Seiura was a port city.
Taking advantage of its geographical location, Western merchant caravans frequently came and went. Talented people returning from studying abroad also gathered in this city, transforming it into one of the top major cities.
The suspicious targets screened out by the intelligence department were respectively: Lady Hanasaki, wife of a kazoku clan head; Kudo Momoka, a female doctor who'd returned from studying abroad and worked at a hospital; and Rama, a popular female writer.
These three people's backgrounds were all clear. Even their growth trajectories from childhood could be seen at a glance.
But Upper Rank Six could hypnotize and modify others' cognition. Replacing one of their identities wouldn't be difficult.
Ume wasn't unfamiliar with Seiura. When she disguised herself as human to go out and play, the identity she fabricated for herself was also a young lady. So she'd also attended banquets in Seiura's high society.
I also didn't want to alert the enemy. So I didn't use my real name. Following the Shabana surname Ume used, I took the false name Yugao.
Unfortunately I wasn't very good at changing my face. So to avoid being discovered, I had to wear a hat with a veil covering my face. Claimed externally that I had facial injuries and didn't want to show my true appearance.
I was the reclusive head of the Shabana family. Kanae and Kyojuro respectively played my bodyguards.
Those two adapted quite quickly. After changing into appropriate clothes, they adjusted to their roles.
The only problem was it wasn't convenient to carry demon-slaying Nichirin Swords on their persons.
Fortunately Ume's sash had storage functions. Reluctantly kept their weapons for them.
All three suspicious targets were figures in Seiura's high society. Wanting to approach them, the difficulty wasn't low.
We discussed for a while. Felt we should still start with the lowest difficulty—Kudo Momoka.
She worked at Seiura's largest hospital. Already a vice director-level doctor. Also had considerable family influence behind her.
The reason for suspecting such a doctor who constantly dealt with people was also because she always worked night shifts at the hospital until dark before returning. The next day would arrive at the hospital early again.
Aside from work, she almost never went out to play with anyone. Matched the characteristics of demons being solitary and avoiding sunlight.
However, after I made an appointment for her consultation under the pretext of seeing a doctor, I felt she might just be a simple workaholic.
Although I didn't let her examine me, acted like someone who bullied others with power and made unreasonable trouble... her attitude was still very good. Concernedly asked about my facial injuries. Recommended several ointments very useful for scars.
I still carefully noted them down. Quite a few people in the Demon Slayer Corps could use this... especially a certain man surnamed Shinazugawa, whose scars covering his body could scare children to tears.
After eliminating this doctor, the second easiest to approach was the writer Rama.
She often appeared at literary salons. Quite a few wealthy young people who fancied themselves artists liked inviting her to add an elegant atmosphere to banquets.
Ume had quite some connections. Don't know where she got several invitations—precisely tickets to a literary salon.
Approaching a suspected demon target at a gathering was different from investigating at a hospital. No separate space to isolate us.
Also had to guard against the opponent taking humans at the scene as hostages.
After some discussion, we decided to have Kyojuro and Ume accompany me to the gathering. While Kanae and Gyutaro would ambush outside the venue to prevent Upper Rank Six from escaping.
Though night had already fallen, the venue was brilliantly lit. The jewelry on the women's bodies reflected dazzling light. Rich fragrance permeated the hall. Combined with soothing music, made people drowsy.
I walked in wearing a hat with pure black veil. As expected, drew quite a bit of attention.
Among these gazes, I noticed that writer called Rama also looked over. An interested expression on her face.
Her reaction was different from what I'd expected. Meeting her gaze, I knew—she also wasn't the person I was looking for.
My steps paused. I gently patted the back of Ume's hand: "Go find friends to play with."
Ume snorted proudly. Seemed to discover from my attitude that tonight's person also wasn't the target. Immediately turned and left.
Because this was a literary salon, people attending the gathering all wanted to display their inner cultivation. Their dress leaned toward plain and understated.
Only Ume tonight dressed as usual in dazzling brilliance. Wore a fiery red dress. Also permed her hair, applied heavy makeup. Became the most eye-catching focal point of the entire venue in one move.
As soon as she walked over, several young ladies surrounded her. Their expressions full of sour envy and jealousy. Also several members of the opposite sex surrounded her showering her with attention.
Looking at Ume's expression, she seemed very accustomed to such occasions. Unhurriedly started talking with them.
Kyojuro stood behind me. Also quite curiously surveyed the people and things present.
I thought of how he was also just a teenager in his teens. Originally should be like these people present, playing freely, enjoying youth.
But instead had to persist in training day and night without rest. Shouldered the heavy responsibility of fighting demons. Almost completely disconnected from normal society.
"Kyojuro," I said. "You go play too. There's nothing tonight. I'll just tell Kanae. Rare to see so many peers. Chat with them."
Kyojuro withdrew his surveying gaze. His back straightened a bit more: "No, my mission is to guard you. Just curious since it's my first time in such an occasion. Please don't take it to heart."
Though he said this, I still drove him over to join that group of young people.
Kyojuro was an unfamiliar face. But seemed born with a likable aura. Several young men actively struck up conversation with him. Seemed to chat about books and such.
Watching him made me think of how Obanai also loved reading. He even had several greatly admired writers... If I brought him to a literary salon, perhaps there'd be a chance to strike up conversation.
Also Kagaya, Amane, Gyomei... Everyone had hobbies the same as ordinary people. Rare to come to a big city once. After the mission was complete, should still select some gifts for them.
I quietly sat in a position by the window. Held a glass of fruit wine drinking. Put on an unapproachable appearance.
But even so, someone still walked to my side: "Hello, may I sit here?"
A light and crisp female voice. I looked up to see Rama holding a glass of red wine, smiling at me.
Seeing her at first glance, I knew this girl wasn't a demon... but when she stood before me, I caught a hint of strange fishy stench.
The scent was very faint. Also suppressed by the perfume she wore. Ordinary people couldn't detect it.
I nodded lightly. Rama naturally sat down in the opposite seat. Introduced herself: "Hello, my pen name is Rama. I'm a novelist. Very pleased to meet you, Lady Shabana."
This person came specifically for me. Even found out my disguised identity.
I took a sip of wine. Calmly asked her: "Is there something, Miss Rama?"
She tilted her head slightly. Suddenly lowered her body leaning close to ask me: "Madam, are you here looking for something? Perhaps I can help you."
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