[Part 2/4]
"You act like you know what's going on! ...So, how big is our esteemed Yun-shoku? What's her shape? It's hard to tell when she's wearing those clothes. My guess is that she's pretty chubby... Am I wrong?"
"Are you going to keep going?"
I'm thoroughly exasperated by the absurdity of the whispered conversation happening next to my ear. What's the point of listening to it? Is he planning to peek? is he going to die? Is he trying to imagine and comfort himself? Isn't it just empty? And seriously, isn't he wasting valuable protein?
The necessity of consuming valuable protein has been demonstrated by a certain survivalist. It's probably better not to let it out in the first place than to release and consume it. Personally, I think the caterpillar hiding in the gaps of trees is still a better option. ...When roasted, that is.
"She used to have such a fierce gaze and strict demeanor. But lately, her mannerisms and tone have become softer, haven't they? She used to be hard to approach, but now she's... approachable?"
"Hey, seriously, knock it off."
After a quick shift of my gaze, I offer Kashiwagi a sincere piece of advice. ...Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to get through to Kashiwagi.
"Hey, you're even more wore today. Or is there something up? Did you actually see her and find out she's not as attractive as you thought? Does she have a three-tiered belly? Is she sagging and out of shape?"
"...Didn't I warn you?"
"Don't run away now. What's wrong? You suddenly want to drop the subject. Oh, I see. Could it be that I hit the mark?"
"Kashiwagi..."
"Is she really sporting a three-tiered belly? Or is she sagging? Or maybe she's got an incredibly bizarre pattern of hair growth!?"
"Oh? Am I the image in your head now—a saggy three-tiered belly with grotesque hair growth?"
Kashiwagi, who is energetically interrogating me, falls silent at the pressuring tone of the question that follows from behind.
"…"
Slowly, very slowly, Kashiwagi turns around. In his field of vision is a Hannya mask. No, it's not a mask; it's her actual face. The beautiful face of a cunning woman with a mischievous smile.
...Her eyes aren't smiling, and the atmosphere around her is overwhelmingly heavy.
"...Oh, Yun-shoku-dono. Welcome back."
"Oh, Kashiwagi. Thanks for your hard work with the younger group. What training is planned next?"
Yun-shoku-dono, our esteemed leader, responds to Kashiwagi's feigned greeting with an easygoing answer. Without missing a beat, she turns to Kashiwagi and begins questioning.
"Um, instructions for hand-to-hand combat when disarmed. Oh, I'm about to start the training, so if you'll excuse me..."
"Wait."
Yun-shoku-dono grabs Kashiwagi's shoulder, preventing his hasty escape. Kashiwagi can't get away!
"Um... Yun-shoku-dono?"
"Your ongoing duties are truly appreciated. Is it for the guidance of the younger ones? This is a token of gratitude from your superior. Don't refuse."
Kashiwagi chuckles. Yun-shoku-dono chuckles too. Right after that, Kashiwagi's vision spins violently. Then the ground approaches rapidly and an impact sound echoed. Kashiwagi's vision goes dark! ...Probably.
"Ah, ugh...!?"
"Well, I'll forgive you for this much. I'm generous, you know."
After glancing at his writhing subordinate on the ground, Yun-shoku-dono brushes her hands off and declares calmly. Kashiwagi doesn't seem to have any capacity to react to that.
"And Tomobe, you come with me. ...You probably don't want training like Kashiwagi, right?"
"Yes, ma'am."
It was a merciless announcement directed at me as I was trying to quietly slip away from the scene. With a cheerful tone, I respond immediately, as if programmed. ...Oh well, this might not end well.
While the title of the third-ranking position (Yun-shoku) within the Onitsuki family, a major branch of the exorcists, sounds impressive, the reality is far from it. It's merely the highest rank attainable for disposable servants. It barely grants a treatment slightly better than that of slaves, a treatment that's marginally better than being in the lowest class. In this world and era where there's no human rights, this title doesn't provide much insurance. It might even have less influence than the household members, the non-family exorcists serving the Onitsuki family...
With such treatment, Yun-shoku's residence was also modestly constructed. It might be around twelve or thirteen tatami mats in size. It's not cramped, but it's not particularly spacious either. There aren't too many personal belongings either. Half of the room serves as a workplace, with a writing desk and a bookshelf for records placed against one wall. The slight disarray is due to her personality. Or rather, it was even messier at first. I organized it when I became her assistant. ...Though it tends to get messy again if I take my eyes off it for a moment.
"Ugh, I'm tired. Is dinner ready yet?"
"It's still in progress... But before that, please wipe off your sweat and change your clothes."
And so, Yun-shoku's home is also the place I call home. It's a couple of hours past sunset, and I request while preparing the evening porridge, "Could you please wipe your sweat and change?" as Yun-shoku lazily sprawls out behind me.
"Ugh, it's such a hassle. It's fine, right? Just for tonight?"
I didn't want to think of that person lying on the tatami like an old man as the person I deeply respect and owe a great debt to. Somehow, it feels like finding out that the private life of a capable career woman you admire is that of a messy old man's room. Despite seeming confident and dignified in public, this illusion shatters when I realize her true self. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that lately, she's been dropping her guard in front of everyone, which seriously troubles me. It might affect the team's morale.
"Sleeping in the midst of a sweaty odor is not acceptable. Please think about people's mental well-being."
I request once again for her to change clothes and wipe off the sweat. For now, I hope no urgent messages come for the servant group.
"Well... Could this be... a sign of a heartbeat?"
"No, it's just that sleeping in a smelly room is uncomfortable."
"You're being straightforward..."
Yun-shoku mutters with annoyance at my matter-of-fact response. I think I've become quite unfiltered in my behavior. Unfortunately, that's also for her sake.
"Aaah, you've lost your charm, haven't you? You used to blush and get embarrassed, and you were always so considerate... Where did I go wrong in your upbringing?"
"Isn't it an embarrassing lifestyle that makes younger people feel a sense of crisis?"
"You're relentless."
"But it's the truth."
Seriously, bring back the determination and respect I had of you at the beginning.
"Oh well... I guess I understand. I'll accommodate your request. If you're that eager to peep?"
"...Can I add a bit more salt?"
"Haha, you ignored me!"
Dry laughter and the sound of fabric rubbing and water follow from behind, but I don't pay them any mind. I'm more focused on the dish in front of me. Food is the energy to live another day.
"...Is this good enough? Yun-shoku, are you done?"
"Mmm, I'm all done?"
"Alright then..."
In response to Yun-shoku's reply, I carry the small pot out with both hands. It's a porridge made with wild vegetables and chicken, with beaten eggs mixed in. I've also prepared several types of pickled vegetables.
"I'll bring out dried persimmons for dessert... But alcohol is not allowed, okay?"
"Aww~!?"
She complains about my reminder, but I don't budge. Even if it's low one, the quality isn't great. I can't keep giving her something that might cause a bad hangover every time. Rest days for the liver are crucial.
"My little pleasure... ruined."
"It's okay to be a little frugal."
"You're mean."
"Mean is fine."
"You're a sulky pervert."
"Well... in a way, that's fine."
"Give me an extra large portion."
"...That's quite a bold request."
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