Mob Yandere

Chapter 169-2

Chapter 169-2

[Part 2/4]

Aoi remembered the time she taught her grandmother about his wishes and demands, and how her grandmother reacted with madness, ecstasy, and shame. It was a vivid memory that Aoi didn't want to recall, but it remained etched in her mind. Her grandmother's reaction was so over-the-top that it was almost comical. Even now, Aoi couldn't help but burst out laughing when she thought about it.

It was already... really, really embarrassing... Even though she was a grown-up, the old woman in front of her was a woman.

"...Stop making fun of our noble family. I'm your grandmother, after all?"

"But what's with the foolish, lovesick expression on your face toward your granddaughter's husband?"

The granddaughter, caught in her grandmother's gaze. This wasn't a family conversation, but a conversation between women. Or, rather, a conversation between females, filled with restraint and intimidation... But to them, it was just a normal, everyday joke.

Compared to the intense emotions swirling inside, this level of banter was just a gentle breeze...

"Ah, I'm tired. I think it's time for me to take my leave."

Without looking at the clock or noticing the time of day, Aoi sensed the moment and turned to leave.

"Wasn't there a singing contest scheduled for today?"

"Yes, it's not a big deal. It's not like I'm going to sing in front of him or anything."

This was the second time Aoi visited the capital. The first time, too, the name of Princess Onitsuki Aoi had spread far and wide. Her lineage, her beauty, her body, her talents... With all the previous rumors and gossip, there wasn't a single exorcist family or noble who didn't want her. Thinking about the relationships surrounding the next head of the Onitsuki family... it was even more ridiculous. There were countless 'good intentions' and thick-skinned demands coming their way, making Aoi want to vomit. The spittoon was going to be filled in no time.

"Do Big Sister's suitors have fewer demands, I wonder? Maybe it's because she's not as talented and is a bit slow?"

Aoi spat out sarcastic remarks, but she understood the truth. For example, if the head of the family favored the eldest daughter, or if she achieved great merit in the imperial court, or if she whispered about fearing the leakage of her extraordinary abilities... But it was all just petty schemes, and Aoi was fed up with the shallow cleverness of those men who chose her based on such trivial reasons. They were really, really foolish men, without any backbone.

Really, he's different....

"He's special."

"Accurately speaking, his heart is just a little stronger and kinder...but that small difference is incredibly deep and wide, huh?"

He's not good with words. He's not a stunningly handsome man, nor is he a saint. The elder brother from Akō is far more noble and perfect. But what Onitsuki Aoi seeks is not that kind of thing.

"He's not fake, and he's not trying to stand out, but he's a regular person who can take one or two steps forward. There are many people who can't take those few steps, no matter how hard they try."

That's why he's great. He resonates with her heart. He's special, special, and special.

"Why are you... here?"

"It's not good to respond to a question with another question, is it?"

The words that slipped out were met with an openly dissatisfied response. The intruder was taken aback, and from behind, someone embraced her without warning. The gesture seemed like a parent bird protecting its chick.

"Greetings are important. It's written in the Book of Etiquette and the Records of Rites. And as someone who's supposed to be a guardian, it's even more crucial. ...Is that wrong?"

The tanuki woman facing me speaks in a calm, mature tone, but her words are laced with a sense of accusation and criticism. Her argument is flawless, without a single flaw.

"...That's correct."

Excuses are pointless. I'll answer honestly.

"If we're adding to that, there's the curse I placed on you. It's already been activated, hasn't it? You promised not to hurt her, but what's going on?"

"That's..."

The tanuki's piercing gaze makes me stumble over my words. It's not an excuse or a fabrication. The problem is even more serious.

The curse that was placed on me when I was entrusted with the white fox. If I hurt the white fox, I'd be overcome with intense pain... I know the circumstances under which it was triggered. And speaking about it would put my own safety at risk.

Isn't that right? If I were to talk about it here, I'd be courting disaster, especially with the Omnyouji Bureau head right next to me. This is the Omnyouji Bureau's territory, after all. I could be dragged off to the experimentation room at any moment.

"A-Azuma-san!! That's...!!"

"Be quiet for a moment."

"Hmm!!?"

The white fox's attempt to explain is cut off by a gesture, and I turn to look at Azuma Hibari again. Her enchanting gaze sees right through me. At least, she's not lying.

"During the mission, I forgot about myself and..."

Aware of the Omnyouji Bureau head beside me, I answer cautiously. But the tanuki woman won't let me off that easily.

"...Why did you forget?"