Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 172

 In this world, there aren't many places where humans can dominate.

 Youkais inhabit the seas, mountains, grasslands, and every other place. Most of the existing human nations, even those that control vast territories on the map, only rule over cities and roads in reality. There are countless examples of this.

 Only a few places, like the 'homeland' of the Western Empire, the 'Central Plains' of the Continental Dynasty, or the 'Sacred Realm' of Tenjiku (ancient India-like), can be said to truly dominate the land. Even in Fusō-kuni, where human power is relatively strong, the Center Region is the only place that's not suspicious.

 ...On the map, it's the border of Fusō-kuni, but in reality, the governance barely reaches the deep mountains. It's a vast, unexplored territory where only occasional patrols of soldiers, hunters, and woodcutters dare to tread. And that's where the girls were.

 'So, what do you think that kid did? He killed his own father!!'

 'Eh~, is that for real? That's super cool!!'

 The girls chattered excitedly, their beautiful faces and vibrant clothing making them look like a garden of flowers. But it was all strange. In the deep forest, where even strong men would struggle, these delicate girls were living as if it were nothing.

 An experienced hunter would have immediately hidden and readied their arquebus gun. A woodcutter would have held their breath and waited for them to leave. Anyone who made a living in the mountains would have immediately realized their true nature ―― youkai foxes, cruel Youkais that deceive and manipulate humans....

 'Haha! It's so sweet. I tricked a warrior's kid into avenging his father's death!'

 Their unnatural appearance, unlike anything in the human world, was still playing tricks in the forest. Their high-pitched voices and cruel laughter were enough to make one feel nauseous.

 One fox had become a merchant's maid and used illusions to deceive the merchant and his son. The merchant was tricked into thinking his maid was his own, and the son was made to sympathize with her, causing a huge commotion. In the end, the merchant was stabbed to death from behind, and the son was executed for the crime of patricide.

 A certain fox boasted about driving a wealthy couple to ruin. She disguised herself as a innocent young girl and deceived a husband who was protecting her. On the other hand, she approached his wife as a beautiful woman and manipulated her into committing adultery, ultimately leading to a bloody feud.

 The third fox told a proud and ridiculous story. She killed a daughter of a samurai (warrior) family and wore her skin. She then approached the girl's fiancé's father (father-in-law) and seduced him, making him see illusions. The fox made it seem like the world was mourning and the man had committed suicide, and in the end, both families were destroyed in a brutal vendetta. The fox laughed and rolled on the ground, enjoying the whole thing.

 Each of the foxes told their stories without any shame. Their bright laughter echoed like a bell. The youkai fox was indeed a being filled with malice.

 '...Hmm?'

 'What's wrong, Suiko?'

 The 5-tailed fox, Suiko, tilted her head and swished her tails, and the remaining 2 foxes gave it a suspicious look.

 'No, I just have a weird feeling...?'

 The youkai fox was cunning. It was clever because of its cunning nature. And because of its intelligence, the beasts didn't let their guard down and were always on the lookout for its presence. But...