[Part 4/4]
When I mentioned what was going to happen from now on, Tengu showed it to me. It was a basket. A basket filled with ingredients, including fresh fish and meat.
"You haven't had breakfast yet, right? Let's start with a meal first... You can't fight on an empty stomach. Let's have a strategic meeting while eating."
In a relaxed manner, Tengu made a suggestion.
"Now then. If I were to talk about him, the first impression would be that he's very agile."
After finishing the cooking and preparing the meal, right in the middle of eating. The female Tengu spoke while crunching on chicken wings, bones and all.
It seems that the female Tengu participated in the subjugation of the snake in question. The Akabo-gumi is said to have been a natural choice among the Tengu, as they specialize in rough work. At the time, her position was the second seat of the Tsugubo group. It seems like he had a bad experience.
“I thought he wouldn't attack me from above, but he jumps up quickly and has a long tongue. The guy next to me was able to wrap his tongue around me and rip me off...well, like this.”
I pluck a wild strawberry from the plate on the table and pop it into my mouth. It squishes with a satisfying sound. When I open my mouth, it's all crushed and juicy. I play with the remains of the fruit on my tongue for a while...and gulp it down.
"You know, it's not very polite to eat like that."
"You're the one who taught me, right? About what happens when you get eaten."
The Tengu responds to my remark with a mischievous smile. It's a truly bizarre conversation given the strange circumstances. Inaba-hime and I are sitting with the Tengu, having a meal in one of the rooms of the treehouse where we were imprisoned. And we're all eating together.
...I'm used to this style of eating, where I take food from a shared plate instead of being served individually, so that's not a problem. But what really puzzles me is the behavior of the Tengu.
(They're talking about how ridiculous their pride is)
I mean, it's surprising to see them eating together like this, even though they usually create a class difference to assert their positions. And they didn't even show any signs of putting weird stuff in the food they made.
(Well, if they say they can't harm me because of the contract...)
If that's the case, then there's no reason to eat together. I don't get it.
"Hey, hey. Don't say things like that, alright? Aren't we partners? Are you planning to walk through the mountain path to the snake's nest alone?"
"Who's your partner... Oh, I see."
It seems... this person is responsible for transportation during the meeting. Maybe it's because she has a position that specializes in rough work? There's certainly no reason to waste energy on transportation.
"It's not just transportation. I'll accompany you in actual combat too. ...To be honest, with your reaction speed, it'll be a piece of cake in no time."
Tengu mocks as she continue to nibble on the grilled chicken wings. I can't help but think, is this cannibalism? No, I mean, birds eat each other in the food chain, right? No, that's not what I meant.
"So that's it, huh?"
"Yeah... that thing from when we were cleaning the mountain path. I don't know if it's a trump card, but it's tough, huh?"
Back then, I was being cautious due to the attention around me, but even then, my body should have been considerably strengthened. Is that not enough?
"Do you think you can handle it?"
"That's why I'm here, living and breathing. I've been given Bouchou position."
With a smug look, Tengu boasts while nibbling on bamboo shoots. The faintly sliced, miso-dipped, and grilled aroma tickles the nose.
"... Speaking of snakes, they're poisonous. Are you being cautious about that?"
"There have been times when I've been bitten and couldn't move. It's optimistic to think otherwise. You can't judge by appearances. If you get too close, you'll be crushed by its huge body."
"Crushed, huh?"
"The five people who set it up are friends."
"I'm starting to lose confidence..."
I sigh as I quickly munch on a boiled egg. It must be quite a massive body. From what I've heard, it seems to be larger than a fledgling dragon.
"Hey, don't get down on yourself now. Well, with that weak equipment, it's no wonder. I'll pick something out for you from the storehouse later, so keep your hopes up."
It seems that the Tengu side intends to provide some equipment support. It's truly a commendable effort to improve the winning rate even a little bit.
"Not only the contract, but also the equipment. Are you guys really in such a tight spot?"
"Well, to be honest, we're also facing quite a tough situation."
I was assertive during the public meeting, but the female Tengu clearly stated that everyone, from top to bottom, is actually feeling weak.
“Ever since the introduction of the public council system, it has not been uncommon for debates to be divided, but this time it was quite confusing. After all, the village was on the brink of being ruined. There were also proposals that were difficult to accept.”
"So, is that why you put on an act?"
"That's right. You're pretty clever for a monkey, aren't you?"
"Don't underestimate me. With just that remark, I could have guessed."
This person probably used me for her own political agenda. There's even a possibility that the attack on the envoy was her unilateral decision. She's likely one of the hardliners among the Tengu, someone who's willing to fight to the bitter end. She's relying on and making concessions to someone she considers to be a monkey and an idiot...
(In the original work, did they submit to the snake?)
The original work does not directly depict whether the snake submitted to the Tengu. Only the mention of the Tengu invasion is made. Did the snake bend to become a vanguard, or did it abandon the village and aim for new territory in a last stand?... No, I don't understand.
"...Inaba-hime. Shall I pour some hot water for you?"
"..."
Lost in thought, when I suddenly turned my gaze, the girl beside me continued to stare at her teacup. After receiving a nod in response, I poured hot water from the teapot into the empty teacup.
(She isn't eating much)
Looking at the serving plate, it's clear how much has been eaten. Mostly fruits. At least, nothing that could be called a meal has been eaten. It's natural, considering the person who made it. She said he wasn't the father, but...
(There's also the throwing of the chopsticks... No, I shouldn't meddle in someone else's family matters)
The only thing I can do is to return her to the envoy or wherever as soon as possible. That's my responsibility. The responsibility for involving her in this commotion... It may be meddlesome, but well.
"Understood. It's for the imperial court, the main house, and for the greater cause. I'll be used. So what do we do? When do we make a move? Today? Tomorrow?"
I asked for confirmation at a time when our meal was about to end, partly to restrain the girl's outbursts.
"Well, well, don't rush. ...Once we've prepared our equipment, let's have a warm-up. I suppose you've never fought while flying? Even if it's just a temporary experience, it's good to have some. Don't you think?"
Saying so, the female Tengu drank down her cup of tea. She adjusted her cloak and stood up.
"Wait outside. It would be good if you come out after you're ready. I'll transport the stuff from the warehouse. ...Well, please take care of it while no one is watching."
With a final teasing remark, the calm Tengu left gracefully, her feathers on her back fluttering.
"...Inaba-hime. I believe we have a contract, so I think everything will be fine, but please remain cautious."
I will give advice as a house sitter.
"...House sitting?"
"?, Well...yes. I will handle it alone."
I tilt my head at Inaba-hime's words, but quickly understand her intention and affirm it.
She must have thought that she would also participate in the battle. Indeed, her weapons had been returned.
"To be honest, you are too young to take on this task. It's dangerous."
"I am an exorcist."
"That's why I will go. Because I am a servant."
As a decoy to sweep away the enemy and assess their tactics and abilities, it is natural for the servant to go ahead of the exorcist. Especially in a case like this.
"If I can take them down, that will be enough. If not, Inaba-hime can learn from me. If there is a chance of being stabbed, I request the protection of Middle Counselor-sama."
"It's better to have two people than one."
"If it's an opponent who falls for the first encounter, it will be a clean sweep."
"Hmm..."
Inaba-hime is completely shut down by my exorcist-based rebuttal. Aoi or Botan would probably come back with a clever response... It seems like she, at her age or as an exorcist, hasn't fully embraced the values.
(As expected, just a temporary solution...)
Sympathizing with the situation in Kakitsugi's family, and even more so with her, I stand up.
"Kakitsugi is short of staff, right? Please take care of yourself for the sake of the household. It would be a loss for both the family and the court if it falls apart before succeeding."
"What about you?"
"I'm the first generation of the Household Member Coordinator servant, so there's nothing to protect."
At least I don't have a 'family' to carry on my shoulders. There may be a family I want to protect. And... for that, even in this shitty situation, it's worth risking my life.
"...How cowardly."
"For someone who makes a living from exorcism, it's rather an honor. ...Well then,"
In response to her sullen remark, I casually brushed it off. And just like that, I left the room, following behind Tengu.
"...There's no home worth protecting."
I couldn't quite catch her whispered words...
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