Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 138 Three Years in the Palm of Sickness

 The actions of Princess Onitsuki, a noble and elegant second princess, were completely unexpected for me. It's already quite unusual to threaten imperial officials during the night and go to a forbidden area, but the problem doesn't end there.

 The purpose of this expedition to the forbidden area is to obtain an item from the forbidden area itself, as demanded by the imperial court. Princess Onitsuki managed to secure it during the night, before dawn. It's a remarkable achievement. A great feat. If it had ended there.

 But then, there is a bird messenger that had arrived at the checkpoint suddenly began to speak. The guards panicked, thinking it might be some kind of youkai, and gathered around, pointing their weapons.

 But the fire watcher nearby, based on past similar cases, recognized it as a Shikigami. They calmed down the agitated guards and ordered them to summon the chief overseeing the checkpoint. The chief reluctantly appeared, and the Shikigami began speaking forcefully, leaving everyone present in awe.

 As a diversion, the main party continued deeper into the area, and Princess Onitsuki mentioned having the desired item transported by the Hidden Group, among other things. It's needless to say how self-centered this plan is.

 "The requested item is from none other than the imperial court, from the nobles of the inner palace. Normally, the princess should be responsible for transporting it personally... don't you think?"

 "...As a humble and ignorant servant, I'm afraid I cannot make judgments."

 I smoothly deflected the question from the chief, who was sitting in his chair on the third floor of the main station. Even though I was just a servant, I couldn't give him my word. I am, first and foremost, a servant of the Onitsuki family. I couldn't utter words that would be detrimental to the Onitsuki family, let alone make unilateral decisions. I emphasized that I was nothing more than a cog in the machine, not meant to think for myself.

 In reality, the situation where I had to face an official like this was absurd. Unfortunately, the tyrannical and unreasonable Princess had brought all her entourage on this forbidden trip. Thanks to her, I was now stuck here, receiving reprimands without any weapons or equipment.

 The chief kept tapping the table with his fingers, looking at me. After a while, he let out a deep sigh and leaned back in his chair.

 "It's a troublesome matter. Even though you're in a position like yours, the situation won't improve. I understand, but my subordinates have been expressing their dissatisfaction. Some form of inquiry was necessary. I hope you can forgive us."

 "I see..."

 I didn't interject it, even though it was clear as day. It wasn't goodwill. Looking at it sideways, I could immediately see that it was an attempt to make me repay for the huge hole they had hastily covered with cloth. To be honest, I even felt a bit sorry.

 "You, and your subordinates, right? Princess didn't say anything about how to treat you all. Whether you follow along after her into the forbidden area, or wait for her return... what will you do?"

 "I... cannot make that judgment."

 I was genuinely lost in the face of the unexpected situation. That damn Loli Gorilla had taken matters into her own hands and disrupted the plan!!

 "I see. Do you know about the reinforcements?"

 "Only rumors."

 As a lowly grunt, I didn't know the details. I hadn't received any explanations. If it goes by the original story, could it be the rescue squad from the family that joined us after rolling the youkai that violated her?