Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 79

A line of people was advancing along a mountain path that led from Hotoya village to the outside world.

　"This is as far as we go. With all due respect, I offer my prayers for everyone's safe journey," said the southern warrior who had led the group so far, as he pulled on the reins of his horse and came to a stop. The group was leaving the village behind. In response, the line of Onitsuki's strike team and the Tachibana Trading Company's caravan passed through the torii gate, which marked the boundary between the village and other lands. Beyond this point lay the territory outside the Hotoya family's jurisdiction, and it was not possible for hired guards to cross without permission.

　"Hey, Yun-shoku!" someone called out to me just as I was passing by Katahiko and the others.

　I look at my men and then pull up my black horse to answer the person who had called out.

　"Katahiko-dono? What can I do for you?"

　"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say goodbye and talk a bit. Come with me."

　With that, the Southern warrior moved his horse a few steps forward and came closer to me.

　"How is the prisoner?"

　"I heard he's being treated as befits the criminals he's accused of being."

　"I see..." My answer seemed to darken Katahiko's expression slightly. I did not see it myself, but the Ezo criminal was under the control of Uemon's men, that is, the Hidden Group. However, I have heard some stories from the people.

　Let me say before that in this world, the concept of human rights was thin, and there was little consideration for criminals. And their actions towards Iruka fell within the standard treatment. If this had been in the wild, he would have been buried and stoned by now. So, hanging or beheading him after his transportation would have been more humane. But...

　"No, it's nothing. Young lady is deeply concerned. If he's being treated as a normal person... I can still come up with excuses. ...After all, she's a sheltered girl who can be fooled."

　It must be hard for the TS main character to imagine what it's like to be treated... normally as a criminal. After all, she had been too pampered by her surroundings and lacked both the understanding and the resistance to malice. If it's said that he's not being treated too badly, she can be at ease... without ever realizing the truth.

　"Well, that's probably for the best. She's been very depressed, and there's no reason to add insult to injury," I said.

　" I agree," Katahiko replied.

　I don't want to make good people who won't have anything to do with the original work suffer needlessly. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

　"...thanks for your help. Was he someone you had a grudge against?" Katahiko asked, trying to gauge my reaction. He must have found out about my connection to Iruka from somewhere.

　"No, it was business. You should be more concerned about your business partner. I hear they are your clients," I said, brushing off the question.