Eeto, let’s start with….
Youko-sama, why are you working here?
「Why? It’s so easy. The food is good and the drinks are better. We didn’t serve them yet because it there’s still the apology but you’ll definitely like them once you tasted them at the banquet.」
You were lured by food?
「That’s not all. There are many people in the village who are not afraid of me. Some are even stronger than me.」
No way, how could there be people stronger than Youko-sama?
「Think about why I’m the acting village chief. The village chief is way stronger than me.」
………
「I work here to be of use to the village chief. You have to keep that in mind.」
U-understood.
「Ah, I know I don’t have to tell you this but, if you dare touch the village chief, I won’t forgive you. Don’t act recklessly.」
Of course.
There’s no way I’ll make an enemy out of Youko-sama.
However….
「What?」
Will it be alright if we serve the village chief too?
「Hnn? What do you mean? Aren’t you guys supposed to be hired but never become subordinates?」
We’re in a situation where we can no longer do so.
「Is it already that bad?」
Compared to the last time Youko-sama met us, things have become so much worse.
The number of job offers suddenly decreased since a few years ago.
「Thus, you wish to be the village chief’s?」
Youko-sama pretended to think for a moment.
I know why she’s doing that.
I know that it’s impossible to get a positive reply.
We are the silver fox after all.
We are infamous for being notorious.
If we serve as a race, the village chief will bear that infamy.
To put it simply, the village chief will be blamed as the one who manipulated the silver fox race.
Even so, I can’t let this opportunity go no matter how small the possibility is or else, our race will perish.
「Kon, the village chief will gain nothing even if you serve him. On the contrary, he’ll suffer big time. I won’t even dare tell your request to the village chief.」
……..
「However, I’m indebted to Kon….I mean the previous generation Kon. That guy took care of me. I owe him(?)(gender neutral) a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. Therefore, I can’t refuse a request that involves the fate of your whole race.」
Then…..
「I will let the village chief decide. However, I will not say anything to back you up that time. Is that alright?」
Yes.
Thank you very much.
All I have to do now is to show my excellence.
By the way, Seiten-sama?
Why have you been covering both of your ears since the end of the meal?
Preventive measures in order to not get involved in something dangerous?
Is that the monkey’s famous for? The “Don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude?
I’m learning a lot.
-0-
A little later, Youko-sama went out to call the village chief.
In the meantime, I will decide on the deployment of guards.
….
The ones who would be left in the room are only Seiten-sama and me.
The other guards will wait in the room prepared by Youko-sama.
However, if we really set it up like that, what’s the point of us being hired as guards?
Only three should wait in the room that was prepared for us.
Of course, I will get angry if you just take it easy there.
Always be on alert.
Be ready to move at any time.
Be prepared for surprise attacks.
The three of you, stay inside the mansion.
I’ll leave the place where you’ll stand guard to you but don’t go inside any room.
Yes, stay hidden in the corridor.
The five of you will stay outside the compound.
This is to secure an exit.
If anything happens to me, Kitsu will take over the command.
Alright, good reply.
Hnn?
I thought it will take more time but Youko-sama has already returned.
Was the village chief nearby?
…….
My impression of the village chief is….a normal human.
I can’t believe she’s stronger than Youko-sama.
However, given Youko-sama’s attitude towards the village chief, it is obvious who’s the boss and who’s the subordinate.
That alone shows he’s not a mere human.
Is he a sage then?
He and Seiten-sama greeted each other and finished the formal apology.
It seems like the village chief has no intention of making a big deal out of it.
Perhaps he was encouraged by Youko-sama to just let it go.
I’m grateful for that.
-0-
Seiten-sama’s apology is over.
Seiten-sama is going to Niz-sama’s store first.
The three who are waiting in the room prepared for us and the five outside the compound will be Seiten-sama’s guards.
Buchi will be in command until I rejoin them.
「Kon-sama, wouldn’t it be better if I go?」
Kitsu asked me.
It’s true that if we’re going into a separate group, the other group should be led by Kitsu.
However, the fate of our race is on the line with my meeting with the village chief.
If we do not show our resolve, we will not be able to serve him.
If push comes to show, I’ll die with the infamy of the silver fox on my shoulders.
If I do that, perhaps Youko-sama will show mercy.
After that, the rest of our race will just have to negotiate with the help of Youko-sama.
I beg she’ll do so.
Then, let’s begin my discussion with the village chief….
I have been warned.
It would be wrong to start at the main topic immediately.
Let’s talk about something different first.
Before I say what I need to, there is something I would like to confirm.
「Hnn? What is it? 」
Is village chief Youko-sama’s boss?
「Boss? I am the village chief of Village Five and Youko is the acting village chief. In terms of job grade, yes. 」
I see.
Thank you for answering.
I would like to ask 2 – 3 more questions to understand how the village chief thinks but….
The village chief was away from the village.
Maybe he still has something to do after this.
It’s a bad idea to waste his time.
I’ve taken one step closer to the village chief. That’s enough.
Let’s do it.
Eh, then, the reason I’m here today is to ask Hiraku-sama a favor.
「A favor? What is it?」
This is it.
I took one step forward.
Yes.
There are a total of 92 silver foxes in existence including me.
Of these, only 23 can transform and work as a person but if you turn blind eye to a few inconveniences, 84 can fully work.
Would you please hire our whole race?
「Hire?」
Yes.
「You’re not requesting to relocate to Village Five? 」
The silver fox race is not very good at living among other races.
「Okay, but you said you can work, right? What kind of job can you do? 」
Well, we are silver fox so isn’t it obvious?
Assassination desu.
「……」
Was my voice too low?
Assassination desu.
「No, it’s not like I didn’t hear you.」
Is that so?
Hnn?
Why is Youko-sama holding her head?
Did I do something wrong?
Ah, the village chief is going to open his mouth.
It looks like he’ll give us an answer.
「Ehto, please leave.」
The moment I heard the answer….
I released bloodlust toward the village chief and made my move.
I released bloodlust but I have no intention of killing him.
It would be meaningless since we’re the ones who are asking favor and it will turn Youko-sama into an enemy.
I will only show my strength.
And then, I will apologize with my death.
After that, Kitsu will request him again.
Yeah, I’ll lay my life for this desu.
The fate of our race is at stake.
I will not choose any means.
Ah, since I, a bodyguard, attack, it will cause trouble to my employer, Seiten-sama.
I should tell them that Seiten-sama has nothing to do with this before I die.
I can only apologize to Seiten-sama in the afterlife….
It seems like Youko-sama noticed that I’m trying to make my move, however, it’s already too late.
……..
Areh?
I’m not in the place where I’m supposed to be.
My view has not changed at all.
In other words, I didn’t move?
Eh?
Why do I feel like I’m being pierced by something?
It was by the spear held by the village chief.
When did he take that spear out?
Also, when he entered the room, he didn’t have that, right?
While I was puzzled, Youko-sama gripped my neck.
There’s no way I can move now.
I give up.
The part pierced by the spear also seems to be quite injured.
….Kitsu, I’m sorry.
This is the worst situation.
Me dying without even being able to show off my ability…..
Escape and protect our race.
After this, anyone who has ever been involved in assassination work should die.
The rest will be praying for Youko-sama’s mercy.
Youko-sama is a strict person but she takes good care of us.
I know it’s pathetic but we can only rely on her.
The silver fox can communicate with each other mentally if they are close enough.
That’s what I told her…..
However, I didn’t expect her reply.
「…..S-sorry. We’ve been caught. Spider desu.」
Spider?
I slowly turned my face upward and looked at the ceiling of the room.
Ah, there are many big spiders.
I didn’t notice them.
And they are not just any spiders.
They are demon spiders.
There’s nothing we can do about this.
It seems like the spiders have captured everyone.
Even those who escorted Seiten-sama?
They are very thorough, aren’t they?
I guess I could only say as expected.
「Kon, I told you that if you dare do something to village chief, I won’t forgive you.」
Ehto, I don’t think I managed to do anything.
I didn’t even move.
「Think of what you have done. If you continue to speak nonsense, I’ll annihilate your entire race.」
….I know what I did.
Even so, I’m in a position where I have no choice but to do it.
This is our only hope.
「I understand. Village chief, I’m sorry. Let me explain what’s happening.」
I guess we were able to avoid the worst of the worst.
However, I didn’t expect the village chief to be this strong.
He seems to be concerned about me too. I guess he’s also kind.
「She’s okay. This much damage isn’t enough to kill her.」
Ah, I have to say something, Youko-sama.
「What is it?」
Actually, I received quite a lot of damage and I’m already reaching….my limit desu.
I coughed up blood and collapsed.
I can’t even maintain my human form.
This….can’t be.
-0-
Author’s Note 1
What Kon tried to do.
Request
↓
If rejected, will attack to show ability
↓
「I’m sorry, I’ll bring the infamy of the silver fox to the grave with me.」
Then commit suicide.
「Ah, Seiten-sama has nothing to do with this.」
Then, the next person(Kitsu) will ask to be hired again, showing her will to attack again to make the other party think they will continue to do so until they all die.
If the other party’s mentality is strong, the number of person who’ll die in vain will increase but Kon thought that the village chief would be moved by her alone so she decided to do it.
The silver fox values the whole race more than their own lives so they won’t hesitate to die for their race. (It is similar to the samurai society of old Japan where family name is more important than one’s own life.)
-0-
Author’s Note 2
An exchange around the time when Youko’s holding her head.
Kon: The silver fox is a famous assassin race. Anyone is an expert assassin.
Youko: (Appealing to village chief as an assassin is counterproductive!)
Kon: It shows that we don’t mind risking our lives.
Youko: (You think too much! Sorry but, you’ll die in vain!)
-0-
Author’s Note 3
Youko-san cheating
「 I will not say anything to back you up that time.」
↓
「She’s in trouble (Important hint, Village chief, notice!)」
-0-
Q&A corner
Q: Kon-san, aren’t you being too short-sighted?
Kon A: I will not hesitate to do anything if our race is at stake. Youko-sama is also there and she’s like the trump card for a fox race. Why hesitate? Do it now!
Q: I think your expressions are a bit outdated……
Kon A: The silver fox lives in the forest so we are not familiar with worldly affairs.
Q: Can’t you just ask to be hired by Youko?
Kon A: Eh? By Youko-sama? Eh? Are you serious? That Youko-sama? You want to be hired by that Youko-sama? Ano, that, you’re….courageous aren’t you? (Youko-sama is merciful and the trump card of the fox race but if you ask anyone if they want her to be the boss for the sake of the race, anyone would shake their heads. The previous generations are still crying.)
Eeto, let’s start with….
Youko-sama, why are you working here?
「Why? It’s so easy. The food is good and the drinks are better. We didn’t serve them yet because it there’s still the apology but you’ll definitely like them once you tasted them at the banquet.」
You were lured by food?
「That’s not all. There are many people in the village who are not afraid of me. Some are even stronger than me.」
No way, how could there be people stronger than Youko-sama?
「Think about why I’m the acting village chief. The village chief is way stronger than me.」
………
「I work here to be of use to the village chief. You have to keep that in mind.」
U-understood.
「Ah, I know I don’t have to tell you this but, if you dare touch the village chief, I won’t forgive you. Don’t act recklessly.」
Of course.
There’s no way I’ll make an enemy out of Youko-sama.
However….
「What?」
Will it be alright if we serve the village chief too?
「Hnn? What do you mean? Aren’t you guys supposed to be hired but never become subordinates?」
We’re in a situation where we can no longer do so.
「Is it already that bad?」
Compared to the last time Youko-sama met us, things have become so much worse.
The number of job offers suddenly decreased since a few years ago.
「Thus, you wish to be the village chief’s?」
Youko-sama pretended to think for a moment.
I know why she’s doing that.
I know that it’s impossible to get a positive reply.
We are the silver fox after all.
We are infamous for being notorious.
If we serve as a race, the village chief will bear that infamy.
To put it simply, the village chief will be blamed as the one who manipulated the silver fox race.
Even so, I can’t let this opportunity go no matter how small the possibility is or else, our race will perish.
「Kon, the village chief will gain nothing even if you serve him. On the contrary, he’ll suffer big time. I won’t even dare tell your request to the village chief.」
……..
「However, I’m indebted to Kon….I mean the previous generation Kon. That guy took care of me. I owe him(?)(gender neutral) a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. Therefore, I can’t refuse a request that involves the fate of your whole race.」
Then…..
「I will let the village chief decide. However, I will not say anything to back you up that time. Is that alright?」
Yes.
Thank you very much.
All I have to do now is to show my excellence.
By the way, Seiten-sama?
Why have you been covering both of your ears since the end of the meal?
Preventive measures in order to not get involved in something dangerous?
Is that the monkey’s famous for? The “Don’t ask, don’t tell” attitude?
I’m learning a lot.
-0-
A little later, Youko-sama went out to call the village chief.
In the meantime, I will decide on the deployment of guards.
….
The ones who would be left in the room are only Seiten-sama and me.
The other guards will wait in the room prepared by Youko-sama.
However, if we really set it up like that, what’s the point of us being hired as guards?
Only three should wait in the room that was prepared for us.
Of course, I will get angry if you just take it easy there.
Always be on alert.
Be ready to move at any time.
Be prepared for surprise attacks.
The three of you, stay inside the mansion.
I’ll leave the place where you’ll stand guard to you but don’t go inside any room.
Yes, stay hidden in the corridor.
The five of you will stay outside the compound.
This is to secure an exit.
If anything happens to me, Kitsu will take over the command.
Alright, good reply.
Hnn?
I thought it will take more time but Youko-sama has already returned.
Was the village chief nearby?
…….
My impression of the village chief is….a normal human.
I can’t believe she’s stronger than Youko-sama.
However, given Youko-sama’s attitude towards the village chief, it is obvious who’s the boss and who’s the subordinate.
That alone shows he’s not a mere human.
Is he a sage then?
He and Seiten-sama greeted each other and finished the formal apology.
It seems like the village chief has no intention of making a big deal out of it.
Perhaps he was encouraged by Youko-sama to just let it go.
I’m grateful for that.
-0-
Seiten-sama’s apology is over.
Seiten-sama is going to Niz-sama’s store first.
The three who are waiting in the room prepared for us and the five outside the compound will be Seiten-sama’s guards.
Buchi will be in command until I rejoin them.
「Kon-sama, wouldn’t it be better if I go?」
Kitsu asked me.
It’s true that if we’re going into a separate group, the other group should be led by Kitsu.
However, the fate of our race is on the line with my meeting with the village chief.
If we do not show our resolve, we will not be able to serve him.
If push comes to show, I’ll die with the infamy of the silver fox on my shoulders.
If I do that, perhaps Youko-sama will show mercy.
After that, the rest of our race will just have to negotiate with the help of Youko-sama.
I beg she’ll do so.
Then, let’s begin my discussion with the village chief….
I have been warned.
It would be wrong to start at the main topic immediately.
Let’s talk about something different first.
Before I say what I need to, there is something I would like to confirm.
「Hnn? What is it? 」
Is village chief Youko-sama’s boss?
「Boss? I am the village chief of Village Five and Youko is the acting village chief. In terms of job grade, yes. 」
I see.
Thank you for answering.
I would like to ask 2 – 3 more questions to understand how the village chief thinks but….
The village chief was away from the village.
Maybe he still has something to do after this.
It’s a bad idea to waste his time.
I’ve taken one step closer to the village chief. That’s enough.
Let’s do it.
Eh, then, the reason I’m here today is to ask Hiraku-sama a favor.
「A favor? What is it?」
This is it.
I took one step forward.
Yes.
There are a total of 92 silver foxes in existence including me.
Of these, only 23 can transform and work as a person but if you turn blind eye to a few inconveniences, 84 can fully work.
Would you please hire our whole race?
「Hire?」
Yes.
「You’re not requesting to relocate to Village Five? 」
The silver fox race is not very good at living among other races.
「Okay, but you said you can work, right? What kind of job can you do? 」
Well, we are silver fox so isn’t it obvious?
Assassination desu.
「……」
Was my voice too low?
Assassination desu.
「No, it’s not like I didn’t hear you.」
Is that so?
Hnn?
Why is Youko-sama holding her head?
Did I do something wrong?
Ah, the village chief is going to open his mouth.
It looks like he’ll give us an answer.
「Ehto, please leave.」
The moment I heard the answer….
I released bloodlust toward the village chief and made my move.
I released bloodlust but I have no intention of killing him.
It would be meaningless since we’re the ones who are asking favor and it will turn Youko-sama into an enemy.
I will only show my strength.
And then, I will apologize with my death.
After that, Kitsu will request him again.
Yeah, I’ll lay my life for this desu.
The fate of our race is at stake.
I will not choose any means.
Ah, since I, a bodyguard, attack, it will cause trouble to my employer, Seiten-sama.
I should tell them that Seiten-sama has nothing to do with this before I die.
I can only apologize to Seiten-sama in the afterlife….
It seems like Youko-sama noticed that I’m trying to make my move, however, it’s already too late.
……..
Areh?
I’m not in the place where I’m supposed to be.
My view has not changed at all.
In other words, I didn’t move?
Eh?
Why do I feel like I’m being pierced by something?
It was by the spear held by the village chief.
When did he take that spear out?
Also, when he entered the room, he didn’t have that, right?
While I was puzzled, Youko-sama gripped my neck.
There’s no way I can move now.
I give up.
The part pierced by the spear also seems to be quite injured.
….Kitsu, I’m sorry.
This is the worst situation.
Me dying without even being able to show off my ability…..
Escape and protect our race.
After this, anyone who has ever been involved in assassination work should die.
The rest will be praying for Youko-sama’s mercy.
Youko-sama is a strict person but she takes good care of us.
I know it’s pathetic but we can only rely on her.
The silver fox can communicate with each other mentally if they are close enough.
That’s what I told her…..
However, I didn’t expect her reply.
「…..S-sorry. We’ve been caught. Spider desu.」
Spider?
I slowly turned my face upward and looked at the ceiling of the room.
Ah, there are many big spiders.
I didn’t notice them.
And they are not just any spiders.
They are demon spiders.
There’s nothing we can do about this.
It seems like the spiders have captured everyone.
Even those who escorted Seiten-sama?
They are very thorough, aren’t they?
I guess I could only say as expected.
「Kon, I told you that if you dare do something to village chief, I won’t forgive you.」
Ehto, I don’t think I managed to do anything.
I didn’t even move.
「Think of what you have done. If you continue to speak nonsense, I’ll annihilate your entire race.」
….I know what I did.
Even so, I’m in a position where I have no choice but to do it.
This is our only hope.
「I understand. Village chief, I’m sorry. Let me explain what’s happening.」
I guess we were able to avoid the worst of the worst.
However, I didn’t expect the village chief to be this strong.
He seems to be concerned about me too. I guess he’s also kind.
「She’s okay. This much damage isn’t enough to kill her.」
Ah, I have to say something, Youko-sama.
「What is it?」
Actually, I received quite a lot of damage and I’m already reaching….my limit desu.
I coughed up blood and collapsed.
I can’t even maintain my human form.
This….can’t be.
-0-
Author’s Note 1
What Kon tried to do.
Request
↓
If rejected, will attack to show ability
↓
「I’m sorry, I’ll bring the infamy of the silver fox to the grave with me.」
Then commit suicide.
「Ah, Seiten-sama has nothing to do with this.」
Then, the next person(Kitsu) will ask to be hired again, showing her will to attack again to make the other party think they will continue to do so until they all die.
If the other party’s mentality is strong, the number of person who’ll die in vain will increase but Kon thought that the village chief would be moved by her alone so she decided to do it.
The silver fox values the whole race more than their own lives so they won’t hesitate to die for their race. (It is similar to the samurai society of old Japan where family name is more important than one’s own life.)
-0-
Author’s Note 2
An exchange around the time when Youko’s holding her head.
Kon: The silver fox is a famous assassin race. Anyone is an expert assassin.
Youko: (Appealing to village chief as an assassin is counterproductive!)
Kon: It shows that we don’t mind risking our lives.
Youko: (You think too much! Sorry but, you’ll die in vain!)
-0-
Author’s Note 3
Youko-san cheating
「 I will not say anything to back you up that time.」
↓
「She’s in trouble (Important hint, Village chief, notice!)」
-0-
Q&A corner
Q: Kon-san, aren’t you being too short-sighted?
Kon A: I will not hesitate to do anything if our race is at stake. Youko-sama is also there and she’s like the trump card for a fox race. Why hesitate? Do it now!
Q: I think your expressions are a bit outdated……
Kon A: The silver fox lives in the forest so we are not familiar with worldly affairs.
Q: Can’t you just ask to be hired by Youko?
Kon A: Eh? By Youko-sama? Eh? Are you serious? That Youko-sama? You want to be hired by that Youko-sama? Ano, that, you’re….courageous aren’t you? (Youko-sama is merciful and the trump card of the fox race but if you ask anyone if they want her to be the boss for the sake of the race, anyone would shake their heads. The previous generations are still crying.)
