Chapter 180-1

Chapter 180-1

[Part 1/4]

"Has the letter already arrived?"

This was the straightforward question from the youngest daughter of Ako family as she stepped off the ox cart and reached the gate of the Akō family's villa, which was close to the palace. Inside, Murasaki felt pleased with her own bravery.

However, the laborers and maids who came to greet her exchanged confused glances.

"...Is something wrong?"

When Murasaki asked, puzzled by their unusual behavior, a few of them finally spoke up.

"Um, well..."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Miss..."

"Huh!?"

Murasaki showed a silly expression at their hesitant and unexpected responses. She quickly shared her thoughts and observations.

...The reaction of her shiki has completely vanished.

"That's impossible..."

What could have happened? This is the Central region──it's unimaginable for youkai to wreak havoc here. The capital's barrier should protect the people. No, the shiki she sent was crafted from court-approved spirit paper; it shouldn't have burned. More importantly, how did she not notice that the shiki was missing until now?

"Miss, what on earth has happened...?"

"The number of people is different from when you left, but... is there a problem, Miss?"

"I heard you were staying with relatives, but... you returned much earlier than expected?"

As the laborers and maids voiced their questions in unison, they looked at their mistress with puzzled expressions. Murasaki became even more flustered at their inquiries.

In truth, Murasaki had shared little about her overnight stay with anyone except a select few. If she were to reveal that a young unmarried woman was staying under one roof with half-youkai orphans and a scandalous young lady, the elders would surely react strongly.

To the outside world, she claimed to be visiting the home of former exorcists related to Onitsuki's hidden dormitory. While this wasn't a lie, it was essential to have a good excuse. She felt no guilt; she was simply trying to sidestep unnecessary overprotectiveness and trouble. Still...

"Um, um... that is..."

When flustered or nervous, Ako Murasaki would start speaking quickly or get stuck on her words. Especially since she was shy around outsiders, she usually became quiet in situations like this.

"Miss Murasaki?"

"Your face is red! Are you feeling unwell?"

Murasaki fell silent, her face red with tension as she hunched over. Her maid and laborers expressed concern, but their questions only made her retreat further, deepening their unease and raising doubts about their lord.

That's right. Right now, she doesn't have time to think about herself. There are young people from Fusō suffering from fever even as we speak.

"That's perfect. We have a doctor with us. ...Isn't he someone who works at my house? So, wouldn't it make sense to use my family's doctor for the treatment?"

"Well, that's true, but... no, I appreciate your kindness!"

Murasaki hesitated briefly at Aoi's offer but accepted it sincerely. Given the possibility of being treated by someone from another house, using her own family's doctor felt appropriate. More importantly, she felt genuinely happy that her beloved cousin was willing to help her.

Yes. It was purely, purely...

"...Alright. Then let's hurry and go, shall we?"

"Okay?"

Before Murasaki could respond, Aoi swiftly climbed into her ox cart, taking the seat of honor.

"Um... Cousin? Is there an issue with that seat?"

"No, there isn't."

Though Murasaki had many things to say, Aoi's overwhelming presence silenced her. She felt a bad omen; voicing any more thoughts might result in her outfit being torn to shreds.

"What are you doing? Hurry up and get on!"

"Yes...!?"

As a chill ran down her spine, Aoi urged her on. Murasaki hurriedly ran over and got onto the ox cart...

"Not you."

"Ouch!?"

Murasaki recoiled from the sudden impact, pressing her forehead as she nearly toppled over. Fortunately, someone behind her provided support, preventing a potentially dangerous fall.

"Are you okay...?"

"Ah, th-thank you. Um, who are you?"

With slightly teary eyes, Murasaki maintained her manners. The girl supporting her bowed deeply.

"I am Dokusawa Yakuko from the Onitsuki family, a branch of the Yakushiji family, part of the Medic Group Yun-shoku. ...Please remember my name."

The young girl medic bowed respectfully to Murasaki, in stark contrast to her master.

...While internally cursing the trouble of being caught up in this.

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