Chapter 172-4

Chapter 172-4

[Part 4/4]

So, it's not entirely pure white, is it? Even a high-quality wine in a sake barrel becomes tainted if just one drop of dirty water is mixed in.

"Failing and then restarting life with a clean slate? That's just ridiculous. It's laughable. I'd cry so hard I'd hold my belly."

It's too ridiculous, too self-centered, and too arrogant. She's pushing all the blame onto her split personality and living a carefree life under the heavens' watch...

"You managed to escape nicely, didn't you? You're protected by the esteemed exorcists and the former head of the Omnyouji Bureau. You're quite the cunning fox, aren't you?"

"It's wrong..."

Shiro tried to stay silent. But she couldn't hold back. She denied it. Weakly, and then fiercely. But her brave counterargument had the opposite effect.

"It's wrong? If you say so, then show me the proof. Show me the undeniable proof that you're not a Youkai."

"Proof...?"

How can she prove it? Does she want her to read her mind or something? Does she want her to reveal her memories or something? That's just...

"I know it's impossible, so don't worry about it. Anyway, it's just a youkai fox's trick, and there are many ways to deceive."

That's exactly it ―― the existence of a being like her is a unique specimen. By hiding her monstrous side that devours humans, she can create a pure and innocent facade. A pure and innocent bait.

"But...!! Then how can I prove it?! Nn, nn!"

"Shh. Don't raise your voice. That's impolite."

Miyataka's young lady, with her beautiful, alluring face, pressed her finger to her lips to silence her, her voice sweet and gentle. Her beauty was so captivating that it stimulated her sharp sense of smell like a beast's.

Not just men, but even women were charmed by her, and for a youkai, her sweet fragrance was irresistible. And beyond that, there was an overwhelming sense of pressure... dulling the thoughts of the old and young fox.

Azuma Hibari's curse didn't activate...

"Proof. Hehehe, proof, you say? That's just a simple story, isn't it?"

She tilts her head, and her breath touches hers. The woman whispers sweet nothings.

"Expose yourself, and show your true self. Uncover yourself, and reveal your true nature."

"...?"

She whispers, whispers, tempting her, speaking sweet words. Her words echo in her mind, making her feel like she's melting away. But for some reason, Azuma's curse doesn't activate....

"Would you like me to help you with that?"

And then, she gently strokes the lips of the young child, making a soft "suu" sound....

"What are you doing?"

"Eh?!"

The sword-swallowing girl's question, the lascivious young lady's retreat, and the white fox's return to her all happen at the same time. She's left confused, looking around in a daze, and Shiro witnesses it all.

"I, I'm grateful for your words. But... I'd like to decline."

It was a clear refusal, spoken in a humble tone.

"...You're quite particular, aren't you?"

"I, I trust Tomobe-san, so..."

The child's straightforward rebuttal, spoken in a slightly sulky tone, made Shiro's heart flutter. Shiro's nose twitched again.

"I don't have the right to force you. Let's withdraw for now. But remember, I'll always be here to welcome you."

It was like saying the temple gates were always open, ready to receive anyone at any time. The child was stubborn and fearless. She couldn't force her to do anything. It was enough to teach her that there was an escape route...

"Yes, thank you."

"No need to thank me. This is my duty as an exorcist of Fuso, and as a relative of my cousin."

And with that, Murasaki turned around and left, feeling proud and satisfied in her heart. ...It was nothing to worry about, like a warrior's mercy. The cicada that flew in and landed on her hair, causing her to panic, was just a minor distraction.

...And Shiro didn't have any feelings of concern for White either.

"...That's right. I trust Tomobe-san."

It was a truly tiny, whispered "Shiro".

"..."

She licked her dry lips with a small, red tongue. It tasted sweet and oily.

"..."

Her body was captivated by a warm, tingling sensation, like a flame burning inside. She felt a surge of excitement in her chest.

The bud of "that thing" was about to sprout soon...

"Say that, and I'll give you a good scolding! I'm going to give you a cucumber for breakfast!!""

"Ahhh!! Don't say that!!?"

"Aaah, you're so annoying!! You're a demon brother!! What are you going to do?!!"

"I'm hungry? Hey, isn't it about time?"

"When's Mom coming back? Hey, hey?"

"Snack time! It's almost time for snacks!!"

"Stop talking all at once, it's too noisy!!"

Around the same time, the black-clad figure, surrounded by the noisy kids who had forgotten his original purpose, was plugging his ears and trying to focus....