Mob Yandere

[Part 2/4]

* * *

"Ah, huh…!!?"

When I woke up, I saw a wooden floor, and when I looked around I saw the same wooden walls and ceiling. A small iron-barred window appeared in my field of vision. It was a dim room with no light source. It felt like...

"Is this a prison?"

"Ah...!?"

Turning towards the voice, my sight meets the eyes is that of an old man. Despite the slightly dusty attire, he sits calmly in this situation.

"Middle Counselor-sama (Chuunagon)... Whoa!?"

Attempting to rush forward, I stumble and fall flat on my back. I realize that I am entangled in my own rope. Unable to use my hands, my body strengthening through spiritual power is also ineffective.

In confusion, but I immediately recalling the recent events and spitting out the words. That's right. I have been captured by them. And the same goes for the Middle Counselor...

"It seems that we are both in the unfortunate situation of being captives."

Slightly irritated by the Middle Counselor's declaration, as if it were someone else's concern, I stand up. I observe myself and the surroundings once again.

Regardless of the Middle Counselor, it's clear that my obvious weapons have been confiscated. From the dagger (tantō) to the slingshot, the newly acquired spider thread Teguruma, and even the concealed blades in the soles of my shoes...

On the other hand, everything else seemed untouched. The small "insect cage" on the waist would be the evidence. There was some carelessness somewhere. Or is it because they are not used to it?

"The entrance... is it the ceiling?"

I searched along the wall for a while but couldn't find the entrance of the prison, but I understood when I looked at the ceiling. That's right, the other party was not human. There's no need to make it boundary-free for humans. Especially when it comes to the prison.

"In that case..."

Finally, I peeked through the iron bars window. To confirm the situation outside, the situation outside the prison.

...There was a round and giant eyeball staring back at me.

'Keteri?'

"Yes?"

Unable to understand the situation, we fell into silence. We stared at each other for a moment. And then...

'Keteriiiiiiii!!!!'

"Uooooo!?"

In response to the roar that sounded like a strange cry, I unintentionally fell down again. The iron bars seemed to have a boundary. The tentacles were hindered by an invisible wall. It seemed to be a boundary or something similar.

Wait, hold on a second, I feel like I've seen this figure somewhere before! Wasn't it in 'Mayoiga' too!? This is really disrespectful to something holy, isn’t it!?

"Oh, that's one of their watchdogs. I think the name is... 'Shogosho' or something like that."

"No, this is Shoggoth, right!? It's not Shogosho but Shoggoth, isn't it!?"

If it's an address, 'Shogosho' might be more accurate. Wait, why is he acting like it's so natural and obvious!? What's a watchdog!? Isn't this a sign of rebellion!

"Annoying... it is."

"Huh!? Whose voice was that!?"

As I make a small mutter in the midst of inserting remarks, I finally grasp the existence of the third person trapped in this space. The figure of a girl sitting huddled in the dim corner of the room is reflected.

"Kakitsugi's... Inaba-hime?"

"Mm..."

The daughter of the head of the Kakitsugi family nods at my perplexed call or rather, incomprehensible statement. It seems that, like me, her weapon has been taken away, but she doesn't seem to be tied up in a futon. Only her wrists remain bound.

"This is, why..."

'It's not like I held back just because she's a girl. It's simply that the spiritual power residing in her body was weak, so the ropes didn't grow.'

Interrupting my words, an explanation resonates through the room. It's almost like a declaration, and as I look up with a grimace on my face, I gaze at the ceiling.

Multiple figures open the door in the ceiling and literally look down at me. Perhaps it's more appropriate to call them inhuman figures... At the very least, they don't have wings like normal humans.

"...So, Tengu really are presumptuous bastards, just as the legends say, huh? It's better to listen to what people have to say until the end."

I retort boldly. There was no reason for me to be modest here. The assassination of the Kakitsugi head and the kidnapping of the Middle Counselor, there was no reason for me to bow down at this point. It was a deed that tarnished the authority of the court.

...But more than that, it was to avoid being swallowed up and pushed back by the opponent. Kidnapping doesn't happen unless there's an intention to negotiate. At least the danger to my life should be relatively small. There's also the aspect of bargaining as a hostage.

(Well, how should I respond...)

Internally, I try to gauge the reaction of the Tengu.

'...Oh, what were you planning to talk about? The reason for bringing that girl with us?'

"...Is there a reason?"

'If not, we wouldn't invite you to our village.'

The remarks are full of sarcasm. At the same time, I gather information. The village, probably the Tengu village. Their headquarters...

'Our ears are much better than yours. Especially in the mountains.'

"?"

'We overheard your casual conversation during your mountain climb. I heard you're a candidate for the position, right?'

"...Huh?"

Once again, I freeze at the Tengu's remarks...

* * *

Upon reflection, I realize that I hadn't even noticed being surrounded by them. Whether during our march or rest, it wouldn't have been strange for them to eavesdrop on us.

At the same time, since they are always eavesdropping, there could be a discrepancy in their understanding. After all, it has been a long time since there has been any interaction between Fusō-kuni and the Tengu. There is a possibility that our values and common sense have diverged.

The Tengu might have kidnapped the unimportant Kakitsugi Inaba at that place because she was a hostage, maybe. It's not about the court or the diplomatic mission, but about me... Well, then why would they need to kidnap her?

(Caretaker? No, in that case, a laborer would be sufficient. There's no need to kidnap someone like her who can at least fight a little.)

I grit my teeth beneath my expression. I don't understand. What are these people plotting...?

'Well, don't be so cautious, alright? At the very least, if you obey me, the noble Middle Counselor will respond in kind with all limbs and internal organs intact.'

"That's what it seems. Please, both of you."

"No, do you believe them? The words of a youkai."

To the Middle Counselor who casually accepts the deceitful Tengu's words with no trust or reliability, I can't help but interject. It's annoying how lightly he's taking this.

"However, no matter what we do, there are things that cannot be changed. If you can protect me and defeat all the Tengu here while eliminating the guard dogs outside, then the situation would be different..."

"So, would I be saved?"

"At least I am a hostage. I would probably be the last one. But at least it would prolong my life, right?"

I won't make any rude remarks like "you guys" or anything. I don't intend to die here, and I didn't intend to be executed after returning.

'Are you done talking?'

"..."

I respond silently, directed at the mocking Tengu. Yes, that is correct.

'Very well... Well, if I have business with you, I will take you away, so behave yourself and don't waste your energy by resisting. I'll prepare some food for you.'

In response to the Bouchou Tengu's declaration, several Tengu land behind me. Three of them are on guard with weapons, while three others hold trays. They keep their distance and serve the food. (T/N: Bochou: a local official in the urban areas of ancient Japan, particularly in the city of Kyoto)

'There is no poison, so don't worry. After eating, gather in the corner.'

When the serving staff and bodyguards returned, the Bouchou Tengu gave me high-handed and condescending instructions. By the time I opened my mouth, the door to the ceiling had already been forcefully shut... (T/N: revision monk tengu -> Bochou Tengu)

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