During the night, the Awakener Association had finished cleaning up the scene, and the security company whose guards had been put to sleep offered an apology to Inari. Still, outwardly, the matter was processed as though it had been “a night where nothing happened.”
Yes, as always. Once the problem was solved, there was no meaning in needlessly unsettling people.
During tea after breakfast, Inari informed Eru of the attack. Of course, she also told her that the mastermind who gave the order was still unknown… but unless this was some deliberate misdirection to make it look that way, it was obvious whose underlings had carried it out. Perhaps because of that, Eru was clearly downhearted.
“After all, it was because of me…”
“I thought thou wouldst say that. Yet I accepted this task knowing such possibilities. Thou needst not trouble thy heart.”
“That may be so… but I never expected they would leap straight to assassination.”
“Hmm, indeed. That is… quite hasty.”
Inari also thought it too premature. Surely there had been gentler methods available. But they had chosen not to take them—likely because they wanted certainty. A mere car crash would destroy the vehicle, leave Inari unscathed, and with her present, Eru would be well protected. The same was true of kidnapping—slipping past Inari’s guard was impossible.
That left assassination during sleep as the only reliable way. But unless one was well practiced in such methods, it would end like yesterday’s bungled attempt. In fact, against anyone other than Inari, that approach might have succeeded.
“Well, such things matter little.”
“Eh?”
Yet Inari, after considering it briefly, cast it aside as irrelevant. Why? Because the assassins had already been defeated and handed over. From here, the Awakener Association would uncover proof of that so-called “Superhuman League,” investigate who had dispatched the killers, and peel back the layers behind it all. In time, the situation would naturally progress. Until then, there was nothing Inari herself needed to do. And above all—
“Thou art not at fault in the least. The blame lieth with the one who sent the assassin.”
“That may be true… but had I not dragged you into this matter to begin with—”
“What nonsense dost thou speak? Did I not say I accepted this burden knowingly?”
“But still—”
“Listen well. I heard the circumstances surrounding thee, the matters of Echigo Trading Company, and this tale of the Superhuman League. I even heard some predictions of what may come. Knowing all that, I agreed. Thus, whatever occurreth, the responsibility is mine alone. There is naught left for thee to bear.”
Yes, even if this house were blown apart, Inari would place blame only on the culprit and the mastermind. That was what it meant to take on troublesome matters, and it was the responsibility of the one who accepted them. Of course, if something had been hidden from her deliberately, that would be another story.
“Therefore, Eru, thou hast no need whatsoever to speak of responsibility. Dost thou understand?”
“…Yes.”
“Truly? Thy face doth not look convinced.”
“Um, that is…”
“Good grief. Thou art a serious child indeed… Though that itself is admirable.”
Saying this, Inari stood and sat beside Eru, clasping her hand tightly. Her hand was cold—chilled by fear and self-blame. Even when one prepared for such things, once they truly occurred, it was difficult to endure. That was why Inari, warming her hand, gently but firmly spoke.
“Hear me well. The foe lost patience, struck first, and I handed him over. Therefore, this tale draweth near its end.”
“And if it doesn’t end?”
“Then I shall end it. ’Tis no problem. Not to boast, but in matters of force, I have never known defeat.”
“…Yes.”
Little by little, warmth returned to Eru’s hand. At Inari’s smile, Eru, too, softened into a faint smile. Then, to ensure her words reached Eru clearly, Inari spoke slowly and firmly.
“Leave it to me. I shall resolve everything.”
“Yes. I’ll entrust it to you, Lady Kogami.”
Eru squeezed Inari’s hand back tightly. Confirming this, Inari rose to her feet.
“Good! Then all is well! Now, we must go buy ingredients for today’s meal!”
“Yes, that’s right. I’ll make sure to help properly.”
“Indeed, indeed. Then let us decide first what to make.”
“Hmm… how about fish?”
“That soundeth delightful.”
Seeing that Eru had fully regained her composure, Inari thought with relief, “Indeed, telling her everything without hiding anything was the correct choice.” And truly, that was so.
Now, all that remained was to resolve the matter at hand… Yet even after three days passed, there was still no word from the Awakener Association.