nhp | (Sutamai) 'Tonight, You and I Will Unravel a Mystery ♥', Part 5

31.

{Flashback}

-European Manor: Hall-

Rei: GAAAH!?

Arakida: !!

{End Flashback}

This was a story of around the time when Izumi Rei had shrieked after a group of the STAND members had gone to investigate Helman Paul’s manor.

And each of the STAND members that did not head towards the manor may or may not have been facing their own various forms of terror……

-Revel's Bar-

Kagura: Like I said, it's not as if I'm afraid of it or anything.

Otani: Oh? Considering all that, you’ve been staring outside the whole time ever since it started thundering though.

Kagura: I was just thinking that it was about time I’d give my chauffeur a call so that I can head home early.

The typhoon is approaching after all, so I simply can’t endanger them like that.

Maki: (Aki...... If you deny it to that extent then it will only spur on Hatori instead......)

...... Looks like it’s going to be difficult to catch a taxi too if the rain starts pouring any harder.

Hiyama: Hmm. Is it not better to be heading home sooner rather than later?

Kagura: Exactly. Well then, after I call my chauffeur......

Otani: Wait. It’s precisely because of a stormy night like this that we can tell exciting stories.

Kagura: Excuse me?

Maki: What sort of exciting stories?

Otani: Put frankly, I mean scary stories.

Kagura: !!

Otani: Truth is, I wanted Rei-chan to listen in on it too but the line didn’t connect through when I tried calling earlier.

Maki: Wait, why exactly did you suddenly call Izumi?

Otani: Isn’t it much more exciting when there’s someone there to always react to the scary stories?

Since it’s her, I thought that if I teased her a little, she would come straight away...... But what a shame.

Maki: (If it’s Izumi, then............ Yeah, she would probably come.)

Hiyama: Not being able to reach Izumi via phone is a first. She must be right in the middle of a private investigation.

Maki: Since it’s a weekday, I don’t think she’d be doing it alone if she’s working either......

Kagura: Honestly, why are you both making such a worried looking face?

Aside from that girl, everyone including the NCD and STAND members are capable in their own way.

They’re obviously doing fine.

Otani: But you know, only unique men would have food for thought on if they fit the model for being capable.

All three: (Is that something for you to be saying, Hatori......)

33.

-Revel's Bar-

Maki: ...... And? So what exactly is this scary story that you just couldn’t wait to call Izumi about?

Kagura: Hold it, Kei-chan. There’s no need to hear it.

Maki: Seeing as you declared it yourself, there’s no way that you’re letting us all leave here till you’re done telling it.

Hiyama: That’s the type of man Hatori is.

Kagura: This is ridiculous. I’m going to wait downstairs for my chauffeur.

Otani: Won’t it take a while for them to arrive since you only just called?

Or maybe it’s because you just can’t handle scary stories so you want to leave this bar as soon as possible?

Kagura: Don’t be absurd. Your made-up stories are simply a waste of time listening to is all.

Firstly, it’d be one thing if it were a summer’s night, but to tell ghost stories at the height of autumn? You’re totally lacking in any sense.

Maki: (...... If you get worked up like that, then it’ll only further encourage Hatori......)

Otani: I’m sorry for not meeting your expectations, but what I’m about to say is a true story.

Oh, but then I must apologize if that makes you more and more afraid, Kagura.

Kagura: ...... Fine. If you’re going to go so far as to say that, then I’ll do you the honor of listening.

But you better be prepared because I’m going to rip you to shreds with my words after you’re done.

Maki: (He finally got roped in......)

Hiyama: (...... Well, it’s no different from usual.)

Otani: Then shall we begin? This most spine-tingling scary story that I’ve specially saved for you all......

Kagura: ......

37.

[WHOOOSH, DUN DUN......]

Otani: ...... That’s when the man heard it.

[CLICK CLACK CLICK CLACK......]

Otani: Even though there wasn’t supposed to be anyone else inside the mansion besides him, he could hear the sound of faint footsteps.

[CLICK CLACK CLICK CLACK......]

Otani: The sound of the footsteps were soon approaching closer. They ascended the stairs, walked down the hallway......

[SCREECH......]

Otani: ...... And then there was the sound of the door opening for the study room that he was in.

The man steeled himself, and nervously turned around. And there, waiting for him was—

[BAM CRASH FLASH...... BOOOM!!]

Kagura: Guh!!

-Revel's Bar-

Otani: —the legal heir and child of his lover, and surprisingly, the family lawyer for the business where he was the chairman.

Kagura: ...... What?

Otani: Thus, the man’s hopes of concealing the existence of his illegitimate child, at whatever the cost, went down the drain.

Well now, wasn’t that a scary story?

Maki: Hey, Hatori.

Could this be about the fuss over the dispute of the inheritance for Momiyama Tradings?

Otani: Oh, so you figured it out?

Kagura: Christ, if you wanted to share information with us then you should’ve just said so in the first place.

Otani: I did say that it was a true story at the start, didn’t I?

Also...... You were plenty scared, weren’t you?

Kagura: As if I would—

Maki: What’s truly frightening are people’s desires rather than anything to do with ghosts and unnatural phenomenons.

Is that what you’re trying to say, Hatori?

Otani: Well, you’re free to interpret it however you want.

Hiyama: ......

Otani: Maybe it was somewhat lacking in depth for you though, Hiyama?

Hiyama: ...... It would probably upset her.

Maki: Hiyama-kun?

Hiyama: You had planned on telling this story in front of Izumi as well. If she had heard it, it would’ve saddened her.

Maki: Oh, right...... It’s a story of a father who tries to erase the existence of his lover’s child, and a child who tries to circumvent his father.

Kagura: I really hate those people who regret not being able to save someone even though there’s no way that they can save them.

Otani: Well, even if that’s the case, let’s just leave it at that.

(If I said in my opinion that something like that would be an interesting development, I wonder if Hiyama will get mad......)

-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Corridor-

...... Japanese Government Department: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a certain nightless city, and in the corridors of a renowned ministry that was brightly lit even at the doors of an approaching typhoon, an employee paced back and forth.

Watabe: (Looks like it’s going to rain quite fiercely.)

(I hope Rei-chan and the others don’t come across any danger......)

Voice: Oh, if it isn’t Watanabe-kun.

A certain someone purposely calls Watabe, “Watanabe” (which is another reading for his name in Kanji).

Watabe: You’re......

40.

-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Corridor-

Watabe: Hattori-san and Asagiri-kun. I didn’t think that I would be seeing the two of you here.

Asagiri: (If it were possible, I would’ve rather not run into this person while still with You-san……)

Hattori: You’re working hard even on this night with a typhoon coming. Don’t you think it’s more beneficial to head on home straight away and sleep?

Watabe: I’d like to return those exact same words right back at you.

Asagiri: (...... But it always happen to be like this that we end up crossing paths.)

(It’s what you would call a frightening coincidence.)

Watabe: I certainly didn’t think that you would have jurisdiction over a matter even in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hattori: There’s that saying, no? “Order about any diplomat pulling an all-nighter that comes in handy”.

Watabe: Unfortunately, that’s the first time I’m hearing it.

I did, however, hear from a diplomat returning from Germany that he had made contact with Asagiri-kun per his request.

Asagiri: (I don’t think that diplomat would’ve leaked the matter of Helman Paul’s mysterious death, but......)

Hattori: (So he’s coming from the angle of obviously having got wind of something of that level.)

It doesn’t involve Matori-chan, so worry yourself not. I have no intention of letting her know either.

Watabe: Oh, I know. It seems like you also have no intention of heading towards the manor.

Hattori: If everyone wants to have fun with team play, then I’m not the person for the job.

Watabe: Well now, it’s not often that we agree with one another.

Asagiri: (They’re usually calm and collected but as soon as they run into each other, they’re both so childish......)

Hattori: ...... If you’re that worried, you should just put a collar on her.

Watabe: ...... What are you saying?

43.

-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Corridor-

Hattori: How cold of you. You know exactly what I’m saying.

Watabe: I was just thinking that someone who can bring up the idea of putting a collar around a person without hesitation sure is frightening.

Hattori: Goodness, so that’s what you’re hung up on.

I’m sure with working in this sort of job, it’s quite obvious what the most terrifying thing is.

Asagiri: (...... Humans themselves, huh.)

Watabe: Unfortunately, I’m someone who doesn’t like to give into fear.

And I believe that the same can be said for her.

Hattori: Oh, an exemplary answer coming from an ally of justice, I see.

Watabe: It’s pretty late into the game to be asking this, but aren’t you an ally of justice, Hattori-san?

Hattori: ...... I can control fear.

Watabe: !

Hattori: Depending on the receiver, I can even make them seek out fear of their own will. Aren’t people terrifying?

Asagiri: ......

Watabe: ...... If that’s what she chooses, then I will respect her decision.

Hattori: Is that so? In other words, it’s okay for other men to steal her away.

Watabe: It’s not in my nature to tie someone down.

Asagiri: (Looks like a storm is soon approaching here as well......)

Watabe: Can I just say one last thing?

Hattori: Don’t hold yourself back.

Watabe: What’s truly terrifying isn’t someone who ends up seeking out fear.

It’s that moment when a person loses themselves in believing that they can control every emotion.

Hattori: ...... Goodness, I simply can’t wait for that day to come.

[BAM CRASH FLASH...... BOOOM!!]

Hattori: Let’s get going soon, Tsukasa.

According to the rumors in this place, this is around the time the departmental ghost taps your shoulder.

Watabe: !

Asagiri: What? What kind of unscientific and outrageous nonsense are you talking about?

Watabe: ...... Good grief. I’m astounded by that high level ability of information gathering you have.

Perhaps I should also read mystery novels to increase my perceptiveness.

For example, maybe one by Helman Paul.

Hattori: !

Asagiri: (The matter of You-san looking into Helman Paul’s cold case should not have been disclosed at all!)

Hattori: Goodness. I take it that something of that level is nothing then.

Watabe: What could you possibly mean, I wonder.

Hattori: Well then, laters.

Asagiri: Have a nice evening.

(Honestly, that was the most suffocating thing ever......)

47.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

...... And now, the Kujo Family’s side of things.

Miyase: Kujo-san, something terrible has happened.

Kujo: ...... Go, I believe I can see that for myself.

Kirishima: Kujo-san, listen to this! My percentage has finally dropped below Shindo completely!

Now I can strike down your enemies one after the other!

Miyase: Are you perhaps referring to your body fat percentage?

From what you said just now, it was almost as if you were calculating your mortality rate.

And having an impressive survival challenge with Shindo-san......

Kirishima uses the word “shibouritsu” (mortality rate) when he means “taishibouritsu” (body fat percentage), thus leading to Miyase being confused.

Kirishima: What? What are you using big words for, Miyase...... Wait.

What the heck happened!? You’re dripping wet from head to toe!

Miyase: ...... I had planned on thoroughly securing all the locks.

But I ended up leaving the one small window on the second floor wide open.

So I got on a stepladder to close it, and right as I was putting up quite the struggle...

I was doused by the rain blowing in......

Kirishima: Y’know, when it comes to times like that, don’t hold back and just tell me.

It’s easily a piece of cake for me to jump and close a silly little window!

Miyase: (Of course! If it’s Kirishima-san, then something of that level......)

Kujo: It’s just as Kirishima says. You have a habit of trying to do everything all by yourself, Go.

You ought to rely on Kirishima from now on.

Miyase: ...... You’re right. Thank you, Kujo-san, Kirishima-san.

Kirishima: Yeah, leave it to me! Sorry if I can’t control my strength and end up breaking the window.

Kujo: We’re counting on you, Kirishima.

Miyase: (Is that............ really okay......?)

Well then, I guess I’ll go and clean up the second floor corridor that got all wet.

Um, what I need to get out is a mop and bucket and...

Since some leaves also blew in, a broom and vacuum cleaner as well......

Kujo: How about you wipe yourself down first? At this rate, you’ll catch a cold.

Kirishima: Even if you train your body, there’s no helping you if a wireless gets inside. Better be careful.

Miyase: ...... Do you mean a virus?

Kirishima: Oh yeah, I guess that’s what they’re called!

Miyase: Thank you both for your concern.

I shall change my clothes first, and then I will clean the corridor.

[BAM CRASH FLASH...... BOOOM!!]

Kujo: ...... The weather is on course for the worse. And it seems like our “friends” in the investigation have increased as well.

You can leave cleaning the corridor for later. Can you ready the car to pick them up, Go?

Kirishima: Awesome! That’s Kujo-san for you!

You can even spot on tell what’s going on at the manor.

Miyase: (...... Was it via a satellite phone? It’s not possible that “that thing” is also installed even all the way to the manor......)

(...... But who knows when it comes to Kujo Soma.)

Ready the car to pick them up? Understood.

The most terrifying thing to happen is for everyone to be stranded because of the typhoon so I can do that much for them, no problem.

Kujo: Mankind are the only ones to inflict suffering upon themselves, and they are the only ones who can save humanity.

Kirishima: ...... Huh? What was that? Was it your poem, Kujo-san?

Miyase: What he means is that the only ones who can rescue humans are humans.

Kirishima: ...... Isn’t that obvious......?

While keeping in mind those respective questions and answers, the Kujo family car made its way to the manor.