The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~-Chapter 74 - Worm

As we returned to the front of our house, the setting sun was beginning to descend, casting darkness around.

When we entered the clan dormitory, Alice mentioned she was going to take a bath and hurried upstairs.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is freewebnøvel.coɱ.

Thinking to head back to my room, I glanced towards the common area. Instead of Koma-chan, I found Layla seated on the sofa, gazing absentmindedly at the ceiling.

“What are you up to?”

Approaching the common area, I called out to Layla.

“Just thinking… Well, sit down.”

So, I took a seat facing Layla. AI-chan also settled beside me.

“What’s really on your mind? Tired?”

“Well, I am tired… but it’s not just that. I heard you and the others had an altercation with the Hash youngsters?”

“Did you hear from Annie and Natalia?”

“Yeah. According to Annie, she felt her safety was at risk.”

Why do women always exaggerate things like that?

She definitely didn’t feel that way.

“It wasn’t so much an altercation as them picking a fight with us.”

“Probably. That clan has many strong members, but as a result, their civility is lacking.”

“Sounds about right. Can you just ignore it? Your clan members are being harassed.”

“It’s not a big deal. Our operating areas are different, and adventurers deal with this sort of thing sooner or later.”

Well, that’s probably true.

At least, it used to be.

“You can’t go to the western forest anymore. And it seems they’ve gone too far.”

“Probably… What about the guild?”

“They’re planning to protest and conduct an inquiry, but they want me to speak to you first.”

“The guild would do that.”

Layla chuckled wryly.

“What’s going on?”

“It means clan disputes should be resolved between clans themselves. The guild will conduct an inquiry from now on to investigate the incident. If it’s determined to be serious, they’ll report it to the soldiers or the district chief. That could lead to arrests and imprisonment. Essentially, they want us to resolve it among ourselves within this timeframe.”

So, if we withdraw our complaint, there will be no repercussions.

“Is that how it works?”

“That’s how it works. Adventurers are the cash cows, after all. And we don’t want to escalate the issue. Especially not now…”

Hmm…

“Without consequences, they’ll just get bolder.”

“That’s something I’ll discuss with the leader of Hash. Many issues are often resolved with money.”

“Money, huh…”

“What do you want to do?”

Layla asked lazily.

“I don’t care about money. But those guys can handle themselves, whereas the girls could be in danger.”

They’re weak in close combat, so they’re vulnerable to surprise attacks.

“They probably won’t go that far… So, should we skip negotiations and just send them to jail? They’d probably get banished from the town.”

“That might be good, but you don’t want that, right?”

She’s hesitating, so that’s what it means.

“If we do that, it’ll lead to a complete break between us and Hash. Cyrus and his friends aren’t the only problem children. There will be more troublesome people coming our way.”

“Is that what you’re afraid of?”

“Yeah… I don’t want to be seen as an enemy.”

I get what you’re saying, but you’re being too optimistic.

“Resolving it with money isn’t the answer either.”

“I know that too. So, what should we do?”

Indecisive guy.

“How about taking a little money and agreeing not to get involved from now on? I think that’s the best compromise.”

“Money, huh? I guess I could agree to that…”

You might not listen.

They might hold a grudge.

“Make up your mind. You’re the leader, aren’t you?”

“I haven’t done anything… I said this clan’s motto is freedom. Everyone does what they like, and those kids aren’t the type to cause trouble, so there haven’t been any issues.”

“Is it my fault?”

“Well, kind of… It would have been better to ignore and avoid it.”

That’s why they’re taking advantage of you.

“Do you think I’d do that?”

“You probably wouldn’t… People from your family are so full of themselves.”

That’s not true.

“Really?”

“You use flashy spells all the time. What’s the point of a big spider familiar like that? How do you even use something like that?”

Don’t belittle Big Spider-chan.

It’s strong, you know.

“It’s cool right?”

“Look at you. You just wanted to impress Annie and the others again, you lustful fox.”

“You’ve turned from a ruthless snake into a spineless worm.”

“A worm… Haa… What a hassle. I just want to live without conflict.”

Hard to believe this is Enju.

“How would Enju handle it?”

“As soon as she hears about it, she’d probably go barging in, right? Basically picking a fight with everyone.”

She should just do that…

“Are you cursing them?”

“The guild knows I can use curses, so it would be obvious. Mass slaughter over something like this is excessive.”

I didn’t say anything about mass slaughter…

She really hasn’t changed at all…

“So, for now, talking it out is good?”

“Yeah, that’s how it’ll go. Sorry, but can you go along with it?”

“Sure. If I leave it to you, it’ll probably end weakly.”

Too spineless.

Ultimately, it’s her fault for being underestimated.

“Hey, if you were in my position, what would you do?”

“Isn’t there anything other than all-out resistance? I’ve served as the head of the Kisaragi family for many years, and to protect the family, fighting is the only way. Whether it’s war or political strife, defending is important, but without attacking, defense won’t hold up, right?”

“Haa… How tiresome. Hey, why don’t you be the leader of our clan?”

“This clan is a gathering of people who have admired you.”

What’s she talking about…

“Ah, I just don’t have the talent to lead people, do I?”

“Yeah, that’s right. A cold-hearted snake doesn’t understand people’s hearts.”

I bet she only loved her husband anyway.

“The lecherous fox who had 12 wives is so amazing… Your mother was a genius at playing with people’s hearts.”

Don’t say such scandalous things.

“You’re annoying. Think carefully about what’s important to you. Your own peace? Or your comrades?”

“Yeah, I guess… Haa… Well, alright. Sometimes, for the sake of peace, you have to take action… Those who defy me should be killed.”

Layla’s expression completely vanished, her eyes becoming as cold and merciless as a snake’s.

This is probably the old Enju, the true essence of this person.

She looks like nothing more than a snake wearing human skin.