Mob Yandere

[Part 4/4]

So, it's not entirely pure white, is it? Even a high-quality wine in a sake barrel becomes tainted if just one drop of dirty water is mixed in.

"Failing and then restarting life with a clean slate? That's just ridiculous. It's laughable. I'd cry so hard I'd hold my belly."

It's too ridiculous, too self-centered, and too arrogant. She's pushing all the blame onto her split personality and living a carefree life under the heavens' watch...

"You managed to escape nicely, didn't you? You're protected by the esteemed exorcists and the former head of the Omnyouji Bureau. You're quite the cunning fox, aren't you?"

"It's wrong..."

Shiro tried to stay silent. But she couldn't hold back. She denied it. Weakly, and then fiercely. But her brave counterargument had the opposite effect.

"It's wrong? If you say so, then show me the proof. Show me the undeniable proof that you're not a Youkai."

"Proof...?"

How can she prove it? Does she want her to read her mind or something? Does she want her to reveal her memories or something? That's just...

"I know it's impossible, so don't worry about it. Anyway, it's just a youkai fox's trick, and there are many ways to deceive."

That's exactly it ―― the existence of a being like her is a unique specimen. By hiding her monstrous side that devours humans, she can create a pure and innocent facade. A pure and innocent bait.

"But...!! Then how can I prove it?! Nn, nn!"

"Shh. Don't raise your voice. That's impolite."

Miyataka's young lady, with her beautiful, alluring face, pressed her finger to her lips to silence her, her voice sweet and gentle. Her beauty was so captivating that it stimulated her sharp sense of smell like a beast's.

Not just men, but even women were charmed by her, and for a youkai, her sweet fragrance was irresistible. And beyond that, there was an overwhelming sense of pressure... dulling the thoughts of the old and young fox.

Azuma Hibari's curse didn't activate...

"Proof. Hehehe, proof, you say? That's just a simple story, isn't it?"

She tilts her head, and her breath touches hers. The woman whispers sweet nothings.

"Expose yourself, and show your true self. Uncover yourself, and reveal your true nature."

"...?"

She whispers, whispers, tempting her, speaking sweet words. Her words echo in her mind, making her feel like she's melting away. But for some reason, Azuma's curse doesn't activate....

"Would you like me to help you with that?"

And then, she gently strokes the lips of the young child, making a soft "suu" sound....

"What are you doing?"

"Eh?!"

The sword-swallowing girl's question, the lascivious young lady's retreat, and the white fox's return to her all happen at the same time. She's left confused, looking around in a daze, and Shiro witnesses it all.

On the other side of the veranda, she sees the figure of a purple-haired girl swordsman....

"What's going on? We were just having a cute girls' gathering with the lovely fox-chan, right?"

Shinobu stands up with a spring, without a hint of embarrassment. She narrows her eyes and declares with a playful tone.

"Why don't we play a little game? Without any boundaries... Miyataka's family name will be crying, you know?"

"There's no such name that would make me cry, so don't worry about it."

The Ako's young lady responds with a bitter smile, her face twisted in distaste. Shinobu, on the other hand, looks delighted.

"If you want to join in, I can include you. I mean, being alone is so boring, don't you think?"

"Who's alone? That's none of your business!"

In the middle of her scornful reply, she receives a sharp retort that pierces her heart. She responds with a loud, forceful denial, hiding her mouth and giggling.

"Excuse me, excuse me. As you can see, I'm not the type to play games and survive. ...I have my daily duties as a shrine maiden, so I'll take my leave for now♪."

The heavy atmosphere from just a moment ago has vanished. The young lady of Miyataka leaves with a carefree whistle, her back resembling that of a mischievous child who's gotten away with something. It's like she's a child herself.

"~~~!! ...Haa, what a tiresome lady! What kind of education does Miyataka's family give their daughters, anyway?!"

Gritting her teeth, standing tall, and recalling something that made her blush, Ako Murasaki hurled a vicious insult. To her, Miyataka's young lady was too far beyond her own extremes. Even just talking to her felt like a waste of energy, like she was exhausting herself for no reason.

"Are you okay? I've heard that she is a bad seed, but... I never thought she'd go as far as to include a half-youkai girl..."

Ako's attitude was truly unbelievable. For someone born into a family with strict values, half-youkai, women, and children were all beings that shouldn't be trifled with.

"Eh, um...? Thank you for your concern?"

On the other hand, Shiro, who was being spoken to, still had a hazy sense of awareness and looked around nervously, feeling grateful but also a bit lost. Her messy, bobbed hair made her look even more flustered.

"Your reaction is slow, isn't it? ...Well, that's fine. Just be careful, okay? That guy has a bad reputation. I won't... Cough, I won't let my guard down, thinking she won't do anything bad."

Ako stood tall, her chest puffed out in warning. Though her tone was light, it was not something to be taken lightly.

"Haa... Ah, yes. I understand."

Shiro's hesitant response was followed by a nervous, high-pitched reply.

"I'll also keep an eye on things. ...If it's okay with you, I can act as your caretaker? I think it's better than leaving it to that man."

The female swordsman's proposal was tinged with a hint of bitterness, scorn, and shame. Even the Household Member Coordinator, who was usually kind, had been driven to desperation by that girl's existence, and now Ako was offering to take care of Shiro herself. But from the very first day, things had already turned out like this.

That thick, heavy smell, was it because they had been intensely entwined all night? Ako felt deeply disappointed, imagining the scene and feeling even more scornful. But she couldn't keep sighing in frustration forever.

At the very least, she had to save those young ones from the poisonous fangs. Though they were only half-youkai, they were still people who had been recognized by the emperor as citizens of Fuso. It was only natural to protect them.

Hence the suggestion. It was reckless to let a man who easily gave in to temptation under the same roof as the child, and his beloved cousin, live together. He might even devour this half-youkai without hesitation. He's a beast with a human face and a wild heart. She can't let her guard down. She can't be at ease just because the child are a half-youkai.

That was a genuinely kind and well-intentioned offer of salvation from Ako Murasaki's generous heart. However...

"I, I'm grateful for your words. But... I'd like to decline."

It was a clear refusal, spoken in a humble tone.

"...You're quite particular, aren't you?"

"I, I trust Tomobe-san, so..."

The child's straightforward rebuttal, spoken in a slightly sulky tone, made Shiro's heart flutter. Shiro's nose twitched again.

"I don't have the right to force you. Let's withdraw for now. But remember, I'll always be here to welcome you."

It was like saying the temple gates were always open, ready to receive anyone at any time. The child was stubborn and fearless. She couldn't force her to do anything. It was enough to teach her that there was an escape route...

"Yes, thank you."

"No need to thank me. This is my duty as an exorcist of Fuso, and as a relative of my cousin."

And with that, Murasaki turned around and left, feeling proud and satisfied in her heart. ...It was nothing to worry about, like a warrior's mercy. The cicada that flew in and landed on her hair, causing her to panic, was just a minor distraction.

...And Shiro didn't have any feelings of concern for White either.

"...That's right. I trust Tomobe-san."

It was a truly tiny, whispered "Shiro".

"..."

She licked her dry lips with a small, red tongue. It tasted sweet and oily.

"..."

Her body was captivated by a warm, tingling sensation, like a flame burning inside. She felt a surge of excitement in her chest.

The bud of "that thing" was about to sprout soon...

"Say that, and I'll give you a good scolding! I'm going to give you a cucumber for breakfast!!""

"Ahhh!! Don't say that!!?"

"Aaah, you're so annoying!! You're a demon brother!! What are you going to do?!!"

"I'm hungry? Hey, isn't it about time?"

"When's Mom coming back? Hey, hey?"

"Snack time! It's almost time for snacks!!"

"Stop talking all at once, it's too noisy!!"

Around the same time, the black-clad figure, surrounded by the noisy kids who had forgotten his original purpose, was plugging his ears and trying to focus....