ch1-ch20 · 016-ch16

Chapter 16: Schemes

It was already past 11 PM.

Well, I guess that makes sense — going from the back-and-forth at the company to the detailed examination, and then the interview with the Vice President.

"Wouldn't it be better to just hand 'em over quietly?"

The first one to speak, in a flippant tone, was Narashima the Hunter — who'd been completely invisible in the conference room until now.

"Did you not hear the conversation we just had?"

"Nah nah, I heard it. I'm making a suggestion after hearing it. This is way too reckless. I'm worried, y'know?"

Narashima the Hunter didn't actually seem to be joking. More to the point, I had my own thoughts on this too.

"Are we really sure this was the right call?"

"What are you saying, Koh?"

"Because, it's dangerous, and if we fail, they said the guild gets dissolved... I'd be causing a huge inconvenience for everyone..."

"You listen here!"

My sister grabbed my chin and lifted it up, looking a little angry.

"If we didn't accept these conditions, what would happen to Lumiel? If the government took control of her, she might end up treated unfairly, you know?"

"Uh, I'm kinda one of the government's dogs here..."

"Shut up."

"Yes'm."

Shutting up Narashima the Hunter, my sister continued in a gentler tone.

"Besides, I already had a pretty good idea what conditions the government would come up with. And on that basis, he accepted you. He's already made up his mind."

What the hell... Momose-san and the others agreed to help us knowing full well the risks...

"Then... I..."

"Koh?"

I gripped Lumiel's hand tightly.

I'm always being protected by everyone, and I haven't done a damn thing.

A sharp impact hit my back, and I couldn't help letting out a "G-uhh!"

"Well, it'll work out one way or another."

Momose-san laughed as he slapped my back over and over.

Honestly, it hurt enough to make me cry, but the moping, whining feelings had vanished somewhere.

Momose-san continued with a beaming smile.

"By the way, I don't actually acknowledge you yet."

"!?"

Wait, did I mishear something?

"I understand Lumiel-kun's abilities. However, I only agreed to Akira-kun's request. I haven't seen your qualities yet. I'll permit your membership after that."

So the premise can change even at this stage?

What is this, my vision's going all spotty.

Is this what panic feels like?

"Whether you can become an official member of ours... well, let's have you take a test tomorrow or so."

"W-Wait a damn minute. I have no idea what you're talking about!"

Narashima the Hunter reacted on my behalf instead. As for my sister, she had her hand on her forehead in an "oh dear" kind of pose.

"The fact that we've obtained the right to take Hagane-kun and Lumiel-kun in as members, and whether you can actually become members, are completely different matters. There's something more important than power as an Awakener."

"Then what happens if this guy fails the test!?"

"Well, he'd need to work hard to make sure that doesn't happen, of course."

"Haaaah?"

Wait, there's a possibility I might not even get into the guild? For real? That means everything up until now could all be for nothing?

"This is how it always is when a newbie joins. Momose-san must have his own reasons..."

My sister's whisper helped me pull myself together.

It's like a rite of passage, something like that... right?

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It was already past midnight.

The place we arrived at was a splendid Western-style house.

Momose-san smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"For tonight, stay at our guild. Tomorrow we'll give you a facility tour and have you take the test."

"Y-Yes... "

I'm so nervous about the test I don't think I can sleep.

Lumiel seemed excited in front of the mansion.

What an angel who loves big houses.

"Alright, I'm heading home. I'll come tomorrow in time for the test."

"Nee-chan, seriously, thank you. And, uh, I guess you'll be looking out for me from now on."

"Yeah, I'll be counting on you too from now on. Bye-bye, Lumiel."

"Bye-bye."

With that, my sister vanished into the darkness of the night.

Where would I be right now if I didn't have my sister? I can't thank her enough.

Narashima the Hunter, who'd been left behind, stretched big and let out a huge yawn.

"Well, I'm gonna disappear too. Sorry for tailing you all over the place."

"Ah, no, thank you for sticking with us this whole time."

"Too bad, but I kinda feel like rooting for Maeda-san now. Hit me up for a meal sometime when you're free."

"Yeah. I'd like that."

Narashima the Hunter was the one who started all this, but there were moments when having him around made things easier. Maybe it was good to have met him.

Once Narashima the Hunter left, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

"Alright, I'll show you to the guest room."

"I appreciate it. (Guest room...)"

Felt like he was saying I was still just a guest here (bias).

His "I don't acknowledge you" comment is still lingering in my mind, but it's a huge relief not having to sleep in my apartment that was trashed by the Hunter Association.

When the front door opened, there was a wide hall with a large T-shaped branching staircase at the center.

Guided along, we headed to a room on the left, and inside was a spacious area of about fifteen tatami mats.

"There's a bath and toilet in the room too."

"Ah, thank you very much."

Well then, good night — Momose-san waved and closed the door.

Man, I'm just... exhausted...

I took another look around the room.

A Western-style design based in white, with a king-sized bed sitting in the center. There was a table and chairs where two people could eat facing each other, plus a TV and sofa. It was a space I could easily live in.

"I wanna live here."

"If only..."

I seriously mean it.

For that to happen, I have to pass tomorrow's test.

After that, we did our usual routine — had a bath (the tub was about two tatami mats big) and hit the futon.

◇◆◇◆◇

Hunter Association Kioka Branch — Conference Room

In the silent conference room, Hunter Association Vice President Mineyama remained seated. He seemed to be thinking about something, his gaze fixed not on the night view but somewhere else entirely.

"Excuse me."

A voice came with a knock, and the door opened.

Standing there was the Hunting Dogs Master.

"Might I ask why you handed the rights to an independent guild?"

"Ah, I don't mind."

Mineyama answered, turning his body toward her.

"The balance of power will certainly shift, but I judged that in the end, if we can extract the information on Descent Arts that guild obtains, there'll be no problem. Having it taken by force to another country would be a far greater loss. Fortunately, the caster's family is in that same guild — from a mental health standpoint, it's more convenient to keep them there."

Whether she was dissatisfied with Mineyama's answer, the woman remained silent with her head down. Seeming to sense this, Mineyama continued.

"Besides, strictly speaking, we haven't handed over the rights yet."

"What do you mean?"

"If they can't clear the government's conditions, Descent Arts will fall into the government's hands as planned. And it'll leave a deep scar on the culture of independent guilds at that."

Mineyama stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and spoke while gazing at the night view.

"If they fail to suppress the World Clock, it will become possible to regulate the rights of independent guilds — their very formation — in the future. After their failure, if Association-affiliated guilds on standby provide swift backup, there'll be no damage to the surroundings. And the public eye will turn to 'those who failed.' While shaping public opinion, obtaining four S-Ranks and Descent Arts would be enormously advantageous."

Or perhaps — Mineyama continued.

"If the Hero of Aoba Town's Descent Arts can be made a symbol of peace, we can bring public opinion to our side. That guild being seen as heroes is also fine. If interest gathers around the business of being a Hunter itself, our nation can grow richer and stronger."

I see, the woman muttered, as if convinced.

"In other words, regardless of the outcome of the defense, for the Association, it's a 'win-win no matter how it plays out'?"

"Exactly. How it's reported if they fail, and what campaign we run if they succeed — that's all for us to decide."

"...I understand. I apologize for taking your time."

"Don't worry about it."

Once the woman's presence had left the room, Mineyama sat back in his chair and gazed at the night view — at the nation of Japan.

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