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Ten minutes later, the meeting location had shifted from the main hall to the clan head's residence on the northern side.
Inside the bright and breezy traditional Japanese room, located in the southeast corner of the mansion's first floor, Bokue Keikain sat cross-legged on the tatami mat. His gaze rested thoughtfully upon a photograph placed on the low table before him.
"…So, this is the Fourth Primogenitor confirmed by your Lion King Organization?"
The picture was identical to the one Yukina Himeragi had shown at High God Forest the previous afternoon. It featured a lively-looking middle-school girl, her short hair tied up in a cute, bouncy ponytail.
Especially given her cheerful and youthful expression, she appeared even younger than Yura herself.
And you're telling me this is the strongest vampire—the legendary being who can single-handedly annihilate entire countries?
Where's the gothic high-collared coat, the tight leather pants, red eyes, sharp fangs, and pale skin?
No matter how I look at this, she's just a normal girl!
"Yes… that's correct."
The young Sword Shaman girl from the Lion King Organization knelt politely beside him. She paused slightly, realizing her tone had sounded a bit uncertain, then quickly added:
"At least, that's exactly what my instructor told me."
Saying that only made it sound even less convincing.
She might as well have added, "And if there's been any mistake, it's entirely my instructor's fault."
"Where was this picture taken?"
Bokue asked casually.
Judging by the school uniform the girl—Nagisa Akatsuki—was wearing, and the fact she was walking along the street accompanied by classmates, determining the location of the photo would also pinpoint her current residence.
"It was taken on Itogami Island, the Demon District located approximately 330 kilometers from Tokyo."
Without missing a beat, Yukina provided an answer that was both unexpected yet completely logical.
"Nagisa Akatsuki is enrolled in class 3-C at Saikai Academy Middle School, located on Itogami Island. Her parents are frequently away from home due to work, leaving her living alone most of the time."
"You even managed to investigate that thoroughly?"
Bokue raised an eyebrow.
The detail of the investigation wasn't particularly surprising. After all, the Lion King Organization was an official agency, and its specialized nature granted it considerable authority and access to substantial investigative resources.
As long as the subject had any official records, the Lion King Organization could easily unearth the details.
However, it was somewhat unexpected that the supposed Fourth Primogenitor had a traceable identity in the government's official databases.
Perhaps, rather than referring to a single individual, the title "Fourth Primogenitor" could shift from person to person, like a spirit entity capable of reincarnating into different hosts.
"Regarding this, we're still uncertain ourselves…"
The Sword Shaman hesitated slightly, shaking her head gently.
"But according to the information we've gathered, Nagisa Akatsuki has a clearly documented life extending back fourteen years, complete with identified biological parents. At least, we can confirm she was born human. However, exactly how and when she became the Fourth Primogenitor… that's something we must uncover ourselves."
At this point, Yukina subtly glanced toward the young female Onmyōji sitting silently nearby.
Despite being roughly the same age and both being middle-schoolers, Yukina was fully aware the girl next to her was the future clan head of the Keikain family.
Even though Bokue had shown clear interest from the moment he sat down, whether the Keikain clan would truly commit themselves to this mission would probably depend on the young heir's stance… maybe?
Yet, this certain female Onmyōji appeared entirely detached, merely sitting formally in place. Her elegant, cold face seemed distracted, her slender hands softly clasped in front of her as if forming a loose circle. It was impossible to guess exactly what she was thinking.
She isn't planning to speak up at all?
Yukina wondered silently.
At that moment, Bokue continued the conversation:
"Then, what exactly is the planned approach for contacting her?"
"Ah, yes—we do have one."
Yukina responded smoothly.
"Currently, High God Forest has already arranged to transfer my school registration from Kyoto to Itogami Island. Even though it's summer vacation right now, utilizing my student identity should allow me to approach her naturally. Furthermore, the Lion King Organization has already arranged a safe house for us right next to her residence."
"You've thought this through very thoroughly," Bokue nodded appreciatively. "When do you intend to depart?"
"Ah—well, if possible, I'd prefer to leave immediately."
The Sword Shaman replied straightforwardly.
"Now that the Fourth Primogenitor's identity has been confirmed, as her observer, naturally I wish to get there as quickly as possible."
"…This early?"
Perhaps slightly delayed, but upon hearing Yukina's statement, Bokue suddenly realized an alarming problem.
Could it be that this young Sword Shaman was a total workaholic?
She was exactly the kind who, once assigned a task, would charge ahead nonstop without rest, treating the whole thing like some kind of speedrun competition.
That's troublesome… Bokue had originally planned to stay home for at least a couple more days before heading out again.
"Then why don't you go on ahead first?" Bokue suggested calmly.
"Eh?"
Yukina blinked in surprise, responding instinctively:
"Then… what about you?"
"For me, the distance from Kyoto to Itogami Island is nothing."
Bokue explained simply:
"As long as my spiritual power is marked on you, I can immediately teleport to your side once you've arrived. Sort of like… the Flying Thunder God Technique."
What exactly was a Flying Thunder God Technique?
Yukina was completely baffled; she'd never watched Naruto.
But based on his explanation, he probably meant he'd teleport straight to her side once she reached her destination, right?
"Well… in that case, I'll leave immediately."
After a brief pause, Yukina still chose to set off immediately. Picking up the photo and the metallic case containing Schneewalzer, she prepared to leave the room.
But just at that instant, Bokue's phone vibrated with a soft buzzing sound.
He pulled it out and saw a short text message from Rias:
—[Bokue, are you done over there? We're heading back to the Underworld soon~]
Attached below was a group photo, showing the girls all neatly dressed and ready to go, smiling brightly in the morning sunshine. They stood lined up at the gate to the Demon District port. Even Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra were there.
Judging from the number of people, it was likely Koneko who had helped take the picture.
Hmmm…
Bokue pondered for exactly one second, then decisively rose from the table, calling out to Yukina just as she was sliding open the door to leave.
"Hold on. Never mind. We can just go together right now."
"Eh?"
Yukina froze again, ready to ask why the sudden change of plans. However, Bokue was already brushing past her, leaving only a casual statement:
"Yura, I'm heading out first then. I'll be back a bit later. I'll go call Kuroka and the others now."
"…Oh."
After about two or three seconds, the young Onmyōji girl who'd been quietly spaced-out at the table the whole time finally replied softly, seemingly still lost in some other thoughts.
After hesitating slightly, Yukina also stood up from the tatami mats and followed along the route Bokue had taken moments before.
Since he'd already agreed, she figured it was time for her to report back to her instructor as well.
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