Chapter 299. [Halloween Monster’s Awakening]

《Iroha-chan, Ogu-chan! I’m glad you got some candy~!》

《Just kill me!》

Daughter-chan peeked into the basket full of candy with a big smile.

Next to her, Angu Ogu was covering her face.

《Haha, Ogu? If you’re going to do it, you need to go all out. That’s why you need a retake》

《It’s your fault for butting in from the side!》

《Oh really~? By the way, I recorded that. Should I show it to A-nee?》

《P-Please, anything but that!》

I was teasing Angu Ogu. It was payback for what she did earlier.

Playing pranks on her might be kind of fun.

It seems that I, too, am getting caught up in the Halloween spirit.

《Iroha-chan, Ogu-chan, let’s go! Next house!》

With Daughter-chan pulling our hands, we went door to door.

Our baskets were quickly filled with candy.

At first, Angu Ogu and I argued about who would go first, but we soon got used to taking turns.

And then, we arrived at the next house.

《Hmm?》

The yard here looks a bit neglected.

But Daughter-chan, already in high spirits, eagerly went ahead.

《Iroha-chan, Ogu-chan, hurry up!》

《O-Okay》

Uh, it’s my turn next.

Well, there’s a pumpkin-colored light at the door. If it’s no good, we can just leave.

Thinking that, I rang the doorbell.

In the next instant, the door burst open with a bang…

《Trick or—》

《You damn brats are so annoying! Do you want to get killed!? Huh!?》

《!?》

The man who came out yelled at me from close range, and I froze.

But I wasn’t scared… not at all! I was completely fine.

I guess I’m used to it by now.

Though it’s probably not a good thing to be used to.

《Oh, come on》

But suddenly shouting is really something I wish he’d stop. It’s surprising and hurts my ears.

While I was thinking leisurely like that, I saw the Secret Service moving in my peripheral vision.

“Ah. We’re fine here”

I sent them that message.

Judging the situation is second nature to me. This guy isn’t even a real villain. Truly dangerous people have a different aura.

But still, I didn’t want any more trouble.

As I tried to quickly leave with Angu Ogu, she stepped in between me and the man.

What is she doing!?

《O-Ogu!?》

It’s dangerous, get back quickly… I was about to say.

Angu Ogu turned around and gripped my hand tightly.

《I-Iroha. It’s okay, don’t worry. I will definitely protect you》

She gave a shaky smile.

Her hand was trembling.

Is Ogu… scared?

No, of course, she is.

She’s just a normal girl.

Unlike me, she hasn’t been caught up in numerous incidents and gotten used to it.

She doesn’t have the luxury of being indifferent, thinking “there are bodyguards if things get bad.”

《Ogu…》

It might be more intense for her.

Precisely because she’s heavily guarded, she has fewer experiences like this.

Even though she must be scared.

She was desperately trying to protect me.

《?》

Huh? I put my hand on my chest.

My heart was pounding.

Why did it suddenly start racing now, when it was fine before?

Was I really scared and just didn’t realize it? Or maybe…

I squeezed Angu Ogu’s hand back.

Our palms were sweaty. Whether from her nervousness or my rising body temperature, I wasn’t sure.

Seeing this, Papa-san stepped in to intervene.

He hugged the surprised and frozen Daughter-chan and said…

《It’s Halloween today. No matter what bad things happened to you, that’s no way to treat little kids》

《S-Shut up!》

Seeing Papa-san’s build, the man hesitated a bit.

But hearing Papa-san’s next words, he grinned wickedly.

《And isn’t it unreasonable to tell people to stay away while having a “Jack-o’-lantern” lamp at your door?》

《Hahaha! Hey, take a good look. Where’s the Jack-o’-lantern? Tell me, huh!?》

《Well, there, see》

Papa-san pointed.

It was just an orange lamp that looked similar.

《Where’s the Jack-o’-lantern, huh?》

This guy must have done it on purpose.

He intended to lure kids over and take out his frustrations on them.

Truly despicable.

Papa-san frowned.

《If you don’t want visitors, why not turn off your porch light?》

《Oh, come on. After your mistake, you’re lecturing me? Why should I cater to damn kids!?》

《But—》

《Annoying! Just get lost! Don’t come back again! I’ll let you off this time!

Hahaha!》

The man laughed crudely. Guys like him are everywhere.

There’s no real harm. Best to avoid and forget him.

《—Ouch!?》

Angu Ogu let out a short scream. The man had slammed the door shut with great force.

The door grazed her.

《…?》

Sorry, I take back what I said.

This guy needs to be taught a lesson.