Mob Yandere

[Part 3/4]

The Middle Counselor's proposal suggests putting the issue on hold without actually solving it. However, publicly shaming the Inoe family and the warrior class might lead to violence or even bloodshed, which the court wants to avoid. So, there's a need for a compromise to prevent further conflict.

"...With caution. I accept the proposal."

The chief retainer bowed deeply, showing great respect. Hina, who looked down on the chief retainer, was cold. She spoke indifferently.

"I will inform you again, but please refrain from the self-punishment and judgment of the warriors who caused the commotion. The most important thing is to have more people protecting the mission. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, let's make sure to convey this to everyone."

In my mind, I felt anxious about whether he could properly control those reckless individuals... But I won't interfere from the side. In this situation, I had the lowest position, and Hina was the representative of Onitsuki. I couldn't oppose what she said.

"Hmm... Well, let's consider this matter resolved for now, shall we?"

The Middle Counselor confirmed in a carefree tone, timing it just right. Onitsuki and the members of the Inoue family, including myself, nodded in agreement.

"Okay, okay. Well, it's no use holding a grudge forever. ...It's a good opportunity. For the sake of friendship between both families, let's make some tea here. Hahaha, I recently got my hands on a great brand!!"

Cheerfully, truly cheerfully, the Middle Counselor declared. Speaking as if the commotion were someone else's business, he genuinely attempted to open the tea ceremony setting with enthusiasm. Everyone attending couldn't refuse that.

...Creating the opportunity for a dispute with an innocent face, overlooking, intimidating, creating weaknesses, soothing, and buying favor.

Truly, truly, I thought it was an unpleasant behavior befitting a court noble....

* * *

"...Finally done."

"...Yes."

The tea ceremony lasted for about a quarter of an hour. The one in charge went on and on about the expertise of the tea leaves, boasting about their specialty. Honestly, for those participating, it was quite a draining experience, especially for me. Even the attendant showed signs of fatigue in their voice. For someone not interested, tea and tea utensils are just the same.

"I apologize sincerely for causing such trouble to you, Princess..."

As the representative of the guardians, and being from the highest-ranking family among the accompanying exorcists, I ended up bringing more worries to her than just being a simple guard. I truly feel ashamed of my own incompetence. Despite the forgiveness from the Princess, there's a lingering guilt within me.

"That's a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think? ... More than the rumors suggest."

The story was heard when I visited Hotoya Village. It wasn't as drastic as people generally talked about; they don't readily commit seppuku left and right, it seemed. Well, even considering that, it was still quite a story... Isn't it odd that when we meet, it's normal for them to attack each other with a single sword?

"...Um, sorry for any trouble caused on our end."

The recent commotion was caused by a warrior from the Ikaku clan's inner circle... It was a peculiar encounter. While the other party seemed oblivious, the somewhat reckless warrior acting as a bodyguard in Hotoya Village was directly linked to the Ikaku clan. That was one of the reasons why they didn't adopt an excessively harsh attitude towards the other side.

Rumors transform and spread in unpredictable ways, and you never know when things might take an unexpected turn. Even minor possibilities of Tamaki feeling uncomfortable or clouded needed to be addressed.

And also...

"Besides, I don't want to see Princess Hina forcing someone's death. ...If you curse someone, you dig two graves. Karma comes back around. Bloodshed should be avoided."

Even if it happened for whatever reason, getting involved in someone's death and not earning anyone's grudge or fear is too optimistic of a thought. Regardless, I didn't want to burden Hina with that.

And sensing my inner thoughts, she loosened her lips.

Slightly teasing, Hina shrugged her shoulders. Of course, I had my own standpoint on that.

"I've struggled enough with the Princess's mischief. I don't have time to look down at my feet."

Hina pouts her mouth slightly, seemingly a bit sulky. Then, she quickly loosened her lips again.

Before the recent meeting, I had already received some explanations. The goal of the settlement had also been decided. Hina wanted to step down from the upper seat for the reasons she explained in the meeting.

Born into the prestigious family of the Northern region, living a solitary life, and blessed with beauty, it wasn't unusual for others to cast envious or scheming glances. She had distanced herself from the upper seat for such reasons.

"Have I been skillfully utilized?"

"Certainly not. If I have been of service to the Princess, I am grateful. Should I report back to the family?"

Even if temporarily or for some reason, yielding the upper seat could lead to some dissatisfaction from the Onitsuki family. I wonder if I doesn't have to tell them what happened.

And Hinata casually shelved the issue, saying,

"Is it even necessary to report?"

In doing so, she nonchalantly avoided the problem. It was a certain kind of truth. Simultaneously, her boldly expressed words hinted at her childhood personality – one who would eat their favorite food first, finish homework for activities at the last minute, and stay up late but struggle to wake up in the morning.

"...But is it okay?"

"Lord... If Father understands, he should be okay with it. Don't worry. Just leave it to me as if you're on a big ship. Or do you need me to write something?"

Saying this, Hinata takes on all the responsibility with a smile and a hint of mischievousness.

"...No, that won't be necessary. I will trust Princess."

After a brief silence, I responded. For a moment, a recent memory flashed through my mind. I rested my head on her knee, looked down at me with unsettling eyes. The unusual dark atmosphere she exuded... Was that just my imagination?

(Or have I changed the way I see things?)

My hidden determination, my resolve and even my will to involve others. In reality, involving Hinata, it's like repaying kindness with malice... Did that guilt distort my view? I don't know.

"Princess, I..."

Feeling like I might accidentally spill my inner thoughts, Hina stops me. With a self-deprecating smile, she understood the meaning. She, herself, had failed.

The secret that she was supposed to keep hidden. The power of a special ability. What she accidentally let slip led to her destiny being twisted, abandoned as a child of disgrace, and guided onto the path of carnage...

"Hina-sama..."

Scoffs, bitter smiles, fleeting glances. That behavior, the tone of those words, that look is so direct that I fall into self-loathing.

"..."

Until we return to the dorm, I couldn't say anything. When I opened my mouth next, I didn't know what I was going to say....

* * *

"Phew. Well, it's about time for you guys to go to sleep. Tomorrow is early, you know."

"Yes. Understood!"

After parting with Hina, the evening passed with dinner, bath, and miscellaneous tasks. After sighing, I instructed Magoroku and the others to go to sleep.

"What about Tomobe-sama..."

"Alright, it's my turn this time. Go to bed as soon as the patrol is done. ...What, don't worry. The problem is resolved, so there's no need for them to come."

Calming the anxious Mari with reassurance. Patrolling inside and outside the inn for the protection of the mission. It was my turn tonight, carried out in order by the time and date by the accompanying guards, and specifically, I was one of those in charge.

...Of all days, it had to be the day troublesome visitors came. It was only natural for Mari to be worried.

"No, I... Please, have a safe return."

With respect, I sat formally, seeing them off by placing both hands on the floor up to my forehead.

"Oh... Magoroku, I'm counting on you."

"Yes."

I had Magoroku take Mari to her futon, and after seeing them off, I left the room.

"Yun-shoku."

"I'm treated as a household member, but well, I more like a servant. ...Anyway, Is Chidori okay?" (T/N: a servant appeared on ch 73)

I checked with caution as I responded to Mikage's call at the shouji paper door, where a beautiful dry landscape garden could be seen from the veranda. (T/N: a servant appeared on ch 45, and etc)

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