Chapter 16
—The Intelligence Bureau's facilities were attacked, and the contained Parasites had been killed—
Tatsuya suppressed the urge to immediately contact Mayumi for a detailed report. Instead he went to the bathroom for the time being. Rinsing off the sweat from his regular training under the shower, he considered his next move.
Miyuki still hadn't been told.
He had just come back from Yakumo's temple. This was perfectly routine, and just because he had checked his mail before entering the shower she shouldn't have inferred anything from it.
(No...... It'd be useless to try and hide it.)
Should he just keep quiet, Tatsuya considered, then immediately rejected the idea.
He wouldn't be able to keep anything from his sister's sharp intuition very long. And it would be one thing if it was completely unrelated, but Miyuki was just as involved in this matter as Tatsuya was.
Deciding to not sneak around and openly come clean with his sister, Tatsuya exited the shower.
Tatsuya's fingers flew over the console of the workstation in the basement. If it were to be described in words, it wouldn't be 'brilliant', but 'accurate', and 'fast', rather like his personality.
It was a Saturday, so they only had a few morning classes. But Tatsuya had considered skipping if the investigation ended up dragging out.
In that case, it would be something natural for him (he himself considered it to be 'natural').
In Miyuki's case, it would be something natural for her, as well (to her, however, it would be more due to 'necessity'), and since skipping today would have been entirely of her own free will, she had wavered until the last minute.
Fortunately, he found the data they were looking for immediately.
Although he was accessing the Defense Forces server without being authorized, the resistance of the local system (local here meaning, not standalone, but merely localized) against the hacking program made by the 'Electron Sorceress' Fujibayashi Kyouko was decidedly inadequate. Compartmentalizing information in this way as a risk countermeasure meant that, whilst specific sections may be vulnerable, leaks would not impact the whole. It had both merits and demerits.
Well, since it had led to a favorable result for Tatsuya this time, he could afford to be graceful.
The video which was recorded therein contained something shocking.
Not in the sense of ruthlessness or cruelty causing a physiological impact, but that the identity of the one who had gone and caused everything had a considerable impact on the siblings.
Under the cover of darkness, a petite figure invaded.
Illuminated by the light of the alarms was a masked, flaming haired girl.
With a single glare of her golden eyes, the plain clothed soldiers were blown away, then she proceeded to carve a complicated pattern four times towards the door. As she then stepped aside, the door crashed down.
On the other side was a small room. The width was about enough to fit two single beds, and the low ceiling was 2 meters tall. On the far side were three bunk beds.
Deprived of movement, in a straitjacket, legs tightly bound, a man was lying on top of the third bed. While he looked different due to being completely pale, his face was unmistakably that of the Parasite who had identified himself as Marte.
A pale mist emitted from the girl's mouth. It seemed the room was kept rather cold.
In her hand, the knife had been replaced by an automatic pistol.
The single shot she fired hit Marte right in the chest.
All of a sudden, the man's body combusted.
The source of the flame had likely been the bullet. It was probably a magic which blazed on the condition the bullet stopped inside the target's body.
The flame haired girl, Angie Sirius, fired more shots into the top and bottom beds. Clearly, this was a killing with no regard for recovering the 'content'. The objective had been not merely to erase the 'container'; it was an 'execution'.
While watching the girl calmly walk away off the camera, Tatsuya sighed unconsciously.
He knew that Sirius' tasks included the neutralisation of rogue magicians. He also knew perfectly well that humane treatment for magicians was all just empty talk, but he couldn't help sighing nonetheless.
The entire affair was highly unfortunate.
Inflicting the role of a merciless killer on a 16 year old girl, just what were the USNA military brass thinking.
Even the Mafia was more considerate in their personnel selection. This was no different from religious and fundamentalist nuts who drove boys and girls to terrorism in the name of holy war.
"Onii-sama, that was...... Lina wasn't it?"
Miyuki had been informed of Sirius' secret, 'Parade'.
She could tell from that rough image that the killer was Sirius— Lina.
"Probably."
Miyuki seemed to be in shock, but Tatsuya could find no words to soothe her.
There was nothing he could say about the murder itself. He didn't believe he was qualified to do any such thing. He himself had undertaken missions he could not reveal, and amongst the dirty work to be done, assassination could be said to be one of the cleaner acts.
At the same time, however, it was lonely and dismal work.
Unless there was a great compatibility in terms of personality, it would be far too heavy for a teenage girl. Unable to bear the weight, her heart would break down little by little.
And from what Tatsuya had seen, Lina was no killer.
From the voice and look Miyuki gave him, she was of the same opinion.
At this rate, there may come a time when she is lost to the darkness.
Fortunately(?), what happened next was further shocking enough to blow such melancholy away. All of a sudden, another figure walked into the monitor screen of the Third Counterintelligence Division's video server Tatsuya was hacking into.
With blond hair and blue eyes, the young man appeared to be an Anglo-Saxon. He looked childish, but his age was probably around that of Tatsuya's.
Holding her hands to her mouth Miyuki let out a sound of dismay, but Tatsuya remained calm.
This workstation had been intended for hacking, and was completely isolated from the other systems as well as running on a dedicated line. There were no mics in the room, nor cameras. Sound and visuals could only flow one way, so there was no way of observing this place from the other side of the connection.
"Hello, you can hear me right? I'll speak on the assumption you can."
Sure enough, the youth reflected in the monitor began to speak without attempting to establish communication.
"Let's start off with introductions. My name is Raymond Sage Clark. One of the 'Seven Sages'."
Miyuki's hands, which had at some point found their way to Tatsuya's shoulders, tensed.
Tatsuya was aware that the sensation included tenseness of his own.
"I've heard about you from Tear [3] ...... No, Shizuku. Nice to meet you, Tatsuya."
It seemed this boy was a fellow student of Shizuku in her exchange.
Furthermore, someone she had provided information to.
If Shizuku's information source had been Lina's mentioned 'Sage', it was of little wonder that even off-record information could be accessed.
But, just what was his purpose?
Going as far as to expose himself to Tatsuya.
There was always the possibility it was a video dummy, but Tatsuya's intuition told him it was the real Raymond Sage Clark.
"Let's speak bluntly. ...... Ah, that's a pretty nice phrase."
Raymond was speaking Japanese. 'Speak bluntly' was fluent, if not a bit incorrect. There was nothing 'blunt' about his speaking anyway.
"The one who told Angie Sirius about this place was me."
Tatsuya reflexively wanted to point out 'your use of the idiom is completely wrong', but there was no way to convey that unfortunately.
There was no doubt that 'this place' referred to the Third Counterintelligence Division.
"Since before I said anything, she already knew about this place, anyway."
The hell is that, Tatsuya thought. You're not telling someone anything if they already knew.
Once again, there was no opportunity to retort. Tatsuya decided to see the video through to the end.
"And now, I've got something special for you."
'Exclusive news' was pretty informal Japanese. It was as if he had been learning Japanese from some news room.
"I think it's something you'll be quite interested in. The price is my repayment to you for watching, is what I'd like to say, but since we're wrapping up I'll give it to you for free."
Although Tatsuya knew he couldn't hear, he still muttered 'it's not like I asked you' under his breath.
That was all he had time to spare for that, however.
"The anti-magician movement currently raging in the States, which is about to spill over into Japan, was orchestrated by one of the Seven Sages: Jiedo Sage Heigu."
Being hit with this news all of a sudden, even Tatsuya couldn't suppress his surprise.
"Jiedo Heigu, aka Gù Jié [4] . A stateless Chinese, and leader of the international terrorist organisation 'Blanche'. The boss of that Blanche Japan branch leader whom you caught, Tsukasa."
As the names lined up one after the other,
"He was also the previous leader of the international crime syndicate 'No Head Dragon', and his grandson Richard is a senior in that same group. Within the organisation he is referred to as the 'Black Sage', or 'Lord Heigu [5] '."
Tatsuya was transfixed to the screen.
"Ah, so you know, just because we're both Sages doesn't mean we have any connection to each other. The Seven Sages isn't the name of some group, but rather refers to the seven operators who have access to Hli?skjálf."
It wasn't like conversation — questions were possible, yet he willed him to hurry up.
Hli?skjálf...... He had only heard a rumor of it once. It was a rumor, no more seemingly real than an urban legend, yet it was true, apparently. Was this the same thing as that which he had heard in the rumor?
"Hli?skjálf is-"
With impeccable timing as if reading Tatsuya's thoughts, Raymond proceeded to describe it.
"An additional extension of the global observation system 'Echelon III'. It's a backdoor into Echelon III, so I suppose you could think of it as a hacking tool which allows you to lurk within the system? What would you say Tatsuya?"
'What would you say' he asks, even though there wasn't the slightest chance of an answer.
Of course Raymond was perfectly aware of that as well, so he continued without waiting for one.
"As for where Hli?skjálf itself is located, not even us operators know. It may even be that it's simply a program, with no physical hardware to be found."
Raymond shrugged on screen. The gesture looked like it came straight out of some anime.
"Anyway, Hli?skjálf collects information from all over the world with an efficiency surpassing Echelon III's main system and brings it to the operators. The operators seem to be chosen by the system itself, and there seems to be no discernible selection criteria. Apparently it's completely random."
Raymond mimicked twirling a pipe. He was probably rather disappointed he had forgotten to bring an actual prop.
"To try and think of something they have in common, I suppose it'd be the financial security to access advanced information systems on their own? It's not like you'd need to be a millionaire or something, in terms of Japan or the States something along the lines of the standard of living of an average middle class would be enough."
This was completely unbelievable.
That was Tatsuya's impression from Raymond's explanation so far.
Just what were the creators of Hli?skjálf thinking. It was inconceivable that they were merely hackers doing this for the pleasure of it.
"Well to be honest, it's not much of a system. Hardware wise Hli?skjálf is completely dependent on Echelon III, and it's merely the data processing which is more efficient; it can't access data which is in storage since it's merely an interception system. By the way, there's a system guard in place which prevents saving any of the results to some external storage. The information which can be obtained is limited by the brain of the operator. At best, it's something which grants information gathering capabilities, and allows its operators to take the name of 'Sage'."
Even with just that though, it was a serious threat.
It could be said now that all data of importance was moved through a network of some kind.
Just, what data was there which wasn't communicated at least once.
"Not to mention, using Hli?skjálf poses a risk to its operators. In order to streamline the search, Hli?skjálf uses two agents: Huginn and Muninn. The search history of the operator is recorded in Muninn. Anything one operator searches for will be known to all the other operators. The reason I know of Jiedo Heigu is due to Muninn."
At this point, Tatsuya thought 'Oh my'. Theoretically speaking, that would mean it was possible the identity of Raymond Clark was known to Jiedo Heigu as well.
"Due to the loss of the Japanese branches of both Blanche and No Head Dragon, Heigu lost the means to meddle with Japan. The reason Heigu sent the Parasites to Japan was to cause an escalating turmoil, under cover of which he could rebuild his bases of operations."
In the video, Raymond had dropped his performance. It seemed this was a serious matter to him.
"I have come to the conclusion that his aim is the elimination of magic from society. If he can push out magic technology, magically underdeveloped countries like the Great Asian Alliance can even the balance of military power at a stretch. They would be dominant in a non-magical world, and I believe that is what Heigu and those who are behind him are plotting."
?
Although seemingly overdramatic, Tatsuya concluded it was logical as a whole. It had been Tatsuya's own feeling that the Great Asian Alliance seemed to want to eradicate magic technology.
"That is not a world I desire. ......It's fine if you laugh and call me a romanticist, but I truly believe that magic is something which will lead to the advancement of mankind."
Although he knew there was no way the other side could hear, Tatsuya couldn't help a spit-take. Somehow, a fundamental part of the boy just didn't seem to match with that opinion.
"And so, from here on out, I'll try and continue providing information you may find necessary. Tatsuya Shiba — Strategic class magician, God of Destruction 'The Destroy' ."
At that exaggerated nickname Raymond bestowed upon him, Tatsuya frowned with all his might.
—Don't give me a name that sounds like the boss of some crappy video game. Was it possible that this boy was an 'otaku' of universal language.
"We may have gone juust a bit over time. To summarize, for this matter I will offer my help in the destruction of the Parasites."
Hardly just a bit, Tatsuya thought, but the monitor didn't switch off.
"About the information on Jiedo Heigu. It's up to you if you'll believe it or not. Whether you'll trust what I'm about to tell you right now is up to you as well. If you do however, I'd like you to repay me by completing a few tasks."
For a moment, Raymond was silent. Not in the sense of dramaticism, but more likely due to tension, from what was reflected in the screen.
"Tomorrow, the night of February 19th your time, all active Parasites will be drawn to the back outdoor training grounds of First High. I'd like you to destroy them there."
No evidence had been presented, but by this stage Tatsuya was already prepared to take Raymond up on his offer.
"You should note that I've already relayed this information to Angie Sirius as well. Whether to cooperate or not, is once again all up to you."
He wasn't particularly thrilled about this gesture of consideration, but unfortunately there wasn't exactly any way to object either.
Raymond spoke no further, then the monitor suddenly went dark.
An exhalation was heard overhead.
Miyuki appeared to have been holding her breath.
Tatsuya had been too.
"Seems that we'd better leave soon if we don't want to be late."
Rising and looking back, Tatsuya called Miyuki along.
Year 1 Class E's 2pm class was practical.
Although it was called a class, as usual there was no teacher present. Students just operated their CADs on their own following guidance shown on the wall monitors. The students themselves were already familiar with this, and there was now an ease due to being free from a teacher's eyes. Of course there were those who simply gave up; whether one did so or continued persevering was up to the individual.
Most of the boys kept it up.
In order to keep from raising any attention Leo, who was delayed in arriving to the practice room, looked around and, seeing the figures of Mikihiko, Erika, and Mizuki, he proceeded inside.
"...... You're late, Leo."
"Quiet you."
While Mikihiko's voice had softened considerably as of late, his reproof contained a hint of sharpness; Leo responded with a fearless grin.
That grin soon switched to an 'oh?' expression.
"What about Tatsuya?"
To his inquiry, Mizuki replied "It seems he has a visitor?"
Her tone was rather questioning since Mizuki was unsure as well.
"Visitor? At school?"
As Leo echoed with raised eyebrows, Mizuki could only return a vague smile.
"More importantly, let's get this over with."
Erika spoke up from the side in a carefree voice. Discernible underneath her indifferent tone was a warning not to step into private matters.
"You're right. Today's task seems like it'll be quite challenging."
Saying so, Mikihiko began setting his CAD. Erika considered it someone else's business, Mizuki was slightly anxious, and Leo felt a slight twinge; their smiles each contained their own respective feelings.
Meanwhile Tatsuya, with his moody pokerface, was sitting on a sofa in the drawing room.
Across from him sat a middle-aged man in a luxury suit. His expression was plain moody.
As these two displeased visages faced each other, it was unlikely either would attempt a conversation.
The one who ran out of patience first, having being forcibly called out of class, was Tatsuya.
"Aoki-san, would you please state your business?"
His tone couldn't be said to be polite, nevermind his wording; the temper evident in Aoki's face seemed to step up a notch.
Aoki as well, since it was Tatsuya, couldn't help letting his feelings show. As the one who dealt with the underground economy and guarded the Yotsuba treasury for over ten years, Aoki's mask shouldn't have a single crack, nevermind going as far as to impair his speech.
Aoki should have known more than anyone how letting his emotions out like this would impair his mission. But the hierarchy of the Yotsuba had been too deeply ingrained into him,
Such consciousness had turned no few people into idiots.
"...... I'm in the middle of class at the moment, so if there's nothing important I will excuse myself."
"Wait."
At Tatsuya's ultimatum, Aoki finally opened his mouth. Considerably reluctantly too.
"The other day, you purchased a 3H-P94, did you not?"
The business-like way of speaking Aoki adopted was understandable. Tatsuya found it humorous, but didn't laugh. Such petty retaliation was, in all likelihood, just his way of coping.
"To be exact, it was the day before yesterday."
In the same way, Tatsuya responded in a business-like manner. Unfortunately, his resolve would be lost almost immediately.
"The madam wants it. We'll reimburse you twice the amount, so please hand it over immediately."
Tatsuya rapidly stood up, and confirmed with a sharp gaze there were no eavesdroppers.
Since there was always equipment for the observation of magical power in magic high schools he could not use his 'Eyes' freely, but his naked eyes were also trained for such a feat. In any case, there had been no one listening in to their talk.
Tatsuya took out from his pocket his mobile terminal, and connected a cable into it, holding out the other end to Aoki.
Thinking about it — no, even if you didn't this was pretty presumptuous behavior, but realizing Tatsuya wasn't about to say anything, Aoki with a frown nonetheless took the cable and plugged it into his own terminal.
"Aoki-san, are you sick?"
The first message he sent over was this unexpected thing.
Aoki's reflexive reaction was to get angry, but sensing the unusual pressure emitting from the other side he inadvertently kept himself under control.
"Today is a Saturday. If you had waited just four more hours you could have called me somewhere with no people. Why would you run the risk of discussing House matters in the drawing room of a public school? I'm sure you know it's an order from my Aunt that my links with the family are to be kept absolutely secret."
Large cracks began to appear in Aoki's mask of calm. The edge of his lips was trembling finely. His complexion was also pale.
Tatsuya knew there must have been reasons for such carelessness. Avoiding places Miyuki would be, preserving hierarchy, all could account for such unreasonableness.
Aoki should have realized Tatsuya would see through all that. And yet, the movement of his pen as he wrote a reply was the only answer.
"I would just like to carry out madam's orders as soon as possible. More importantly, please bring out the 3H right now. I can leave straight after."
"There's no way I can do that. Even if I transferred ownership to you, the loan agreement with First High would still be in effect. The reason I bought the 3H-P94 in the first place was to prevent it from being taken away by a third party. I will take responsibility for it myself. Please tell Aunt that."
Aoki's face shifted from red to blue. This generally signaled an incoming tantrum.
"Are you going to disobey your orders?"
At Tatsuya's stinging words however, Aoki deflated.
Seeing this change in him, Tatsuya stood up. He judged that there was no longer any reason for him to remain.
"Wait. No, please wait."
It seemed Aoki didn't intend to leave just yet.
Looking closely, the arrogance, which had earlier filled his face, no, his entire body had disappeared. Tatsuya didn't think for a moment he was having some sort of existential revelation. Looking in his eyes however, his attitude had completely changed.
"I apologise sincerely for my conduct earlier."
Saying so, Aoki bowed low to Tatsuya. He was still seated on the couch, but there was no misunderstanding that he really was apologising.
"Please raise your head, Aoki-san."
As he spoke, Tatsuya returned to his seat. It didn't mean he was responding to Aoki's sincerity. In the first place, Tatsuya didn't feel much sincerity at all. However, he was interested in what Aoki had to say which would cause him to become so serious.
"Tatsuya-kun, rather, Tatsuya-dono, it's exactly as you say. Since the loan agreement was a prerequisite for the purchase, it stands to reason that you cannot just take it away. I'm sorry for asking something so unreasonable."
"It's fine."
As Aoki bowed again, Tatsuya inclined his head to match. He replied with just that because what Aoki had stated was so obvious, anything he said could end up being construed as sarcasm. In any case, the fact that he didn't consider it a problem anymore seemed to have been conveyed to Aoki, who raised his head without prompting this time.
"I would just like you to understand this. Madam isn't asking for your 3H because she's taken some fancy to it. It seems she thinks it'd be necessary for some kind of research."
"I understand."
"I won't impose on you any further. Again, I realize you must feel the need to keep that near at hand. If at any point you feel like letting go of it however, please consider handing it over to madam. In that case, I will of course provide appropriate compensation."
It wasn't hard reading the lines behind Aoki's proposal. It seemed whatever the case, his Aunt didn't want Pixie falling into someone else's hands.
"If you're willing to accept, we will be happy to provide the promised amount, plus an additional 10% of what you spend every year."
"Every year?"
He didn't think they'd go this far. It was still only a drop in the bucket for the Yotsuba, but from global rates it was a princely sum.
"Yes, every year. Specifically, we would like to make a contractual conditional purchase reservation with you which automatically renews every year."
Not just a verbal promise, but even a contract. Both to Tatsuya, and the Yotsuba, 10% of the purchase amount was peanuts. The purpose of the contract then was more for Tatsuya to keep his end of the bargain.
In other words, claiming ownership. It was an offer behind which the seriousness of the Yotsuba — of Maya could be glimpsed.
"As I'm sure you know, I'm still a minor."
"I will relay things to your father."
Meaning that Aoki would sort through the legal details himself.
"Got it. I don't mind."
There was no disadvantage in Aoki's proposal for Tatsuya. Rather than further harming his image in the view of his obstinate Aunt, it'd be better to make a compromise here, Tatsuya thought.
Having accompanied Aoki all the way to the entrance, Tatsuya went back to the practice rooms. Although half of the two hour class had passed already, he felt that he should still be able to make attendance.
His feet stopped however before he entered the corridor.
"Lina."
The face of the transfer student, whom he hadn't seen for a while, was notably worse for wear. There were no physical cues such as gaunt cheeks or bags under the eyes visible. It was impossible to find any sign of adverse health.
But her luster was gone. She was holding on to her usual act, and someone who knew little about her would have been fooled yet by her utterly gorgeous looks. But someone who was familiar with her — even if only to Tatsuya's degree — would notice the absence of the overflowing spirit which had truly made her shine, and the difference was palpable.
It seemed the mental fatigue was stacking up.
She must be under immense pressure.
Now however the shadows added a frail transience to her beauty, and increased her charm in a different way from usual. Even Tatsuya who normally took little interest in a girl's appearance — or rather, was utterly accustomed to them, couldn't help but feel admiration.
"Tatsuya."
Nonetheless, it wasn't to the point his reactions were delayed.
At his name being called, he adjusted his gaze to look into those sapphire eyes.
"Did you hear?"
"Yeah."
They were talking about the information obtained from the Sage. The one which said that tomorrow night, the Parasites would be led to the outdoor training grounds in the back. Their words were brief, but the intent was fully received by both of them.
"Do you know who it was?"
"No."
So it appeared he had not shown Lina his face, Tatsuya inferred from that answer. It made sense. If the USNA army became aware of the Sage's identity, they would stop at nothing to hunt down that veritable fount of knowledge.
"I see, that's a pity."
"I suppose. Not that it matters."
Cutting to the chase, Lina looked at Tatsuya with challenging eyes.
"Tatsuya."
Firm and bright.
A gaze with as strong a will as that night they were killing each other.
"I will not hold back."
He already knew, but Tatsuya found himself realizing again. Regardless of his own preference, an alliance had not been an option from the very beginning.
"I know. The worlds we live in are completely separate after all."
Tatsuya's answer was a classic (old fashioned) line often found in romance novels (or movies), synonymous with a farewell.
The reason he chose such an easily misunderstood line was because of those secretly listening in.
Lina visibly swallowed her retort. With just a little delay, she seemed to have noticed Tatsuya's intention.
Some color however had returned to Lina's pale complexion. Somehow, Tatsuya felt that the red now dying her cheeks held a different meaning from before.
"Such an idiot!"
Spitting those words out, she spun around on her heels,
And it was impossible to tell whether she was simply playing along with Tatsuya's act,
Or if those had been Lina's true feelings.
Tatsuya was clear of one thing now however.
—With a sigh of acceptance, he resigned himself to a detention practical after school.
Yotsuba main house.
As Hayama served afternoon tea, an electronic sound denoted an incoming call. Seeing Maya's nod, Hayama picked up the classic voice communication terminal and pressed it to his ear.
"Aoki. ......So, you failed. ......It is a fact it seems you were unable to carry out Madam's orders. Well, such circumstances cannot be helped. ......I do not believe there is any hurry. Tatsuya-dono is unlikely to change his agreement over something of this degree. ......Very well. I shall inform Madam. ......Good work."
"......What news from Aoki-san?"
After Hayama set down the terminal, Maya asked. With a look of not wishing to have to convey unpleasant news, Hayama bowed to Maya.
"Apologies, Madam. We were unable to procure the 3H."
The failure had been Aoki's. But as the head butler, Hayama could be said to be Aoki's superior. Aoki's bungle was his shame to bear.
Maya's answer held neither forgiveness nor reproach.
"Tatsuya-san's name had come up."
What she took interest in was this point.
"Tatsuya-dono had purchased the 3H."
As Hayama answered, a wry smile appeared on his face.
"Apparently Tatsuya-dono did not wish for it to fall into the hands of others. He has entered into an ownership lend-lease agreement with First High."
Still, that had been the next best alternative had Maya not been able to get ahold of Pixie itself.
"......I wonder if he knew. Or was it just coincidence?"
"I do not know."
Maya's expression was slightly puzzled. But she immediately cleared her mind.
"......Well, if Tatsuya-san can take good care of it I don't mind."
"Aoki has said that if Tatsuya-dono ever decides to let go of it, we are contracted to purchase it."
"Yes, that would be good."
Hayama faced Maya and bowed lightly. Although Maya had not blamed Aoki, much less Hayama from the beginning, he nonetheless showed his gratitude for her leniency towards the mismanagement.
"Still, it really would have been nice to have a sample on hand......"
At Maya's mutter Hayama, with a look suggesting 'we should just leave things be' spoke up.
"Madam, I'm sure there is no need for me to say this, but it's best to have as little as possible to do with those creatures."
Maya's ironic smile was a reminder she was lovely still.
"Because they're rather distasteful?"
"As you will."
"They're very important sponsors after all."
At Maya's sly smile, Hayama frowned.
"I know what you want to say, Hayama-san. I have no intention of causing discord. I only do this because I believe that obtaining a 'Parasite' is necessary for the Yotsuba."
"Does Madam believe then that studying the Parasite will bring us closer to the mysteries of Mental Interference?"
"Yes. 'Just what exactly is the mind' is a question the Yotsuba have been endlessly pursuing. It's said that the Parasites are individual mental information bodies. Information on substance, structure, location......even if only a little, it should give us hints as to the true nature of the mind."
Understanding Maya's reasoning, Hayama bowed.
Maya returned to the original topic.
"By the way, what are the movements of the other spirits?"
"According to the report from Kuroba-dono earlier, the spirits which were purged yesterday night have already been resurrected."
"Already? That's quite early."
"There must have been a reason for the rush. Kuroba reported it seemed the spirits were preparing for battle."
"I see......any idea about whom against?"
Floating on Maya's face as she queried Hayama was a barely repressed smile.
"Judging from their modus operandi, they will be aiming for their compatriot trapped in the doll."
"At this point it's not so much that trouble finds him, but almost as though he goes after trouble himself."
Needless to say, Maya's words referred to her nephew. The person in question would no doubt violently protest that, but here there was no one who voiced dissent.
"Do you know when it will happen?"
"Kuroba-dono anticipates it will be tomorrow night, around First High school."
"It would still be prudent to keep an eye on the surroundings then......all right, please organise a group. The leader can be......Ayako-chan should be fine. The goal isn't a fight after all."
"Certainly."
Hayama clapped his hands, calling for a maid to serve Maya in his place, before heading towards the communications room to relay Maya's orders.
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