A Western girl, completely out of place.
Not just because she’s the only non-Japanese in the room—but because of the aura she carries.
I recognize it. Lady Ayano has the same thing. The air of the Akai family.
No, broader than that—it’s nobility. The real kind. The kind etched into the world like scripture.
The kind that makes commoners’ instincts kick in whether they want them to or not.
This girl has that noble blood.
“What’s wrong?” she says in smooth Japanese. “Is the fight over already?”
I glance at the guy on his ass. Head down. Not a word.
“He changed his mind.”
I speak for him. No point letting her needle him further.
Still, that smug line—Is it over already?—irritates me more than anything they pulled.
But I don’t let it show.
I straighten my collar, give a stiff bow just to be safe.
“Well then, I’ll excuse myself.”
I nod politely, turn my back, and head for the door.
“Where are you going?”
Her voice stops me. I look back and point lazily at the exit.
“Home.”
“Bit early, isn’t it? You came here for something, didn’t you? With Mister Fuji?”
She flicks her gaze toward the middle-aged man.
So he’s Fuji. Looks a bit rattled.
Right. I get it now.
That noble girl’s one of those types—barging in like she owns the place, poking around, demanding to see everything.
“…I wasn’t welcome. I asked for cooperation. Got shown the door.”
“Oh dear. How pitiful. It’s such a shame when you go out of your way and get nothing for it. Mister Fuji, why wouldn’t you help him?”
Her gaze shifts. Light, almost lazy. But I can feel the pressure behind it.
“Well, uh… we got into a bit of a scuffle…”
“I’m an Exorcist of the Akai family,” I cut in. “I’m sure you’re aware we’re in the middle of a crisis. I came to the Red Guild—our ally—seeking support.”
Fuji shoots me a glare.
“What a fascinating coincidence,” the girl says, smiling like a cat with a trapped mouse.
“Mister Fuji. Why wouldn’t you assist the Akai in their time of need? You don’t have some… reason to refuse, do you?”
“No, no, no! Nothing of the sort, Inspector!” Fuji’s voice jumps half an octave.
“I’m fully aware of what happened. Tragic, absolutely tragic. It’s just, uh, our discussion here got a little heated. I’d love to cooperate, but with the branch manager gone, my authority’s a little… limited—”
“What is it you need, Exorcist of the Akai family?” she asks, eyes back on me.
“Incident reports. Past cases the Guild has archived. I want to use them to track down the lunatics responsible for what happened.”
“I see. So you’re still at that stage.”
That hits a nerve.
What’s that supposed to mean?
“Mister Fuji? I’ll authorize it. Assist with his investigation.”
“But Inspector, that’s not exactly within my purview… Rules are rules, and I can’t just—”
“I’ll speak to the branch manager myself. No one will question your goodwill. This concerns a heinous incident carried out by demons and their worshippers. It falls under exceptional circumstances, as outlined by the Del Exorcism Church.
You’re covered. So do the right thing.”
“Ah... yes, you’re quite right. Thank you, Inspector.”
Fuji looks like he’s swallowing broken glass.
I step back up to the desk.
“Thank you so much for your cooperation, Mr. Fuji! What a fine, upstanding man you are!”
I grip his hand, shaking hard. Smile like we’re old pals.
He manages an awkward grin.
“Hah… no, really, it’s fine. I’m honored to assist the Akai family. Please, follow me. I’ll take you to the records room. Would you like something to drink? Cold milk tea? You can have it hot, too—though drinks aren’t allowed inside.”
“Then I’ll take both!”
“Please have it one way…”
Talk about unexpected backup.
I give the pretty inspector a grateful bow.
She flashes a bright smile and gives a casual wave. Such a kind person.
Totally not mad anymore.
Nope. Not at all.