Mob Yandere

[Part 3/4]

"Just stay still. They might have something."

I take out painkillers from my pocket and crush them while explaining. The medic who accompanied Aoi to the head of the servant. They've come to such a dangerous place. So, there must be at least one spiritual medicine. Either way, Hisame will suffer if we continue like this.

"It's bitter, but bear with it. I'll go get some medicine that might be useful from them. Don't worry, I won't abandon you."

I pacify Hisame while feeding her the painkillers that have been crushed and made easier to swallow. She grimaces slightly at the taste of the painkillers. Still, she holds onto my sleeve tightly.

"Please..."

Glancing at Aoi, I plead once again. It would be easy to shake her off, but I didn't want to do that. I didn't want to burden her body any further, and above all, I didn't want to make a mistake that would lead to despair.

"..."

"...Thank you"

This moment felt like eternity. We exchange glances, and it was Hisame who finally breaks it. Perhaps it was because she didn't have the strength to continue holding on... I pray that it's the former and express my gratitude.

And then, I start to move. Well, there should be... at least a little chance of success.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Head of the Servants."

I get up and step out of the shadowy bushes, taking a little distance from Hisame. I stand tall and speak louder, trying to get everyone's attention – the servants, the medic, and Aoi, they all look at me. Being popular can be challenging, right?

"Hahaha! Hahahaha! You actually came out, amazing!!"

A hearty laughter that rubs people the wrong way echoes.

"Well, well! You're really straightforward and foolish in strange ways, huh? I did mention giving you an opportunity, but do you really think such a thing exists?"

"Is it a complete lie?"

"Don't worry. There really is something."

In response to my words, the sh*tty boss, the head servant, Onitsuki Takaragen, takes something out from the Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) that he showed off from his pocket and proudly displays it.

Even from this distance, it is clear that it is a miraculous peach fruit that is being shown.

"That, is it...!?"

"As I thought..."

Seeing the item being raised, Aoi is shocked, and I click my tongue. From the beginning, I understood the possibility, and everything is connected by Aoi's reaction.

Perhaps, that is the item that Aoi was required to obtain for this mission. An unmistakable presence of dense spiritual energy. Although I don't know its correct usage, with such an incredible item, I could probably manage most things.

...If only I can obtain it.

"It's amazing, isn't it? If you handle it well, even a dead person can jump out of a coffin. I bet you want it so badly right now, my cute underling, huh?"

"...What do you want? Head of the Servants?"

In response to the boss's teasing call, I quickly get straight to the point and ask his demand. There was no time. There was no time for idle chatter.

"Oh, nothing much. Just a simple game. How about a match between you and me? ...Yeah, let's make it four rules."

And while stroking his chin, Onitsuki Takaragen proceeds to present the rules.

Rule one: The range of action during the match is limited to the area protected by the boundary.

Rule two: The outcome is determined by the opponent's killing or surrender.

Rule three: If Onitsuki Takaragen is defeated, he will provide "Ifukamuta" to the opponent and guarantee that no harm will be done to the opponent. (T/N: a plant that only grew in certain rich and unique spiritual places)

Rule four: If Onitsuki Takaragen wins, the opposing party promises to strangle Onitsuki Aoi with their own hands.

"This is a formal contract through curse art. There is no way to break it. How about it? It's only advantageous for you, isn't it?"

"...Please clearly state the guarantee for Princess and Hisame's safety during the match and in case of victory. Also, prohibit interference from others like the rebellion prevention Curse of Snake Rope."

"Hah! You're still so greedy, huh? Know your place and be reasonable."

"It's late to say that in this situation!!"

I spit out, forgetting my position. It's true, it's about this man. If I didn't point it out, there would undoubtedly have been loopholes in these contracts.

"Why are you going through all this trouble? It's not like canceling the contract is that easy!"

If it's just about killing, there's no need for such a play. If they really want, they can render me powerless with that curse and they can do whatever they want with Aoi and others. It seems to be a twisted taste, but Psycho Father-sama wants to pluck away each and every hope in front of Aoi. Especially the fourth one is overflowing with wickedness...!!

"You've gone too far, you d*mn trash...!!"

"Hahaha! Have you stopped pretending to be someone else? Alright then. I'll accept those conditions. Hey, Joukan, make a note of it."

"...Alright."

The head of the servant group, who casually brushes off my open hostility and seems to enjoy it, gives instructions to the medic. The frog-faced medic shows a slightly dissatisfied expression but ultimately agrees. Writing on washi paper made from sacred trees, and then handing it to Takaragen. Takaragen bites his own thumb and presses a blood seal onto it. After pressing the blood seal, he throws away the washi paper.

As if guided by something invisible, the contract written on thick washi paper reaches my sleeve. It slips into my arm and shows me the text. The agreed terms, including the additional content I suggested, were recognized in red letters. I don't really want to know what the special ink, which gives a curse art-like effect, is made of.

"You're not illiterate, are you? Is there any difference in the content?"

"...It seems not."

"Then quickly press your blood seal too. Or, are you afraid of blood? Hm?"

Something's not right. I had a bad feeling. However... I had no other choice.

(If I don't restrict their actions, I'll just be trampled!!)

I have already experienced the servant's head's disrespectful power harassment. However, he is exorcists from the Onitsuki Family. He is different in strength from someone like me. I had no choice but to make a suspicious contract. Just as I rub my thumb and press my blood seal.

"Wha...!?"

Immediately after, the text of the contract writhed strangely. Blood characters emerged... and loosely wrapped around my neck.

"What the hell is this!?"

"Don't freak out. It's the guarantor of the contract fulfillment. ...Of all things, what an ugly face, right?"

I was shocked and when I looked towards the voice, I saw a similar creature entangled with the head of the servants. They casually joked, "It would've been nice if she were beautiful."

The true identity of this creature was Kubire-oni. A contract ritual was prepared by Kubire-oni. Its ugly face, resembling a rotting corpse, was accompanied by a bloated, maggot-like body. It seemed disturbing, but strangely, its weight was hardly noticeable.

"Huh!?"

And in the next moment, the contract slipped through my hand. It was as if it swam through the air like a fish, fluttering and wandering, ultimately returning to the hands of the medic. With big, bulging eyes, the medic gazed at the contract.

"The contract is now concluded. So, both of you, let's have a fair and square duel."

"A fair and square duel, you say?"

Sneering at the medic's words, the head of the servant group stepped forward. He boldly and leisurely announced his name.

"Well, greetings are important... I am Onitsuki Junshuuro Takaragen, the head of the Onitsuki family's servant group. Now, how about you introduce yourself?"

Even after ambushing, he made this preamble about his position and then declared his own. It was a sign for the duel. But he did not prepare the distinctive sharp spear with a ragged handle. He just stood there, carrying it on his shoulder, and demanded that we introduce ourselves.

"...Onitsuki family servant. My name is Tomobe."

In a calm and minimalistic manner, I spoke only the necessary words and took a defensive stance by thrusting the spear I had seized. I took a defensive stance and stared at him from a distance.

For a brief moment, I glanced at Aoi. Our nervous expressions met. Our gazes crossed with a mix of tension and agitation. I quickly refocused my attention to the front, observing for any openings from the opponent.

Quietly, I continued to observe...

"..."

"..."

"Hey, hey. You're not gonna say anything? After all the trouble I went through to start this, you better not be playing around, okay?"

(Don't say that even though you know I understand. D*mn it...!!)

How long has this been going on? It was a silent confrontation without a single clash of spears or defend. In response to the head's bored remarks, I cursed him inwardly. I truly thought he would be more relaxed about it.

Still, I couldn't find an opportunity to attack the trashy boss in front of me. Two hours passed, just the passage of time. Precious time, like a drop of blood, was being wasted. But even so, now...!!

"...If you keep being lazy, the audience will get bored. As an actor, shouldn't we move a little?"

"...!!?"