Mob Yandere

[Part 5/7]

"Kudzu...!?"

Screams echoed from above. I looked up to find little girls peering down. I scanned the surroundings, determined. I've succeeded once before. It should work again!

"Kudzu, don't bend your back!!?"

"What... kyaa!!?"

Before she could finish, I acted. Threw Kudzu. Upwards, with all my strength. The girl screams. Diving towards the direction of the light, disappearing beyond.

"Okay...!!"

'Ki-ki-ki!!'

'Ki-kki-kki!!'

Amidst Gakis swarming from all around, I laughed defiantly. Not resignation, but confidence in victory.

"With this, no holding back...!!"

...

...

...

"Kyaaaa!? It hurts!? Ugh...!?"

"Kuzu!?"

"Are you okay!? Any injuries!?"

Kudzu was thrown to the ground in the sunset sky. Landing on her buttocks, she held her rear and tearfully nodded to approaching comrades. She was about to complain about the sudden turn of events, recalling the recent past.

"No way!?"

Understanding what happened to the youth who threw herself, Kudzu turns pale with guilt and fear.

"No way, no way!!?"

Bloodied, Kazu changes her demeanor and rises. With unsteady steps, she heads towards the gaping hole she just leaped out of.

"Kudzu-san!? It's dangerous!!"

"Yes! We don't know what might come out...!?"

Her fleeing companions hesitate, but she turns around to counter.

"But... if we don't help!! Are you planning to abandon that person!?"

As Kudzu pleads, her companions fall silent. They, too, have no objections to Kudzu's words. However, what can they do themselves? Their frightened eyes tell that story.

"Just because of that, doing nothing is...!!?"

Kudzu tries to press further, but before that, a deafening roar echoes. It's a pillar of fire. A pale pillar of fire rises from the hole. It happens in an instant, but the heat and the burnt smell that follows suggest the fate of those within.

"That's..."

Kudzu mutters with a trembling mouth. The worst outcome flashes through her mind, and this time, she rushes forward without even pausing. The others instinctively follow.

"Ugh...!?"

Near the hole, Kudzu covered her nose with her sleeve. The smell of burning flesh and a foul odor filled the air—a stench of death. Instinctively recoiling, she cautiously attempted to look at the bottom of the hole.

"Whoa!?"

She tumbled backward at the figure that emerged before sticking herself out of the hole. Some of those who were behind her also staggered, surprised. Staggering, they looked up at it.

"...Who's the idiot peeking into the hole spewing fire? You guys need to manage the crisis a bit better."

From the scorched attire, a body covered in soot peeked out. Yet, with a composed face, the young man in question appeared. With an exasperated tone, a sharp gaze, but reassuring eyes confirming that no one was injured, he looked down on Kudzu and the others.

"Ow..."

With indescribable emotions, the sound of a raw water echoed from the girl's womb...

* * *

"I apologize. I never expected you to be involved in such a disturbance after inviting you..."

In a room of the mansion, she apologized. She bandaged my bleeding arm and bowed her honey-colored head. It was the actions of the master of the mansion, Tachibana Kayo.

It couldn't be helped. What was supposed to be a guided tour of the mansion, checking the security measures, and a welcoming seat turned into an exploration of the underground infested with monsters. From Kayo's perspective, it was nothing but exposing me to her various carelessness.

Of course, a year ago, the one apologizing would have been not her but the members of Onitsuki's family. The difference in status between a servant and a household member was much more significant than what the text implies.

A servant, even if they hold the position of Yun-shoku (允職), is still a servant. However, a household member is more than that—they are a person, a vassal, an existence above common folk. This distinction is particularly emphasized with the existence of a household system. Therefore, being treated as a household member carries significant importance from the start.

...Well, with this girl, she probably would have apologized regardless.

"...No, it's not a problem. It's just good that it's in time."

Wrapping up my bandaged arm, I respond. It's a fact. My wounds are fine. But those foolish girls were a step away from death if they had made one wrong move. It was fortunate that the situation was manageable.

"Mmm. It would have been more helpful if you asked me a little bit more, but... with these many wounds, is it too late now?"

Instead of the burnt outfit, I received a jacket. As I try to readjust it, the young lady stops my arm with delicate hands and leans in close to my chest. She murmurs, her breath almost touching me, staring intently at my body.

"Looks painful..."

It's a shivering gaze, sweet and cold whispers as her fingers trace each scar on my chest—a bewitching behavior that confuses men.

"Well, it's part of the job."

I answer blandly and forcibly readjust my outfit, disrupting the atmosphere. Fortunately, I've grown accustomed to the charms of beautiful women.

Or maybe my thoughts and values have warped... who knows?

"It was a good atmosphere."

"Indeed, since we're on top of the mountain, the air is nice."

"Muu."

In response to my reply, Kayo pouted slightly at my retort, but immediately cleared her throat and composed herself.

"...Ahem, once again, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. I will make amends with all my heart. Is there anything you desire?"

Seated formally and bowing slightly, Kayo inquired directly. It was an unmistakable, overtly friendly sales smile. Perhaps I had annoyed her a little.

"Do you ask such things of someone like me?"

"When dealing with a household member, especially one serving the master directly, such authority is to be expected, correct?"

"Well..."

I didn't deny it. I couldn't. Kayo's words hit the mark of truth.

"...Certainly, if you have any requests, feel free to inform us later at your convenience."

It was vague, clearly a test. An experiment to measure my loyalty and judgment.

"Then?"

"...Okay. I would appreciate it if you could help me to gather information and procure supplies for the Onitsuki family during their stay in the capital."

What was uttered was a request that was safe to the extent. It was frightening to speak carelessly, as the memories could be read later. The steps taken couldn't be mentioned.

"It's boring, isn't it? You should express your own demands a little more."

"Haha, if I'm not from the Onitsuki, and I'm not a formal household member, running too much in selfishness will invite displeasure from those around me."