Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru - Volume 3 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 

Hmmm, are you my producer? 

"There’s another woman’s smell here." 

I just escaped from a tiger’s den and ended up in a dragon’s. Solving an incident here wouldn’t mean that the calamity was over. Natsunagi and Hel’s issues were resolved, and yet another new trouble came to my house in the form of the super idol Yui Saikawa. 

It was deja vu…back then, due to a certain situation, she asked me to be her producer… 

"Saikawa, don’t sniff around in another person’s room." 

Saikawa sniffed around like a puppy, and I gave her a blank look. Goodness gracious, just when I thought we were having a serious conversation, she went ahead and did this. Was it a mistake to bring her to the living room? 

"Hmm, there’s a strange fragrance coming from here." 

"So stop it." 

I lightly poked Saikawa, who was about to open the bedroom door. 

"Ow! You’re the only one in this world who’ll hit this super cute idol, Kimizuka-san." 

Saikawa looked up at me with tears in her eyes while holding her head. Super cute? More like super cussed, so I thought as I was reminded. 

"That’s the bedroom. No entry." 

"It’s fine. I’ve showered already." 

"Nothing’s fine at all…" 

And more importantly, inside this room. 

"Natsunagi’s resting inside, so be quiet." 

Natsunagi’s still asleep at this point, probably because of the side effect of sharing her memories with Hel. 

"Oh? Kimizuka-san, have you finally become an adult?" 

"Don’t be stupid. It’s complicated in many ways." 

There’s a lot to talk about, so I hoped she would hurry back and have a seat. 

"Sorry to keep you waiting." 

And right on cue, ?Siesta? came from the kitchen with tea for three served on a tray. I knew it was a fake—but the sight of Siesta in a maid's outfit, at my kitchen, was quite the refreshing sight. 

"An unpleasant stare is detected. I shall remove the target immediately." 

"Stop acting like an android out of a sudden. Put that gun down." 

"Hmm, I guess the couple’s manzai routine is alive and well, huh? I’m a little jealous here." 

"Saikawa, don’t get competitive out of a sudden now. We should get back to the topic at hand." 

We drank the tea, and went back to the main topic, 

"So, Saikawa, is it true that your parents are accused of accounting fraud?" 

That's what Saikawa told me about ten minutes ago when she suddenly dropped by at my place. 

Saikawa’s parents, who were investors when they were alive, were suspected of accounting fraud, and this was revealed to the public. 

"…Yes. I don’t know the truth, but I think it will be reported on the TV and internet tomorrow. The paparazzi have surrounded my house." 

Saikawa sipped the tea in front of her with a slightly dejected expression. 

"I see…so that’s why you ran away from home in the middle of the night." 

And that was the other bad news Fuubi-san wanted to mention. 

Bat escaped from jail, and there’s a scandal involving Saikawa's parents—I couldn’t just ignore both of these incidents. 

"Yes. That’s why I’m looking for a place to hide for the time being.” 

I see, so that’s what she was requesting. But, 

"Shouldn’t you be asking Natsunagi instead?" 

It might be more appropriate to stay with her instead of me, a guy, and more importantly, as a detective, she’s most willing to help out Saikawa. 

"Yes, that's right. That's why I want you to be my producer, Kimizuka-san." 

And we’re right back to where we started. 

"I won’t be able to go to my house and the office for the time being, so I thought it would be quicker for Kimizuka-san to become my producer." 

"Saikawa, aren’t you forcing a ridiculous job on me right now?" 

No, I didn't mean to demean a producer’s work as a chore. 

"Congratulations, Kimizuka-san. From today onwards, you shall be a ‘detective assistant’ and an ‘idol producer’." 

"There’s nothing to celebrate here…" 

I leaned heavily on the backrest and sighed. 

"Well, I don’t mind." 

"…Eh, will you really? What happened to that annoyed look just now?" 

The reason was that it was important to be efficient. Siesta used to nag me, saying that I should ‘be more active’, or sorts. 

"If I’m going to be a producer, that means I have no choice but to be close to Saikawa. There’s too little security at this place though if you want to hide here, you know?" 

This house’s thirty years old. No auto lock, no washlet, just a 1LDK with a rental of 36,000 yen. 

"We can use my house then." 

Siesta? then suggested that. 

"I have a good number of rooms and a stockpile of food and other necessities. The security should be tighter than a tower apartment in the city. After all, I lived in this underground house for about a year without anyone knowing." 

"I see, that's the lockup room…" 

It’s certainly a good place to be though, considering the safety and size. 

And there’s one other thing I was concerned about—Bat’s existence. 

Now that he escaped from jail, it might be a good time for Natsunagi and me, his enemies, to go into hiding for the time being…well, I didn’t want to attend summer remedials anyway. Just perfect. 

"I see, living together, huh?" 

Saikawa put her fingertips at her chin and mused so. 

Living together—that was a term Siesta had jokingly mentioned many times before. It was a wandering journey of two over three years, and Siesta did spend numerous nights with me under the same roof. She always teased me by saying that we were living together, but I always said that— 

"—It’s a strategic cohabitation." 

"I heard what you said!" 

The next moment, the door opened with a loud noise. 

"…Natsunagi, don’t interrupt me here." 

That was definitely a scene that showed my sentimental side on my sidelong face. 

"Well, I heard some interesting words, like living together, so I couldn’t help it." 

Natsunagi said, and sat at the dining table with us. 

…Seriously, she’s the same as always. 

I looked at her, who was completely devoid of tension. 

"You alright now?" 

I asked frivolously. 

About Natsunagi’s condition…and the new past she just learned. 

And also, her resolve to be a ?famous detective?. 

"—Yes, I’m okay," 

It was a short exchange. 

But Natsunagi’s sidelong face looked proud, and I knew that it wasn’t a lie. 

At this point, Natsunagi bore the thoughts of Siesta…and Alicia. 

The debts of the past were settled in front of that mirror. 

"Now then, back on topic, we’ll use ?Siesta? ’s hidden house as a base to protect Saikawa—any disagreements?" 

I wanted to conclude this discussion, so I asked ?Siesta?, Natsunagi and Saikawa. 

"I do not have any complaints, except for the fact that you are deciding that my house will be used, Kimihiko." 

"I don’t have any complaints, except for the fact that I’m ignored as the detective and you’re acting like a protagonist, Kimizuka.” 

"I can’t say that I’m not scared of living under the same roof with you, Kimizuka-san, but I’ll endure!" 

"…Alright, everyone agrees." 

And so, the four of us started our tactical cohabitation. 

"No what about me!!!?" 

And right after, a blond barged into the house unhappily, but that’s another topic. 

Please use proper Japanese 

The next morning. 

"I'm sorry, sir…I'd like to refrain from giving a formal answer on that matter.…yes, excuse me…” 

The unrefined voice of an apologizing producer echoed in the basement room. 

The only thing I could do was to keep apologizing to the people on the other end of the phone call. I didn’t know if there was any significance to that, but that was the instruction of my employer…I was always employed by someone, I guess. 

So anyway, I moved over to ?Siesta? ’s hidden house last night, had a little nap, and started dealing with the work Saikawa tasked me. I was receiving calls every few minutes from the cellphone Saikawa loaned me, probably because of the scandal. 

On a side note, the owner of the house ?Siesta? left the previous night, as she was concerned about Bat's movements. I offered to help, but I was told “Kimihiko, you should focus on being Yui Saikawa’s producer”. So this was the situation. 

"This work’s tough…" 

I looked at the phone I finally hung up, and sighed. 

In the first place, I couldn’t possibly adapt to being an idol producer in a single day. I would have thrown the phone out of stress if not for the magic words ‘the person-in-charge is not available’. 

"…But seriously, it’s cruel." 

I looked aside at the TV sideshow airing in the living room. 

As Saikawa predicted the previous day, the scandal involving her parents was being added. The commentators who weren’t experts at this discussed the scandal, speculated about, and in the end, they said that the daughter Saikawa should be held responsible. 

"Shut up. Like you got any right to tell off Saikawa." 

I was irrationally livid, pulled out the plug, and shut off the TV. 

"…Haa, anyway, let’s wake them up" 

I looked at the clock and saw that it was almost noon. But the three of them didn’t seem to wake up. I first entered the bedroom Natsunagi and Saikawa were sleeping in. 

"Oy, it’s almost noon…?" 

I entered the room, and found two girls lying on the bed. The blanket was slightly pulled aside, and beneath it was Natsunagi in her pajamas, hugging a similarly dressed Saikawa like she was a doll. There was light breathing, and they gave peaceful sleeping faces. It’s so beautiful that I wanted to keep looking—not. 

"Hey, I made breakfast. It’s about time to wake up." 

While they were still sleeping, I shook them awake. 

"Nn…breakfast? I want Sha?essen…" 

Natsunagi rubbed her eyes, and returned from her dreamland. 

"We don’t have Sha?essen, but we have wieners, so wake up." 

"Fuaah…nn, I want to eat…Kimizuka’s, wiener…" 

"Natsunagi, go wash your face. I didn’t hear that." 

"You can’t, Natsunagi-san……Kimizuka-san’s little Kimizuka-san is more like a fish sausage than a wiener…" 

"Saikawa, you can’t say anything you want even when you’re all sleepy. Are you going to mock me even when you’re unconscious?" 

I confiscated their blankets, set the air-conditioning to 18?, and left the room. 

Now then, it’s Charl’s turn. 

Actually last night, we played rock-paper-scissors to share the two bedrooms available. Unluckily, she and I were placed in the same room. I never thought Charl's sleeping condition would be so bad, my sleep was disturbed many times last night. 

So, as revenge, how should I wake her up? I wondered as I opened the bedroom door—and right over there was. 

"Charl, what are you doing?" 

Burying her face into the pillow and sniffing away at the scent was Charl. 

"Isn’t that the pillow I just used…?" 

"Ki-Kimizuka!? Ah, i-it’s not! It’s a misunderstanding!" 

"…Oh, well, whatever. Everyone has their own interests or fetishes, yeah…" 

"Don’t show such a realistic reaction! At least be angry! Don’t look away and give an awkward look!" 

Charl was sweating profusely as she tried desperately to explain herself. 

"That’s not it! I just sniffed at it because I feel there’s Ma'am from this pillow!" 

"…Even if that’s the case, I think that’s quite the problematic statement?" 

"…! I’ll just erase your memory then!" 

Charl then gave me beast-like eyes, and pinned me onto the bed with all her might. 

"I’m sorry since you just recovered your memories, but I’ll be taking your eighteen years of knowledge and experiences!" 

"That’s too much! Are you trying to turn me into a baby or something!?" 

"That’s fine. Nagisa might not be able to take it, but it suits Yui’s fetishes." 

"What in the world do         you think your comrades’ fetishes are…?" 

And just like that, with Charl pinning me hard onto the bed— 

"Give up." 

Charl’s face was flushed with fury and excitement as she pressed upon me, and then, 

"What are you two doing?" 

Saikawa, who was outside the opened door without me knowing, stared at us. 

"Is this what they refer to as a bickering couple?" 

“"That’s not it!"" 

Our voices overlapped in unison. We shouldn’t add any more unnecessary troubles…. 

"Saikawa, this isn’t the case. It’s a misunderstanding!" 

I fumbled my words, trying to find an excuse. 

"—Die twice over." 

Natsunagi showed a gaze so frosty, the 18°C cold room seemed like child’s play, and slammed the door hard. 

"Th-that’s not it, Nagisa! This is an aftermath! An aftermath!" 

"An accident!!!" 

After that, the assistant enjoyed himself. 

Once that little wakeup skit ended, 

"Found it." 

Natsunagi stood in the kitchen while wearing an apron, and held the ladle like a pro baseball player preemptively declaring a homerun, her eyes narrowed sharply. I was about to prepare breakfast when she suggested replacing me. 

And there is another person doing the same. 

"Nagisa, you can cook?" 

Charl, wearing an apron, taunted by the side. 

"! I’m not losing to you, Charl-san…no, Charl!" 

"Heh, shall we settle the score from the last time?" 

Both of them stood at the sink, and glared at each other. 

"As usual, Nagisa-san and Charl-san really don’t get along, huh?" 

Saikawa muttered right behind them, her face propped up by a hand on her cheek, her elbow on the table. 

Natsunagi and Charl met on the cruise tour about a week ago. That time, they argued over Siesta. 

"But it’s weird to decide this over a cooking contest…" 

I too was with Saikawa at the table, and looked at those two from afar. For some reason, we were designated as the judges of this contest. 

…But well, their relationship probably wasn’t too bad if they could argue like this. It appeared to be a healthier relationship compared to them getting awkward over the truth a year ago. 

"Well, I don’t think I’ll lose to Nagisa." 

Charl ruffled the blond hair she was proud of. 

"! I'm the one who's going to capture Kimizuka's stomach!" 

And then Natsunagi retorted back…but, 

"…? Eh, what’s the contest about?" 

"…That was a joke." 

Natsunagi quickly muttered, and turned aside. 

"Kimizuka-san, any comments on that super cute Nagisa-san just now?" 

"Heard nothing. I didn’t hear anything." 

Instead, I asked Natsunagi. 

"Anyway, what are you making?" 

"Sautéed lobster from Brittany ?with seasonal vegetables and mousseline?, probably?" 

"Are you starting some cooking battle manga or something?" 

But Natsunagi ignored my retort and pulled out a red lobster from the fridge. Anyway, we actually had the ingredients? Did ?Siesta? usually have such fine food? 

"…Ah, anyway, that’s how it is. Your empty stomach can look forward to it." 

Natsunagi turned towards me, closed an eye, and pointed the ladle at me. 

"That’s weird." 

Dozens of minutes later, Natsunagi tilted her head in the kitchen. 

Right before her gaze was a certain microwave oven, and inside it was something that was once an ingredient, wriggling like a black monster trying to break out from it. Anyone could tell it was a failure. 

"But it can’t be said to be a failure if I don’t open this door though?" 

"What is this, a Schrödinger’s Cat?" 

Will this microwave oven never be used again? 

"Uu, I usually make my own bentos though…" 

Natsunagi lowered her shoulders dejectedly. 

"Goodness, it’s like this because you wanted to do something so complicated." 

Charl, who had witnessed such a catastrophic failure, snorted dumbfoundedly. 

"I’ll make normal fried rice. Wait and see." 

She raised the frying pan, pointed it at us like a rifle, and turned to face the stove. 

"That’s weird." 

Charl tilted her head in front of the stove. 

Dozens of minutes passed after that, and I guess it was to be expected, but there was a charred pile on the frying pan. 

"No wait, it looks like that, but it’s edible, you know?" 

"You want to eat that, go ahead. Don’t look at me." 

I've had enough of this 2-koma act. 

"…I’ve been busy, so I can’t really cook." 

That might be trouble unique to an agent. Charl fiddled with her long hair as she sought an excuse. 

"Goodness, I guess I have no choice." 

Suddenly, the ark of salvation arrived. 

"It’s almost noon, let me do this!" 

Saikawa stood up from the judging panel, put on the apron, and went to the kitchen. 

"I wanted to make some leftovers, so let’s have curry. Nagisa-san, please cut the meat. Charl-san, please cook the rice again." 

Saikawa said, took the knife, and skillfully diced the vegetables. 

"O-okay…" 

"Ah, yes…" 

Natsunagi and Charl hunched over, and obeyed Saikawa’s instructions. 

"Why is it that Saikawa seems like the most reliable all the time?" 

She’s supposed to be the only middle schooler among us. 

Saikawa then heard my murmur. 

"Fufu, I’ve been through so many trials and tribulations after all." 

She turned around as she cut the vegetables, and showed a wry smile. 

Saikawa’s parents died three years ago. Thanks to that, she might have learned to cook. So I realized, 

"So now I have the lead in mastering housework skills and youth." 

But the glimpse of such hardship occurred for a mere moment, and Saikawa suddenly put her hands on her hips as she turned to mock the girls older than her…but I never told her of the consequences if she opposed them. 

"Yui-chan?" 

"Yui?" 

They flanked Saikawa, and looked down at her with frosty expressions that could kill beasts. 

"…Ki-Kimizuka-san, the big sisters are scary…" 

"That’s your fault." 

That’s a story just for you. 

After the troubles in the morning, I thought there would be a peaceful time thereafter, but I was mistaken. 

The calls relating to Saikawa’s work continued to ring, and I was busy replying to them all. On the other hand, Natsunagi, Saikawa and Charl were happily chatting and playing board games…no wait, you girls, work. 

Anyway, after a long day of work, I had a nice soak in the bathtub alone. 

"…I’m tired." 

My voice echoed in the bathroom. Thinking back about it, too many things have been happening around me lately. 

The abduction Siesta arranged, the truth about the detective's death that was conveyed to us, and with ?Siesta? ’s assistance, Natsunagi recalled her past that was sealed away, and made peace with Hel. 

And when one problem was solved, two more took its place. There was news that Bat escaped from jail, and then Saikawa was embroiled in a scandal. I was forced to be on the run with Saikawa, Natsunagi and Charl, and we hid at ?Siesta? ’s safe house. 

"Goodness, that’s unreasonable." 

I couldn’t help but sigh and utter my disgruntled mantra. A lot of things happened over the past few days, so it’s to be expected that I would grumble. 

"……Siesta." 

I couldn’t help but call the name of my ex-partner, but that was fine. Yep, it’s not because I wanted to meet her once again… 

"This won’t do." 

When did I become such a weak person? 

The answer came immediately—it was a year ago. On a certain day a year ago, once Siesta died. 

I averted my eyes from the truth, forgot my mission, escaped into everyday life, solved a few small cases I encountered, and acted like I carried on the detective's legacy. I lied to my own heart. 

Had I changed at this point? 

When I met Natsunagi, I learned about Siesta's feelings, and through Saikawa's case, I remembered my mission; and after Charl scolded me, I truly inherited the detective's legacy. 

But was it all just a misunderstanding? 

I knew nothing of Siesta nor Natsunagi’s past, and was still the same as I was that day. 

That day, in my ignorance, I soaked into that solace— 

"Time to get up." 

Before I knew it, the bath had completely cooled down. 

If I remained in this lukewarm bathwater, I probably would freeze to death. 

So I thought with my chilled head. 

"Oho, I think I should correct myself for calling it a fish sausage." 

I suddenly realized the bathroom door was open, and Saikawa stood there before me. 

…Saikawa stood there before me? 

"You idiot, what are you doing!?" 

I quickly ducked back into the bathtub as I asked Saikawa. 

"Actually, you see, I caused you lots of trouble, Kimizuka-san, so I thought I should wash your back at least." 

"You’re causing me trouble now! Hurry up and close the door!" 

"Goodness, I have no choice now." 

Good grief,  so she said, and closed the bathroom door . 

"Alright." 

"…Why are you still in here?" 

"But Kimizuka-san, isn’t it your one greatest joy to be able to chat with a little girl while bathing?" 

"Saikawa, is it your hobby to ruin my social reputation? …And anyway, that’s because she was especially weird." 

It reminded me of a time when the same thing happened with Siesta. 

"Speaking of which, Kimizuka-san, even though you went out to the changing room, this 'left eye' can see your naked body." 

"Turn back right now. The only ones who get to see me naked are the ones who are prepared to show me their naked bodies." 

"…While it sounds like a famous quote, you do want to bathe together with a girl after all, no?" 

As expected of Saikawa, always capable of laying the verbal haymaker. 

"So you did have such an interaction with Siesta-san before. I learned something." 

"Don’t take notes on that. No high school will ever have such a question for an entrance exam." 

I said to Saikawa, who’s beyond the bathroom door. 

"Anyway, I’m about to get out.?" 

I chased Saikawa out of the changing room, and left the bath. 

"But speaking of which, I don’t really know a lot about Siesta-san." 

It didn’t seem like Saikawa wanted to end the conversation yet, for she called out from beyond the door of the changing room, and asked me while I wiped myself with the towel. 

"Kimizuka-san, have you noticed something? Actually, I have little in common with Siesta-san." 

I had to admit Saikawa was right. 

"Natsunagi-san and Charl-san have a stronger bond with Siesta-san. Natsunagi-san inherits Siesta-san’s heart, and Charl-san is the number one disciple of Siesta-san." 

"That’s just Charl calling herself that." 

I knew what Saikawa was implying, however. Both Natsunagi and Charl had a direct encounter with Siesta a long time back. But Saikawa— 

"No, I’m just saying that I feel excluded, you know?" 

I could hear her frantic voice from beyond the door. 

"And because of that, I feel like I’m at a neutral position." 

"Neutral?" 

"Yes, neutral. For example, if we frame this situation we’re in as a story—who do you think the central character is?" 

That’s quite the abstract question, but I immediately thought of a certain character. 

"Siesta, huh?" 

I got changed, opened the door to the changing room…and Saikawa wasn’t there. 

"Yes, I think so too." 

I heard a voice from the living room. Maybe she wanted to continue the conversation there. 

"Well, this story couldn’t start without her, I guess.” 

I worked as Siesta's assistant for three years. Natsunagi was an old friend and sworn enemy of Siesta—who also inherited her heart. Charl respected Siesta as her master, and this hadn’t changed till this point. Our enemies were ?SPES?, the ones Siesta had to defeat. 

Yep, the story that involved us resolved around Siesta. 

The world revolved around her. 

"But in the midst of all this, I’m the only one far away from Siesta-san.” 

I returned to the dining room, and saw Saikawa hold a mug with two hands, huffing away. 

"This is hot milk. Here you go, Kimizuka-san." 

"It’s summer now." 

So I said, but it’s already heated up, so I had no choice but to accept it, and sat opposite Saikawa. 

"Maybe it’s because I’m in this position that I can say this, but say, Kimizuka-san." 

I looked towards Saikawa again, who I couldn’t see properly as I was in a panic. 

Pink pajamas, a nice fragrance after her bath, dangled hair, and the left eye as pretty as a blue jewel, without the eyepatch covering it. 

"This is our story." 

She then smiled, 

"This is the story of Natsunagi-san, Charl-san, and Kimizuka-san—I think we should just act according to what we think." 

Act according to what we think. 

So she said, and she sipped the delicious hot milk. 

"Eh, anyway, I’m supposed to be the main character this time, so why am I not the one being saved, but the one saving? Kimizuka-san, can you please buck up and save me?" 

"This is the most unreasonable thing of the century." 

A simple act of support to produce an idol 

The next day. 

Saikawa and I left ?Siesta? ’s residence early in the morning, and took a car together. It was the personal car of Yui Saikawa, and her chauffeur held the steering wheel. 

"But it’s quite early. Isn’t the live show at night?" 

I was in the back seat, and spoke to Saikawa next to me, who’s looking at her phone. 

The schedule for the day was a live performance for Saikawa. We’re still on the run, protecting Saikawa from the paparazzi, but the live shows didn’t end, and that’s why I was working alongside her. 

"There are a lot of preparations to be made. I'm a super idol after all." 

So Saikawa said as she put away her phone, and yawned hard like a cat. 

"Didn’t have enough sleep?" 

"Yes. After I chatted with you  yesterday, I had a girls talk until late at night.” 

Saikawa tilted her head onto my shoulder, and closed her eyes. This idol really had quite the difference when she’s on compared to when she’s off…and it’s amazing how she just relaxed in front of me. 

"So what’s the girls' talk about?" 

"Hm, mainly bad mouthing you, Kimizuka-san." 

"I shouldn’t have asked." 

Well, it’s good that the three of them got along better thanks to me…right? 

"But we’re not letting those two come along too?" 

Saikawa sat upright and asked me, either because she’s uneasy about me being alone with her, or that she just wanted to ask. 

"Well, that’s because Bat is out there." 

Bat escaped from jail thanks to SEED’s instructions. We didn’t know what his objective was, but it’s very likely he was instructed by SEED to target Siesta’s legacy…or Natsunagi, who inherited the title of ?famous detective?. With that in mind, my decision was to keep Natsunagi as safe as possible and put Charl as her bodyguard. 

"Erm, who is Bat-san? Is ?Siesta? -san dealing with him now?" 

"Yeah, I’m sure she is…" 

As a matter of fact, I received a message on my phone from that ?Siesta?. I opened it, and read it to her. 

" Please leave this to me. You simply have to watch Yui Saikawa’s decision, Kimihiko. " 

The message was a little inscrutable. 

I wasn’t supposed to protect her—but to watch her. 

Was it because she didn’t see me as someone with much fighting strength? It’s true that I spent those three years hiding behind Siesta and watching her fight… 

"I see. It seems ?Siesta? -san really understands you, Kimizuka-san." 

Then Saikawa took out her cell phone again, and muttered to herself as she stared at it. 

"This might be most appropriate for the otaku, just looking at me from behind, your arms folded during the live show, acting like a boyfriend.” 

"Saikawa, you think you can say anything you want to me?" 

"Yes, I think so." 

She actually thought so. She’s not even sorry about it. 

"Because I believe that Kimizuka-san is the only one who will stand by me no matter what." 

"Don’t try to pass off your slip of the tongue by sugarcoating it." 

"Ah, looks like we’re almost there." 

She changed the topic forcibly. Well, I always did that, so I couldn’t actually begrudge her for that. 

"Hm…we’re heading to the TV studio, right?" 

I was too engrossed in the conversation to notice, but when I looked out the window, the landscape seemed so far away from the city. The car drove on, the tall buildings disappeared, and only old-fashioned houses and old signs could be seen. 

"Kimizuka-san, we’re here." 

The car stopped, and I was prodded by Saikawa to get off the car. 

"Where is, this place…" 

I couldn’t help but raise a hand to block the summer sun. 

Blue sky, green ridges. Chirping cicadas in the nearby trees. The smell of summer lingered here, and it was a land of enigma, where the city would be forgotten. 

"Okay, let’s go." 

It seemed we would have to walk a little further. The sunlight shone through the white clouds, and with Saikawa leading the way, we went up the country road. 

"Feels like we’re walking up a hill. Is there anything at the peak?" 

"Yes? Ah, a hot spring!" 

…She gave me an unexpected reply. 

"Hehe, feels like an idol and a producer are having a forbidden elopement!" 

"…You're not serious, are you?" 

"We can’t? An escapade to a secret hot spring in the fields…ooh, that has a nice rhyme to it. I’ll use it as lyrics for my next single then." 

Saikawa ignored me, took out a notebook, and jotted it down. I had a feeling it would be an odd song rather than a famous one. 

…But that’s not the point at this moment. 

"Saikawa, you’re really scared of the paparazzi, aren’t you?" 

At that moment, I noticed that Saikawa’s shoulders jolted. 

"What are you saying now, Kimizuka-san?" 

But she didn't look back, and just walked on. 

Saikawa wouldn’t allow her weakness to be shown easily. She showed her idol smile, and finally hid her true thoughts. 

"It’s nothing. If I’m mistaken, so be it." 

We felt the breath of the grass as we walked down the path surrounded by green. 

To yell at everything unreasonable in this world. 

"We arrived. This is the place." 

I did expect the hot spring to be a lie, but I never expected this to be the true objective. 

"My parents are asleep here." 

Saikawa gently knelt down at the gravestones atop the green hill. 

"Actually, the whole area, including this hill, belongs to the Saikawas. This place has an open view, and we built the grave here." 

Saikawa said, lighting an incense stick.” 

"Can I make a prayer?" 

"Thank you very much. I’m sure they’ll be happy." 

Saikawa and I stood side by side, put our hands together and closed our eyes. 

Of course, I've never met Saikawa's parents. But as someone who knew her feelings, I offered a silent prayer. 

"Thank you very much." 

A gentle breeze blew by, Saikawa looked up, and smiled. 

"I think they’re both relieved that I have found my lifelong companion." 

"You’re back to a state where you can joke about now?" 

"Yes, my parents liked to joke around more than I do." 

"It came from your parents?" 

We said, and relaxed. 

"… But I still feel like I'm dreaming." 

"Dream?" 

"Yes. Well, I’ve been thinking if this is some really great prank, if they're actually both alive…and if they’ll pop out from the shadows at a certain moment to scare me. That’s a thought I have once in a while." 

So Saikawa said, her expression more sorrowful than any other expression I saw of her. 

The reality of her parents' death will never fade away in Saikawa's mind, even if three years have passed…just as it had been a year for me. 

"I was always worried about being alone…and I always wish for someone to look at me." 

"Is that why you're an idol?" 

"…I guess, that’s part of the reason." 

Saikawa hugged her knees, crouched down, and chimed, 

"Also, dad once told me that he wanted me to wear beautiful dresses, dress up well, and live on. He wanted me to shine in front of others. And mom always told me to go to the outside world and make friends, like it’s a mantra. That's why I—" 

Saikawa had a nostalgic look on her face as she said this. 

"But I might not be able to continue being an idol. After all, a world crisis may be around the corner." 

"Really? I think it’ll be interesting to have an idol who sings and dances, and sometimes fights ?Androids? from time to time." 

Just like a famous detective who knew a lot about Japanese idols. 

"…Fufu, your persuasion is as interesting as ever, Kimizuka-san." 

Saikawa smiled and quickly stood up, 

"But sometimes—I feel a little tired." 

She didn’t look at me when she muttered so. 

She looked down at the scenery beneath her, and stretched her back hard. 

"Nnn…! Nature’s great after all!" 

Saikawa said while her back was turned on me, and said to me energetically. 

"How about it? Shall I give up my work and start living in the countryside with you, together?" 

"That’s impossible for a lady who's used to living in the city." 

"Mmm, that’s not true. I can cook, and I can be self-sufficient without any issues." 

"You may be fine for the first few days, but you're bound to miss the convenience stores and Wi-Fi.” 

"…You’re boring." 

Saikawa seemed displeased with my reaction, for she pouted, took out her phone, and started fiddling with it. 

"If only you have more delicacy with your retorts. People won’t like you if you keep being so dismissive." 

"Really? I can’t do that." 

I bantered off…stood up, and approached Saikawa from behind, 

"—Then I don't mind if you don't like me now." 

I quickly took the smartphone from her hand. 

"Wha! P-Please give it back!" 

Saikawa jumped up and down, and tried to grab the mobile device raised high in my hand. The height difference exceeding than 20 centimeters couldn’t be overcome so easily. 

"Why are you being so mean! Is it because I’m using the phone even though I said I want to live in the countryside!? If that’s the case, then…" 

"No." 

…Well, allow me to be a busybody here. 

I restrained the raging Saikawa, and showed her the screen. 

"It's because you've been staring at this all day." 

Shown on it was the timeline of a SNS, filled with comments bashing Saikawa for the news report. 

Saikawa would never show her weakness. 

But more than an idol, she was a girl in her third year of middle school. It’s impossible for her not to be rattled by the daily news. 

"…Please give it back." 

"Nn, my bad." 

Saikawa received the phone from me and looked down, looking awkward. 

"I don’t mind if people say bad things about me." 

She bit her lip and switched off the device. 

"But badmouthing my parents…is a no go." 

For Saikawa, her parents were the most important guiding paths in her life. She would never forgive others for being insolent towards them…but there is nothing she could do to change the situation. There is no way to fight a huge, formless malice to begin with. 

—But even so. 

If there was one thing we could do at this point. 

"Kimizuka-san?" 

I took a few steps forward, and Saikawa looked at me incredulously. 

…Sorry, Saikawa, but that's all I can think of. 

 I took a deep breath, 

"—This is bullshiiittttt!" 

With all my might, I stood at the top of the hill, and yelled down at the scenery beneath. 

"K-Kimizuka-san?" 

Saikawa, who had been looking gloomy, widened her eyes and stared at me in disbelief. 

"Erm, it's nice of you to be angry for me, but it’s embarrassing…" 

"Don’t just put on a show and disappear on your own! Siesta you iddddiiioootttt!" 

"Y-you mean that…!" 

Saikawa retorted in a rare flustered manner. 

Sorry, I couldn't help but just yell out what was in my heart. 

—That’s why. 

"Come on, Saikawa!" 

I reached my hand out to her. 

"Yell everything you’re thinking of." 

We couldn’t…change anyone else’s life, but we should be allowed to yell at how unreasonable they were. 

"……Is it alright for an idol to curse and swear?" 

"It’s not idol time for you now, right?" 

Until the live broadcast…Yui Saikawa’s just a living third year middle schooler. 

She should be allowed to say anything she wants. 

At least—at this place. 

"——————! You idiots!!!" 

Next to me, Saikawa yelled with all her might. 

In the face of this unpleasant reality, the unbearable illogicity, she took off her eyepatch, and yelled. 

"You people don’t know anything!" 

"All of you!" 

"A-all of you!" 

And then, as though showing a different side to her, she took a deep breath, 

"Don’t make fun of my beloved paaarrreeeennnttttsssss!!" 

That voice seemed to reach to the skies far, far away. 

"…Wonder if they heard that." 

She took a breath, and adjusted her breathing. 

Saikawa widened her blue eyes, and said with the expression of one who was completely relieved. 

This definitely wouldn’t be the end of it all, but at the very least, I was certain she would be able to sing at her best—that’s the belief I had. 

"Yeah, that’s a good scream that can be heard from the radio tower." 

"Ahaha, I guess it’ll be bad if the fans hear it, right?" 

But well,  Saikawa  said, put her hands behind, and looked up at me, 

"If I’m caught on fire, please put out the flames—producer?" 

She showed an innocent, radiant smile resembling a flower. 

Girls always love to wear beautiful dresses. 

After that, we went back to the TV station. I went my separate way from Saikawa who went backstage, walked into the studio and stood in the producer's seat. 

Since it was a special program for summer vacation, this music program would be broadcast at night in prime time. The set was surrounded by lots of lights and cameras, and the audience filled the seats beyond. 

"Performers, please enter." 

When it was time for the program to start, the staff called out, and the host, the assistant, and the performing artistes  entered. The audience cheered, and Saikawa walked in after the many other guests, waving her hands in the air. Unlike how she was in the morning, she had already put on makeup and a lively costume. As expected of an idol Yui Saikawa, her aura was overwhelmingly different. 

But at the same time, something strange happened. 

"…I knew this would happen." 

There was some chatter from the audience. Everyone might have realized something, but they pretended to play dumb. The other guests didn’t show it, and had smiles on the entire time, but I got the feeling that they had some opposition to this. 

But this was to be expected. It would be strange not to be concerned about Saikawa's appearance in the midst of the ongoing media coverage. Despite the environment, Saikawa noticed that the cameras were turned away from her, and posed with a smile to lure their attention. 

She’s taking this casually, I could hear the staff at the back mutter so as we saw this. 

Seriously, you think Saikawa’s not aware of this mood now? Your Yui-Nya level isn’t even beyond fifth grade. 

"She’s smiling because of this situation." 

I folded my arms, and watched the broadcast from behind. 

The program was a talk show between the host and the other artistes, followed by a song performance. There were fifteen of them in total, and about two hours into the program, it was Saikawa's turn. 

"Up next, Yui Saikawa-san." 

The host called out, and the camera zoomed in on Saikawa. 

"Yess~ it’s the cutest idol in the world, Yui Saikawa!" 

Saikawa struck a pose once again when it was her turn, and stood next to the male host. As per usual, they would be discussing the newest single and work-related stuff for about two minutes. 

…So far, so good. But. 

"You seem to be going through a lot lately." 

The host showed a faint smile as he asked Saikawa about it. 

"……!" 

Saikawa’s eyes widened at the sudden question. 

"…Didn’t I remind them earlier?" 

I bit my lips without thinking. 

Just this morning, I had a talk on the phone with the program’s producers to discuss today's schedule. I did beg for them not to mention the scandal on the live broadcast…was it all to gain publicity and ratings? He mentioned a topic everyone wanted to hear about, but it shouldn’t be discussed. 

"It’s about your parents, but it can't be unrelated to you, right?" 

Saikawa froze, and the man pressed on with the issue. 

"This bastard." 

Without realizing it, I was about to step forward…but my eyes met Saikawa’s. 

She merely looked at me, shook her head a little, and then turned to the presenter, 

"I apologize that my parents caused quite the commotion." 

She bowed her head frankly without any attempt at deception. The studio was abuzz with that reaction. 

"However." 

Saikawa then lifted her face. 

"I am me. This is my stage. So, at this moment, please look at me." 

She gave a gaudy look at the presenter, and smiled. 

"So beautiful like her." 

Someone muttered. 

I didn’t know if it was a performer, a spectator, a staff member, or maybe it was a stunt to make the show more entertaining. Either way, a malicious voice that seemingly tried to kill Saikawa echoed in the quiet studio. 

"…I guess, so. It might be just pretty words." 

After several seconds of silence, Saikawa nodded. 

But I knew that Saikawa was not the kind of girl to let it end there. 

She overcame the death of her parents, fought the enemies of the world, shook off the many unreasonable things that had happened to her, and finally stood here. 

"But, but still, I’ll keep saying beautiful things—because." 

And Saikawa continued to smile. She smiled, and said, 

"An idol always wants to wear beautiful things, right?" 

Saikawa didn’t look at the presenter, and instead winked at the audience. 

The studio was silent. 

A staff member at the back waved an arm, indicating for the presenter to continue. 

"…Yes, now then, Yui Saikawa's performance." 

After a momentary pause, and then the presenter hastily continued. 

But a girl had just taken over the reigns of this studio at the earliest possible moment. 

This was the stage of the idol Yui Saikawa, by Yui Saikawa, to Yui Saikawa’s fans. 

"Erm, the song is……" 

And then, in front of the flustered presenter, Saikawa took the microphone and said, 

"The song is—Sapphire?Phantasm!" 

She shouted loudly, as though it was to reach a certain hilltop. 

And so the nightmare struck. 

After the live broadcast was over, I waited for Saikawa at the basement parking lot of the TV station. 

"I'm impressed." 

In the meantime, I opened my phone and saw some posts relating to the program on SNS. Most of the comments were being encouraging to Saikawa, and also critical of the male presenter. 

Of course, this wouldn’t clear Saikawa's parents of any suspicion, and the prosecutors’ investigations would continue. But still, Saikawa overturned the awkward atmosphere in the studio ......, or actually, the malice which even I felt wouldn’t be changed easily, with a single performance. 

"So it’s as ?Siesta? said." 

Yes, I never had anything to do to begin with. All I could do was watch Saikawa's decision. My job was to simply be an onlooker. 

All I had to do was to take Saikawa back to ?Siesta? ’s place…so I said.. 

"She’s late." 

She was supposed to get changed in the dressing room, but it's already been more than thirty minutes. 

"Hm?" 

Speaking of which, the pickup vehicle hadn’t arrived yet. 

Or rather, I haven't seen a single person since a while ago. 

There wouldn’t be a lot of people in this basement parking lot…but I hadn’t seen anyone pass by over the past thirty minutes. 

And then, there seemed to be a warm breeze. 

"…!" 

Right at that moment, the lights in the parking lot began to flicker. Darkness beckoned irregularly in the parking lot, and then all the lights went out. 

"Spare me already." 

Didn’t I say I’m bad with such stuff…? 

I took my phone out and used it as a flashlight. 

If I turned behind to look, there would definitely be something there. I saw it on those supernatural shows. I leaned my back on a pillar, squinted my eyes, and looked around. 

And if I made a call and talk on the phone, the ghosts won’t look for me. That’s what I learned in Shinken?mi classes . I made a call with my quivering hands. 

"Please, Natsunagi, Natsunagi, Natsunagi, NatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagiNatsunagi" 

Like a stalker, I tried making a harassing phone call, but Natsunagi didn’t pick it up. 

Was it due to the ghosts? I remembered there was one that could jam electric signals…and right when I was at my wits end. 

"Oh? It’s back?" 

The lights were a little dimmer than before, but they’re back. 

…Goodness, that scared me. 

I moved away from the pillar, and hung up. 

I forgot all the fears I had just now—but this was usually the moment something would pop out. 

"Quite the nice place for the bait to fall into." 

The next moment, I felt a sharp pain at the back of my neck. 

"………!" 

I couldn’t let out a scream. 

My body went limp, and my knees buckled. 

I didn’t know what happened, but the premonition of death echoed in my mind— 

"I should be able to hang on for the time being if it’s this much." 

But if there’s a reason for my guess to be incorrect, it’s because that thing let go of my neck much earlier than I expected. 

"……!" 

I fell to the floor, turned my head around, and looked towards the thing behind me. 

It’s a tall skinny guy wearing white clothes. 

Silver hair, blond eyes, a beautiful, cruel face that seemed to oversee everything. My blood was by his lips. 

"You’re…?" 

In my hazy consciousness, I asked. 

"What is it, human?" 

And then, he spread his large black wings, and said, 

"First time meeting a vampire?" 

Mysteries coexists with romantic fantasies 

I was woken up by the howling night breeze. 

…Did I wake up? 

I looked around, and found myself on a certain building…probably the roof of the TV station. 

And then. 

"Finally woke up, human?" 

The guy had a leg arched on the thin railing as he sat there, holding a wine glass with some fluid inside it. 

"Why are you staring at your own blood like that?" 

The silver-haired blond-eyed guy shook the glass, and chuckled arrogantly. 

The nightmare wasn't over yet. 

"How'd you get up here?" 

I asked the man in the white jacket, and checked for a scar on my neck. 

"What a stupid question." 

He drank my blood in one gulp, 

"Of course I flew you up here in my arms." 

He spread his shiny black wings once again. 

I had hoped that I was mistaken, but now I had to admit it. 

He’s a non-human being—a vampire. 

They were humanoid monsters rumored in folklore throughout history. Rumors had it that they were the immortal kings who feasted upon human blood and enjoyed eternal life. 

…But.. 

"…Mind if you don’t say anything misleading?" 

This man just bit me on the neck. I really hoped he would refrain from mentioning that he carried me at his chest. 

"No need to worry. Just offer your body to me." 

"You did that on purpose, didn’t you? The misleading words were deliberate, right?" 

"A noble vampire and the humans subjected to him. Do you understand?" 

"Like hell I know! I don’t look like a receiver!" 

Nobody said that though. Better calm down. 

"Say, vampire. Who are you…" 

"Scarlet." 

The vampire interrupted me. 

"The past, the present, the future, the eternal. That is the name of I—the king who rules over all the night and all the lowly fools." 

He had been joking just moments ago, but suddenly, his golden eyes became those of a large serpent eyeing a prey. When I saw him, I couldn’t help but shiver. 

Just facing him mere meters away got me to understand that it was foolish to challenge him. No, I understood that there’s too much physical differences between a vampire and human—as living beings. 

"Haa, no need to be so tense, human." 

Scarlet hopped off from the fence, giving a relaxed look. He didn’t smile, of course, and it was still that serene look, but the murderous intent from before was gone.. 

"Don't worry, I won't suck your blood anymore. I'm only interested in beautiful people to begin with." 

"Wait a sec, are you saying that I have an ugly face?" 

Not even Siesta was that brutal with her words, you know? 

"Haha, what now, human?" 

The next moment, Scarlet, who had been standing meters away, suddenly appeared before me, and brought his exceptionally beautiful face over, 

"—Do you want to be doted on by me?" 

His fingers lifted my chin, and he said with a sweet voice. 

"…Feels like we got a lot of roses blooming around us for some reason." 

"The issue of gender is minor. Do update your values, human." 

I never thought a vampire would be lecturing me on this. 

And then, Scarlet snorted, and immediately pulled his distance from me. 

"Anyway, didn’t you say you’re only interested in beautiful beings? Then why did you suck my blood earlier?" 

"Ah? Yes, I forgot that I had to eat once every fortnight or so, so that was out of emergency. I might have starved to death if you had not showed up." 

"Oy wait, Scarlet. Is that the attitude you have to your savior?" 

Why could he still look so arrogant? 

Why was he ruffling his silver hair like a model on a magazine cover? 

"But a male’s blood does taste bad after all. If I hadn't been starved for two weeks, I'd have vomited there and then because of your face." 

"You say that after you've almost killed a man!?" 

If this guy’s human, I would have punched him out on equal standing. 

Yes, assuming that we were on equal standing. 

But this guy’s— 

"……Scarlet, you’re a ?Tuner?, aren’t you?" 

"Hoh." 

The silver-haired man's eyes narrowed at my words. 

That's right. There were twelve ?Tuners? appointed to protect the world from various crises. One of the roles was taken up by Scarlet— ?vampire?. 

When ?Siesta? told me about their existence, I never thought that there were real vampires… but now that there’s one right in front of me, I had to admit so. 

"I see, so you know. Daydream never said that she mentioned this to you." 

Daydream—that’s most probably Siesta. 

"Scarlet, are you acquainted with Siesta?" 

"Ah? My relationship with that woman?…I guess." 

Scarlet suddenly gave a pondering look. 

What. Why’s there no instant answer? You just had to answer if you have a relationship, right? Acquaintances, or work colleagues as fellow ?Tuners?. 

"Well, I don't have to tell you." 

"…Wait. You're not going to tell me that? Or can't you tell me?" 

"Haha, such a crude creature, blatantly questioning the relationship between a male and a female." 

"…You say a relationship between a male and a female? Are you getting at something?" 

You’re kidding, right? No, you're lying. You're lying. I hope you're lying. 

I had been together with Siesta for three years. I had never seen her with another man in my life. It's okay, it's okay— 

"I did smell that woman’s shampoo." 

"!" 

"You’re easy to read, human." 

I was about to raise my arms when Scarlet snickered at me. 

…I prayed there and then that I wasn’t the first human to be teased by a vampire. 

"Ha, don't worry. The relationship between me and that woman is not what you think it is." 

Scarlet says with a distant look. 

"If she’s Daydream, I’m the Nightmare—day and night can never possibly meet." 

The ?famous detective? Siesta and the ?vampire? Scarlet. 

It was clear to me that they had a connection I didn't know about. 

—But. 

"So why did you look for me anyway?" 

He looked for me, Siesta’s assistant, who’s trying to pull away from him. 

"Various reasons…but first of all, there was a request." 

Request—that word reminded me of Siesta. 

"Well, in my terms, this is a contract. In exchange for the fulfillment of one’s wish, that person must pay an equivalent price in exchange." 

"Equivalent…price?" 

"There are such situations. Well, anything goes as long as it is acceptable to me. Money, position, blood—as long as it satisfies me, I can help anyone, even if it’s the enemy of the world." 

And once he said that, the ?Tuner? being the justice of this world curled his lips. 

"…Did you look for me because you made a contract with something? And that person who made the contract is the one looking for me." 

"Half correct. A reason why I’m here is because of that contractor. That contractor however wasn’t looking for you." 

"Huh? Not looking for me?" 

Since contact was made with me, he probably meant a certain person next to me— 

"Saikawa?" 

No, even then, what’s the point of looking for Saikawa? 

And who was Scarlet’s contractor? 

"I suppose there is only one being that would obey a vampire." 

Suddenly there was a voice from the skies. 

And that voice landed right in front of me…next to Scarlet. 

"Haha, we meet again. Watson." 

The same old laughter, and he flailed his feeler from the ?ear?. 

"Bat…!" 

And wrapped within the feeler—was Yui Saikawa, giving a pained look on her face. 

The Primordial seed, the girl as the vessel 

Bat—an ex-senior member of ?SPES?, had quite the history with Siesta and I. 

Four years ago, we met on a flight 10,000 meters in the sky, during a hijacking. Bat was suppressed thanks to Siesta, and had been under the supervision of the Japanese police the entire time. 

But at this point, he escaped from jail, and appeared before me. 

And also, that feeler stretching from that ?ear? — 

"Kimizuka, san…" 

Saikawa gave a look of agony as she begged me for help. 

"…I thought ?Siesta? said she went to deal with you." 

Siesta? said yesterday that she went out to deal with this…but Bat didn’t get caught? It’s that ?Siesta? we’re talking about? But more importantly. 

"Return Saikawa, Bat." 

I reached for the gun at the waist holster. 

"Haha, quite the angsty producer." 

Bat might have heard the conversation we just had with that ?ear?, and gave a mocking smirk. 

"Well whatever. I’ll find it heavy to keep carrying this for a long time." 

Bat said, and unexpectedly released Saikawa from that feeler. 

"Kimizuka-san!" 

Saikawa ran over to me, and latched onto my waist as though she wanted to hide. 

"You alright?" 

"He called me heavy! Please hit him in the p????!" 

"Okay, guess you’re alright." 

I gently patted Saikawa on the head, and looked towards the two before me. 

Vampire and Bat—they were our enemies this time. 

"Bat, why are you with Scarlet? Aren’t you working together with SEED?" 

I gripped the gun, and looked back and forth between Bat and Scarlet. 

"Oy oy, one question at a time." 

But Bat merely laughed in an exaggerated manner. 

"Do what you want, Bat. I’ll leave the explanation to you." 

On the other hand, “I just woke up”, Scarlet rolled his neck, and immediately vanished, as though he blended into the darkness. 

"Kimizuka-san, that was…" 

Saikawa widened her eyes once she saw this. 

"He’s a vampire. It’s hard to believe so suddenly though." 

But the evidence was imprinted on my neck. 

"I see, congratulations on your graduation." 

"…I don’t want to graduate like that with a guy." 

This wasn’t the time for such words. 

"Bat, what’s your relationship with Scarlet?" 

I pointed my gun at the enemy again, and then, 

"Actually, it was SEED who requested for Scarlet to bring me back." 

Bat cracked his neck, and explained the relationship between the three of them. 

"It seems ?SPES? has some manpower issues. SEED used Scarlet to make contact with me, even though I broke ties." 

Yeah. This guy had a falling out with ?SPES?. I heard that incident four years ago was triggered by that. 

But this time, SEED seemed to have let bygones be bygones, and called on Scarlet to make contact with Bat. Scarlet broke through that tight security to break Bat out of jail, that villa I once visited. 

"But I’m not intending to return to ?SPES?. On the contrary, due to a certain reason, I’m working together with Scarlet who has a mutual interest." 

"So that's why you abandoned SEED and approached Saikawa and me? What’s your aim now? Didn't you help us during the sapphire incident?" 

Yes, there was the matter of how ?SPES? targeted, Saikawa’s ?left eye?. We managed to resolve that incident thanks to Bat. 

"So why are you looking for Saikawa now…are you trying to steal her ?left eye? ?" 

I said, and Saikawa grabbed my cuff tightly. That's right, to Saikawa, the sapphire left eye was a memento of her parents, more important than her own life. 

"Nice instincts, but I’m matured now, right? I’m not going to do anything that fancy. 

Bat silently muttered, and narrowed his eyes towards Saikawa. 

"I’m just here to recruit—do you want an alliance?" 

""Huh?"" 

Saikawa and I called out in unison. What’s this guy saying? 

"It's simple. I’m asking if you want to defeat ?SPES? with us?" 

"…Is that why you didn't respond to SEED's call?" 

"That’s why I’m gathering fighting strength. I have the ?ear?, and this Missy has the ?eye?." 

Bat said, and his rotten eyes looked over. 

"So, Yui Saikawa. Team up with me." 

He tried to recruit Saikawa with such a fallacy of logic. 

"You think I'm going to hand over Saikawa that easily?" 

"Yes. Kimizuka-san has an extraordinary obsession with me." 

"Saikawa, no friendly fire." 

Seriously, she’s always never able to read the mood. 

"Of course, Watson and the new detective can join in too. Anyway, we need fighting strength—to defeat that." 

Bat gave a grim look, and he named the enemy mastermind that had been very active recently. 

"Have you ever wondered why SEED…or ?SPES?, hadn’t been openly active for the past year?" 

And Bat asked that question. 

I had a nice peaceful year. It’s true that ?SPES? hadn’t had any signs of wanting to interact. I thought it was because they assumed I was someone working in Siesta’s shadow, and that they didn’t have interest in me—but. 

"Is there some special reason?" 

"Back to the past." 

Bat said, took a cigarette from his chest pocket, and lit it. 

"Decades ago, SEED was on this planet as a ?seed?, but it never got to adapt to this Earth’s environment completely." 

"…!" 

It’s the first time we heard of such intel. SEED didn’t have a body suitable for living on this planet…that’s why it was so obsessed with its survival instincts. 

"Because of that, SEED was looking for a human vessel to enable its survival on Earth." 

"Vessel…does SEED intend to take over a human body…?" 

That thing’s trying to preserve its consciousness and power while moving into another body. 

"Yes. I did say it’s just a vessel, but not any physical body can work. SEED wouldn’t be able to live in any body, except for those compatible with the ?seed?." 

"Compatible with the ?seed? ? Wait, was that facility…" 

"Looks like it’s all coming together." 

Natsunagi mentioned her past six years ago. They lived in that orphanage, and had human experiments every day. Everything was— 

"For the sake of creating a vessel suitable for the ?Primordial seed? ?" 

For that reason, little children were gathered on the island, and their bodies were offered as a sacrifice. 

"But the experiment didn’t go as well as he would have liked. There were too few samples who could endure the ?seed?." 

That was mentioned in the story six years ago. There were too few children who had the endurance to be a vessel…or rather, compatible with the ?seed?. Alicia failed that experiment—and lost her life. 

"And even if there was a suitable match for the ?seed?, there were too many side effects." 

"Side effects?…Like those eyes?" 

I asked, and Bat snorted as he exhaled a puff. Bat too was once a human who was forced to take the ?seed?. While he obtained the power of ?SPES?, he lost his sight as a result. 

"Yes. The side effects rob humans of all their senses, and sometimes the lifespans. SEED had been looking for the perfect vessel…and then he found two samples. They were—" 

"Siesta and Hel?" 

A year ago, SEED said. 

If he were to be biased to one side, the plan would fail. 

Thus, SEED deliberately had Siesta and Hel fight each other, and intended to take the winner’s body as the vessel. In summary, SEED wanted to pick those two girls. 

"But in the end, it ended up as you know of, Watson." 

"…Yeah, I only remembered that recently." 

The aftermath of the deathmatch between Siesta and Hel was that Siesta as a vessel was lost when her physical body died…and the other vessel was filled with Hel, Natsunagi and Siesta. The vessel might be wrecked if it tried to break in. 

In other words, whether Siesta’s sacrifice was fortunate or not, SEED’s view was that it lost two vessels at once. 

"So SEED waited an entire year for those two to be separated again, and that when the day came, it would reside in the survivor." 

"…But that day never came, did it?" 

SEED probably observed the battle between Siesta and Chameleon on that cruise ship, and realized. 

Siesta was completely anchored in Natsunagi’s body, and they would never separate again. 

"That's how it is. Of course, SEED hadn't just been waiting around for the past year. The means of commanding were obstructed, and it didn’t get the results it wanted. Finally it decided to look for the more powerful Scarlet, and orchestrate its next plans." 

That was SEED’s new move, which ?Siesta? spoke of. It lost its best choice of a vessel, and was most likely looking for a new one. 

And that condition was that the person could use the power of the ?seed? without showing too many side effects. There’s only one human next to me I could think of. 

"Kimizuka, san…" 

I felt a tug at my cuff. 

Yeah, I knew. This hypothesis was already valid. 

"SEED wants Yui Saikawa as a vessel?" 

The ugliest choice in this world. 

SEED intended to use Saikawa as a vessel. 

With the validation of this hypothesis, several things that were amiss finally started to make sense. 

For example, one year ago in London, SEED changed its form to Fuubi-san and appeared to Siesta, Natsunagi (who took the appearance of Alicia) and me. He looked at Natsunagi and I, and tasked us to look for the ?sapphire eye?. 

We didn’t know what that ?sapphire eye? was exactly back then, but in hindsight, it probably referred to Saikawa. In other words, SEED intended for us to meet Saikawa a year ago—to use Saikawa as an insurance of a vessel, and leave her to Siesta. SEED could then assess accordingly and groom her. 

But due to Siesta’s decision back then, we decided not to do so, and it was a year later until we actually met Saikawa. The trigger for that was the criminal letter by ?SPES?, demanding for the ‘sapphire worth three billion yen'. The truth of that incident was to groom Yui Saikawa, who was still the immature vessel. 

"…So things still went as SEED’s script even after Siesta died?" 

SEED had observed everything, including the sapphire incident, and the showdown against Chameleon on that cruise ship. We felt that we managed to solve them, but we were all dancing on his palm. 

"That’s how it is. SEED lost its best candidates as a vessel, and will definitely be aiming for this girl. In that case, we need to do some countermeasures." 

Bat tossed the cigarette to the floor, and invited Saikawa to join in as a member to defeat ?SPES?. 

"And also, that Missy has a bigger reason than anyone else to fight ?SPES?." 

Bat crushed the cigarette under his foot, and looked towards Saikawa. 

"Me…?" 

On the other head, Saikawa was perplexed by Bat’s words, and tilted her head next to me. 

"I see. So you don’t know how that ?left eye? ended up with you?" 

Bat merely nodded slightly, as though he understood what was going on. 

As far as Saikawa’s sapphire prosthetic eye was concerned, that was the present her parents gave her, since she was blind in one eye since birth…. 

"You hear me? Think about it. Even if they’re investors, will any human spend billions on a pretty prosthetic eye, even if it’s for the sake of their cute daughter?" 

"That…" 

Saikawa froze once she was asked…no way. 

"There’s a secret behind the sapphire left eye Saikawa doesn’t know of?" 

I asked, and Bat continued, 

"I only learned of this recently—but this sapphire of a daughter was born with a malignant tumor in the left eye ever since she was born." 

Eye cancer. That’s the first time I heard of this disease. 

"It’s a rare disease that mainly occurs in kids no older than five, and there are fewer than a hundred cases in this country. The treatment was to remove the eyeball once it occurred, but even then, it can’t be said to be cured completely." 

After hearing that much, I finally understood the story. 

It was likely that Saikawa's eye disease couldn’t be cured by ordinary methods. Yet her parents tried to cure their only daughter's disease by any means necessary— 

"So Saikawa’s parents pleaded to ?SPES? for help?" 

They chose to borrow the power of great evil to save their precious daughter. 

"That’s…" 

Saikawa's hands trembled once she finally learned the truth. Her parents must have kept quiet about it so that she wouldn’t feel anxious…no, more than that, the one thing they feared most—was guilt. 

"So they invested a huge amount of money in ?SPES? experimental facility" 

Bat's words linked all the possibilities together. 

Natsunagi's story about the past six years ago mentioned a wealthy Japanese couple who had been donating lots of money to the orphanage. They might have been Saikawa's parents. 

And recently, there were media allegations that Saikawa's parents committed accounting fraud. That might have been the reason for the suspicious flow of money six years ago. 

If all these hypotheses were correct. 

"…Please answer one thing." 

Saikawa’s right hand moved away from mine. 

And Saikawa tried her best to remain calm as she spoke to Bat. 

"If there were people who knew of ?SPES? ’s secret through a certain contract, what would ?SPES? do to them once that contract was fulfilled?" 

There’s no need to think about the significance of that question. 

But before I could stop them, Bat answered, 

"Of course, they’d be killed." 

What awaited us was the worst possible scenario—Saikawa’s parents didn’t die of an accident. They were murdered by ?SPES?. 

"That’s…" 

"Saikawa!" 

Saikawa nearly fell over, and I held her up from behind. 

…Just last night, Saikawa said, she had little to do with Siesta, or ?SPES?. She said this was her own story, and that she would be proud of her own life. 

But now they're connected. 

She was helplessly trapped in this vortex of nightmares. 

"That’s the reason for Yui Saikawa to fight. It’s her destiny to raise her gun at ?SPES?." 

Bat said, and threw the pistol from his waist toward Saikawa. 

The unspoken meaning was that he wanted her to take that gun and fight. 

"I, am……" 

Saikawa’s voice quivered. 

That was the hidden truth of left eye, and also the truth to her parents’ deaths. Having learned of this just moments ago, she wouldn’t have a choice. 

"Bat, right now—" 

I was about to step up in her place and step forward. 

"Goodness, this is really crude." 

A silhouette appeared from the shadow near Bat. 

Silver hair, blond eyes. 

The vampire wearing a white jacket—Scarlet. 

The man who had just woken up from a short nap criticized Bat unhappily. 

"You actually think such a negotiation tactic can convince her, mammal?" 

Back down, scoundrel , Scarlet stepped before Bat. 

"Hah, vampire. You’re mistaken. I do wish for your help, but I never remembered being your lackey…" 

And right as Bat argued back at Scarlet, 

"Know your place, you inferior creature." 

Lightning seemed to flash in Scarlet’s blond eyes. 

"…!" 

And then Bat’s knees buckled then and there. 

He then began to grovel towards Scarlet, as though completely against his will. 

"…Dammit." 

Bat groaned in pain as he tried to resist, but his face continued to slump, and soon his head was pressed against the floor. 

"A mere human dares to be so insolent against me. Unforgivable. Stay there for the time being and watch how I do this." 

So this was the power of a vampire too? Scarlet overpowered Bat without any contact, and looked towards Saikawa and me. 

"Now then, apologies for taking so much time." 

Unexpectedly, Scarlet said words of apology to us. 

"No, well…" 

"You should know that if you want a contract, a relative price is required." 

In spite of my confusion, Scarlet diverted the topic elsewhere. We quickly realized then that the destination was the worst possible ending. 

"How about it, sapphire lady. If you wish to accept his request and assist in slaying ?SPES?, I shall fulfill a wish." 

"Wish…?" 

Saikawa’s eyes faltered once she heard Scarlet’s suggestion. 

"Ahh, yes. Anything is possible. Like—" 

The vampire tempted, 

"How about I revive your parents?" 

What we can do while living 

"Revive dad, and mom…?" 

Saikawa’s right eye widened. The miracle that we assumed couldn’t possibly happen appeared right before us, and her heart shook—but. 

"That’s impossible." 

I knew it's cruel, but I severed that sweet hope immediately. 

"A human that died once can never come back to life." 

Anyone knew that. 

The dead couldn’t revive. What was lost could never return, and that’s why they were irreplaceable things. Everyone knew that. 

"Ahh, that’s right." 

Scarlet affirmed my view with a monotonous voice, 

"But I’m a vampire—the immortal king, you know?" 

And with an emotionless face, he tilted his head ninety degrees. 

The vampire then called out to Hell. 

"Arise, reptile." 

The next moment, a humanoid silhouette appeared from Scarlet’s shadow. 

"Kimizuka-san, this is…" 

Even Saikawa, who had spaced out, widened her eyes in astonishment. 

Appearing in our eyes—was a slender man with silver hair and an Asian face. 

And from his mouth sprouted a long, reptilian tongue. 

"Chameleon…" 

That’s a high ranking member of ?SPES?, our old nemesis. We first got involved about a year ago in London, but recently, after a showdown on the luxury cruise ship, he sank into the sea—or so we thought. 

"Why are you still alive?" 

Chameleon slouched forward weakly and dropped its long tongue. That’s the silhouette I saw in battle a few times…but, 

"—Ahh, ahhh, ahhhhhh." 

There’s a noise coming from the depths of the earth, it seemed. 

"What’s this?" 

Chameleon kept making a lifeless sound, and I couldn’t hear any meaningful words. The eyes were unfocused, and he stood there unsteadily, as though suffering from anemia. 

Is this really that Chameleon? 

"To put it bluntly, I'd say he's what you'd call a zombie." 

Scarlet gives a cold glance at the Chameleon next to him. 

"The immortal blood that flows through me can revive the ?dead? as Immortals, like this." 

"…! A corpse doll?" 

Once I said that, Scarlet gave an icy smile, and walked around us. 

"A corpse doll? I see, that is a nice way of putting it. It’s true that they can’t talk, nor can they communicate with people. They lose their senses of pain, and can’t get their senses working. In a certain sense, this one here is a living corpse." 

But , Scarlet continued. 

"The ?Immortals? created from when I suck their blood shall preserve their strongest instincts when they were alive. In other words, I can fulfill their wishes when they are alive." 

Say human, the vampire asked me. 

"Isn’t it a wonderful thing to have a wish fulfilled even after death?" 

Such a dissonance of values was probably caused by the decisive differences between a human and a vampire. Perhaps those were twisted thoughts by a vampire who had a different view of life and death from humans while trying to approach humanity. 

I knew there was something wrong with what he was saying—I really did, but I couldn’t refute him then and there. 

"Now then, what will you do? Sapphire lady." 

Scarlet looked away from me, and towards Saikawa. 

No, either way, it was Saikawa who was offered this choice to begin with. 

"Don’t worry, it’s possible without a corpse. Bones, hair, anything with DNA can be used, and I shall use my blood to revive your parents as ?Immortals?." 

"……" 

Saikawa was silent, and Scarlet smirked. 

"Come on, if you don't decide soon, the outfield won't be able to keep quiet." 

The moment Scarlet muttered so. 

"?Ahh, ahhh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" 

A deafening bellow roared. 

"Saikawa, watch out!" 

Chameleon suddenly twitched hard, and yelled. 

Unconscious, unaware of why he was standing here, he roared as if he could do nothing else. He tried to attack us, and stumbled over with his wobbly legs. 

Yes, Chameleon’s instinct—was to fight for survival. 

Even in death, even after reviving, he wanted to continue his meaningless fight. 

That was Chameleon’s wish. 

"That’s not what we said, vampire." 

I heard that voice, and at the same time, Chameleon stopped. 

Chameleon, who was unconscious while trying to lunge at us…had his body wrapped by the long ?feeler?. 

"Hoh, looks like you can still move—Bat" 

Scarlet continued to look forward, and finally called Bat behind him by his name. 

Bat had a ?feeler? grow out of his left ear, and managed to restrain Chameleon. He looked like he was protecting Saikawa and I. 

"Say, vampire. I never heard that you could only create such an incomplete ?Immortals?." 

Bat said, and stared at Scarlet fearlessly. 

"I made the contract with you because I thought you could revive the dead in a more perfect form." 

The contract with the vampire—I wondered if that was what Bat just referred to as a mutual interest. He hoped for Scarlet to have the ability to revive, and was prepared to pay the equivalent price. However, Scarlet was not as omnipotent as Bat thought. 

"Fool." 

But Scarlet turned around and retorted at Bat, 

"There is no such thing as a miracle without a price. It’s expected that to gain something, you will lose something. Or did you really think that a single hair would bring your little sister back to life?" 

"…! Shut up!" 

Bat got agitated. 

But his fury wasn’t directed at Scarlet, for the ?feeler? wrapped around Chameleon was more forceful—it was as though he was venting his frustration on the incomplete ?Immortals?. 

"—Ah, ahh, ah." 

Chameleon croaked in agony. 

He was no longer the self when he last faced us. 

"Now then, sapphire lady. Your choice." 

Once again, Scarlet gave Saikawa the right to choose. 

"It's true that the dead who come back to life end up looking like this. But don't worry, as I said, the ?Immortals? I create shall have their strongest desires. Now then, sapphire lady, what do you think a parent's instincts are?" 

Scarlet asked Saikawa, 

"—Unbridled love for their children." 

The blonde eyes narrowed as he concluded so. 

"That's why, when your parents do revive, they will never forget their love for their only daughter, even when they end up as corpse dolls." 

Say, sapphire lady, Scarlet repeated once again. 

"Don’t you want to meet such parents once again?" 

And Saikawa, who was being persuaded, 

"……" 

She stood still and clenched her fists. 

And right before her, 

"—Gah, ahh, aa." 

Chameleon, who was wrapped in Bat’s ?feeler?, tried to intimidate us with a feeble voice. He reached his arm out towards Saikawa, and at her feet was the pistol Bat just threw to her. 

"Saikawa…" 

I was about to say something to Saikawa—but I stopped. 

There’s nothing I could do this time. 

Before I came here, that ?Siesta? said so. 

I was to watch over Yui Saikawa's decision. 

My gut feeling was that she referred to this moment. 

"Now, what will you like to do, lady?" 

Scarlet prompted for a decision. Chameleon continued to wriggle towards us. In the face of this pressure, Saikawa crouched down, and— 

"How pitiful." 

She patted Chameleon’s head. 

"……" 

She side-eyed Scarlet wordlessly…and didn’t look at the gun at her feet. Saikawa smiled sadly and gently stroked Chameleon's silver hair while the latter groaned. 

"You don't have to fight anymore. Your battle was already ended by the kind detective and her assistant. So, please rest." 

…Yes, Chameleon was a clone of SEED created to battle, and was also a victim in that sense. His battle had already ended with that decisive battle on the cruise ship, by Siesta. 

"—Ah, ah, ahhh." 

Chameleon continued to groan. He probably wanted to say something as he groaned away, but there was merely a meaningless howl echoing in the empty night sky. 

"He’s saying, sing." 

Only one person, Saikawa alone, seemed to understand his intent, for she looked at Chameleon’s face, and said with a serious look. 

"…Seriously?" 

"Who knows? I don’t understand him." 

"Oy." 

We’re in such a situation, and I couldn’t help but retort at her. 

"But it can't be helped, can it? Dead people can’t talk anymore." 

Saikawa said, and stood up, 

"That’s why, even if others say it’s arrogant and selfish of us—but we have to think about what the person wants, believe in it, and do it." 

She turned back and smiled at me. That somewhat transient smile was more sorrowful than any face I saw Saikawa make, yet it seemed to be the most sincere. 

"—Yeah, I guess." 

There is no way to know…what the dead would want of the living. What kind of life do Saikawa's parents want their only daughter to live? That question would never be answered, forever. 

But Saikawa chose to believe. 

She believed that the path she chose was the future they wanted. 

"If my parents are still alive, I hope my parents will keep praising me. And if I…who used to be introverted and friendless, could sing with so many fans and friends, I think they’d be happy." 

That’s the parents’ wish Yui Saikawa believed in. 

She didn’t walk down the path of revenge. 

She would just smile, surround herself with friends, and continue to be an idol. 

"That’s why, I’m sorry. Please believe that this is the outcome you wish for." 

Once she said that, an invisible microphone appeared in her right hand. 

It was a requiem dedicated to Chameleon…or rather, Saikawa’s parents. 

That was fine. That was how Yui Saikawa should be. 

A pistol doesn't suit an idol. 

Saikawa sang while she ignored the mood, the androids, and the vampire. 

"Please listen. The song is—" 

Henceforth, she would continue to sing. 

The regret on that day, a future promise 

"I’m tired…" 

After that. 

I slumped my shoulders and arched my back as I retraced the night route back to the lair. 

"Kimizuka-san, you look like a zombie when you hunch like that." 

Saikawa, who was walking next to me, chided me so. 

"Of course that’ll happen when we have a vampire, androids, and corpses all gathered together." 

"Ahaha, that’s quite the collection of all-stars." 

Saikawa said, and laughed heartily. 

Man, you’re quite optimistic , I was about to say …but I was relieved to see that she could laugh like this. 

"Goodness, thanks to you." 

I recall the exchange on the roof a few minutes ago— 

"Haha, hahaha!" 

Scarlet had his hand on his forehead, and laughed in a ridiculous manner. 

"What's with that girl? She’s completely ignoring me." 

In the end, Saikawa never responded to Scarlet’s proposal of ‘reviving her parents’, had a solo recital on the roof, and went backstage to get changed. 

But from her behavior, I knew what she was thinking—Saikawa wouldn’t choose to revive her parents. Once she saw that imperfectly resurrected Chameleon, she realized that her parents would never truly come back to life. 

And more importantly, Saikawa could stand and walk on her own feet even without her parents. She could look ahead with her left eye. It was her story, her own life. 

"I never thought there would be such interesting humans." 

Scarlet said, and approached Chameleon’s corpse. 

—After Saikawa left, I finished off Chameleon. 

It was the second time I killed Chameleon. I knew it was weird to do this to an enemy, but I silently prayed that he would at least rest in peace. 

"Anyway Scarlet, why did you cooperate with Bat instead of SEED?" 

That Bat had disappeared into the darkness of night, so only Scarlet and I were present, and I asked him, 

"Just in the spur of the moment…if I’d say." 

Scarlet said with some ambiguity. 

"I want to have a closer look at the ?singularity?." 

He muttered such mysterious words, and squinted his eyes at me for some reason. 

"And also," 

"?" 

"That SEED—gave quite the atypical price when it first negotiated with me." 

Scarlet said, and suddenly smiled. 

"I felt it’s not a bad choice to cooperate with that madness, so I negotiated…and I was shown something rather interesting. Today’s matters left me satisfied." 

Scarlet then easily hopped onto the fence. 

"So basically, what price did SEED prepare?" 

"Hah, you’ll have to find it on your own strength, human." 

If you’re really the guy standing next to Daydream. 

Scarlet stood on the fence, turned his back on me, and said so. 

"But since we have a rare opportunity, I shall ask a question too." 

And Scarlet, half-turning on the thin fence. 

"Do you have a human you want to bring back to life?" 

He said with an emotionless expression, looking down at me. 

To revive the dead. 

If this heretical act could really be fulfilled, then I— 

"Well, you don’t have to answer now. I’m just showing up for now, and the real show happens later. Try and survive until then, human." 

But Scarlet merely left such words, leaned back, and hopped off the fence. 

And once I saw this, I, 

"It’s Kimizuka—Kimihiko, Kimizuka." 

I didn’t know why I wanted to do this. 

But before I knew it, I mentioned my name, which I hadn’t said to him— 

"Kimizuka-san?……Kimizuka-san!" 

I was then tugged on the cuff. I turned back, and saw Saikawa give me a stunned look. 

"We’re here, you know?" 

"Ah, my bad. Just thinking of something." 

It seemed we arrived at ?Siesta? ’s place while I was recalling my last conversation with Scarlet on the rooftop. 

"Goodness, Kimizuka-san, you’re the only one who’s unattentive when talking to me." 

Saikawa glanced up at me, and turned her head aside. 

It seemed Saikawa said a lot of things to me while we’re on our way. 

"My bad." 

I gently patted a miffed Saikawa on the head. 

"Whatever, I’m never talking to you again, Kimizuka-san." 

"That’s sad…" 

So that’s how a dad feels when a daughter reaches that rebellious phase, huh? 

"My bad." 

I put down my hand, and apologized to the fuming Saikawa. 

"That’s why…" 

"I’m sorry that I couldn’t do anything." 

"Eh?" 

Saikawa turned back once she heard my words. 

Yeah, I had to say these words to her as soon as possible. 

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything but watch over you. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you, that I could only wait for you to solve this on your own, Saikawa ?" 

And the moment I was about to say whatever I wanted next, I was hugged on the waist. 

"Sorry." 

I decided to finish what I wanted to say, and hugged Saikawa, who flung at my chest. 

"…It’s been three years." 

Saikawa sounded like she was fawning about, and that voice came from a little beneath my chest. 

"It’s been three years since someone finally hugged me." 

Three years. I didn’t need to be certain on what that number meant. 

But I couldn’t replace Saikawa’s parents. And it’s not about me alone; nobody could replace anyone else. 

But, But still, so I thought. 

I could still accompany others. I could hold hands, pat the head, or just hug like this. In that case? 

"I can lend you my chest." 

This should be how I should repay my failure from a year ago, so I thought. 

"But you too, Kimizuka-san." 

At that moment, Saikawa suddenly lifted her head towards me. 

"Kimizuka-san, you too should fawn around a little more and be stubborn." 

I knew immediately from her expression that she wasn't trying to tease me. 

"All you need to do is to do whatever you want." 

That’s what Saikawa said to me before. 

As she said, she decided her own path. She believed her late parents would praise her for being surrounded by friends and continuing her idol career. She believed this was what she wanted to do. 

Then what about me? 

Was following the will of the late famous detective really what I wanted to do? 

What exactly was my heart hoping for exactly? 

At this moment, everything was turned upside down 

"We’re back?!" 

We went down the stairs leading to the basement, and Saikawa opened the iron door. 

Various things happened, but we managed to return to ?Siesta? ’s hidden house. 

"Sorry that we’re late?" 

Saikawa called out to Natsunagi and Charl who were supposed to be at home. Due to unforeseen troubles, the clock on the living room wall showed that it was past midnight. 

"I’ll have a shower and sleep then." 

…So I thought, but before then, I felt that I should tell the other girls of what we just encountered. We should inform them of ?SPES? situation and SEED’s objective at soonest possible? 

"Nagisa-san!" 

A moment later, Saikawa cried 

Saikawa hunched over at the dining table in the living room. 

"What happened!……!" 

Right over there was Natsunagi, who passed out on the floor. 

"Nagisa-san! Nagisa-san……!" 

Saikawa called Natsunagi’s name, and shook the body hard. 

I stopped her with my hand, and first of all, I should check Natsunagi’s breathing. I put my hand at her mouth…it’s fine, she’s still breathing. And right at this moment? 

"…Kimi, zuka? Yui, chan?" 

Natsunagi opened her eyes slightly, and saw Saikawa and I. 

“You alright!?" 

"Nagisa-san…!" 

While we crouched down by her side, Natsunagi, 

"Run…" 

She let out a hoarse voice. 

The next moment, I sensed an exceptionally strong murderous intent. 

"…!" 

I pulled the gun at my waist, and turned around to point it at the person several meters away. That person too raised a long, thin sword at me. 

"Why…?" 

Muttering so was Saikawa. 

Her voice inadvertently shook once she saw the person whom I pointed the gun at. 

…Yeah, I knew how she felt. We're pointing weapons at each other, but even I wondered if this was all a dream, an illusion. 

But at the same time, I knew very well the enemy wasn’t one who would joke like this. 

So I said lightheartedly, hoping not to give way to a heavy mood. 

"Oy oy, you’re giving a different vibe from usual?Charlotte Arisaka Anderson." 

Dangling blonde hair, emerald eyes. There’s no way I would mistake her. We were happily living together under the same roof on the previous day. At this moment, she basically viewed us as a prey, and gave us an icy look. 

"Run." 

I shielded Natsunagi and Saikawa behind me, and prompted them to hurry. 

But the injured Natsunagi aside, Saikawa was too shocked to move. 

"It’s useless." 

But Charl said with a really vicious look. 

"I’ll kill you even if I have to pursue you to the ends of the world?Yui Saikawa." 

It’s not Natsunagi, nor me. She turned to Saikawa, who just hurdled the large obstacle, and declared her to be the target to be eliminated. 

"Why?" 

Saikawa asked Charl, looking more confused than shocked. 

"We just talked yesterday, and talked so much…" 

"It’s an order." 

Charl tersely said. 

"I was just given this order. I shall obey it, that’s all. No other reason." 

An order to kill Saikawa? Who exactly gave that order? 

SPES? ? No, that’s impossible. 

Bat just said that ?SPES? …or rather, SEED, viewed Saikawa as a possible vessel, and thus they wouldn’t kill her. 

"It’s time." 

Charl said nothing more, and raised the saber in her hand. 

"If you’re going to get in my way, I'll kill you right here and now. I won't let you buy time." 

The next moment, Charl disappeared. 

No, she was so fast that it looked like she disappeared, but she closed in on me. 

It’s Charl’s ability. 

No wait, even if she didn’t go all out, I was never a match against her in combat. 

The moment it got into mano a mano, I? 

"I guess it was the right decision to suck your blood then after all." 

There was an uppity voice which I had heard just moments ago. 

A man swooped in between Charl and me?the vampire with sparkling blond eyes had the smell of blood. 

"…! Scarlet, you!" 

But that blood was his however?that fresh flood flew along with his right wrist. Charl’s sword had just slashed his arm. 

"Oh, you cut off my arm?" 

But Scarlet, in contrast to Charl who was taken aback by the sudden intruder?didn’t change his expression. 

"I’ll compliment you. You did well…for a human." 

Scarlet picked up the flying right arm with his mouth, and sent a high kick towards the stunned Charl. 

"…!" 

It wasn’t just an ordinary kick; it was from a monster. Charl was sent flying far away with a dull thud. 

"Who…" 

Charl fell to the floor, and winced in pain as she looked up at Scarlet far away. 

"Looks like my existence is an irregularity." 

Scarlet picked up the right arm he bit, pressed it on the bleeding right shoulder, and there wasn’t a need to stitch it, for the right arm immediately meshed together with the shoulder. 

"Scarlet, why are you here?" 

I had a hunch that we would meet again someday, but I didn't expect it to be just minutes later. 

"Nothing, just that I forgot something." 

Scarlet approached me, and stuffed something into the breast pocket of my jacket. 

"That was the price that mammal was to give me. I wanted to return it to him now that the contract is broken, but he told me to give it to you." 

"Bat?" 

I felt this small hard thing. What exactly was this? 

"A rock that allows me to walk under the sun?or so I heard, but I don’t know if that’s true. It’s rather tempting for a vampire however." 

Vampires really were nocturnal creatures. So Bat prepared this for Scarlet as repayment for reviving the dead? 

"Now then, that’s how it is human. My job here is done." 

“Pardon my intrusion.” Scarlet said, and was about to leave this chaotic scene. I turned to him, 

"Say, vampire. Mind if you take these two away too?" 

I entrusted Natsunagi and Saikawa’s safety to them. 

"Is that an official contract? In that case?" 

"The price will be my blood." 

I said before Scarlet could. 

I already gave him that blood when we first met. Since I was his savior, he’d agree. 

"…I see. But," 

Scarlet narrowed his eyes. 

"Shouldn’t the contract be about defeating that blond lady there?" 

Scarlet asked me as he looked at Charl, who stumbled to her feet. 

"Yeah, it's fine. Hard to ask for that much with my disgusting blood." 

"Haha, quite an amusing man." 

And also, I had to be the one to knock her out. 

"That’s why I'll take it from here." 

I looked towards the girl who I had quite the rotten history with. 

Scarlet turned around, 

"Very well. Your wish is granted.” 

He turned his back on me, and accepted my request. 

"Next time, meet me with a new price?Kimihiko Kimizuka." 

Scarlet spread black wings, carried Natsunagi and Saikawa by his sides, and flew out of the room. 

"Kimi, zuka…!" 

"Kimizuka-san…we’ll, meet again!" 

Natsunagi and Saikawa gave me teary looks. 

Come on, if you give me such looks, don’t that mean that you like me or something? Spare me already. 

"Now then," 

The three of them vanished, Charl and I were the only ones left in the room. 

Since I showed off like that, there’s no way I could run away. 

"You ready?" 

I looked at Charl, who raised the sword once again. 

"…That’s, my line." 

"Really? Well, it doesn't matter." 

Now then, let’s begin. 

Let’s end this, right here, right now, after a year of nothing and pent up rage.