[Part 4/6]
A sweet voice resounds from behind. When I turn around, I see glossy, dark purple hair. It's Onitsuki Sumire, the lady of the Onitsuki family, standing behind .
"Lady (Fujin), this is..."
"While it might have been fine when you were just a 'servant,' you're now a 'household mber.' Please refrain from behaving like so common underling from back then. You wouldn't want to unnecessarily worry those around you, right? And it would also affect the reputation of the person who singled you out... You understand, don't you?"
"I apologize."
'(*´･ω･) The pain of midwinter cold is piercing..."
I deeply bow and apologize to Sumire's scolding. It was a subtle but good line of nonsense for a stupid spider. Truth be told, I was more angry than sad.
(Seriously, saying it so easily...!!)
Internally, I spew a storm of curses and insults. Take in? Pushing into an honorary position and stripping away my freedom and influence, and then saying it's a good thing...!!
"Indeed, you seem to be quite spirited. That's fine."
"...!! Haha."
'((((；゜Д゜))) Wh-what is going on!?'
Did she see through my inner thoughts or deduce them from my expression? Did she simply take a guess, or was it from the gaze peeking through my face? Either way, I respond as if I'm unfazed, even though I'm shaken inside. We're both trying to outmaneuver each other, it seems...!!
"..."
"By the way, the girls are so distant. It would be better if they rode the sa carriage since they ca all this way. Is this what they call puberty?"
'(・`ω・´) My sisters want to rebel!!'
After a brief silence between us, Sumire utters such a comnt while gazing out of the window. She states it without any sha, as if it's soone else's business. The next words from the spider? I don't know, nor do I care.
(No laughing matter...)
This ti, Onitsuki's Joraku group consists of well over a hundred people if you include the laborers. Therefore, the number of prepared horse-drawn carts and ox carts easily reaches over a dozen. Six of them have turned into "Mayoiga (Stray House)," which accounts for half of the carts owned by the Onitsuki family.
The lord and lady of the family each have their own carriage, the advisor is riding with Shirowakamaru and Tamaki in one, another carriage is for the Murasaki's group, and then one for the rest of the family mbers and household mbers... Initially, there was a suggestion that the sisters ride in the sa carriage as the lord and lady, but that idea was discarded due to their opposition.
From the perspective of Aoi, I can understand her resistance, as it's akin to stamping her own death warrants. As for Hina, her reasons remain a mystery. Perhaps it truly is the age of puberty... I can't help but have such a trivial thought cross my mind unintentionally.
"...We're about to reach the eting point."
'(´・ω・`)? What's that?'
I report the fact succinctly while gazing at the scenery of Onitsuki Valley. It happened right after that. As we passed through the valley, I spotted the shadows of nurous carts and people ahead.
At the center, a particularly large ox cart with the Tachibana family crest engraved on it was stationed, guarded by escorts....
* * *
The Fusō-kuni Imperial Court's request for the extension of the Joraku and its accompanying role as the protector of the court, along with an increase in personnel, was t with dissatisfaction. Even exorcist families, who should not be pleased with the Imperial Court's attempt to add more expenses to the already burdenso Joraku, found it impossible to openly oppose it due to the significant power the Imperial Court held and the recent abnormal incidents.
However, there's no escaping the situation, and many exorcist families scrambled to raise funds. So even ended up borrowing from unscrupulous moneylenders. Even those who didn't resort to such thods had to rely on various individuals to gather the necessary funds.
While it's said that money troubles can strain relationships, there are also families that have beco embroiled in disputes due to financial issues.
Amidst this, the Onitsuki family, originally one of the prestigious three families of the Northern region, had substantial inco from directly controlled territories and estates, further augnted by Uemon's expertise in financial matters. This allowed them to accommodate the sudden request from the country. However, this situation also pushed many other families into desperate circumstances, resulting in an influx of exorcist families seeking aid. Nevertheless, even for the Onitsuki family, it was impossible to cover all the expenses.
The reward gained from the 'Mayoiga' subjugation was rely a bonus. The majority of the expenses required for the Joraku were paid by the Onitsuki family, and the funds were provided by Tachibana Trading Company. The Northern region branch of Tachibana Trading Company, to be precise. The agreent was a non-interest-bearing twenty-year installnt paynt approved by Tachibana Kayo's seal. This was likely achieved through Uemon's and Gorilla-sama's persuasion and was also an investnt for Tachibana Trading Company. It included gatherings and arrangents with various families led by the Onitsuki family, primarily to create an image for themselves. Many of the required supplies were also to be obtained from the Trading Company in a bundled contract, and a large transportation convoy was arranged to accompany the journey to the capital. This was both to accommodate the Joraku and to save on escort costs due to the increasing incidents involving youkai and bandits.
As such, the Joraku group assembled at the rendezvous point along the city road extending outside of Onitsuki Valley. The group consisted of about one or two exorcist families, totaling over seventy carts, and the personnel amounted to seven hundred people. The Tachibana Trading Company had over a hundred carts, with over three hundred rchants and escorts combined. The procession ford by the combination of these groups was so long that it extended beyond a single ri (approximately 3,9km / 2,4mil).
It was undoubtedly a large gathering. Bandits didn't dare approach, and even youkai were eliminated by the nurous exorcists before they could launch an attack. In fact, there were several instances where groups of youkai that attempted to attack were instantly wiped out. It was an incredibly safe and secure journey.
...The only issues were the extended ti it took to reach the capital due to the large size of the procession and the potential difficulties in finding lodging along the way or in the cities. Though, the inns scheduled for accommodations might be pleased by the unexpected surge of business...
And so, the Joraku group arrived at their first night's lodging. Hokuriku city was situated along the city road that connected the Northern region's capital, Shiro'oku, to the central capital.
"All the carts should be brought to the northern compound! That's right, all of them!"
"I told you in advance there won't be enough rooms for everyone! Those who drew the short straw will have to stay in the attic and hallways. Don't complain!"
"Not enough hay for the cattle and horses to eat? You've got to be kidding. Didn't we place an order in advance? Delayed due to youkai attacks? Don't ss around!! We're paying money here! Figure sothing out!!"
"Guards causing trouble in the city? Cut the jokes... Which family hired those guys? Get their employer here quick!!"
As I stepped down from the ox cart, my ears were t with a flurry of voices. '(＾Д＾) It's like a festival!!'—Take it easy, guys.
...Well, it wasn't an abnormal situation. When over a thousand people enter a city with a population of around five thousand, chaos is to be expected. It was expected, but...
"..."
'(* >ω
Ignoring the spider's comnt, the chaos was enough to make anyone, including , feel overwheld. In normal circumstances, I would have acted as Yun-shoku personnel... After all, the head and assistant's servant group were not present in this Joraku, and I should have been helping to manage this chaos. However, due to my current position as the head's family attendant, I couldn't do that anymore. The servant group had to figure things out on their own.
(I did prepare a manual to so extent beforehand...)
My fate was uncertain, as I might be devoured at any mont. I had made copies of the supplentary guidebook that I had personally revised and added to the inheritance guidebook passed down among the Yun-shoku. I gave these copies to several of the older mbers. I provided a rough explanation as well... but after all, a manual is just a manual. It couldn't cover every situation. I could only hope for the adaptability of my fellow Yun-shoku.
"Well then. What about the accommodations..."
'(*＞∇＜)ﾉ Going on a trip with Papa!'
"No, that's not it?"
The chaos of the city. Among the severe traffic congestion, not only normal carts but also the ox carts for the Onitsuki family nobles were stuck on roads far from their intended destinations. As the head's attendant, I had the task of informing the lodging that we would be arriving late in the midst of this commotion. Timing for preparing als was crucial for the inn's reputation. I couldn't embarrass them, so I pushed through the crowd and made my way to the city's lodgings, but...
"...Miss Kayo. Why are you here alone? And why did you approach from behind?"
"Ahaha. Did you catch ?"
'(・`ω・´) Even if you hide as a beast, co and I'll bite you!!'
When I turned around and asked, I saw a girl wearing a white Ichigasa, reminiscent of our tour in the capital, peeking from beneath a hanging cloth. Her beauty showed through the gaps in her clothes, and she smiled innocently, as if trying to deceive. It was a sweet smile that could make nine out of ten people sigh.
...No, it's not about getting caught. If it was so renowned assassin, they would have killed by now, right? More importantly, why is a noble like her here? Consider your position!
"More importantly... how did you manage to co here? I can't believe the attendants allowed it."
"I was in Princess Aoi's cart until a mont ago."
"I see... I understand now. I get it."
'( ・`д・´) Wha...!? What do you an!?
I didn't need to explain it to the slow-witted spider, but at so point, she switched with a Shikigami that looked similar to her. Well, it's not going to be long before she's found out, and it's dangerous.
"I've also borrowed a Coat from here, and I have guards as well."
'(*´∀｀)ﾉ I have a voluminous Balmung Fezalion too!!'
She said this as she showed the Coat that I was familiar with. She must have been wearing it until recently. If that's the case, are the guards the youkai known as Chouei, a type of reconnaissance? And what is it Balmung Fezalion? Did that silly spider change the na of "the nail" again?
...Among the three Hondo Shikigami that Onitsuki Aoi controls, Chouei is skilled in stealth and is quite advanced among others in the story. Moreover, just like the Magatama, those who co into contact with Chouei and are recognized by it can receive the benefits of its abilities. Until now, no one might have been aware of her presence here.
"...I understand that you've taken the minimum safety precautions. However, the danger hasn't changed. Please return. Do you need an escort?"
"Really, you're so cold! Since I've co all this way, you could at least entertain a little!"
"Even if you say that... huh!? Just co this way for now..."
'(；＾o＾) Gufufufu, young lady, can you co here for a minute?'
It wouldn't be wise to leave her exposed in the midst of cart traffic and laborers. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into an alleyway. Also, can't that silly spider stop saying weird things?
"Ah...!?"
"I apologize if that was a bit rough. ...Did it hurt?"
"No, I'm fine. ...I don't mind being a little forceful, you know?"
"What are you saying..."
'(*´ω｀*) Papa is wild speed!'
Kayo playfully answered my question while stroking my grabbed wrist, leaving slightly dumbfounded. Negotiations required eloquence, and humor was an important elent of eloquence, but unfortunately, I couldn't understand her playful words, and I certainly didn't want to grasp the aning behind the silly spider's jests.
"Of course, it's not a jest. Tomobe-san, it wouldn't work. You wouldn't be able to charm a woman like that."
"I have no plans to charm anyone, so no thanks."
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