Mob Yandere

[Part 2/4]

A white spider charged toward the gate. It pushed forward but then couldn't go any further. It hit an invisible wall.

'(T_T) IT HURTS!!'

'I told you so!'

The hummingbird's cold gaze was directed at the tearful spider, who was brushing its cheek. It was a situation I could have predicted. It was ridiculous to think that such a tiny being, not even a half-youkai, could charge in like this.

'(T_T) Little sister, let me pet your head!'

'Why do I have to comfort you... Wait, am I the one being petted!?'

The spider gently patted the hummingbird's head as if soothing a younger sister. Wait a minute. This is strange.

'(;_;) I've continued a harsh journey together with my little sister! I won't be discouraged by this level of hardship!'

Also, I am not your sister. Stop assuming that we are siblings. Is that guy my father? Am I some kind of pervert comforting my own father? I really want this to stop. Botan thought so.

'(>_

And the spider proudly held up a nail that was twitching and trying to escape.

'That's from "Mayoiga"... What good is that?'

It was a low-level spirit that the little spider god had collected without permission, a 'treasure.' It was just a nail that could barely move like a fish, with no power even close to that of a small youkai. Botan couldn't see how showing something like that would change anything. In fact, it seemed like this nail really didn't want to be here.

'(¬_¬) Don't look down on me. (*^_^*) I'll show you the true power of the Holy Sword!!'

'No, what are you... No way, right!?'

The nail that the spider stabbed into the barrier. It was indeed piercing through the curse. It created a small hole as it went through. Not just the barrier. It pierced through various curses all at once. It was a hole made by a nail, not just an ant's hole, but a spider's hole. This is ridiculous. How can she does something like that!?

"Whoa, amazing. You really pierced through with such a tiny nail?"

Even the blue demon (Oni) seemed impressed by this act and climbed down from the tree to watch closely. Wait, is this really the time to be impressed?

'(; ・д・´)` Let's go already!! It's a big adventure!!'

'No, no, wait... ah, come on!! Doing whatever you want!!?'

The white spider completely ignored the halt and charged forward. The hummingbird had no choice but to follow it, being dragged along. With the hummingbird's abilities, it couldn't stop the white spider.

"Whoa, be careful, okay?"

'Just because it's not your problem!!'

With the demon cheering from behind, the hummingbird spat out a curse. The spider and bird disappeared beyond the barrier...

"──So? What do you want?"

'Ah, it's not like I have business with you, you know?'

The demon waved her hand while asking from behind. A white monster appeared from the void. A modified youkai, 'Crawling Silkworm (Hakohitokusen).' A giant, stout silkworm with no eyes and a huge mouth. It spoke fluently. It felt so out of place.

"So, it's about her? Is that the succubus girl?"

'I definitely want to meet her at least once. I'd like to keep the insect remains inside her as a specimen. Maybe I'd want to collect some bodily fluids too?'

"Maybe she'd gladly give it to you in exchange for your life?"

It was a light-hearted conversation between the ''ghost'ly Puppet' and the demon, said with a casual tone. If Matsuhige's granddaughter saw this, she would be outraged. They were ignoring her dignity too much. It was dignity destruction beyond dignity destruction.

"From the way you're talking, is your goal the third person?"

'Well, seems like things are getting a bit troublesome, huh? As her master, shouldn't I help out?'

"Don't lie. You just don't want your tools to self-destruct, right?"

From ancient times, it is known that this being is neither cruel nor cold-hearted, but rather has a detached personality. The occasions where he has directed any form of compassion or concern toward others are few and far between, and even then, the empathy seems misaligned. At the very least, he would have no goodwill towards helping someone of that degree. It would not be surprising for him to collect specimens stuffed inside them. In fact, it might even be possible that he would collect the stomach itself as a specimen.

'It's unexpected. ...I admit I came because it would be problematic if she died.'

The response was genuinely reluctant, followed immediately by affirmation. The quality was poor.

"It’s laughable how you're digging your own grave with the seeds you’ve sown, isn't it? It’s like a comedy skit!"

'Well, it’s a girl who's been running around causing trouble and wouldn’t mind dying. Or rather, does she want to die while causing as much trouble as possible?'

"Also, it seems the person who made this mess is the one making the statements... gulp. I mean?"

The ''ghost'' calmly analyzes, while the demon, in high spirits, sips from a gourd and interjects. However, the demon's way of speaking does not provoke anger from the ''ghost''. The ''ghost'' understands that this is just how the demon is.

'I can't deny that I wasn't involved at all. But essentially, it's the responsibility of her family. If only the surviving half had been the one who endured from the jar, things might have been a bit more stable.'

The elder group from her side must have been honestly troubled. Even though it was a ceremony left to the heavens, the less useful one was left behind.

Perhaps it was also part of the revenge, but the ''ghost'' imagines that for the one left behind, it is indeed a matter of drawing the short straw.

"The one who passed on the divination techniques sure has some nerve."

'I only taught the basics; I don’t recall guiding on how to use them.'

It is true that the ''ghost'' widely taught the curse to divine fate and the myriad phenomena. However, what he passed on was merely divination. He was not involved in the process that concentrated and sublimated it into something overtly malign.

...Though he won't deny that he was looking forward to it, observing, and impressed.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just say that. You look all cheerful, but you're pretty stubborn, huh?"

'I'm flattered. ...So, can I pass by now?'

The ''ghost''s puppet' asked for permission to pass, while skillfully avoiding responsibility and ending the pointless chatter. But...

"Not a chance."

'Can I ask why?'

"Just because I don't like it."

'That's a very demon-like answer, isn't it?'

The response was childish and the reason given seemed almost absurd. It didn’t really qualify as a reason. However, for the 'ghost,' it made a strange kind of sense. In fact, if this demon had provided a logical explanation, it would have been shocking. For a demon, prioritizing feelings and moods is a matter of pride and honor.

"I don't really care what happens to your toy, you know? Watching that girl get mad at you would be amusing, I guess?"

After taking a sip of alcohol, she spoke carelessly. Inside the barrier, the events at the orphanage were indeed dull and trivial. It would undoubtedly be more entertaining to watch the hummingbird get upset. But...

"I thought it might be more fun to mess with you guys a bit. Sorry about that?"

'Oh, come on, it's nothing new with you. If it's a bother, you've already caused plenty. Don't worry about it.'

A heartless apology met with a sincere response. The truth is, if this demon openly got involved and showed favoritism, everything could turn upside down. Compared to that... just like the main branch of the Akō clan, it would be great if this demon could stay off the stage and didn't do what she wanted.

...Truly, it's a troublesome princess who has complicated feelings but has let go. So very sentimental and clingy.

"Got it, got it. That's great!"

It was a slightly sarcastic reply, but the perpetually tipsy demon accepted it cheerfully without a care. She guzzled down the contents of the gourd and let out a loud burp. While her face might be presentable, her manners are the worst. It's just the usual.

'...I guess it can't be helped. Well then, I think I'll take my leave.'

Challenging this big demon is reckless, pointless, and a waste of effort. So, He leave it to fate. He hopes the disciple princess can handle it well. After all, she's a shrine maiden. The 'ghost' turns on his heel and retreats...

"Yeah, yeah. Look over here?"

'What is it...'

The demon's carefree call echoed as the puppet turned around. Suddenly, the voice was cut off. The upper half of the modified youkai exploded into pieces.

"Hey, you. You thought I was weak or something, didn't you? If you underestimate me, I'll make you understand!"

With a squelch, the modified youkai falls to its knees in a pool of blood. Looking down at its body, the blue demon shows a truly refreshing smile, baring its fangs.

It was indeed a narrow-minded, obsessive, and petty act...

* * *