Mob Yandere

[Part 1/4]

After passing through Chikyu-ne Shukuba, Toyomine Shukuba, and Wadai Shukuba, the envoy finally arrived at the outskirts of the forbidden area, Anma. (T/N: Shukuba: post stations during the Edo period)

"We have been waiting for you, Middle Counselor (Chuunagon)-sama. We are deeply honored that you have come to this humble land."

The middle-aged official in charge of the Anma forbidden area, bowing his head at the camp, and said so.

Standing beside him was a Military Commander who had been sent as reinforcement from a nearby area. This commander holds the position of supervisor (Shouin) in the Ministry of Ceremonial Affairs' Forbidden Monitoring Bureau, overseeing the Anma forbidden area.

By the way, in Fusō-kuni's current Ritsuryo system, there is one person called Sho-shoku who manages the prohibition areas. Above them, there is the chief supervisor called Dai-shoku who manages the prohibition lands at a higher level. On the other hand, below the supervisor, there are officials called Dai-zoku and Sho-zoku (Chief/Subordinate officer) who manage the boundaries and they work within the jurisdiction. The Sho-shoku also has the authority to command Military Commanders within their jurisdiction. The highest authority in the Anma prohibition land, both in name and reality, is the temporary Shōuin who commands nearly a thousand personnel.

...Except for the personnel from the envoy and the Omnyouji Bureau who were sent there.

"Hmm, well, well. There are no discrepancies in the reports. Have there been any major changes since then? ...Ah, I wonder if I can find something to sit on. My legs and back are hurting at this age, you know."

The Middle Counselor, when the local commanders greeted him nervously and respectfully, was happy and didn't seem worried. He praised those who greeted him and laughed while asking for a chair.

He said this while sitting on the chair. He sounded relaxed, but his words were very important, especially for the exorcists who were there to protect him.

Entering the forbidden land was like walking into a dangerous trap, especially because it was the home of the notorious Tengu. Many exorcists had quietly prepared themselves for a battle where their lives were at stake, wondering if they could keep the envoy safe and how many of their comrades would be lost.

"Haha. But before that, let's send out scouts to check the area... Which way should we go?"

The Military Commander spoke in a casual and cheerful tone, but the decision carried a lot of weight.

On the table, he puts a map and started explaining about the forbidden territory. In the past, there were paths to the forbidden territory made through trade and expeditions. But now, they look like animal trails because they are not maintained well. Even so, they check the shallower parts of the forbidden territory every few years. The Middle Counselor wants to make sure the roads are safe before the envoy goes through.

"I'll let you handle that. I don't know much about the current state of the forbidden territory. Since I don't know which way the large group can take, I want you to decide on the spot."

"Okay, Middle Counselor-sama..."

The Middle Counselor's response to the supervisors' determined questions was calm and casual, which disappointed him. Still, it was better than expected.

"As expected, I must be tired after such a long journey."

"Indeed, the middle area was made up of small, underdeveloped towns that didn't have good hospitality."

"Fortunately, tonight, the moon is shining beautifully. Before we go through the forbidden grounds, let's relax and enjoy Tsukimi sake and whatever we want to eat."

Both the middle-aged official and Military Commander (supervisor) were shocked and couldn't speak after hearing the nobles' overly casual and carefree comments. They stood there with their mouths open, silently thinking for a while.

"..."

The warriors and exorcists who were with us had a slightly better reaction. They understood that the representatives didn't realize the seriousness of the situation and treated it like a sightseeing trip. They stayed calm and expressionless, silently watching.

"I see. That's right. I managed to get some good sake in the last town. Tsukimi sake, huh? It's pretty good. ...So, supervisor, what do you think?"

With a smile, the Middle Counselor showed agreement with the nobles' words, and then asked the supervisor another question. The supervisor tried to hide his true feelings and responded to the inquiry.

"Well, um, please take a look at this... The southern road was built during Emperor Kenyo's reign. It's an old road, but it has been well-maintained. It has been regularly used, so it's in relatively good condition."

Towards the end of his words, there was a hint of hesitation, perhaps due to the awkwardness of the situation. There were various reasons, including the accumulation of previous facts. Despite gradually being influenced by it, the mountain road was kept in good condition by the help of pioneer villages and poachers who broke the law. The suggestion was to utilize it...

"Very well. Let's arrange things accordingly. Oh, and regarding personnel... relying solely on army soldiers might be too burdensome, don't you think?"

"Yes, if possible, we would like to request the dispatch of personnel from the exorcists family."

The Middle Counselor asked the Military Commander directly. If they are going to go to the forbidden grounds tomorrow, they need to clear the dew tonight. The army force is mainly for dealing with humans. They alone would find it difficult.

"Yes. It would be good to talk and decide on the people. ...Well, I think that's all?"

The Middle Counselor asked if there was anything else to discuss. No one inside the tent answered. It was decided then and there.

"I see. Okay then, do your best. ...Can I take a short break before the moon-viewing? I'm a bit tired."

"Ohoho. You are of a certain age, after all, Middle Counselor-sama. You shouldn't push yourself."

"Well, according to the rumors, the lodging preparations have already been made. Let's go there first..."

"Yes, let's ask for something nutritious. It wouldn't be bad to have some wild game sometimes. Oh, I think there was a famous inn with hot springs nearby."

"Oh, I know that! They say it helps with back pain. Let's definitely go there on the way back!"

Encouraging each other like it's someone else's business, the Middle Counselor talks casually with the nobles accompanying him. They share light laughs and discuss their future plans cheerfully. It's as if they are on a journey, and there's hardly a feeling of duty to fulfill a royal mission. The morale of those around us is slowly going down.

"Hahaha, enjoyable, enjoyable. Well, everyone, it's about time——"

"——Please wait, everyone. Just a little longer, stay in the camp."

As they were about to go towards the rest tent while chatting, the group led by the Middle Counselor is stopped by the escorts who are exorcists from the Western region, belonging to the Nonomiya family. The group looks at him with puzzled expressions all at once.

"What's going on! How can you try to stop the Middle Counselor's actions——" "——Wait, I agree with him. I feel something... We're being watched."

Before the workers serving the Middle Counselor could criticize him, other members of the Nonomiya family from the Western region, who were skilled in detection, expressed their support.

"...In the north. About a thousand steps, plus two hundred, maybe?"

And there, standing at the entrance of the tent, Hina's words were spoken without anyone noticing. She lifted the curtain with the handle of her sword, looking into the dark night. In the pitch-black darkness, where even the bonfire couldn't fully illuminate, the only sounds that echoed were the rustling of the wind and the chirping of insects.

The experts in exorcism sensed the presence of something different from the natural world.

"W-What are you saying——"

"Are there three or four? Hey, how about the assessment of your Nonomiya family?"

"Is it okay if we do that on the front side. Also, there are two separated to the northwest. Is there one to the east? That's all I can figure out, at least."

Hina spoke, cutting in while Laborer was talking, and the older members of the Nonomiya family, who were exorcists, added more information. Nobody at this point blamed anyone.

""Middle Counselor-sama...""

"Hmm... As an expert, what will you do?"

The court nobles and the laborers anxiously asked their leader. It wasn't clear whether the middle counselor felt a sense of danger or not, the way he asked was uncertain. He absentmindedly touched his beard.

"At least, let's think about not doing anything for now. Considering the numbers, the chance of an attack is low; it seems like reconnaissance or something similar. If we leave it alone, it will probably go away on its own."

Looking around and making sure the other exorcists in the area weren't saying anything, Hina replied.

"Hmmm."

Middle Counselor (Chuunagon) groaned once more. Then, he asked,

"Mochi is called mochi shop, after all. If experts say so, there's no choice but to follow. It should be fine for most of us, right?"

He looked at the other nobles and laborers who were with him. The ones who were asked the question looked scared and had pale faces. It seemed like they just realized that they were in a dangerous area. They exchanged worried looks with each other.

"...Well, let's say, hypothetically. If we were to be attacked, would you be able to handle it?"

One of the noblemen asked. He covered his mouth with his sleeve and sought reassurance with a fearful attitude.

"...You can relax. In case of an emergency, I will protect all of you and the surroundings with my 'annihilation.' I won't let anyone harm you."

Hina replied after a short silence. There might have been a hint of frustration in her response. But she quickly reassured them. The method she suggested was indeed effective, although it would involve many of their allies.

(...I guess it's better to make them feel at ease for now.)

I carefully thought about what Hina said while staying by her side. It was a situation where thinking too much wouldn't help. To protect the other person's mental well-being, she decided to respond so for now. ...If things really get worse, I guess I'll have no choice but to use it.

"I-I see."

"Okay, let's trust that... Is it okay if we stay here?"

"I'm sorry, but I think everyone should give up on the Tsukimi sake, even though it's hard to accept."

The nobleman still seemed uncertain. The Middle Counselor nodded, and Hina made an additional request, bowing deeply.

"That's fine, I can understand that much. Our lives are in danger, after all. ...But, we cannot change tomorrow's plans. The schedule given by the court for dealing with the Tengu must remain the same, you know?"

In other words, it meant that we wouldn't change our plans to enter the forbidden area tomorrow, and we should also make sure the preparations for that purpose are not disrupted.

"...We, the exorcists, will stand beside the Middle Counselor and others in turns. The warrior and army will also surround the area in the same way, so please don't worry."

"What about the path? Is there no problem if we strengthen the guards?"

"That's..."

Hina hesitates in her response. She looks around without any specific reason. She knows why. It has already been planned to have more guards than necessary for the Middle Counselor and others. She is unsure about which personnel to select for clearing the mountain path. The other exorcists in the area remain quiet. They don't even exchange glances. They are avoiding suspicion...

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