It turned out that after using the "Puppetry Technique," Rozen was able to completely suppress Yaya.
The Puppetry Technique developed by the Akabane Clan over thousands of years was simply insurmountable for an automaton without puppet manipulation skills, limited exposure, and even a bit of arrogance.
Yaya could only give her all, increasing the magic of "Kongouriki," raising her defense to the maximum, enduring the successive attacks from the surrounding puppets.
This scene continued for several minutes before coming to an end.
Several minutes later, Yaya's magical power was the first to be depleted.
And as soon as Yaya's magic ran out, she lost all means to fight back, immediately subdued by the group of puppets.
"Ugh...!"
Two puppets pressed down on Yaya's arms, pinning her to the ground, rendering her unable to rise.
"Phew..."
Rozen, who had maintained his hand gesture all along, eased most of his magical power without leaving a trace, letting out a sigh of relief.
Despite his confident words, Rozen had also expended a fair amount of magical energy to withstand Yaya's "Kongouriki"-enhanced attacks.
After all, how could the hastily crafted wooden puppets endure Yaya's assault?
Coupled with controlling ten puppets, all equipped with "Magic Defense" and "Magic Resilience," it would be odd if Rozen hadn't expended a considerable amount of magical energy.
Fortunately, Rozen had opened up all his magical circuit within his body. Even though he had used a fair amount of magical energy, he still had some reserves.
Rozen maintained his psychic control over the two puppets, keeping Yaya pinned to the ground. He then approached and crouched before her.
"How's it feel? To lose to a human you underestimated?"
Rozen's voice carried a playful tone, causing Yaya to lift her dust-covered face and glare at him angrily.
"It's a disgrace...!"
Yaya's voice was full of resentment.
Judging from that profoundly humiliated expression, the pride of this self-assured puppet lady must have taken a serious hit.
Yet, Rozen still said it.
"You had it comming."
These succinct words turned Yaya's humiliation into sorrow.
If she hadn't been refraining herself, Yaya would likely have been shedding tears by now.
Seeing Yaya's expression of restrained tears, Rozen's heart softened.
"Hey."
At that moment, Rozen spoke to Yaya.
But Yaya immediately retorted.
"Yaya has a name! Don't call me 'hey'!"
Yaya's reaction was somewhat intense.
"Fine, Yaya..."
Rozen called her name, which unexpectedly drew an even stronger reaction from Yaya.
"Don't just casually say Yaya's name! It's disgusting!"
Yaya's disgusted words ignited Rozen's annoyance.
As a result, Rozen reached out and grabbed Yaya's cheek.
"Isn't this the mouth that's been running all the time? Huh?"
Rozen forcefully pulled Yaya's cheek.
"It hurts...! It hurts so much...! Let go...!"
Yaya cried out in pain, tears streaming down her face. She struggled fiercely but couldn't break free from the control of the two puppets, helplessly enduring Rozen's punishment.
"It hurts...! It hurts...!"
Yaya's crying echoed through the courtyard.
Rozen's mood improved significantly, finally releasing Yaya's cheek.
"Ugh... sob..."
Yaya began to sob.
"It's just a small punishment," Rozen threatened, "Next time, if your mouth start running again, I might just start tugging at your clothes."
"Despicable!" Yaya stubbornly retorted, "Don't think that can make Yaya yield. Yaya won't be threatened by you!"
"Is that so?" Rozen raised his hand, mimicking the action of squeezing something, repeatedly opening and closing it, "Do you want to try it? I don't mind, you know?"
Yaya shivered, showing signs of apprehension.
This girl wasn't as fearless as she pretended to be.
Rozen was content and withdrew his hand.
"I'm asking you." Rozen nonchalantly inquired, "Why do you dislike humans so much?"
Yaya closed her mouth, not uttering a word.
Rozen squinted his eyes and raised his hand again.
"Because... because humans are filthy! They lack beauty! They crave indulgence! Even bugs are cuter than humans!"
Yaya couldn't help but speak out, her words overly harsh.
"Don't you think that's a serious prejudice?" Rozen rolled his eyes.
"It's not a prejudice, humans are truly repulsive," Yaya disdainfully stated, "Especially men, crude and lascivious, they only look at Shouko and my sister with possessive eyes. Some even look at Komurasaki with weird disgusting looks. Yaya wishes she could gouge their eyes out."
Hearing this, Rozen somewhat understood.
"Basically, you think all humans are like that, so you hate them?" Rozen straightforwardly said, "That's prejudice. Who said all humans are like that?"
"Isn't that the case?"
"Of course not."
"You think talking like this can convince Yaya?"
"Who's trying to convince you? I'm just stating facts."
"Yaya won't believe a single word from a human man."
"Then tell me, how many men have you actually met?"
"Umm..."
After a spirited debate, Yaya was silenced by Rozen's words.
This confirmed Rozen's suspicion.
"How long has it been since you were created? How many humans have you actually interacted with, spending your days confined to this mansion?"
Rozen unveiled Yaya's true thoughts.
"Perhaps the men who appeared before you and your sisters were of that sort. But deep down, it's your own overestimation of yourself that's fueling your hatred towards humans, isn't it?"
Rozen had sensed this about Yaya since their first encounter.
"Because 'Setsugetsuka' is a priceless world-class doll, you're well aware of your value and how many desire you. Thus, you think your value surpasses that of humans. That's called arrogance."
Rozen spoke without caring about Yaya's feelings.
"And now? Being suppressed by the humans you looked down on, do you still feel that we're inferior?"
Rozen's every word and action was brimming with provocation.
This sent Yaya's emotions spiraling out of control.
"You... what do you know about Yaya!?"
Yaya shouted loudly.
"Humans can't possibly understand us!"
Those words conveyed to Rozen exactly what was on Yaya's mind.
Deep down, this girl didn't believe in humans at all.
"Use! Control! Fight! Humans only see Yaya as such! That's why Yaya hates humans!"
This was Yaya's heartfelt confession.
Hearing those words...
"Finally said it, you stubborn girl."
Rozen chuckled softly.
That smile left Yaya frozen in place.