Chapter 15: Miku Izayoi

Perhaps having already grown accustomed to Wan Mie’s astonishing remarks, even when Wan Mie revealed that Shidou had the ability to seal Spirits, Kotori’s expression remained mostly unchanged.

In the Fraxinus Conference Room, the large screen in front of Kotori was streaming live footage of Wan Mie’s conversation with Shidou.

“How much does this Abysm really know…”

Kotori mumbled through her lollipop, her words slightly muffled.

Since the first time she encountered Wan Mie, Kotori had sensed that this Spirit was no ordinary entity.

Not only did she know about the Ratatoskr organization, but she was even aware of the situation at DMS Corporation.

Although Abysm did not take pleasure in killing like Nightmare, her level of danger was by no means any less.

“Commander, should we agree to Abysm’s demands?”

Kannazuki’s expression was serious beside her.

Although he was a bit of a pervert in normal times, his attitude when handling business was always proper.

Kotori took out her lollipop and glanced at Kannazuki.

“Is there any other option besides agreeing now?”

Kotori had been observing Hermit for quite some time as well.

The rabbit hand puppet Hermit carried seemed to hold special significance to her.

Even under the AST’s siege, she never once put it away.

Just as Wan Mie said, if they failed to find that rabbit puppet, it wouldn’t just harm the sealing process on Shidou but would also jeopardize Hermit’s safety.

Kannazuki shook his head.

“It seems there really isn’t a better choice.”

To successfully seal Hermit, they had to find her puppet.

Kotori smiled and said to Shidou, “Shidou, agree to her request.”

Kotori’s voice was transmitted through a hidden earpiece to Shidou, but he hesitated slightly.

“Kotori, are you sure about this?”

Shidou’s impression of Wan Mie was generally positive, but her many statements still put him on guard.

After all, Wan Mie knew far too much; he felt like there was nothing in this world that Wan Mie didn’t know.

“Just answer exactly as I told you.”

Kotori gave a firm reply.

Shidou sighed lightly and said to Wan Mie, “Alright.”

Seeing Shidou’s agreement, Wan Mie smiled faintly.

“Then I’ll wait for your good news.”

With that, Wan Mie turned and left.

Right now, Shinomiya was still at her place, and she had to go back and watch over her.

If she ended up freezing the entire apartment, she’d really have no choice but to sleep under a bridge.

Watching Wan Mie’s departing figure, Shidou couldn’t help but feel worried about the upcoming operation.

This Spirit Wan Mie was not someone he could easily win over.

***

Back in the Fraxinus Conference Room, Kotori carefully watched the footage of the AST’s siege on Wan Mie and Shinomiya at the shrine, frame by frame, trying to find any trace of Shinonina.

But throughout the entire battle, until Wan Mie escaped with Shinomiya, she never caught sight of Shinonina.

“This is really strange. Could she have fallen into a blind spot?”

Kotori frowned deeply. Even with Fraxinus’ cutting-edge technology, blind spots were inevitable; it was impossible to film every single corner.

Kotori had invested enormous effort in searching for Shinomiya’s puppet this time.

Not only had she mobilized every Fraxinus employee to search around the shrine and investigate surrounding surveillance, but they had also tracked down civilians near the shrine that day.

Yet no clues had been found.

Just then, Kannazuki, standing beside her, seemed to have received some news and excitedly reported, “Commander, the people I sent out have found a lead on the puppet!”

At this, Kotori instantly perked up.

“Where?”

Kannazuki smiled awkwardly and shook his head.

“Someone picked it up. But the person who took the puppet is quite interesting.”

“Oh? Who is it?”

Kannazuki didn’t answer immediately but pressed a remote, and a stunningly beautiful face appeared on the large screen in the middle of the conference room.

She wore a truly breathtaking evening gown, her elegant and noble aura perfectly embodying a woman’s flawless purity.

The dress’s bright embellishments clearly indicated its high value.

Under the spotlights, the shimmering fabric, folds, and lace dazzled brilliantly.

Her long purple-silver hair fluttered, and her eyes, the same color as her hair, seemed to hold a special kind of magic.

Even Kotori, a woman herself, felt almost entranced.

“That’s Miku Izayoi, a student at Ryudanshi Girls’ Academy.”

Kannazuki explained.

Kotori nodded.

“Call Shidou here first.”

A few minutes later, Shidou appeared in the conference room and joined Kotori in looking at Miku Izayoi’s profile on the screen.

Shidou asked, “She’s the one who picked up Hermit’s puppet?”

“Most likely.”

Kannazuki answered, “I found footage from nearby surveillance showing Miku holding Hermit’s puppet.”

“Kotori, do you know her?”

Shidou frowned slightly.

“Only by name.”

Kotori popped her lollipop back in her mouth and continued, “She’s sung theme songs for some dramas and commercials. She debuted six months ago and has released many tracks praised for their mesmerizing and beautiful vocals, but she’s a mysterious idol who refuses to reveal her appearance.”

After finishing, Kotori looked at Shidou.

“The person you need to deal with this time isn’t a Spirit. You just need to get that puppet back from her.”

“I understand.”

Shidou nodded.

“Should I tell Wanmie about this?”

“That…”

Upon hearing that name, Kotori frowned as well.

After some thought, she said, “You should go tell her later. Hermit should be with her too.”

“Alright.”

Just then, Kannazuki suddenly spoke up.

“I think this matter doesn’t have to involve Shidou directly.”

Kotori turned to ask, “Why do you say that?”

“From what I’ve gathered, Miku Izayoi seems to hate men intensely. Her concerts are women-only, and rumors say it’s common for her to take cute female fans home after shows.”

“Then that means…”

A cold sweat broke out on Shidou’s forehead.

Kannazuki nodded confidently.

“Exactly. Miku is very likely a lesbian, so I don’t think it’s suitable for Shidou to approach her.”

Kotori suddenly understood.

“So you mean… have Abysm go find Miku and retrieve the puppet?”

Kannazuki nodded.

“Exactly.”

“But how can you be sure Abysm will agree?”

Kotori asked.

“I considered that too. If Abysm refuses…”

Kannazuki looked at Shidou, a mysterious smile appearing on his face.

“Then we’ll have to trouble you, Shidou.”