Gyutaro and Ume, who'd arrived ahead of us, had already dragged that demon out from the basement.
Heard that demon wasn't afraid of them at all upon seeing them. Even cried while gesticulating. Meaning—begging them for a quick death.
Discovering nothing useful could be extracted from this demon, Ume very straightforwardly sent it on its way.
Also searched everywhere in Rama's residence. Found an observation diary that recorded in detail her daily experiences of how she "tortured" that demon.
We who arrived a step later—hearing Ume vividly recount the diary's contents—couldn't help casting our gazes toward Rama.
She retreated several steps somewhat guiltily. Showed us a sincere smile: "Um, look, I didn't do anything bad. Even stopped it from eating people. Doesn't that count as offsetting my crime with merit?"
Ume replied impolitely: "Telling everything you know—that's what offsetting crime with merit means."
After learning what exactly she'd picked up, Rama finally didn't dare haggle anymore. Honestly handed over all the intelligence in her possession.
According to her, on the fifteenth of every month, there would be a secret gathering at the Sengichi family's suburban villa.
How many people attended wasn't clear. What she could confirm was several high officials held important positions in Seiura's various departments. Even included the police chief.
At the same time, Rama also noticed the Sengichi family was always recruiting young girls to work as servants.
Probably to avoid drawing attention, would deliberately avoid Seiura, going to distant countryside to recruit maids.
According to her observation, the Sengichi residence completely didn't need that many servants. Moreover, these maids never appeared before people.
Kanae was taking notes. Hearing this, the pen in her hand snapped with a crack.
Veins bulged on the back of her hand. The expression on her face remained calm: "Has no one ever returned?"
Rama shrugged. Her gaze swept around us. Suddenly showed an ambiguous smile: "You're going to such trouble investigating this because you're worried those girls were eaten by demons, right? But even without man-eating demons, there are man-eating humans."
Kanae took a deep breath. Kyojuro patted her shoulder, signaling her to calm down.
She adjusted her emotions very quickly. Even smiled at Rama: "At least we can save these girls before us. As long as one person's fate is changed, it's worthwhile."
Rama nodded. Then pulled out a notebook from her pocket: "I also don't know if they were sent in and eaten by demons. According to what you said about demons not being able to see sunlight and such—that doesn't exist for those big shots.
The only one who doesn't see outside guests is Lady Hanasaki. I also haven't had a chance to see her in person. Don't know what's hidden in that villa."
But she could obtain information on the routes transporting those girls and the contact persons. I had to admit—fools have fool's luck. Some people's luck was just that good.
After lecturing her—don't wander the streets alone at night in the future, don't randomly pick up strange things to bring home—and telling her how to guard against demons, we prepared to leave.
But Rama saw us to the door. Again quietly grabbed my sleeve.
I waved my hand for the others to go first. She indeed looked at me with a mysterious expression. Asked: "You—you're also a demon, right?"
"Being too perceptive isn't good for you." I admonished her again. Didn't deny it.
Rama instead showed a smile. Said to me: "I feel you have a wonderful story. Each of you has a legendary life. Why not let me record it?
Heroes walk alone in the dark night. When will their achievements be remembered? You seem especially good to them. Like their elder. Very reluctant to let them suffer grievances."
Rama pestered me saying: Tell me. Let me be this chronicler. Bring this legend to future generations. Don't let them be forgotten by time.
I thought for a moment before telling her—if one day my long-cherished wish was realized, and if there was still a chance then, I would tell her everything.
At that time, she'd better write a spectacular story to repay me.
We made an agreement.
As the saying goes—old tricks aren't afraid of being old-fashioned, as long as they work.
Since we already knew the location and time of a secret gathering, I naturally prepared to mix in among those girls using familiar methods.
Ume and Kanae wanted to partner with me. I rejected them. Had them guard well outside.
Upper Rank Six's matter affected the whole situation. Wasn't something that could be solved by just killing the demon.
There were also those people colluding with demons. Must also be dealt with together.
This wasn't trouble the Pillars coming forward could solve. Still needed Kagaya to deal with the government side in the Ubuyashiki name.
The evidence was all hidden in that villa. So must prevent anyone from escaping.
Upper Rank Six was also skilled at hypnosis. In case she used the same trick again and hurt our own people—that would be bad.
Most importantly, I worried the scene might be too bloody. Better not let them see.
Although the Pillars were all battle-hardened, if I could avoid leaving them with bad memories, of course should avoid it.
Otherwise what did I come along for?
I convinced everyone. Except Ume.
She still prepared to be relentless as usual. I glanced at her. Ume suddenly fell silent. Became obedient.
Kanae still asked somewhat worriedly: "Are you really going alone? If... this time Muzan and Upper Rank One appear again, what should we do?"
She felt we should mobilize several more Pillars for support.
I looked up at the moon in the sky. It was already close to a perfect circle. Not long until the fifteenth again.
"It's fine," I said. "I don't eat for nothing either."
Treading on that night's beautiful moonlight, I smoothly mixed in among the newly recruited batch of maids.
They'd all been washed beforehand. After changing into uniform clothes, were drowsily carried into vehicles.
After the transport driver started driving, I flipped into the cargo hold. Checked the girls' bodies one by one.
For this banquet, they hadn't suffered other harm beforehand. Made me somewhat relieved.
When that vehicle drove into the suburban villa, after the cargo hold was opened, I stood up. Smiled at the astonished man outside. Smashed a fist into his eye socket.
Getting out of the vehicle, surveying this estate with vast land area, I couldn't feel its beauty. Only smelled that rich scent of blood buried beneath the delicate flower beds.
From the brightly lit mansion came melodious music. Yet couldn't hear any voices of people talking.
If not for the personnel sent out watching those targets enter here, I'd suspect this mansion was empty.
Looked like they were waiting for me.
I lightly moved my neck. Slowly walked toward the main entrance. Pushed the door and entered. Locked the door shut.
Tonight, this mansion would become a hunting ground.
Just didn't know who was prey, who was hunter?
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