[Part 1/4]
It was noisy and chaotic. In a way, it was even crazy. And if people think about it sensibly, it was reckless.
In the dark night, they stayed outside without making a sound or letting any light out, not seeing, not hearing, not saying anything, never looking up at the moon. They only wished for the sunlight of tomorrow to come... That was supposed to be the only thing that those beings, not much more than primates, could do.
So it was originally a reckless attempt. Having a bonfire outdoors, roasting meat, getting drunk, singing and dancing wildly. It was like a suicidal act. However, they were allowed such unimaginable extravagance. From this day on, those who had acquired this fertile land...
Later known as the capital of the Central region, they had made their own the land promised to be the most fertile in the Far East.
People are celebrating joyously. Songs of celebration are being sung. Those who have gathered from many hidden villages, those who have wandered aimlessly through barren lands, those who have been persecuted and exiled, are now celebrating in a new and safe place. It is the beginning of a ritual that will later develop into a festival of prayers and growth. Truly a happy occasion.
...Among the crowd, there was one lone crow sitting at a distance.
"..."
"What's wrong? Why are you making such a gloomy face at a celebration like this?"
A man who had been sitting on a log, sipping fruit juice, naturally sat down next to her.
He had a handsome face, was dignified and intellectual. He was the same as the most important person to her, but unlike the positive 'him', he exuded a frivolous coldness that made her feel inexplicably guarded.
"It's not good to have such a sullen face at a celebration. It ruins the mood and, worst of all, you might step on someone's toes, right?"
With a meaningful declaration, the man directed his gaze towards the center of the festival. Around 'him', the one who had accomplished great deeds and was surrounded by grateful villagers, local leaders gathered, chatting animatedly. Despite outwardly appearing carefree, 'he' seemed to be calmly deflecting their attention, but she could sense the weariness built up over years of acquaintance.
"The celebration of great deeds marks the beginning of political strife. Those who have surrounded 'him' will now vie for leadership. It's ruining what could have been an inspiring story."
"Disgusting..."
What were they doing? Couldn't they just be genuinely happy in the moment? While it's true that all's well that ends well, this certainly ruined everything.
"Oh well. They've always been the kind of people to do whatever it takes to survive... In fact, you could say it's prudent of them not to have fallen out with each other until now. They understand that there's time for politics, and now is that time."
The man declared, almost as if he were speaking of someone else's business, sympathizing with 'him', who was caught up in it all.
"And you, too."
"...Me? Why?"
She tilted her head, wearing a puzzled expression at the remark from the leader of the wandering specialized in hunting down deceitful monsters. She couldn't understand why she would be involved in such an ugly whirlpool.
"You're one of his oldest comrades, with an important role even in this critical situation. His trust in you is immense, and your accomplishments are great. Rewards and influence are promised."
She received an impolite glance as if she were being evaluated. Plus, the tone of the remarks felt like a test of herself... Above all, she felt discomfort in the explanation itself.
"I just wanted to be of help to him. That's all... I didn't work expecting any rewards."
"What you think isn't important. What those around you think is."
The frivolous leader took a sip of his murky liquor. Then he continued.
"Those around won't tolerate your presence. You're too much of a nuisance. Too abnormal. Too much of an eyesore."
"I don't care what they think. I'm not here to have difficult conversations."
If only that person believed in her, that would have been enough. He believed in her, and she trusted him completely. That's why he relied on her, and she fulfilled any dangerous tasks he asked of her.
...And because she believed in him, she's still alive today. He never forced her into hopeless gambles. They're bound by a strong bond. What is there to worry about? What is there to complain about? Who could ever break that bond?
"Huh? What if he abandons you?"
"Abandon me?"
As she tries to end the uncomfortable conversation and stands up, she's stopped by a remark thrown her way. She furrows her brows and looks at the man. He smiles cheerfully. It was unpleasant.
"You won't have as many chances to rely on strength from now on. Your role will also decrease. As he takes on more work, you'll boast about fulfilling your duties while being idle, won't you?"
"......!?"
She almost instinctively slapped his cheek, but the commotion of the crowd interrupted her. She looked over, seeing 'him'.
He was heading towards the campfire, brushing off the clinging old folks. Once he took off his coat, he jokingly started belly dancing. The young crowd burst into laughter at the sight. The man beside her gave 'him' a cold stare and applauded 'him' mechanically.
"Hahaha, he puts on quite a show, clowning around like that. Must have been a hassle talking to the old folks. Seems like they were trying to push their daughters or granddaughters onto him."
"..."
The flutter of wings wasn't a coincidence. She felt a definite tremor... trying to stay calm. Nausea crept up.
"...Are you ready to literally strip for him?"
"...Are you kidding me?"
She wasn't as naive as she seemed, unable to understand the sudden proposal. Despite her appearance, her mind was surprisingly mature. She understood exactly what the man meant.
"He's serious. Not a bad choice, you know? He may not be completely indifferent either. He's probably better than some princess from who-knows-where. You could rely on him confidently, too."
"I don't trust your intentions."
"It's pragmatic. We don't want meddling in our position by troublesome in-laws. Some of them even dislike what we do."
"Is it because of things you've done to earn resentment?"
They were a group of professionals hired for monster hunting. However, their skills weren't always used solely for the benefit of others, and they often demanded contracts that served their own interests.
"It's a mutual benefit kind of thing. You don't really care what happens to others, right?"
"..."
Her silence was an affirmation. Besides him and a few around him, she didn't harbor much affection for the rest. It wasn't entirely because they were partly monsters, she believed...
"...In three days, my team and I are going to investigate the mountains to the north with him. It's to study the flow of Spiritual Vein branches."
"Oh, really?"
"I can recommend you as an escort, too."
"Huh...!?"
She shuddered at the hidden meaning behind the man's words.
"...Let me repeat. Are you serious?"
"Are you the one who's serious? Opportunities like this don't come often. Regret comes too late. No risk, no reward, right?"
"..."
She left without a word. The man called out from behind.
"Let's wait until tomorrow night. I'm expecting a positive answer."
The proposal was tempting. Tengu, walking away silently, was filled with doubt.
"...Hehehe."
The leader of the wandering monster hunters smirked as he watched her small figure disappear into the distance.
'Keteri?'
"Mmm... Pochi?"
When she woke up, the first thing she saw were countless amorphous eyeballs and a strange cry.
She wakes up and grimaces at the pain running through her body. She realizes she is being carried on the back of a guard dog from her village.
"What... that's right. I remember, I was..."
She feels momentarily confused. But then she remembers the twists and turns it took to rescue her daughters, she remembers the presence of that dreadful snake, and she recalls the intense suffering. She had passed out from the pain without realizing it.
"...Pochi, did you help me?"
'Keteri!'
The one-armed Tengu understood the answer given when she questioned her old friend, even though it was vague. They had been friends for a long time.
"Everyone... ah, that's right."
She looks into the distance, witnessing the back-and-forth battle between her children and the mountain monsters in a distant sky.
"Silly kids. Why do they come out like that?"
She wonders why they don't just forget about her and the need to fight. It would be fine to run away or abandon the mountain. There is no inconvenience. After all, it was never the reason to be fixated on it.
"Oh, I remember now. That guy...!?"
And she recalls. She senses. The presence of that huge snake. Hurriedly, she looks around, searching for it.
"Huh?! Run...!!?"
As she spots the two people lying on the ground, she let out a scream, and at the same time a murky stream of light engulfed them...
It was a miraculous feat. The aerial battle where Tengu threw all their flying skills at the great snake. The fact that Kaede, who was clearly inferior in strength, could hold out this long and even without inflict injuries on the man she held was truly a miracle.
Miracles on a tightrope do not last forever. Eventually, hope will be crushed. Rather, it could even be said that it was fortunate that she only lost one of her wings.
(Yes, fortunate. You did well. I commend you. You can boast to the Yama in the underworld.)
The looming black snake before us boasted arrogantly. Its body was marked with shallow cuts from cursed blades, but they were nothing serious, thanks to Kaede's skilled maneuvers.
It was a prof to the brave resistance of the smaller beings.
"Haha, what a joke...!! We're planning to make snake sake with the insignia of this damn snake! So, hand over that head...!!"
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