Chapter 369: Giving Yukina Some Face
Just as Mahiro was interrogating to confirm the attacker's name.
Suddenly—
Bang!
The rooftop door was forcibly broken open.
It was Himeragi Yukina, the Watcher.
She was still wearing her Saikai Academy uniform, still carrying the black guitar case on her back.
Her chest, wrapped in a thin blouse, rose and fell rapidly with her hurried breaths.
Her forehead was drenched in sweat, and her bright face was filled with anxiety and resentment.
She had spent the entire lunch break searching for Mahiro.
She never expected Mahiro to be on the rooftop.
Even less did she expect him to be meeting a girl here in private!
At this thought, the resentment on Yukina's face deepened, but when she clearly saw the girl's appearance, she gasped in surprise:
"...Sa... Sayaka?! Why is it you? Why are you here?!"
Her voice was filled with excitement and confusion.
Excitement at being able to see her dear friend again.
Confusion as to why Sayaka would appear here.
Unlike Sword Shamans, who specialize in direct combat, Maihime Envoys are responsible for intelligence gathering, assassination, and curses.
Seeing Sayaka pinned down and the surrounding ground in disarray, Yukina's not-so-bright mind came to a startling conclusion—
"Sayaka, you couldn't possibly..."
"Oh, so it's Miss Sayaka."
Before Yukina could finish, Mahiro interrupted.
His flippant tone and the act of cutting Yukina off annoyed Sayaka.
"Shut up, you perverted scum! Don't call me so familiarly! Disgusting! Only Yukina can call me by my name!"
Her face was full of disgust.
Her mouth was as sharp as ever.
Even while captured, her venomous words hadn't diminished in the slightest, all for the sake of having the last word, making Mahiro almost want to taste it.
He was in a foul mood today, the kind that needed immediate relief.
Hearing this, Yukina's heart sank even more.
"If you have the guts, just kill me... Mmmph!"
Before she could finish her threat, Yukina hurriedly ran over and covered Sayaka's mouth.
Afraid she might say more, Yukina looked up at Mahiro and pleaded bravely:
"Um... Yotsuba-senpai, Sayaka is my friend. She means no harm. Could you let her go this once?"
Hearing this, Sayaka widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at her dear friend.
"Yukina, how could you yield to such scum! Don't plead for me! At worst, it's just death!"
Sayaka desperately wanted to say this, but her mouth was tightly covered by Yukina.
As if afraid she might utter something even more outrageous.
However, her gaze, a mix of shock and resentment, was clearly seen by Mahiro.
A faint, inexplicable smile played on his lips. Ignoring Yukina's plea, he signaled for her to release the girl and asked:
"Come now, Miss Sayaka, tell me, what was the purpose of your sudden visit?"
Though a blade was pressed against her neck and her arms were firmly pinned, she still turned her head away disdainfully and snorted.
"Duke Dimitrie Vatler of the Aldegyr Duchy has sent me to deliver an invitation to you."
Upon hearing this, Mahiro's mind immediately conjured the image of that blond-haired man who always liked to play the part of a British gentleman.
And from Sayaka's person, a letter fell out at just the right moment.
It was a letter sent in a brand-new envelope, a luxurious gold-embossed envelope sealed with silver wax.
The wax seal stamped on it was an emblem modeled after a snake and a sword. Though elegant in style, its design carried an indescribable eeriness.
Mahiro bent down to pick it up and, in a very casual manner, opened the golden and seemingly noble envelope to read its contents.
Aside from the pleasantries, the gist was an invitation for him to attend a ship party tonight.
The location was a ferry at Itogami City's port, where some large-scale event seemed to be taking place.
Mahiro casually skimmed the letter and, under the watchful eyes of the two girls, Sayaka and Yukina, carelessly tossed the invitation aside before calmly stating:
"I must say, Miss Sayaka, you are very fortunate and very sensible today. Otherwise, what would have appeared here today would undoubtedly have been a corpse."
As he spoke, he signaled with his eyes for Beatrix to release Sayaka.
His straightforward tone seemed to state a fact.
And indeed, it was a fact.
If, during the earlier attack, Sayaka had shown even a hint of killing intent or harbored any thoughts of going for the kill, Mahiro would not have hesitated to kill her.
Or lock her up and thoroughly educate her!
Until she submitted completely.
No matter how beautiful or attractive a woman might be, he could not tolerate her desire to kill him.
If someone wanted him dead, then they would have to die first.
"Does that mean you intend to kill her?"
The words were shocking.
Beatrix seemed not to understand his signal. Instead, she suddenly blurted out such a sentence.
She had even prepared to take action.
Yukina was instantly shocked into a cold sweat, becoming flustered and unsure of what to do.
Even Kirasaka Sayaka stiffened all over.
Because they sensed that this was not just empty talk.
After spending this time together, Yukina knew all too well Mahiro's temperament—he meant what he said.
And Sayaka, from the woman restraining her, clearly felt a genuine, icy killing intent!
Seeing this, Alpha couldn't help but massage her forehead in frustration, and even Mahiro couldn't help but sigh.
He signaled to Alpha with his eyes, as if saying—
"Your aunt here seems a bit lacking in intelligence."
Indeed, that was the case.
Even Alpha herself admitted it.
This aunt of hers, Beatrix, whom she had only recently come to know—the Elf once crowned with the title of War Goddess—was indeed not the sharpest tool in the shed.
If you said she was kind, that was certainly true.
Her simple-minded nature prevented her from harboring malice, which was why her swordsmanship was so formidable.
But because her mind was too simple, when faced with malice from others, she would become a decisive and ruthless force.
In the end, Mahiro helplessly waved his hand and told the not-so-bright Beatrix to let go of Sayaka, which she did in a daze.
"Hmph, don't think I'll be grateful for this! I'll settle the score for taking Yukina from me sooner or later!"
Before leaving, Sayaka didn't forget to throw out such harsh words, as if drawing a clear line between them, vowing never to relent.
Then, after giving Yukina one last reluctant glance, she vanished from the rooftop.
"I'm sorry, and thank you, senior, for sparing Sayaka this once."
Only after Sayaka and Alpha's figures had completely disappeared did Yukina let out a sigh of relief, speaking to Mahiro with considerable gratitude.
Mahiro waved it off indifferently.
"No need to thank me. Just consider it as giving you face, Yukina."
His words were light, but they made Yukina's cheeks flush and her heart warm.
However, upon seeing the invitation lying on the ground, her tone suddenly shifted.
"Yotsuba senior, is this really okay?"
Yukina spoke to him with a serious tone:
"The Aldegyr Duchy is one of the autonomous territories that make up the Warlord's Empire, a Dominion located in Eastern Europe... the dominion of the First Progenitor.
Senior should know the reputation of the First Progenitor, the Lost Warlord. Although he shares the same status as the other two Progenitors, the power of the Warlord's Empire is overwhelmingly strong, the most renowned and ancient Dominion.
The sender is a ruler of an autonomous territory and holds the title of Duke.
In other words, he is a direct descendant of the First Progenitor, a Pureblood Vampire.
This invitation is issued in the name of his empire, so casually discarding it might not be appropriate..."
By the end, Yukina's expression had grown extremely grave, making Mahiro unable to hold back a laugh.
"It's just an invitation from a mere Snake Charmer, not from the Lost Warlord himself. There's no need to take it so seriously. Besides, I'm quite familiar with this Snake Charmer. Since he sent the invitation, he should have considered the possibility that I might casually toss it aside or tear it up."
His dismissive words genuinely shook Yukina's worldview.
Because his words not only showed disregard for the Duke of the Aldegyr Duchy but also seemed to hold no regard for the First Progenitor, the Lost Warlord!
That is one of the Vampire overlords with seventy-two Beast Vassals, and the strongest among the three Progenitors!
The Holy Ground Treaty, established to allow humans and demons to coexist, is said to have been realized only because that emperor was willing to assist.
If not for that, the remaining two Progenitors likely wouldn't have accepted negotiations!
Moreover, from the way he spoke, it seemed Mahiro was actually acquainted with this Dimitrie Vatler!
She hadn't experienced The Banquet of Flamelight, and to this day, she hadn't even caught a glimpse of the Fourth Primogenitor's Vessels.
Naturally, she also didn't know that Vatler had participated in The Banquet of Flamelight.
But she still softly advised:
"Even if just to give the First Progenitor face, senior, you must attend no matter what. And it seems to say you should bring a partner along... though strangely, it doesn't specify the
"The Fourth Progenitor will attend together."
Yukina's sharp eyes caught the content on the paper, and she looked up at him.
"Partner?"
Mahiro raised his head, just meeting Yukina's gaze, and saw her nod seriously.
"Simply put, parties in Europe and America are generally attended by married couples or couples."
"Oh."
Mahiro responded simply.
When it came to partners, the first person that came to his mind was the Great Librarian of LCO, Tokoyogi Aya.
After all, no matter how you put it, she was the first woman he had won over in this world.
However, Aya might not be too fond of getting involved in such matters. As someone who particularly liked kimonos, it was unlikely for her to change into an evening gown to attend such a party.
As for Natsuki Minamiya, who suited this style and adored European attire, her identity wasn't quite suitable either.
She and he hadn't yet crossed that line.
Their relationship was more like something beyond friendship but not quite lovers—closer to family.
As for the remaining few, they were even further from his consideration.
However, any one of Alpha and the others would be quite suitable.
Aside from Delta, Zeta, and Eta, even Nu looked quite dignified in an evening gown, especially Alpha, Beta—who had once been a princess—and Gamma, who frequently attended banquets in her capacity as a merchant.
They could be said to perfectly embody what it meant to be noble and elegant.
Especially Gamma's black stockings—they were truly enticing.
If it really came down to it, he could always summon someone over.
Whether it was Saegusa Mayumi, Miyuki Shiba, his mother Yotsuba Maya, his aunt Miya Yotsuba, or even C.C., they would all be very suitable.
However, he also noticed the faintly expectant look in Yukina's eyes, which sparked the idea of teasing this little girl.
He said with a serious tone:
"Ahem, I think this is quite a dilemma. What should a single person do in such a situation?"
"In that case, they would probably ask an acquaintance to stand in."
Yukina also imitated him with an adorable little cough, then glanced furtively at Mahiro, her eyes gleaming with eagerness:
"Finding someone who knows your true nature and can handle dangerous situations—I don't think there are many options."
"Right."
Mahiro lowered his eyelids, as if suddenly realizing something:
"Aya doesn't like such parties, Yuuma's identity isn't suitable, and Nagisa Akatsuki shouldn't be dragged into the grudges of the vampire clans... It seems the only one who meets the conditions is Natsuki-chan."
"I...?"
Yukina stared blankly, stunned.
"Why the surprise? To some extent, Natsuki-chan should be considered my guarantor now. She also has the identity of a Demon Hunter and is quite renowned, so she's very suitable, isn't she?
Although her appearance being too youthful is indeed a problem."
Mahiro teased Yukina, pretending to be serious.
"But there are others who know your true identity, possess a Demon Hunter license, and are of a suitable age and the opposite gender.
I think there are others!"
Yukina muttered in a cool tone, as if talking to herself, making her meaning quite clear—she just hadn't outright stated her own name.
Mahiro also nodded with an equally serious expression:
"Yeah, that's right, there is indeed one more person."
"Right, right!"
In that moment, he saw recognition and longing in Yukina's eyes, but he never expected Mahiro to say something so shocking!
"I think Aiba Asagi from my class is also quite suitable, after all, she's..."
"Yotsuba-senpai!"
Yukina stomped her foot angrily, her near-scream cutting off Mahiro's words.
"Haha, Yukina, your reaction is really cute," Mahiro couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Ahhh, you idiot senpai, you were teasing me all along!"
Unable to hide her embarrassment, Yukina's face flushed slightly as she swung her small fists, lightly hitting Mahiro.
From a distance, it looked like playful flirting, but in reality, this was the only way she could vent the shame and frustration of being teased!
However, Yukina soon stopped her actions, her expression suddenly turning gloomy.
"I don't have any clothes suitable for the party," Yukina bit her lip, her expression as if she were overthinking things.
"What does it matter? It's just an invitation from that snake charmer. Showing up is already giving him enough face. No need to go through all the trouble," Mahiro shrugged indifferently, completely disregarding Vatler's invitation.
Or rather, if that snake handler dared to express even the slightest dissatisfaction, Mahiro wouldn't mind getting Vatler a new ship and hanging him from the harbor flagpole again.
What should it be called this time?
Oceanus Grave II?
But then he looked at Yukina again and added:
"And even without an evening gown, I don't think you need to worry. With your looks, Yukina, you'd stand out beautifully even in your school uniform."
This wasn't flattery or a casual remark.
The Lion King Organization sent Himeragi Yukina as a Watcher not only because she was simple-minded and easy to control but mainly because her appearance was stunningly beautiful.
To put it bluntly, she was the type who could be presented at any banquet.
"!!!"
His words made Yukina's cheeks instantly flush as if about to explode.
The girl nervously lowered her head, looking at her intertwined fingers, revealing an expression that seemed both shy and flustered, before saying in a voice almost too soft to hear:
"Thank you."
After agreeing on a meeting time, Mahiro and Yukina parted ways and returned to their respective classrooms.
Recently, Natsuki Minamiya had been very busy, rarely even returning home. It was said that a group of unregistered demons had been causing trouble on Itogami Island.
Mahiro had once offered to help, but Natsuki refused.
So, even if Mahiro asked her to accompany him to tonight's banquet party, she probably wouldn't have the time.
According to Sasasaki Misaki, tonight, Natsuki-chan and Sasasaki Misaki received orders to raid the research laboratory of Kano Alchemical Industries Corporation.
The company's research lab was quiet and dim, with only the sound of cooling fans humming. Wires were densely packed like a jungle inside, and the central screen displayed columns of text of unknown origin.
A man stood alone, glaring at those texts, pacing back and forth as if agitated.
Without warning, the partition wall of the research lab suddenly opened, and a bizarre trio rudely barged into the room.
Two men in black suits, and a woman whose dress was adorned with frills, holding a parasol—she had an innocent face, fittingly described as a girl.
The man turned to face the unexpected intruders, frowning as he said, "Who are you? This is a confidential company area; no one except employees is allowed to enter."
He glared at the men in black, his eyes sharp as knives.
But his intimidation was useless, as the men wore badges identifying them as members of the special security force.
It was the badge of a national demon-hunting officer from the Anti-Demon Division of the Island Guard, responsible for handling international magical crimes.
"Yosuke Makimura from the R&D department of Kano Alchemical Industries Corporation, correct? We suspect that items in the laboratory contain materials violating the Magical Trade Management Order. We demand that you immediately disclose all data within the facility and hand over the materials."
"Vio... violating the Trade Management Order?"
Sweat beaded on the man's forehead as he stood up from his seat. "Wait, you must be mistaken! Our research involves ancient text analysis, and we have obtained permission from the management corporation."
"We have already detained three subordinates of Christoph Gardos. You should understand now," Natsuki, holding the parasol, spoke calmly.
Makimura was shocked, gasping sharply.
"Under Article 5 of the Special Zone Public Security Maintenance Ordinance, we will detain you from now on. Your statements may be used as unfavorable evidence in court, so please choose your words carefully."
"De..."
Just as the two special security officers were about to handcuff Makimura, a sudden gust of wind struck them with a heavy blow.
Both crashed into a nearby pillar, groaning in pain.
It turned out he had completed his transformation—a Beastmen werewolf.
The researcher, now endowed with the muscle strength and explosive power of a wild beast, had become a highly lethal Beastmen.
"So, an unregistered demon... a supporter of the Black Death Emperor Faction?"
Natsuki Minamiya murmured indifferently, quietly issuing an order:
"Astarte, subdue him."
"Command received."
Blocking the werewolf's path was Astarte, who had once been used as a tool by the Latanancia Exorcists.
But now, instead of a loose, tattered robe, she wore an exquisite maid uniform.
Since Astarte had entered the Yotsuba residence, Natsuki Minamiya had taken her under her wing, having her serve as a maid who helped brew tea at school on ordinary days.
When necessary, she could transform into a Battle Maid.
After all, given the current level of Magical Power and recovery ability within Astarte, there was no need to worry about the lifespan being shortened by using a Beast Vassal.
Just like at this moment—
"Execute, Rose Fingertips."
Instantly, enveloping Astarte's body and appearing on her back was a pair of arms radiating rainbow-colored light.
Shockwaves scattered in all directions, dense and tangible Magical Power fluctuations with mass.
The werewolf had paid no attention at first, but he never expected the girl before him to summon a Beast Vassal!
He didn't even have time to react before the massive arm transformed into a fist and slammed heavily into the werewolf's body.
The sensation of shattered bones and torn flesh mingled with the heavy sounds of impact.
Thud.
"...A Beast Vassal? A Vampire?!"
Gasping for breath, the Beastman let out a pained groan as if delirious, blood gushing from his mouth.
Astarte's eyes held no emotion, like an unfeeling pile driver, driving her arm down again and again onto the enemy's body until he fell completely silent.
Severely injured and unable to maintain his beastman form, he reverted to human appearance and began coughing violently.
Seizing the opportunity, the men in black rushed forward and fastened a metal collar around his neck.
It was a specialized restraint device for beastmen, designed to disrupt neural responses with weak electrical currents and prevent transformation.
"Thank you, Instructor Minamiya. We owe you our rescue."
One of the special security team members, supporting his broken right arm, expressed gratitude to Natsuki.
Natsuki opened her umbrella gracefully and replied:
"No need for thanks. It was nothing."
She didn't look at them, instead fixing her gaze on one or two photographs on the table. The photos showed stone tablets seemingly excavated from some ancient ruins.
Carved on the surface of the tablets were undecipherable text sequences, identical to the messages displayed on the research facility's screen.
"So this is what the Black Death Emperor Faction went through the trouble of smuggling from the Western Regions. It doesn't appear to be merely an ancient relic. Where is the actual object?"
"Target location unconfirmed. It is presumed to have been transported out of this facility."
Astarte, hearing Natsuki's murmur, responded flatly.
The artificial lifeform girl pointed to a metal transport container left in the corner of the room.
It was empty.
The stone tablet that had been stored inside was likely taken by someone.
"Are we too late?"
Natsuki muttered in displeasure, looking up at the image displayed on the screen.
As a Witch, she could decipher some of the words inscribed on it.
Upon discovering the term "Nalakuvera," Natsuki's expression turned unusually grave.
"A prehistoric civilization relic excavated from the South Asian Ninth Mehergar Ruins. Said to have destroyed countless cities and civilizations in the past, a weapon created by the gods. Given the beastmen's intellect, unraveling its secrets should be impossible."
For some reason, upon reading the description, the image of Mahiro immediately surfaced in her mind.
Simultaneously, an unsettling feeling of foreboding welled up within her.
She sensed a storm brewing on the horizon.