Chapter 178-2

Chapter 178-2

[Part 2/4]

A white spider charged toward the gate. It pushed forward but then couldn't go any further. It hit an invisible wall.

'(T_T) IT HURTS!!'

'I told you so!'

The hummingbird's cold gaze was directed at the tearful spider, who was brushing its cheek. It was a situation I could have predicted. It was ridiculous to think that such a tiny being, not even a half-youkai, could charge in like this.

'(T_T) Little sister, let me pet your head!'

'Why do I have to comfort you... Wait, am I the one being petted!?'

The spider gently patted the hummingbird's head as if soothing a younger sister. Wait a minute. This is strange.

'(;_;) I've continued a harsh journey together with my little sister! I won't be discouraged by this level of hardship!'

'Can you stop talking about memories that don't exist?'

Also, I am not your sister. Stop assuming that we are siblings. Is that guy my father? Am I some kind of pervert comforting my own father? I really want this to stop. Botan thought so.

'(>_

And the spider proudly held up a nail that was twitching and trying to escape.

'That's from "Mayoiga"... What good is that?'

It was a low-level spirit that the little spider god had collected without permission, a 'treasure.' It was just a nail that could barely move like a fish, with no power even close to that of a small youkai. Botan couldn't see how showing something like that would change anything. In fact, it seemed like this nail really didn't want to be here.

'(¬_¬) Don't look down on me. (*^_^*) I'll show you the true power of the Holy Sword!!'

'No, what are you... No way, right!?'

The nail that the spider stabbed into the barrier. It was indeed piercing through the curse. It created a small hole as it went through. Not just the barrier. It pierced through various curses all at once. It was a hole made by a nail, not just an ant's hole, but a spider's hole. This is ridiculous. How can she does something like that!?

"Whoa, amazing. You really pierced through with such a tiny nail?"

Even the blue demon (Oni) seemed impressed by this act and climbed down from the tree to watch closely. Wait, is this really the time to be impressed?

'(; ・д・ ́)` Let's go already!! It's a big adventure!!'

'No, no, wait... ah, come on!! Doing whatever you want!!?'

The white spider completely ignored the halt and charged forward. The hummingbird had no choice but to follow it, being dragged along. With the hummingbird's abilities, it couldn't stop the white spider.

"Whoa, be careful, okay?"

'Just because it's not your problem!!'

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just say that. You look all cheerful, but you're pretty stubborn, huh?"

'I'm flattered. ...So, can I pass by now?'

The ''ghost''s puppet' asked for permission to pass, while skillfully avoiding responsibility and ending the pointless chatter. But...

"Not a chance."

'Can I ask why?'

"Just because I don't like it."

'That's a very demon-like answer, isn't it?'

The response was childish and the reason given seemed almost absurd. It didn’t really qualify as a reason. However, for the 'ghost,' it made a strange kind of sense. In fact, if this demon had provided a logical explanation, it would have been shocking. For a demon, prioritizing feelings and moods is a matter of pride and honor.

"I don't really care what happens to your toy, you know? Watching that girl get mad at you would be amusing, I guess?"

After taking a sip of alcohol, she spoke carelessly. Inside the barrier, the events at the orphanage were indeed dull and trivial. It would undoubtedly be more entertaining to watch the hummingbird get upset. But...

"I thought it might be more fun to mess with you guys a bit. Sorry about that?"

'Oh, come on, it's nothing new with you. If it's a bother, you've already caused plenty. Don't worry about it.'

A heartless apology met with a sincere response. The truth is, if this demon openly got involved and showed favoritism, everything could turn upside down. Compared to that... just like the main branch of the Akō clan, it would be great if this demon could stay off the stage and didn't do what she wanted.

...Truly, it's a troublesome princess who has complicated feelings but has let go. So very sentimental and clingy.

"Got it, got it. That's great!"

It was a slightly sarcastic reply, but the perpetually tipsy demon accepted it cheerfully without a care. She guzzled down the contents of the gourd and let out a loud burp. While her face might be presentable, her manners are the worst. It's just the usual.

'...I guess it can't be helped. Well then, I think I'll take my leave.'

Challenging this big demon is reckless, pointless, and a waste of effort. So, He leave it to fate. He hopes the disciple princess can handle it well. After all, she's a shrine maiden. The 'ghost' turns on his heel and retreats...

"Yeah, yeah. Look over here?"

'What is it...'

The demon's carefree call echoed as the puppet turned around. Suddenly, the voice was cut off. The upper half of the modified youkai exploded into pieces.

"Hey, you. You thought I was weak or something, didn't you? If you underestimate me, I'll make you understand!"

With a squelch, the modified youkai falls to its knees in a pool of blood. Looking down at its body, the blue demon shows a truly refreshing smile, baring its fangs.

It was indeed a narrow-minded, obsessive, and petty act...

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