At Takemoto’s words, Inari looked at Eru. Seeing her like this, she truly resembled Yaeka.
They looked alike… though their hairstyles and other details were quite different. Since they were cousins, such resemblance was not an impossible coincidence—but to meet her in such a place could only be called a strange twist of fate.
“Hmm…”
“…So thou wilt refuse, after all?”
Takemoto asked, and Inari replied with a troubled expression. It was not an issue to lend aid to someone seeking help. Being a backer was also no problem. But there was one major obstacle.
“I know naught of family feuds and such. What exactly dost thou wish me to do?”
“Ah, if that is all—”
Takemoto let out a look of relief, then gave a nod to Eru. Receiving it, she entered the room, sat near Inari, and placed a hand upon her chest.
“As for that part, I shall handle it. I will act the part of an arrogant and greedy fool. That should be enough to stir the others into motion.”
“…I see. Then lending my aid poses no issue.”
“Oh…!”
“But, but—grant me leave to confirm three things first.”
When the two nodded, Inari raised one finger.
“First. Why not take this matter to the Awakener Association?”
“The Association never meddles in family disputes. And we have not a single shred of proof. We lack grounds to move them. Even if we could, I doubt they could resolve it.”
Indeed, the Awakener Association was an organization to coordinate awakeners, not to govern them. They did have the authority to request the aid of top rankers. But whether there was a top ranker suited for this case was another question. This was not an issue to be solved by sheer firepower.
“Then second. Why bring this to me? Could ye not handle it yourselves?”
“The Samurai Corps is too large an organization. If this escalates into the form of a clan conflict, matters could become tangled in the worst way.”
Yes—both the Takemoto Samurai Corps and the Echigo Trading Company were counted among the Ten Great Clans. Even if Echigo had already been excluded by the Nine Great Clans and others, in the eyes of the public it remained a clan of that stature.
If the Superhuman League truly was involved, they might try to frame this as Samurai Corps versus Echigo. That would almost certainly result in heavy casualties, worsening Japan’s security. To allow the League to exploit such chaos was an outcome that must be prevented.
“Thus we needed an awakener, skilled in both attack and defense, yet acting as an individual. And at that time, I heard of thy exploits.”
“I see. Then third—what result dost thou seek?”
“If possible, the conclusion of this family strife. And if the Superhuman League is involved, their expulsion. If these two are achieved, I care not for the rest.”
“…Very well. Then I shall accept.”
At those words, Inari gave a firm nod. Compared to before, her face now bore a much clearer expression, even with a faint smile. Takemoto, in turn, looked the more perplexed.
“I do hope thou knowest what a large task I’ve asked of thee…”
“Well, I am no expert in the power struggles of men. But if Eru prepares the path, then all I need do is wield my strength without misstep to support her. I am not so cold-hearted as to call that troublesome and refuse.”
“…I see. Then I leave it to you. I shall also inform the Fox Phone staff. Of course, I shall arrange for every convenience.”
“Aye, I leave that to thee.”
After Inari and Takemoto sealed the agreement with a handshake, Eru stood up gracefully.
“Then I shall go and pack my things.”
“Mm?”
“Lady Kogami, for a short while, I will be in your care.”
“Eh…? What meanest thou?”
“She means she will be staying at thy home. Naturally, I will provide ample money and support. Use her as conveniently as thou likest.”
“Well… I suppose that is the natural course.”
If assassins or other threats might come, then indeed it was only natural for Eru to stay under Inari’s roof. Leaving her at the Samurai Corps and saying she could not make it in time would defeat the purpose entirely.
Seeing Eru likely return to her room, Inari turned back toward Takemoto.
“By the way, what of her parents?”
“They are dead.”
“…I see.”
“A long time ago. An accident… Only she survived, by virtue of being awakener.”
Even back then, Echigo had been mired in internal corruption. With no proper guardian available, Takemoto had used the power of a Ten Great Clan to take her in. Since then, they had lived in something like a parent–child relationship, though whether it was truly going well, even Takemoto could not say.
“I mean to act as a parent, but in the end I’ve made her a piece in this game. As a parent, perhaps I am the lowest sort.”
“Hm. Dost thou have family besides Eru?”
Inari asked after clearly acknowledging Eru as part of Takemoto’s family. Smiling wryly, Takemoto scratched his head.
“No longer. Many lost something dear in that great upheaval of the world… Even now I think—if only I had this strength back then.”
“…Forgive me, I pried too far.”
“Nay, think nothing of it. More importantly… I ask again, take care of Eru.”
“Aye. Leave it to me. I shall see her safely back to thy side.”