Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 92

　As a general rule, it is believed that values become more conservative the more isolated a society is, and the less it interacts with the outside world.

　Naturally, this is to be expected. In sparsely populated areas with limited external stimuli, where life becomes routine and fixed, there are not many factors that actively contribute to changing values.

　Furthermore, the common notion that young people reject rural customs and outdated values does not easily take root unless they are aware of completely different cultures existing outside their own. People, for better or worse, have narrow perspectives. They can only measure the world by what they know. If they don't even have fragmentary knowledge of the world, they won't have doubts about the society they are in, let alone rebel against it.

　Therefore, in many cases, changes in values and trends tend to spread from urban areas where interaction with the outside world is more active to rural areas.

　...That's why our current situation was also an inevitable consequence.

　"You better disappear quickly, you filthy outsiders!! The moment you set foot in this village, I'll tear you apart!!"

　On the other side of the fence stood men holding hoes, sickles, naginatas, and bows and arrows. Each of them exuded a clear sense of killing intent and, at the same time, stared at us with fear. And the old man who emerged from that crowd declared arrogantly and disdainfully towards us. It was an overtly hostile reaction... that was how we were received in Shinkaki Village.

　"..."

　I look at Iruka beside me. She shrugged her shoulders as if she were exasperated. I followed suit. At first, I was taken aback, but upon closer thought, it wasn't that strange, and if we encountered the same kind of situation repeatedly, it was only natural that we would eventually get used to it.

　This was not the first time we received such treatment in a nearby village we passed by while searching for the Namahage. It was rather comical how everything followed the same pattern.

　(Well, considering the members we have)

　A half-youkai fox girl known for her cunning, accompanied by a masked-man with black horse, and a wolf-human with a Ezo's appearance. Moreover, we were armed, which could be considered a full house. It is inevitable that the villagers in this rural area, where contact with the outside world is limited to occasional peddlers or small officials of the county who collect tribute, would be on maximum alert, as it would be impossible not to be cautious.

　But we still had to do our job, even if it was just for appearances...

　"That's fine," I replied, my voice steady and composed, "We only came here to deliver a warning based on the instructions of the County Governor and the head of the family."

　"A warning, you say...?" Village Chief murmured, his tone laced with skepticism.

　I showed the promissory note that I received from the County Governor and made my declaration. Perhaps due to the influence of the promissory note, the village chief showed a slight interest in our words. However, his expression still contained suspicion and distrust. Well, it's understandable since it's unnatural for the County Governor or the exorcists' family to send such a group as messengers.

　"Yes... How prepared are you for the arrival of the Namahage in this village?" I inquired, my voice carrying a note of concern.

　"Hmph! I have no obligation to teach the likes of you, who are nothing but unknown nobodies!"

　After a moment of hesitation, it was entirely expected for him to dismiss my question in such a way. Yeah, they probably haven't made much preparation.