Volume 12, Epilogue

“That flying ship was actually stolen property. According to the television agency, the code used in the flight plan request was stolen as well.”

Currently, Tatsuya was conversing with Fujibayashi over the phone installed in his own room.

The subject was the flying ship they encountered during that night. This was an investigative report on whether the ones responsible for the suicide attack on Tatsuya that led to his painful experience were terrorists or part of a criminal organization.

“Unfortunately, the only known quantity is that they are affiliated with a Chinese criminal organization.”

Yet, just as Fujibayashi said, the results of the investigation were not promising.

“A Chinese criminal organization. Does that imply you already know their identities?”

“Hm, but not all of them. He was an opponent that had a history with you, Tatsuya-kun.”

“....You don’t mean No Head Dragon, do you?”

“—The remnants, yes. Robert Sun was a cousin of the newphew of Richard Sun, the leader of No Head Dragon. He has been confirmed to have led a helicopter jacking in the past.”

“A nephew’s cousin....?”

Tatsuya swallowed the words “wasn’t that practically a stranger” that were on the tip of his tongue. That was because he recalled an example of someone who constituted a blood relation even on this level who happened to be right next to him.

“Well, that’s practically an outsider. That’s probably why only a few underlings followed him here after No Head Dragon’s collapse.”

Nevertheless, it seemed that anyone thinking along the same lines drew similar conclusions. However, this was not the time and place to consider such trivialities.

“Of course, last night’s incident would be beyond the means of such a miniscule force. Whether they were conspirators or the ones plotting behind the scenes, some degree of support must have been involved....”

“And remains unknown, correct?” “Indeed.”

The situation appeared to be far graver than Tatsuya had imagined. Originally, an attempted terrorist attack in the heart of Tokyo was already a serious enough matter, and now they were supported in the shadows by someone even Fujibayashi could not catch ahold of. Of course, they had to take into account that they had no evidence at the moment. Even so, this was not an opponent they could afford to underestimate.

Still, the thought that flashed across Tatsuya’s mind was not “hopefully this won’t become an issue”, but a more selfish wish like “hopefully this troublesome issue won’t impact Miyuki and I”.

? ? ?

Here was a bustling street at night. Slightly a ways off from the street, a certain small store stood in an alley.

Nakura used the weak light of a flashlight to verify the name of the store.

This was indeed the meeting place that was arranged with the current head of house, Saegusa Koichi.

If he had not known about this store, Nakura was certain he would have walked right past here. Opening the doors made of manufactured alloy that only held the distinction of sturdiness, Nakura took the stairs to the second floor. After being led into the room by an emotionless male employee, his opposing number for the appointment had been waiting for his arrival for some time.

“Have I caused you to wait very long?” “Hardly at all. I just got here myself.”

The one spoke as he rose from the chair was a fair young man who gave off a charismatic and vibrant air that Nakura could never hope to match.

“My name is Nakura.”

“I am Zhou. Please, take a seat.”

Unlike the male employee who led the way here, there was a cute and attentive young woman standing in the room. Following Zhou’s verbal cue, the beautiful woman in the waitress uniform pulled back Nakura’s seat across from Zhou’s chair with a practiced motion. Seeing Nakura take a seat without a second thought, Zhou returned to his own seat.

“Would you like something to drink?” “That’s true. How about some white wine?”

Zhou’s eyebrow arched in surprise. To Zhou’s knowledge, very few guests actually took him up on that customary offer for a drink by ordering alcohol.

“....Would a normal bottle of maotai wine suffice?”

“As you wish.”

The wine Zhou ordered was swiftly obtained. After the small glass cups were filled with wine, Nakura and Zhou watched each other’s breathing and downed their drinks at the same time.

Setting the empty glass in the center of the table, Nakura carefully scrutinized Zhou’s gaze.

“Nakura-sama.”

The one who spoke first was Zhou.

“My master wishes to form a friendly relationship with Nakura-sama’s master.”

“My master said that there would be no problems agreeing with Zhou- san’s proposal.”

Hearing Nakura’s response, Zhou revealed a devilish smile.

“Oh dear, your confidence fills me with dread. Then, shall we proceed to a few more concrete details?”

“Our side has already proposed our basic conditions.”

“Of course, I am well aware of that. We would never do anything that would harm Saegusa-sama. After all, we do not share the Great Asian Alliance’s interests.”

“And what of the media operation?”

“That too we understand. We have already given the order to curb the propaganda work directed universally at Magicians.”

“I see. Then let us discuss the finer details.”

Zhou once more used his eyes to give an order to the female employee.

The beautiful woman serving as their waitress bowed deeply before leaving the room. Besides Nakura and Zhou, no one was privy to the discussion that ensued in the room.