After everyone had left the conference room, Tachibana, on the screen, shifted from her formal seated posture to a relaxed position, resting her chin on the backs of her hands with an amused smile:
"I heard you accepted tribute money from a local family?"
"Did Takina report this to you?"
Luo Shu wasn't particularly surprised by this question, given Takina's personality. If she'd warned him, she would certainly have mentioned it:
"Actually, it wasn't much - just five million yen. And according to protocol, two-tenths would go to you, Section Chief."
However, Tachibana's reaction surprised him as she gave him a strange look:
"Takina, report to me? She didn't submit any report. This was recorded in the field materials submitted by the Third Action Team - the Red Squad."
'So Takina warned me but didn't actually report it?' Luo Shu exchanged a meaningful glance with Tachibana before hastily changing the subject:
"Speaking of which, is there any problem with accepting this tribute money?"
He dared not continue discussing Takina, lest the conversation veer into dangerous territory.
"It's nothing major," Tachibana said casually. "It's just that SDS is considering establishing another branch in Chiba Prefecture."
"?!?" Luo Shu's mind flooded with symbols at this statement. "Don't tell me I'm getting promoted to branch chief with a salary raise?"
"What nonsense are you thinking? That position is for Hilda." Tachibana couldn't help but chuckle, tapping the table. "Besides, the salary increase matters more to you, doesn't it?"
"Absolutely," Luo Shu replied with perfunctory agreement. "So you want to use this opportunity to establish a channel for interest negotiations with local elites?"
"That's not entirely wrong, but that's for after this incident is resolved."
At this point, Tachibana sighed slightly and glanced down at a report on her desk:
"For local forces, a family that's only produced prefectural assembly members would normally need another 20-30 years to reach national Diet member level before they could approach us. However, the appearance of a High-Rank Demon's sealing ground in this case has somewhat surprised headquarters."
"Surprised about what?" Luo Shu asked curiously.
"I've explained the Abyss to you before, haven't I?"
Tachibana picked up a teacup beside her, took a sip, then looked at Luo Shu:
"Headquarters suspects that a relatively serious Abyss incident occurred in Chiba, leading to the emergence of the demon's sealing ground. However, the specifics remain unclear, so they plan to establish a subordinate organisation under the Tokyo Branch in Chiba afterwards."
"So that's why you're recruiting local families?" Luo Shu suddenly understood. Essentially, it was about leveraging the influence of local powerhouses to search for potential hidden Abyss Artefacts.
The reason the Yukinoshita family was chosen was simply because they had the misfortune of encountering a demon's kidnapping, which brought them into contact with the supernatural world and exposed them to knowledge they shouldn't have had.
Of course, there was another crucial factor: surveillance.
Since these demons were the type that could even take over bodies, there was no guarantee that the Yukinoshita family hadn't been compromised during the kidnapping.
For various reasons, it seemed the Yukinoshita family was about to be dragged into their dangerous world.
Thinking this, Luo Shu immediately asked suspiciously: "Is that why you're keeping me here — so I can recruit them later?"
Kirika Tachibana smiled and said, "No, it's 'invite to dinner, behead, or take in as a dog'."
"Your research into Chinese culture is impressive, though next time, perhaps don't rely solely on films."
Luo Shu nodded, offering his critique while grasping Kirika's meaning.
"Once this incident is resolved, I'll handle it."
"Good." Kirika made a slight gesture before adding, "Be extra careful during this operation. Chisato and Takina might fight to the death, but I suspect you won't."
Hearing this, Luo Shu gave Kirika a peculiar look:
"You mean if we encounter danger, I should immediately flee with my companions?"
"If you're referring to this, then it's indeed my strong point."
To put it bluntly, Luo Shu was the type who worked based on payment. Expecting him to risk his life without sufficient compensation? That was simply wishful thinking.
Kirika Tachibana hadn't anticipated Luo Shu actually calling this a virtue. She froze momentarily before covering her mouth with a chuckle:
"Hahaha, you kid... really... I don't even know what to say."
"Anyway, although this demon has been sealed and your job is just its safe transportation, the danger level remains extremely high. Whether it's transporting the demon or dealing with hidden observers, both are perilous."
"So I hope you can keep Chisato and Takina under control, especially Takina. Don't let her do anything foolish. Big Sister is kind-hearted and can't bear to see casualties."
"Understood." Luo Shu nodded before adding, "As long as you're willing to pay more."
"Men who always talk about money tend to be disliked." Kirika muttered before continuing: "But rest assured, I'll prepare a generous bonus."
"That works." Luo Shu turned around and said, "I'll go make preparations then."
"Go ahead."
After their exchange, Luo Shu immediately pushed open the door and left the meeting room, spotting Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue already equipped and waiting in the corridor.
Seeing them, Luo Shu glanced at the pair and beckoned:
"Takina, you're driving. Let's head out to scam— no, I mean, invite the Kannagi family's young lady over."
...
One hour later.
At a beach on the Boso Peninsula.
The off-road vehicle rounded a bend along the coastal highway before gradually slowing to a stop by the roadside.
With a click, Luo Shu stepped out first and scanned the surroundings, eventually spotting his targets by a pile of rocks near the beach - Ayano Kannagi and Ryuuya Kazamaki gathered around a campfire.
Seeing them by the fire, Luo Shu couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Are you two... roasting sweet potatoes?"
"Huh?" Ayano Kannagi blinked, turning to look at the fire. The idea suddenly struck her that roasting sweet potatoes actually sounded nice—why hadn't she thought of getting some snacks while waiting?
"Oh, right, Kazamaki, how did we forget to buy sweet potatoes?"
Ryuuya Kazamaki looked utterly bewildered: "...But, young miss, isn't this a bit inappropriate? Besides, weren't you planning to settle accounts with someone?"
"Oh, right!"
Ayano immediately snapped back to reality, standing up to brush off her school uniform skirt before turning to Luo Shu with a smile that could freeze hell over:
"Hey there, Mr. Con Artist—are you ready to die?"