[Part 6/6]
"...I have indeed been favored by the princess for a long time."
While guiding me, the woman—Onitsuki family's headwife, to the new "home" was talking like that. Her tone seemed half playful, as if she were just casually talking about a topic. So I responded in a businesslike manner.
"Hmm, for a long time? Specifically, how many years ago was it?"
"...I think it was about six or seven years ago."
"Oh, I see, such a long time..."
There was no point in lying. It would only raise unnecessary doubts. I stated the fact matter-of-factly.
"I apologize. At that time, that person had already fallen ill, you see? I don't know much about your connection with that child. Besides, I was also away from the mansion at that time."
And then, the headwife of the Onitsuki family stopped and glanced back at me, smiling.
"It's really embarrassing, isn't it? For a parent not to know anything about their child."
"Such things..."
"No need for flattery. Facts are facts. I understand that, given your position, that's all you can say. But deceit is also insincere... Hehehe. So, if you must lie, please do so by remaining silent."
Sumire made such a one-sided demand and then turned back to face forward, resuming her walk. I remained silent for a moment... and then silently complied with her request.
Deep within the Onitsuki estate, I was invited to a part of the mansion I had never set foot in before, the garden accompanying the main hall. At the spot where the white stones were laid in a gravel path, the guide pointed.
"It seems there is a hut here? I have gathered everything you need, more than enough for your residence. If there is anything missing or anything you would like to have newly prepared, please don't hesitate to tell me."
Looking at the small house situated on the premises where rows of trees lined up, I listened to the headwife's words. It was impressive that she had made such good preparations in just one day. Moreover, she casually mentioned that she had managed to move my belongings from Gorilla-sama's place. It was smoothly done without arousing suspicion from Gorilla-sama. It sends shivers down my spine.
"Ah...!"
Considering everything up to that point, I bowed and replied to her. I then left Sumire and headed towards the small house along the gravel path. And when I approached, I realized...
"Smoke...?"
A faint white smoke was wafting out of the window. It was the smoke from a hearth, probably from cooking. In other words... ah, I see. Everything Sumire said was true, word for word.
"...Excuse me."
"Oh, it's you, big bro!"
As I opened the door, Magoroku adjusted the fire in the hearth and caught sight of Magoroku's back. He looking back and forth between me and the kitchen area.
"Big bro, um..."
"Don't worry too much about me. Focus on handling the fire. We can't afford a fire starting suddenly in our new place."
"Uh, I see..."
Magoroku responded with a puzzled look to my half-joking instruction. From his attitude, it seemed that he was quite shaken by being brought to this small house. Perhaps he understood his position well since he didn't complain...
"Is that the sound of a footsteps? Tomobe-sama, is that you?"
As I considered Magoroku's feelings, a voice, which was familiar to me, rolled like a bell from the back of the small house. I exchanged glances with Magoroku, nodded, and left him to take care of the cooking as I stepped into the back of the house.
In a room with a more solid interior than before, mismatched cheap furniture and household items were displayed. In the corner of the room, near the hearth, I found someone sitting down. When I approached, the outline of the figure became clear, revealing the appearance of a black-haired blind girl.
Her dark pupils, which couldn't focus, looked up at me.
"Ah, I thought it might be you... Tomobe-sama, right?"
"...You had a tough time moving suddenly. Is your health okay?"
Though she might be better now than when she first arrived at the estate, telling a naturally frail girl to change her location all of a sudden was quite a harsh thing to do. Being unable to see also carried dangers in everyday life. Tripping over steps, unknowingly touching the sunken hearth or brazier, bumping into furniture and breaking it were minor compared to the risk of injuring oneself. When she was moved to Yun-shoku's small house and then to Gorilla-sama's territory, it was challenging. Although things were placed in the same positions as much as possible, there was a constant fear of getting hurt.
(No, my concern is not a big deal.)
The ones who were most afraid and worried must have been the siblings. In that sense, my concern was hypocritical.
"...I should warn you in advance. There's a possibility that you might be taken along during the next Joraku (visiting the capital). If that happens, you'll have to readjust again."
Though I placed it as a preface to my expectation, it was almost certain.
I knew it. There was no way that man wouldn't take Mari and Magoroku along. When attacking, one goes for the opponent's most vulnerable spot. They were different from Shirowakamaru, protected by Kochou, or Shiro protected by Azuma, and Yukine, who directly served Tamaki. The two of them didn't have clear protectors.
(He's cunning. Just like him back then.)
Such despicable methods come to mind immediately... I wanted to do something about Mari and the others as soon as possible, but it wouldn't be that easy. There is no hostage-taker who would willingly release their hostages.
"Yes, understood...?"
"What's wrong, Mari?"
Unaware of what was in my mind, Mari just nodded in response to the warning and suddenly looked up at me, as if shrinking in fear. I couldn't help but call out to her pitiful figure. Mari hesitated, lowered her head, and muttered softly while looking up at me again.
"Are you going to... do something scary?"
"What?"
As she spoke with a trembling voice, I tilted my head. Tilted and... it took a moment for me to understand the meaning. My gaze turned sharp.
"Mari?"
"Th-that... your voice, Tomobe-sama... I-I'm sorry. It's so rude of me, but...!!"
"Mari"
"...!"
At my second call, she was flustered, her words rushing out, and then she fell silent under the pressure. She seemed nervous, frightened.
"...Don't worry. It has nothing to do with you. Absolutely nothing. So, you don't need to be concerned."
I placed my hands on her shoulders and whispered, trying to reassure her as much as possible. At least, for me, that was the truth. I didn't intend to burden Mari or Magoroku with these emotions. I didn't want to drag them into this as an excuse.
"Tomobe-sama..."
"I want to somehow bring Iruka over here too. Hahaha, it's because Magoroku alone won't be enough to handle it, after all."
Ignoring Mari's anxious reaction, I said with a smirk. I desperately wanted to bring Iruka here. It was necessary to protect Mari and the others. I couldn't handle it alone. When the time came, I might lose control and become unaware of what I was doing.
...Ah, it was really fortunate. Mari is blind. And I have my mask on. The way I look now, there's no way I can show myself to others.
This ugly face, like a vile demon, completely tainted by hatred and revenge.
(Am I supposed to forgive? I will definitely get my revenge, Onitsuki Yuusei...!!!!)
And in my heart, I screamed like a beast, fueled by the revived hatred along with my memories, all thanks to the youkai of Mayoiga.
Yes. In order to avenge that person. For making me unable to avoid killing that person.
I will definitely kill him...!!!!
Fan art:
Title: Those thighs are magnificent...!! Princess Aoi
URL: here
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