The number of people coming to demand accountability isn't large, as the silent majority watches from a distance with no intention of intervening. Though few, people become volatile and irrational once their emotions ignite.
When one person loses control and shoves the "sliding dogeza" duo blocking the path, more and more behind them follow suit, assaulting the already fragile defensive line.
"Get behind me quickly. Some of them are losing their minds."
Mumei knows these two samurai cannot stop so many people alone, so she must do her best to ensure Kajika's safety.
"How did it come to this..."
Kajika covers her mouth, her expression growing increasingly frantic and helpless. She watches the malicious glares directed at her and trembles, taking a step back. She clearly did nothing wrong; why must they speculate about her with such spite?
They claim it's for 'supervision,' but is it really that simple?
"What are you doing? Disperse at once!"
Kibito Arisu rushes over with a squad of samurai. His tall, sturdy physique instantly dampens the momentum of several rioters.
As a samurai, Kibito is reasonable and interacts with people of different statuses without prejudice. Consequently, he possesses a good reputation on the Koutetsujou, holding a status equal to Kurusu Konochi. With enough samurai joining the fray, the crowd on the verge of spiraling out of control is successfully suppressed.
"Everyone, why are you making things so difficult for Miss Kajika? Don't you think you are going too far?!"
Ayame Yomogawa steps forward from the rear. With such a massive disturbance, she cannot sit idly by as the leader.
On the outermost edge, a man with scruffy stubble sees Ayame emerge and lets a smile of successful conspiracy cross his face.
'No surprises there. Ayame ultimately stands against the public to back that woman named Kajika, defying the majority. This method of using power to handle problems is trash, though it's exactly what I wanted...'
Gods do not care about private feuds between mortals, just as humans do not bother with ants fighting over territory. Their existence is inherently higher than humanity—a supreme height that these mortals cannot fathom!
Yet everyone on the Koutetsujou is lucky because the deity descended among them is so kind and principled.
Even though the Great Goddess issued a warning about 'destroying the Koutetsujou,' isn't that only natural? If a bug being protected bites you, you naturally use thunderous means to annihilate it. It makes perfect sense!
When dealing with low-born commoners who offend him, he usually drags their entire family off for a bout of torture before letting them die in an 'accident.'
"What a fine show they put on for me. Those peasants are quite useful."
The stubbly man crosses his arms, watching the farce in the distance with a playful gaze. While the lives of commoners are worthless in his eyes, they can be exploited for profit. He only needs to inadvertently stir their emotions regarding the right topics and provide a slight hint; then, they become the blade in his hand.
The peasants he exploits seem to lack any self-awareness of this fact.
"Oh, it looks quite lively up ahead. You seem to have been observing for a while; you must know what happened there, right?"
A voice like heavenly music rings out from behind the man without warning.
"!!!"
The man's pupils shrink violently. Every hair on his body stands on end as cold sweat denches his clothes. This voice, which sounds naturally relaxing, feels like a death warrant to him.
When—when did she arrive?!
"L-Lady Mika! When did you arrive? Please forgive my negligence for not noticing you! Please, have mercy!"
Knowing well the principle that 'flattery gets you everywhere,' the man immediately adopts a look of shame and bows deeply to Misono Mika. He displays the utmost spirit of a professional sycophant.
"I have seen you before. You are one of the six retainers of the Yomogawa family, one of the cadres responsible for assisting Lady Ayame in managing the Koutetsujou."
"It is an honor! To be remembered by Lady Mika is my greatest honor!!!"
"You haven't answered my question yet."
"M-My apologies! I was too excited just now and neglected Lady Mika! I will explain it to you right away!"
The man wipes the cold sweat from his forehead and begins to recite the wording he prepared long ago.
"So, from what you're saying, some people worry I might be harmed by Kajika later? They volunteered to supervise her to ensure she doesn't try to drag everyone down to get revenge on certain people?"
Misono Mika narrows her eyes, staring at him with a half-smile.
"Exactly... everyone on the Koutetsujou loves and respects you. Since humans are the most fickle beings, we simply cannot rest easy leaving your safety in that woman's hands..."
Stared down by Mika, the retainer breaks into a cold sweat. His legs begin to shake uncontrollably. Did his goal get exposed?!
No, I can't scare myself! If Misono Mika discovered his goal from the start, she would move against him immediately. Why bother continuing this nonsense?
'That's right... it must be so. I'm definitely not exposed yet, so there's still hope!'
"But I feel this matter isn't as simple as it looks on the surface. You should understand this logic too; after all, you must be very smart to sit in such a high position."
Misono Mika reaches out to play with a strand of hair. With a troubled expression, she says, "Someone must be using them, someone acting as a leader in the shadows. Otherwise, a pile of loose sand wouldn't gather like this. I'll give you until dawn to find everyone involved. Otherwise, I'll just have to start with you."
"Because I'm the type who would rather kill by mistake than let a culprit go. It just so happens you are one of my suspects."
Having said that, she glances at the bloodless man and gives a pure smile. "So, to uncover the truth, please work hard!"
After Misono Mika leaves, the stubbly retainer collapses weakly to the ground.
"It's over. Everything is over. She definitely saw through my thoughts... No, I don't want to die. Since I'll die after dawn anyway, I might as well make one last desperate gamble!"
The man clenches his fists and grits his teeth. His eyes gradually fill with madness. Human desire is infinite.
Misono Mika doesn't know exactly what happened, but she saw this man watching coldly on her way here. With just one look, she knew he was up to no good.
'Dogs leap over walls when cornered. What will humans do when pushed to the brink?'
Misono Mika wants to see it with her own eyes.
★ ★ ★
T/N: Today is only a single chapter release as I'm double checking recent translations. I've been noticing a lot more inconsistencies the past few days, my apologies. I'll take more time proofreading starting now