Chapter 158-4

Chapter 158-4

[Part 4/5]

(...Is that it?)

The answer came quickly. Tengu, the escort, accelerated and approached the building at once. Then it descended rapidly and came to a sudden stop.

'You can stay here tonight.'

'Don't try to escape, okay? We are patrolling the surroundings. Think of it as being under constant surveillance.'

After being landed in what seemed to be a terrace-like landing area in Tengu style, I received grateful words from the transportation and surveillance personnel.

"Hostages or not, I ain't running. Seriously, how do I even plan to escape?"

I retorted, looking down from the platform. At least there was a height where a servant could definitely die. The wind was strong enough to make my stomach churn too.

'You've got some nerve. It's easier than running through the forest, right?'

"You were watching?"

They were referring to the events of the night patrol. Even as a great youkai, and not showing their form to the subordinates temporarily assigned, it was extremely difficult to take down the exorcists without them sensing my unusual presence. Thanks to that, I almost died.

'Akabou team mainly deals with rough work. Outer perimeter security is also part of the job.'

'You won't die from a minor injury, right? I mean, even if you fall from here and your legs get chopped off, won't they grow back after a while?'

"I don't want to test that."

Well, if the Youbo (youkai mother) factor were to come to the surface, it could definitely happen. I guess this attitude makes sense then. ...I can't proudly call myself a human anymore.

'Food and a place to sleep...the bath is also ready. It's necessary to have some comfort in boredom, right?'

"That's quite the full service, isn't it?"

The presence of the bath was particularly pleasing. When I looked around, I could see what appeared to be steam rising from a corner of the building. Perhaps it was heated with stones in a bucket?

'It's important to gather strength now. ...If you're aware that you're a sacrificial pawn, it's best to do what needs to be done before you regret it.'

With a mocking and sneering tone, the Tengu companions withdrew. Despite feeling uncomfortable with their attitude, I headed silently indoors.

After all, monsters are monsters, and it's impossible to understand each other by talking.

"...Still, the quality of the room isn't bad."

As I went through several rooms inside the building, I expressed my impressions. The interior, like the exterior, had a Fusou-style design. If anything, due to the spatial constraints of a treehouse, there were many stairs and small rooms. It seemed that the furniture was also designed based on similar premises.

I feel like the Fuso-style was forced onto Tengu's housing. But overall, the quality seemed good. If the first tree house felt like a prison, this one feels more like it's for guests. It's just a hunch, but...

"!? Inaba-hime!?"

There was a light knock on the door, and it opened slightly. Inaba-hime stuck her head out. Expressionless, with slightly flushed cheeks. She must have gotten overheated from the bath. There's no mistaking it.

"Inaba-hime... um, well, first, I apologize. I'm sorry. I didn't notice."

"...It's fine."

"Yes."

An indifferent and monotone response to the apology. I didn't have the courage to ask about the intention behind it.

"Um... when did you come here?"

In response to my bewildered question, Inaba-hime answered in a flat voice. It seems that it was just a little while after I was taken away. She said she took a bath because the water was hot.

"...By the way, is the Middle Counselor-sama here?"

In response to that question, Inaba-hime shook her head. She answered quietly and briefly, "Just myself."

"I see."

I responded briefly as well, and then there was a moment of silence... I made up my mind.

"I will report as well."

And I explained. The situation here. The Tengu's demands. Keeping the inconvenient parts to myself.

"...That seems to be the case. I don't know how much of the other side's story is true."

"...I see."

The response to what I said was concise and satisfactory. I didn't feel like talking extensively in the same position.

"There is also the aspect of ensuring the safety of Middle Counselor-sama. Currently, we have to accept the demands. At least we need to show it that way. Please understand."

"...I see."

If I speak to appease, I receive a slightly longer silence and the same agreement as before. It gives off an atmosphere of not being fully present.

Considering her position, it was only natural.

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