Her gaze drills into me… but stops short of outright condemnation.
Ophelia mutters, “I wonder why I even brought that up.”
“Who knows? I couldn’t tell you.”
Seems like she barely doesn’t recognize me.
I change the subject fast.
Don’t remember, don’t remember, don’t remember—
“Since you’re from the Luxor family, I assume you had ties to the Akai house?”
“So you do know about that.”
“But of course. The Luxors are one of the most distinguished bloodlines in the world.”
“A member of Luxor blood was at the party. We haven’t been able to reach them. Given the circumstances, they were most likely caught up in it all.”
Caught up in it, huh… That’s probably how the guests see it.
Well, this is turning into a real problem, Lady Ayano.
“I was sent here as the family’s representative. To confirm the situation firsthand.”
“Goodness… Thank you for making such a long journey, Lady Ophelia.”
“Thanks to that, I’ve also been appointed as a Church inspector.”
“…You truly have my sympathies.”
That’s all I can say. I’m not imagining the subtext behind her words. How dare you drag me into this mess, you filthy commoner!
It’s practically oozing out of her tone.
I decide to nod along and let the storm pass.
“Meeting someone already investigating the incident is the only stroke of luck I’ve had. If you’ve got a lead on the enemy, we’ll hit back immediately. I’ll lend you my strength—personally. Consider it an honor.”
“I’m grateful. However, Lady Ophelia, the investigation’s still in its early stages. While we do have leads, we haven’t yet pinpointed their base—”
“Speak plainly.”
“…It’s not yet time to trouble you with this matter.”
I don’t trust her.
This girl could be the traitor behind that Demon Night.
She’s already shown off her venomous personality within minutes of reuniting—and she’s made me want to avoid her at all costs. Highly suspicious.
For all I know, she’s just waiting for a good time to finish me off.
“My brother and sister were at that party… along with eight Exorcists who serve as the Swords of Luxor. We’ve lost contact with every one of them.”
“You have my deepest sympathies.”
“Thank you,” she says, voice low and lonely. “I’m glad you understand. Now then, let’s begin the investigation.”
“I’m sorry?”
“What are you doing? Hurry up.”
I rush after her as she strides out of the guild.
I say, “I did mention it’s not time to trouble you with this.”
“I’ve decided otherwise. And more importantly, we don’t have time to dawdle. The Blood Moon’s risen, the Akai family’s in shambles. Something big and ugly is coming. It’s plain as the nose on your face.”
Any competent Exorcist knows it’s easier for Demon cults to operate in regions where the nobility’s collapsed. That’s why anyone with sense is bailing.
The ones who stay behind are either unshakably loyal, backed into a corner, or just optimistic.
She asks, “Could you tell me the plan, if you have any?”
“If it’s their moment, the enemy will make the first move. We’ve got leads, so we’ll wait for them to act cocky, then grab whoever pops up and beat the truth out of them.”
“Not bad. Let’s move. Where’s the car?”
She’s clearly planning to tag along. Great.
I press the key fob.
“Surprisingly nice ride. I’m revising my opinion of you.”
“It’s not mine.”
“Theft is a crime. Even in Japan.”
“Um, I know that.”
“So you’re the type who doesn’t hesitate to commit crimes for personal gain.”
“Could you please stop assuming I’m a thief? It’s an Akai family car. I’m currently borrowing it.”
“Then say that from the beginning.”
“Gff…”
A groan chokes in my throat.
Maybe this annoying girl is a traitor, maybe not.
But I bet I wouldn’t be punished for putting a mercury round through her skull.
“Oh my? This fluffy cat is…”
“Meow~? Meow?!”
The second she opens the passenger door, her eyes go wide.
Lady Ayano, who’d been sleeping peacefully, jolts upright in alarm.
I quickly move away the typewriter and grab the paper.
“This is Milady Mikaela. She lives with the Akai family. Please be gentle with her.”
“Oh right, there was a cat like this. I have zero interest in cats—none at all—but I suppose I could allow this one to sit on my lap.”
Ophelia gazes at the cat like she’s seeing a sacred relic.
Her face lights up, and for a second, I forget all her awfulness and feel like I’m staring at a normal girl.
Maybe even evil witches melt in front of cats.
“Meow! Meow!”
“Milady, please calm down. She’s probably an ally.”
“Probably?”
“Ahem. I misspoke. My Japanese isn’t very good. I meant to say she’s a very reliable ally.”
Ophelia shoots me a skeptical look.
“Meow! Meow!”
“Hehe. It’s alright. Don’t be scared. Come here. I’ll pet you.”
“Hiss!”
“Ah—ow!”
“Wait! Wait! Milady, no! That’s not good!”
Lady Ayano lands a clean slash on Ophelia.
Part of me wants to cheer. But no—that’s bad.
This girl might go full noble rage mode and say something like, How dare you scratch Ophelia Luxor! You deserve death ten thousand times over! and vaporize her.
But… she looks genuinely hurt. Emotionally.
“Why did you scratch me…?”
“Meow.”
“Lady Ophelia, look. Milady seems sorry.”
Ayano sniffs Ophelia’s finger, then licks it like she’s apologizing.
Ophelia softens, starts stroking her back gently.
As they make up in the passenger seat, I don’t start the engine. I pull out my phone instead.
Smart men read the room.
“Hm?”
The guild doors fly open. Eight Exorcists rush out, armed and ready.
They pile into two black SUVs and peel off down the road.
Ophelia observes, “Looks like a Demon’s shown up.”
“So it seems.”
“Follow them. Observing how the Japanese operate is part of my job.”
“This isn’t a taxi, you know.”
“I didn’t quite catch that. Could you repeat it?”
“…As you wish, Lady Ophelia.”
Either way, I need to dive into the thick of it if I want to catch anything.
I hit the gas and chase the SUVs into the night.