Volume 6 Chapter 10 Invitation For A Date
After the conversation with Yotsuji ended, we returned home with Kagami-san. Just like my previous apartment, I wanted to spend more time here to strengthen my Aether.
"So, 'New World (Try Order),' huh... I had a feeling he was part of some organization, but Kushina was a spy from there."
"It seems like a magic society, have you heard of it?"
"Unfortunately, no."
Kagami-san replied, shaking her head.
Yotsuji is staying at the Seijo branch. We could have invited Kagami-san and others to join us and discuss it in detail, but I wanted some time to share information with them.
"I haven't heard of it either. Actually, I'm surprised that Tsuchimikado-san showed up..."
"I don't know much about him, but is he really that famous? He mentioned something about being in the first rank."
"Yes, if you're an Anti-Demon Official, there's no one who doesn't know about him."
Tsukiko said, putting her hand on her head as if to suppress a headache.
Since Yotsuji introduced herself as Tsuchimikado, she had been like this all along. When I looked at Kagami-san, she nodded without much surprise.
"Tsuchimikado Seirin is a First-rank Anti-Demon Official. Tsukiko is in the second rank, so he's above her. Simply put, he's one of the strongest magicians in Japan."
"Wow, he's a really important person."
"Even so, he seemed suspicious from the start, so I'm rather convinced. It's too fishy for him to claim to be on our side."
"Yeah..."
He did seem suspicious, but to be called the strongest in Japan... And then, Lisha, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
"I'm sorry, I still don't quite understand, but in the end, that Yotsuji-san was Tsuchimikado-san in disguise, is that correct?"
"No, that's not it, Lisha."
"Yeah, that's probably, Lisha-san."
"But, he was talking as Tsuchimikado-san, right?"
Hmm, even though she was watching directly, it seemed difficult for Lisha to understand.
"That Yotsuji is a different person from Tsuchimikado. The magic power she used when fighting me was completely different, and if she was using a disguise, Kanami would have noticed."
"Yes, that's right. When I see her, she didn't seem like an ordinary person, but there was no sign of her using any kind of disguise."
"That was probably some kind of possession or something. There must be some kind of contract between Yotsuji and Tsuchimikado."
I speculated.
Even in Asteris, there were people who used that kind of communication.
"Yes, Yotsuji-san's background was genuine, so maybe she was a subordinate prepared by Tsuchimikado for when he needed it?"
"I see."
Lisha nodded with a smile, even though she didn't really understand. Sharla, on the other hand, remained indifferent, nibbling on a cookie. I quietly averted my gaze from the two of them and remembered my conversation with Tsuchimikado.
* * *
"New World (Try Order)? The validity of that information...?"
"When it comes to validity, it's more about how much you trust me."
"Well, then it's almost nonexistent."
"Harsh."
If he wants me to believe, then stop that suspicious smile first. It's intentional, isn't it?
"Well, then let's add another piece of trustworthy information. As it turns out, I am also a member of the New World (Try Order)."
"..."
What a perfectly suspicious piece of information. I can't tell if he wants me to listen or doubt it, honestly.
But if that's the case, some things make sense. First, the reason why this person knows so much about our situation. If he is from the same organization as Kushina, he would likely know a lot.
However, another question arises.
"Why would a member of the New World (Try Order) cooperate with us?"
"Being a spy isn't as cool as it sounds. I joined the New World (Try Order) to survive. I had no choice but to join. The only thing I can do is find allies when the time comes."
"And that's us?"
"I was originally interested in Isumi-san. So I tested her strength. If she couldn't defeat that demon, she would eventually be incorporated or crushed by the New World (Try Order)."
"That's a presumptuous thought. Or is the Anti-Demon Official really being invaded by the New World (Try Order)?"
When I said that, Tsuchimikado lowered his gaze with an indescribable expression.
Wait a minute, could it be?
"That's why I wanted to talk to you guys alone. The headquarters of the Anti-Demon Official has many members or believers of the New World (Try Order). It's embarrassing to say, but it's not just limited to Japan. Many public magic institutions have already been infiltrated."
"...You must be joking."
"It's not something to laugh about. That's the reality. The history of the New World (Try Order) is ancient, and its scale is enormous and deep. Even before humanity incorporated magicians as a political organization, they have been controlling the shadows of the world. In that sense, the word 'invasion' might not be accurate. The method of operating individualistic magicians as an organization is something they have been building up from the beginning."
"...Ah, I see. I kind of understand what you're trying to say."
If Tsukiko and Kagami-san were told this kind of story, they would be speechless.
This is a dangerous organization.
But wait, while Kushina was a terrible person, I can't judge without understanding the organization's principles. It might actually be a labor union-like organization that protects the rights of magicians.
"This organization is an organization that encompasses everything, both what is called justice and what is called evil, socially. That is the New World (Try Order). Until now, I have never felt a clear purpose as an organization, but the situation has changed with your appearance."
"The god-demon war?"
"Yes. Humans in the rank of executives, starting with Kushina Mikoto, are moving with intent. In this era, there shouldn't be a need for a huge presence in the world of magicians. I believe that it is necessary to crush the plot of the New World (Try Order) here, for the future of magicians."
"...I see."
I don't believe everything Tsuchimikado says. There is a possibility of being deceived. However, his eyes that speak of his conviction were worth believing.
"Understood. So, you came to talk to me because there is something you want me to do. Let me hear it."
Saying that, Tsuchimikado had that suspicious smile again.
"That's right, Yuusuke-kun."
This is the purpose that he went out of his way to make contact with, taking risks. It must be something significant. It's unpredictable what kind of crazy demand will be made.
However, at present, he is the only clue to the New World (Try Order). Even if it's a trap, I will follow through.
Tsuchimikado said,
"Would you like to go on a date to enemy territory?"
...That sounds suspicious.
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