so they wouldn't cause any trouble...but personally, I wished they would just leave together.

"It’s not like it matters now, anyway...fuuh. There's no smell, right?"