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The boy was the world's last remaining illusion.
On the summer solstice, the boy had spontaneously materialized in the form of a fifteen-year-old human.
He had social common sense and general knowledge, but no memories of the past whatsoever. He had no companions of his kind, no unparalleled power befitting a monster, and incidentally, no name.
The boy quickly understood that he was an Anomaly who couldn't become anyone. The fact that no other Anomalies existed in this world besides himself was carved into his very being.
And he knew that when this Heisei summer ended, he would disappear.
The boy didn't find this frightening, but not because he was brave.
The boy lacked the concept of life and death.
That was precisely why the boy was an Anomaly. He wandered the city streets at night, troubled by questions like "What was I born for?" and "What am I supposed to do?"
The boy's next priority was getting food.
For you see, he could still get hungry.
He wondered why this was, given that he was an Anomaly. After some thought . . .
Oh! It's because I took human form. That makes sense!
The boy was naturally cheerful.
Fortunately, there was a district in the western part of the city where people down on their luck gathered. There he worked odd jobs alongside others in similar situations.
The boy still looked quite young, though, with youthful features that made him stand out.
Even in the district where people minded their own business, he drew some puzzled looks from adults. Still, no one pried too deeply into the boy's circumstances—his gentle smile revealed his honest nature, and people seemed to sense that. Touched by such kindness from those around him, and true to his own character, he made a firm promise to himself: I will not become an Anomaly that brings suffering to people.
The boy's existence was extraordinary, but he lived like any ordinary boy.
The boy lived each day as it came, scraping by but giving it his all.
And then came the fateful night.
The boy returned to the alley that served as his home.
The narrow entrance reeked, and the hot air from the outdoor units was stifling. But deeper inside was surprisingly cool and comfortable—it not only provided shelter from wind and rain but also kept the police from trying to pick him up. It was a good place to sleep. The boy sat on the makeshift cardboard bed and rustled the bulging convenience store bag.
Hey! Want to have dinner together?
He called out to his roommate—or rather, the other resident of his space: a stray cat.
The boy's expression was gentle. Tonight he had dinner worth more than two hundred yen, and he'd been able to buy premium cat food. He'd splurged a little, but seeing how much the stray cat had enjoyed its food before had made the boy happy.
But no matter how long he waited, the stray cat didn't appear.
The boy waited several hours without eating and searched the surrounding area. He rustled the convenience store bag repeatedly, then gave it one final, quiet rustle.
The boy concluded that the stray cat that had vanished must have died.
It was certainly possible, given how harsh city life could be. The boy lacked the concept of life and death. To the boy, dying simply meant "disappearing from this world"—thinking of the Anomalies that had vanished from this world, he naturally arrived at that conclusion.
The boy shook his head.
That wasn't it. That stray cat was alive. The boy believed it had been taken in by kind people or had found companions and was living happily with them.
But unable to bear the loneliness, he decided to leave food behind and leave the alley.
Through a gap in the alley, he looked up at the blood moon.
The blood moon filled his vision—a symbol of Anomalies that lures demons and awakens the inner beast.
In reality, it apparently just looked that way due to atmospheric effects. These days, such information could be found instantly on a smartphone, allowing anyone to easily debunk Anomalies.
Have all the Anomalies besides me really . . . disappeared from this world?
The blood moon offered no answer.
That was when it happened.
A black shadow descended from the blood moon . . . or so it seemed to the boy.
Making no sound, the black shadow landed in the alley and watched the boy in silence. Clothed in black or simply made of darkness itself, its entire form dissolved into shadow, its outline vague.
The black shadow radiated cold menace, standing there like a monster.
The boy wondered if it might be a customer, still maintaining his carefree attitude.
Um, do you need something from me? You've probably got the wrong person. I mean, I don't really know anyone—
As he approached and tried to call out, the boy's arm was torn off.
He tried to scream from the excruciating pain, but his throat was crushed.
His vision spun wildly from the shock, and when he tried to flee, both his legs were broken.
He was trampled. Gouged. Scraped against the ground. Then, like a machine being disassembled, he was cleanly, methodically dismembered.
His consciousness faded—and just like that, the boy was brutally murdered.
◇
After that, the boy met Nagare Sayu, the man who ends fantasies, and Tsubaki Kamukura, the girl who kills extinguished Anomalies, and received a name. He resolved Deviation incidents involving the Laughing Mirror, The Monster's Matchmaker, and the Otherworldly Qilin, eventually coming to live with Nagare and Tsubaki.
And so began the story of Yu Natsuno, the last illusion.
The summer sun blazed down, scorching Yu's skin.
This year looked to be another brutal summer, with the heat already showing its teeth before mid-July.
Yu walked down a street lined with small office buildings and storefronts, away from the main business district. The area was pretty desolate, but he strolled along cheerfully as if walking through a meadow.
He was returning from a visit to someone who'd been caught up in one of their previous Deviation incidents.
The victim's recovery after surgery was going well, and he'd been told they could go home tomorrow.
Pleased by this news, Yu had splurged on souvenirs for everyone on his way home.
As he walked along leisurely, imagining everyone's delighted faces, the red brick apartment building where he currently lived came into view, and Yu lifted his gaze slightly.
A girl in a sailor uniform sat at the fourth-floor window, watching him.
It was Tsubaki Kamukura.
Her expression was hard to make out from this distance, but since Tsubaki was always expressionless anyway, it didn't matter.
Tsubaki! Matcha ice cream!
Yu called out cheerfully about his souvenir. He thought Tsubaki would be pleased.
Tsubaki shifted slightly—her expression surely hadn't changed, but she must've been pleased. Yu quickened his pace and headed for the building entrance to deliver the matcha ice cream.
Yu.
The voice came from behind him. Yu turned around.
A petite girl—Tsubaki, who had been on the fourth floor—stood there quietly with an ephemeral air.
Tsubaki's raven-black hair was slightly disheveled.
She had come down directly from the fourth-floor window, without using the stairs or the elevator. She'd probably absorbed the impact with both feet and landed effortlessly. Yu was no longer surprised by such things.
. . .
Tsubaki gave Yu a pointed stare.
Since Tsubaki's expression didn't change, she had to convey her feelings through her eyes. Yu tried to understand what she meant, but he had no idea. At least he knew it wasn't that she wanted the matcha ice cream right away.
You should use the stairs. The building owner is going to have another heart attack.
If you're going to be an Anomaly in human form, at least try to act the part. We're supposed to be mortal enemies by nature. Put yourself in my position—that very enemy walks around looking happy and carefree, even getting excited over other people's favorite foods.
Her voice was cool and measured. Good, she's talking to me, Yu thought.
When Tsubaki fell silent, her ethereal presence and delicate features—as if sculpted by a master craftsman—made her seem like a lifeless doll, and that frightened him. Yu sometimes felt anxious about this.
Yeah, sorry. I'll be more careful next time. So—
So? Did you actually understand? No, you didn't. I doubt you were even listening properly. You talk to people, but in the end you always get your way. You always—
Tsubaki, Tsubaki! I got matcha ice cream from that famous shop in the department store grocery. Let's eat it together!
Yu wanted to hear what Tsubaki had to say, but he really wanted to tell her about this.
He wanted Tsubaki to see the dual-layer matcha ice cream with its varying shades as soon as possible.
. . .
Yu smiled at her silent consent.
Tsubaki looked away and walked past Yu to enter the building. Yu followed.
In the entrance was a tarnished silver mailbox. Yu opened the one with "Sayu Counseling Office" written on the nameplate, but there was no mail.
How's Nagare doing?
That thing has been acting like a broken record, just saying "hot" over and over since this morning. It's annoying.
Sharp words from her. So that's why she seemed to be in a bad mood, Yu thought.
The Sayu Counseling Office was on the fourth floor, up a dark staircase.
Yu pushed open the slightly stiff door in the narrow hallway.
The white linoleum floor was sun-faded and dingy, with some tiles peeling up. Faint cracks ran through the walls, and water stains marked the ceiling. The building was deteriorating, but Yu kept the interior well-maintained through diligent cleaning.
The scent of sandalwood incense tickled his nose.
It was incense commonly used at funerals, believed to calm souls and ward off evil spirits.
A reception sofa set occupied the center of the room. A flat-screen TV sat beside it, currently showing the news. The bookshelf held a jumbled mix of books on sorcery and psychology. This counseling room had been converted from a one-bedroom apartment, complete with a functional kitchen against the wall and a door leading to a bathroom, leaving the living room completely open.
Yu wondered if patients would actually open up and speak honestly in such a place.
Actually, he'd never seen any patients.
By the window sat a large office desk—Nagare Sayu's workspace. Pens, documents, and tokusatsu transformation toys were scattered across its surface, clearly having been played with recently.
Nagare wasn't behind the thick curtain partition in the corner of the room.
Since Yu and Tsubaki used the adjacent room, that had become Nagare's living space.
Nagare's not here.
The whiner probably went to cool off. He'll be back complaining about the heat soon enough anyway.
Hearing "whiner," Yu smiled wryly.
He does complain a lot, that's for sure.
As Yu was thinking about Nagare's personality, he heard the door opening.
Ugh, it's hot. So incredibly hot. Too freakin' hot. I went up to the roof hoping for a breeze, but the urban heat island effect is hot. The direct sunlight is hot. Yeah, I know that repeating "hot" just makes you feel hotter. Probably raises the discomfort index too. But still. Hot. Nevertheless, hot . . . Oh, welcome back, Yu.
Nagare Sayu appeared—a tall, thin man wearing ethnic-style clothing.
Nagare leaned wearily against the entrance door.
I'm back. I brought something for everyone. Chocolate ice cream for you, Nagare.
Ice cream! Yeah, that's perfect. And it's chocolate, too? Thanks so much. On a scorching day like this, ice cream is pure heaven. Whoever invented ice cream has done more for world peace than anyone else.
Light sparked in Nagare's sleepy eyes.
It's almost three o'clock, perfect timing. Should we all eat together?
Yes!
Nagare scratched his curly hair and slowly made his way to sit on the sofa.
With his well-defined features, he had a distinguished appearance.
I look remarkably youthful for thirty, don't I?
However, first impressions of him were generally harsh: Unreliable. Childish. Nothing but complaints. His halfhearted words seemed dubious, and you could never tell if he was being serious.
Yet there sat Nagare, staring intently at Yu as he peeled off the lid from his chocolate ice cream.
How is he . . . his condition?
They said he can be discharged tomorrow.
That's good to hear.
Nagare's face broke into a smile of genuine relief.
In other words, he wasn't completely untrustworthy.
Yu sat across from him on the sofa and opened his vanilla ice cream. Tsubaki also sat by the window and opened her matcha ice cream while gazing at the scenery outside. Even though they were eating together, each maintained their own sense of distance. Yu understood something about Tsubaki's sense of distance from the fact that she had started eating at exactly the same moment he did.
I'll make tea for them both later.
As Yu was considering his plans for later, he caught what was being said on TV.
It was about that murder case.
In regard to the bizarre serial murders occurring in this city . . . today we'd like to interview a victim of the murder case.
A female announcer appeared on screen with the entertainment district in the background.
Next to her stood a man whose entire body had been pixelated. He must have sustained serious injuries.
Could you tell us about what happened during the incident?
Yes, well . . . it was after work . . . Friday night.
His voice had been electronically altered.
Since I had the next day off, I ended up drinking too much and missed the last train. When I was walking home, I decided to take a route I don't usually use—a quieter street with fewer people.
That's where you were attacked?
Yes, it happened instantly. I didn't even have time to see the attacker's face . . . My whole body was shredded . . . I swear there isn't a single part of me that wasn't broken. I can never forgive whoever did this.
It was a horrific incident. The victims who died had no chance at all. That explained the survivor's bitter resentment.
As Yu stared intently at the screen, he felt someone watching him.
Nagare was observing Yu, not the TV.
Yu felt puzzled by Nagare's eyes, which seemed like they could see right through his thoughts.
Was I thinking something strange? Is Nagare not interested in this case?
Nagare had been investigating this bizarre murder case.
Deviations—mysterious phenomena caused by people. Nagare had suspected Deviation involvement and was the one who found Yu brutally murdered in that alley that night . . .
But after concluding that no Deviation was involved, Nagare apparently discontinued his investigation.
Yu, could I change the channel to an anime rerun . . . ?
Caught off guard, Yu paused.
Well, sure.
He gave a vague response.
It's not that! I mean, instead of watching all that depressing news . . . Look, I may be a grown adult, but the anime industry contributes most to world peace!
Nagare, you seem to believe in a lot of things that supposedly contribute most to world peace.
Nagare, we have a client.
Tsubaki, who had been gazing at the scenery outside, addressed Nagare as he made his awkward excuses.
Upon hearing this, Nagare's expression turned serious.
A client for the front . . . or the real business?
What's with that cryptic remark and expression? You only have one job.
Nope, I've got two! Counseling is the front—exorcism is the real business.
I've never seen you do any counseling work.
I do! Right, Yu? Right? I work really, really hard, don't I?
Well, if you count listening to the building owner's complaints . . .
Yu nodded along as he approached the window and looked down at the street.
On the street below, a luxury car was parked, and a maid holding a parasol stood beside a girl who had just stepped out. Seeing these out-of-place visitors, Yu was certain they were clients for Nagare.
They were a glamorous pair.
One was a girl dressed in pure white gothic fashion.
She was maybe around the same age as fourteen-year-old Tsubaki. If Tsubaki represented Japanese elegance, this girl was her Western counterpart.
She had long gray hair and blue eyes. Strikingly beautiful, she surveyed the area with innocent eyes that seemed ready to show curiosity about anything. Her gestures were age-appropriate, but each movement was refined, giving little sense of childishness. She had an intriguing presence where captivating beauty and youthful energy coexisted.
The other was a woman wearing an elegant maid outfit, perhaps in her late teens.
She held a folded parasol and stood at the girl's side.
Her gaze was sharp, with reddish eyes. Her dark strawberry blonde hair was neatly arranged, giving her a pristine appearance. She surveyed the area with a composed expression, each movement crisp and efficient. She had an intimidating presence, like a watchdog protecting the girl.
To Yu, they looked like a mismatched lady-and-maid duo.
Now these are two beautiful young ladies. They'll brighten up this dingy room.
At Nagare's comment that completely ignored Tsubaki's presence, Yu thought to himself, I have a feeling Nagare will never get married.
Tsubaki is really cute, you know.
Yu spoke up while trying to take the parasol from the maid.
However, the maid refused and glared at him.
Yes, this truly is a cramped, filthy place. Quite ominous as well.
Sakurako, that's rude. Really now.
The girl scolded the maid with a troubled expression.
Nagare, who had been speechless, pulled himself together and gestured for the two to sit on the reception sofa.
The girl sat gracefully while the maid called Sakurako remained standing, looking intimidating.
I'm Nagare Sayu, written with the characters for "flowing left and right." The harmless-looking and genuinely harmless boy is Yu Natsuno. The one by the window watching us . . . that wary, cat-like child is Tsubaki Kamukura. These two help with my work . . . well, with my main job of exorcism, anyway.
The quiet Tsubaki clutched a sword in its bamboo carrying case.
Yu realized Tsubaki intended to cut them down if these two posed a problem and sat next to Nagare so he could shield the clients from Tsubaki if necessary.
Nagare offered his business card to the girl, but Sakurako took it instead.
Let me introduce us. But first—please keep it confidential that we came to make a request of someone as suspicious as yourself.
Nagare received the business card from Sakurako and his eyes went wide.
Huh . . . Yamatoji . . . ?! The conglomerate? Are you their . . . daughter?!
Yes, I'm Carla Yamatoji, though I'm adopted. The sharp-tongued maid who shows no mercy even to me is Sakurako Shihoin.
Carla smiled without any malice.
Yu, get our best tea ready!
Got it! Our best tea leaves, reserved for guests!
Yu didn't understand the significance of the Yamatoji name, but he responded enthusiastically.
Sakurako responded coldly.
Even if you served my lady tea in those grimy cups, the only thing I'd use them for would be throwing the contents in your face. Don't bother. Besides, I doubt those tea leaves are anything special anyway.
Yu bristled with irritation.
Hey! What's that supposed to mean? Nagare works hard to afford those tea leaves, even if he's a cheapskate with snacks! They might not cost much, but they're packed with his love!
No . . . really . . . sorry I don't have much to offer . . .
I'm so sorry. This is actually Sakurako being relatively gentle . . .
At Yu's words, both Nagare and Carla shrank back. Nagare looked dejected, and Carla seemed to have lost track of how to bring up her actual business—both wore troubled smiles.
Yu, concerned for them both, steered the conversation back on track.
Ah . . . sorry. But it's okay—Nagare won't turn down your request. He can tell you've got complicated circumstances just from the fact that you came here, so he'll definitely treat you right! Isn't that right, Nagare?
That's right . . . I'm here to listen to people like you, Carla.
Moved by Yu's forceful words and Nagare's steady response, Carla pressed her fist to her chest.
She seemed ready to discuss the details of her request, and Sakurako also appeared to have reluctantly decided to watch over the proceedings. So Yu said nothing more.
Do you think vampires really exist?
At Carla's question, Yu glanced sideways at Nagare.
Nagare maintained his calm expression and conveyed with his gaze, Leave it to me.
That's not actually your request, is it? That's just your anxiety talking.
Nagare settled deeper into the sofa and spoke in a measured tone.
Yes . . . Even though I have no proof, I believe real ones exist.
Carla sat up straighter and looked directly at Yu and the others.
I've been organizing vampire tea parties with people I meet on social media who share my interests.
You weren't gathering actual vampires, right?
No, it's a gathering place for girls who, like me, fantasize about vampires—who admire and love them. It's a tea party where we dress as vampires and act like vampires. A place where girls who long to become vampires—those cold, ephemeral beings of eternal beauty—can connect with one another. I suppose . . . I'm a bit strange, aren't I?
My lady is quite the dreamer, which is troublesome.
Yu shot a disapproving look at the sharp-tongued maid.
Yu thought that people should be free to like what they like.
Everyone has fantasies about transformation. I totally get it.
Yes, so it seems. How admirable.
Sakurako looked coldly at the tokusatsu transformation toys on the office desk.
Yu wanted to say something but held back, not wanting to interfere.
So . . . there were casualties at this tea party?
Yes, exactly! Though "casualties" isn't quite right. Several people who came to the tea parties have gone missing . . .
Carla lowered her face.
Nagare didn't push her to continue, and Carla showed a resolute expression.
Someone else handles the day-to-day management . . . but I host and fund the tea parties . . . In that capacity, I got some information. The parents of the missing girls contacted us out of concern.
Do the other participants know?
They don't. I didn't tell them so I wouldn't cause unnecessary panic. To begin with, I don't even know if the tea parties are really connected. It's possible they went missing on their way home from the events. I don't want to think about it, but . . . there's also that bizarre murder case . . .
Carla's voice grew quieter.
The fact that you came here suggests you've already consulted the police.
Yes . . . They said the participants might have conspired together to run away from home. I also mentioned the existence of vampires, but they laughed at me . . . which is understandable, I suppose. I consulted with my family as well, of course. Unfortunately, the Yamatoji family wants to avoid making this a bigger issue. Even if I wanted to stop hosting the events, there are many people looking forward to them . . . That's when an acquaintance told me there was someone who would listen to this kind of problem.
Nagare clasped his hands together and gave a deep nod.
I understand the situation, but what's your reason for believing vampires exist?
It was all based on idle chatter at the tea parties—rumors that there might be a real vampire hiding among us.
It was flimsy evidence.
It was testimony that could reasonably be dismissed as a young lady's delusion.
Yet there was an undeniable disconnect from reality that couldn't be hidden.
Nagare, who knew of another possibility, covered his face with one hand.
Ugh, no, no, no. Vampires are truly terrifying.
Yu knew that all Anomalies besides himself had died out.
So did Nagare. Yu was the only illusion remaining in this world.
Realizing that Nagare's technique had begun, Yu decided to watch over things.
You believe it?
It wasn't Carla who said this, but Sakurako.
Sakurako raised her well-defined eyebrows. Yu got an even colder impression of her.
Anomalies are human fears and anxieties given form. That form varies greatly—through language, culture, traditions, and eras, Anomalies manifest by blending with the darkness in human hearts. There are exceptions, of course.
Nagare glanced at Yu for just a moment.
There's a modern Anomaly called Kashima. I'll spare you the details, but it's a monster that cruelly takes away both arms and legs. Kashima has many variations—its name, the way the story unfolds, and countermeasures have spread across Japan in countless forms. However, the core terror—the cruel removal of limbs—never changes.
Nagare spoke with his palm turned toward them—a gesture supposedly meant to ease tension.
Now, vampire folklore is ancient. You probably know this, Carla, given your interest in vampires?
It began several centuries ago.
Right, it began several centuries ago. In that process, it absorbed various fears—local beliefs, folk tales, sorcery—and the modern vampire was born. Of course, there are countless variations. But there was one single element that never changed. That very element is the core of a vampire's terror, deeply embedded in the darkness of humanity. That is how Anomalies embed themselves in people. So, what is this unchanging element?
Monsters in human form.
Carla answered immediately. She clearly had some idea.
No, Yu felt it was a response that revealed her intelligence.
Exactly. That's precisely what caused your anxiety, Carla.
Nagare paused briefly.
They are Anomalies who maintain human form and human reason while living in society, standing beside us as beloved neighbors. Blood-sucking is their most famous trait, often called alluring due to its sexual metaphor, but that's not the source of their terror. Their origins lie in the dead who devoured human entrails.
Nagare crossed both arms.
But "tea party" is quite an apt description.
Yu imagined vampires gathering prey through social media.
Well then . . . let's exorcise whatever's causing your anxiety, Carla.
You'll accept an exorcism request? Even for vampires that might not exist?
However, there are conditions. During the tea party, you need to hint at the existence of real vampires in front of the participants. Talk about vampire weaknesses—consider this a mission you must fulfill. Especially this time . . . it would be good to emphasize sunlight. After all, it's such a blazing hot summer.
That's . . . no, I understand.
Perhaps thinking it would stir up anxiety among the participants, Carla hesitated briefly before agreeing.
Nagare smiled cheerfully and casually tacked on additional conditions.
Also, this touches on privacy issues, but . . . first, I'd like the SNS accounts and addresses of the missing people. If possible, I'd like information on all the participants too.
Understandably, Carla hesitated and fell silent.
There might be vampires using social media, after all.
If that's necessary, I'll prepare what I can. However, I don't know everyone's addresses. We have a rule about keeping real-world matters separate from the tea party, so we don't require addresses for participation.
Much appreciated. As for payment . . . a mostly success-based fee structure is fine. If nothing turns up, it's the standard rate. That works for you too, Sakurako?
Sakurako responded with her usual composed expression.
That's acceptable.
Then Nagare sent a meaningful look toward Yu. Yu quietly shook his head, signaling that he sensed nothing suspicious about their two visitors.
Seeing this response, Tsubaki also relaxed her guard, making Yu breathe a sigh of relief.
Several days later, Yu and Tsubaki were set to attend the vampire tea party as part of their investigation, but Yu was already having second thoughts.
It was dusk, and a luxury car was parked in front of the mixed-use building housing the Sayu Counseling Office.
The car's owner was, of course, Carla.
Standing beside the car, Carla wore a pure white gothic dress with even more frills than before, and she'd draped a vampire cape with an upturned collar over her shoulders.
Yu, Yu! Grrr!
Gr-grrr . . . Ugh, do I really have to go like this . . . ?
When Carla struck a pose with both hands curved like claws, Yu blushed and awkwardly mirrored her gesture.
It wasn't that the innocent action was embarrassing. Usually Yu would enthusiastically play along with such things.
The problem was Yu's cross-dressing.
It's a girls-only tea party. Besides, Yu, it really suits you.
I wonder if that's a compliment. I can't honestly be happy about it.
Indeed, Yu had androgynous features, so the look wasn't jarring at all. His voice wasn't particularly low, either.
The medieval-style costume looked genuinely noble—it wasn't an unflattering sight at all. Still, though he was an Anomaly, his gender identity was male, so he had his share of masculine pride.
It suits you.
She said it with a snort, and Yu felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment.
Tsubaki's personality made her unsuitable for undercover work.
Nagare was hopelessly adult-looking at thirty.
Cross-dressing was certainly necessary, but Yu hadn't expected to be pushed this far.
So even Yu gets embarrassed sometimes.
Tsubaki wore traditional Japanese attire and carried a bamboo sword bag.
Her kariginu had been partially modified for easier movement.
It was ritual attire for getting in touch with the throne of God.
This was the formal dress of the Kamukura clan, a family said to have integrated with the Kamishiro to kill Anomalies.
When in formal attire and having reached the state of Medium, no one could stop Tsubaki. That was exactly why Yu had desperately tried to talk her out of conducting undercover work in this outfit.
However, Tsubaki had a valid point.
Aren't these so-called vampires supposed to be pretty powerful monsters?
Faced with this reasonable question, Yu fell silent.
Unlike Yu, Nagare and Tsubaki were human. If they died, that would be the end. Not knowing the full scope of the incident, he had no right to prevent Tsubaki from taking her best course of action.
Tsubaki, you look absolutely beautiful!
Carla didn't object to the Japanese attire—if anything, she loved it.
Though he agreed that Tsubaki looked lovely in the beautiful kariginu, Yu was very worried.
That's it! Carla, do you have a spare cloak or something? I'd like to borrow it.
After borrowing a vampire cloak, Yu crept around behind Tsubaki and tried to drape it over her. He figured that way, it would be harder for her to reach the state of Medium.
Tsubaki! Tsubaki! Grrr . . .
. . .
A chill ran down his neck. Yu sensed his own predicament.
The bamboo sword bag's strings had come undone, and if Yu had pushed Tsubaki just a little further, his head would have been lopped off.
Yu slowly backed away from Tsubaki and returned the cloak to Carla.
Sorry, and thanks, Carla. Well, now that we're all ready, shall we head to the tea party?
In the end, he had no choice but to investigate while cross-dressed as Tsubaki's supervisor.
Meanwhile, Nagare was waving from the fourth-floor window like this was none of his business. He had his own work to do. The plan was for Yu to gather information about the venue's interior, then pass it along so Nagare could organize it and investigate from a different angle.
Without any discussion, the three of them had naturally fallen into their respective roles.
◇
Yu was amazed by how spacious the luxury car was inside.
The carpet underfoot was plush, and sitting in this space that was more comfortable than Nagare's bed, Yu realized for the first time that inequality truly existed in this world.
Yu! Grrr!
Grrr! I am the world's strongest vampire!
Yu had already gotten used to cross-dressing. He was nearly fully adapted to it. This was thanks to his nature of simply enjoying whatever moment he found himself in. His harsh life on the streets hadn't been for nothing. He was looking forward to the tea party, and spending time with the eternally innocent Carla made him happy too.
Yu, that's not how a girl talks. You should speak more ladylike.
Heh heh heh, I am the world's strongest vampire, don't you know!
Actually . . . that boyish way is fine! I think a tomboyish vampire is wonderful too!
Huh, was it really that weird?
Carla smiled happily.
Sakurako frowned at Yu's casual behavior, but choosing to prioritize Lady Carla, she left the excited pair alone. Tsubaki was dozing in her seat.
As they headed north on the main street and crossed the bridge, the tea party venue came into view.
An old-fashioned Western mansion stood there.
Its silhouette against the sunset looked exactly like something straight out of a vampire story.
The symmetrical mansion had white-framed windows arranged in regular rows. Thick curtains blocked all outside light from every window. The surrounding area was packed with high-rise buildings, and the mansion looked completely out of place in the urban landscape. The whole thing felt otherworldly, as if the mansion had suddenly materialized out of nowhere.
Yu observed the mansion as their car slowed to park.
Isn't it weird to have an old-fashioned mansion right in the middle of the city?
Huh? Is it strange . . . ? Is it unusual for there to be a mansion in the city?
Carla's reaction was completely matter-of-fact.
Sakurako also didn't seem particularly concerned.
Is this mansion a museum or something? Or maybe a tourist attraction?
Oh, my. A mansion is just a mansion, isn't it?
Carla covered her mouth with her hand and laughed elegantly—there was nothing suspicious about her.
When Yu tried to wake Tsubaki, their eyes met before he could reach her, suggesting she'd been listening all along.
I grew up in the mountains, so I can't tell the difference. But surely, it's "that kind of thing," right?
The guard of Tsubaki's sword rattled quietly in its bamboo bag.
This was the kind of phenomenon no one else questioned—only Yu, being an Anomaly, sensed something was wrong.
It was a Deviation.
He didn't know if vampires truly existed, but it felt like there were vampires in this mansion.
This phenomenon created the illusion of logic even when the fundamental premise made no sense.
For a moment, the mansion seemed to flicker, overlapping with a modern building.
In all likelihood, only Yu could perceive this.
It wasn't a hallucination or mirage. This was the true nature of the old mansion.
From here on, Carla's concerns would surely become reality. There were definitely vampires here.
Even if she'd be dismissed as delusional, the girl who had consulted Nagare so she could safely indulge her interests had been right all along.
I'm probably just overthinking it . . . It's a really lovely mansion. I'm looking forward to the tea party.
Yes! I hope you both enjoy the tea party!
So for now, Yu smiled gently, wanting the girl to enjoy herself.
They pushed open the heavy double doors, and the mansion's interior spread out before them.
An atrium entrance lay ahead.
A well-worn red carpet had settled comfortably into place along the walkway. White plaster walls rose around them. Wooden pillars and stairs gleamed with a slightly dulled luster. The color scheme used only red, white, and brown—a chic palette. With sparse furnishings as well, Yu found himself somewhat taken aback, having imagined a gorgeously luxurious interior. Yet he thought this restraint was perhaps more fitting.
Antique chandeliers cast an eerie glow throughout the mansion.
There was something classically Japanese about it. Meiji, Taisho . . . it seemed like architecture from one of those eras.
Yu was taking photos with his smartphone and texting them to Nagare along with his impressions when Sakurako stepped into his field of view.
Master Yu. Please allow me to take your luggage.
Master Yu . . . ? You mean me?
Yu didn't understand who Sakurako was addressing.
Yes, Master Yu. Regardless of your position, as my lady's friend, you are Master Yu to me. If you're fishing for compliments by pretending to be confused, I'm happy to repeat it as many times as you like.
Wait! I appreciate your work ethic, but that's not what I meant at all! My luggage is fine, thanks.
An excellent reaction . . . This confirms my assessment that you are quite fascinating. I apologize, but I have no intention of changing my approach.
What is it with this woman? Yu wondered.
Sakurako tried to take Tsubaki's luggage, but Tsubaki quietly shook her head.
I have other duties to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Please handle the investigation carefully.
After bowing and briskly departing down the hallway, Sakurako presented quite the contrast—every inch the refined maid.
Carla gave the bewildered Yu an apologetic look.
I'm sorry. Sakurako is dedicated to her work, but . . . she's quite the free spirit. She's not a bad person. When people criticize me for being adopted into the Yamatoji family, Sakurako always defends me. Though actually . . . she tends to stir up trouble herself . . .
I can tell that Sakurako really cares about you.
Do you think so . . . ? I can never tell what Sakurako's really thinking, so I'm not sure.
Carla's profile looked lonely and mature. Yu glimpsed the weight the girl carried.
Noticing Yu's gaze, Carla laughed brightly, and Yu sensed her inner strength.
I have some people to greet, so I'll head to the tea party first.
Sure, we'll investigate here first and then come over.
Carla bowed and hurried down the hallway. She seemed quite excited.
Yu took several photos of the entrance—the thick curtains with intricate embroidery, the threshold between inside and outside—then sent them to Nagare.
