Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 108

　She knows. His wisdom. He maneuvered through schemes, protecting himself and her.

　She knows. His strength. Despite having weak spiritual power, he relentlessly trained and used tricks to face countless monsters and demons.

　She knows. His kindness. Even in overwhelming despair, he never had the luxury of composure, yet he continued to comfort ignorant and powerless girls.

　And she knows. His suffering. His hatred. His conflicts. His decisions. She knows that sight.

　"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. Please forgive me..."

　His tearful voice echoes. Betraying his comrades, ensnaring them in traps, sacrificing them. Despite grieving, he did it. For himself, for his own sake. This is the aftermath. The culmination. The conclusion.

　She couldn't care less about the fate of the lackeys who became tools of her father. It seemed like the natural outcome. How could she have any kindness for those who came to take away her dignity and life?

　Nevertheless... And yet, that's why she gasps when she sees him wipe away her tears and turn towards her. All the swirling emotions in her heart are pushed aside, and she is simply relieved and happy that he's looking at her, the one who collapsed before him.

　In a world akin to a hellish prison, it felt like being offered a spider's thread. She reaches out her small arms, grasping it tightly. She clings to her hero.

　And she thought about it. What she can do for him. How she can protect his radiance. And then...

　...

　...

　...

　"Mmm...? Hnn..."

　As she wakes up with a discomforting headache, her vision is filled with a white fox. A half-youkai girl with silver hair and clear blue eyes, peering down at her.

　"...It's quite impolite to look down on your master. Know your place and behave."

　"Ah-uh!?!"

　Aoi retorts while still lying down, brushing her hair aside. She points out the impoliteness with a malicious tone, causing the white fox in front of her to immediately jump to her side. She sits in seiza and lowers her fox ears.

　Although it may appear too cunning at first glance, Aoi neither sneers nor shows contempt towards this attitude. From their past interactions, she knew that this fox child was different from the daughters of merchant families, lacking such ulterior motives. She even thought it was pitiful for a youkai fox-blooded creature to be like this.

　...Though she would never say it aloud.

　"Anyway, it seems like I had quite a dream from a long time ago..."

　Placing her hand on her forehead, the second princess of Onitsuki falls into silence. She continues to gaze at the ceiling, and then she realizes. That this is not her place. Because of that, her thoughts focus on unraveling the memories leading up to the moment of losing consciousness... and a moment later, Aoi's eyes widen.

　"Huh...?!"

　'Wait, Aoi.'

　With a leap, she quickly stood up, and at the same time, a crane with spread wings appeared before her. The crane spoke words of stillness as a hand blade was pointed at her neck.

　"...What is it, Grandmother? Have you come to interfere with me as well?"

　'It's your bad habit. You shouldn't act without thinking ahead.'