"Muxiao, the Boyman family isn't well-documented in the Himegami Society's records, but… they seem to be a powerful aristocratic clan."
In the car, Reina, peering at the commotion ahead, explained to her Leader with a serious expression. Though new to handling the cult's files, her thoroughness showed her dedication.
"How powerful?"
"They seem tied to some Western country."
"Got it," Muxiao raised a tentacle to stop her, smirking oddly. "No wonder they're so arrogant. Guess Japan's 'big daddy' never changes, no matter the world."
"…"
Reina's lips twitched but she didn't argue—Muxiao was right.
"For now, that guy seems like an ordinary person, and there's no dangerous presence around him," Muxiao said, sensing carefully. His evolved super intuition granted a terrifyingly precise sixth sense. Not only the blond Westerner but his two bodyguards were also just regular humans. Their guns, fearsome to others, meant little to a tentacle monster.
No supernatural threats nearby either. Muxiao observed closely, focusing on the young girl and the blond man.
Eavesdropping.
Though a bit far, Muxiao's heightened senses caught their conversation clearly. Reina, unable to hear, relied on his commentary.
"There's little online about that Western family, but per the cult's records, the Boyman family came to Japan after failing to make it in their home country."
Even a fringe family from America was a big deal in Japan.
Muxiao understood.
"I doubt this Boyman knows much about the supernatural. His family's just a regular aristocratic one… What are they saying?"
"What else? Threats. That sleazy blond's using his power to pressure her, eyeing her body," Muxiao raised an eyebrow. "And he's our believer's enemy. This plot…"
It screamed adult game vibes.
No, it was straight out of an adult game.
"Muxiao, what do we do?"
Reina's expression darkened, likely empathizing with the girl's plight, reminded of her own struggles post-family tragedy. As a teacher, she couldn't ignore it.
Still, she sought Muxiao's opinion.
"Of course, we save the damsel in distress. She's my believer, and as the Himegami Society's Leader, I protect my own. Besides, that guy pisses me off."
Hearing the blond's brazen threats and lecherous demeanor toward the girl, Muxiao narrowed his eyes, his cartoonish gaze glinting with mischief and cold amusement.
"Did you bring the drug?"
"Here, young master."
"Give it to her."
Staring at the glowing pink liquid in the bodyguard's hand, Tsubaki Ryuurikawa felt a sinking dread. Curled up in a corner on the floor, she watched them close in.
The blond man's wicked smile hinted at her grim fate.
"Let me go! What are you doing?! No—"
Tears glistened in her eyes as she dodged the bottle being forced toward her. A mere whiff sent heat coursing through her, and she realized what it was, her heart pounding in shock and fear.
That bastard! He wants to drug me with this…
"If you'd been cooperative, even willing, I wouldn't resort to this, Ryuurikawa," Boyman laughed肆意ly. "But since you're not, I don't have time for games. I'll make you my slave, enjoy you thoroughly, then take my time taming you."
He began unbuttoning his shirt.
His vile expression and the aphrodisiac being forced on her sank Tsubaki's heart to rock bottom. A frail girl, she was powerless against these men.
Her family was already destroyed—what could she do? Revenge was just a fleeting dream.
In a moment of clarity, Tsubaki saw the truth. Her radiant, gem-like eyes dulled, losing their spark, as did her soul.
No, perhaps her heart had died when her family was shattered. This… just hastened it.
Tsubaki slowly lowered her struggling hands, her heart deadened, giving up resistance and her life. As the bodyguard moved to force the drug on her—
Knock, knock, knock—
A sudden knock froze everyone. The bodyguards glanced at their boss, Boyman frowning. As for Tsubaki…
The utterly despairing girl shuddered, a flicker of clarity returning to her eyes.
"Go check. Be careful," Boyman said, uneasy.
The bodyguards nodded, drawing guns and creeping to the door. "Who's there?"
"Is Ryuurikawa-san home? I'm her teacher, here to discuss her studies—"
Teacher? Tsubaki's mind blanked. The voice was unfamiliar; she didn't recall such a teacher.
A woman's voice, seemingly harmless. With Boyman's nod, a bodyguard opened the door, only to freeze, eyes bulging, mouth emitting strange "ho-ho-ho" sounds.
"What's wrong? Isn't it just—"
Boyman's words died as he gaped at the bizarre tentacles slithering in, his two bodyguards lifted off the ground, faces red, choking silently.
Clatter!
The aphrodisiac bottle shattered on the floor.
Click.
High heels stepped through the spilled pink liquid, crisp footsteps echoing. An elegant, stunning red-haired woman entered, exuding calm authority. Tentacles extending from behind her held the burly bodyguards like ragdolls.
"Who are you… AHHH!!!"
Splurch—!
A razor-sharp tentacle pierced Boyman's shoulder, drawing blood. His scream was cut short as tentacles bound his legs, slamming him against the wall.
Bang!!
Gone was the rich heir's composure, his face twisted in agony and terror. He screamed at the figure behind the red-haired woman.
"Monster!! Monster—!!!"
"I am indeed a teacher, though not Ryuurikawa-san's. But as part of the cult, I'm her superior," Reina said, stepping aside to clear a path for Muxiao. "As for you… insulting the great Himegami Society Leader—"
Her gaze was icy, her aura sharp. "You deserve death!"
Muxiao: "…"
Tsubaki: "…"
Muxiao wiped his brow. Reina, you're starting to sound like Izuki—a total cult fanatic.
Tsubaki, meanwhile, stared in shock at the sudden turn of events, utterly bewildered.