Chapter 81: The Idealist and Delusional Syndrome
Two days later.
A stretch limousine sped down the road.
Mahiro sat on one side, gazing at the rapidly shifting scenery outside the window.
Little Enju dozed against his shoulder.
Next to Enju was Little Asaka, who cradled her newly gifted tachi, running her fingers over the gold-embossed patterns on the black piano-lacquered sheath.
This was the new blade Miori had given her—a super-varanium alloy weapon.
Perhaps feeling it necessary for the mission, she had brought it along.
However, for some reason, the atmosphere inside the car was thick with tension.
"...Mahiro-san, did you have anything to do with the disappearance of Takuto Yasuwaki and several of his guards?" Seitenshi suddenly asked, cutting straight to the point.
It had been three days since Takuto Yasuwaki vanished. Though Seitenshi despised the man, as the ruler, she had still ordered a search.
Yet there had been no trace of him—it was as if he had evaporated from the world.
No sign of him at home, no witnesses on the streets.
Seitenshi's first thought was Mahiro. In all of Tokyo, he was the only one who could have pulled it off.
"I see you've noticed... I didn't expect Her Excellency Seitenshi to be so perceptive."
"I don't understand, Mr. Mahiro. Why would you do this?"
Ignoring his jest, Seitenshi pressed further with her questioning.
"No particular reason." Mahiro clasped his hands behind his head, speaking with disinterest. "Nothing special... I just didn't like that guy. He happened to provoke me, cornered me in the restroom threatening me to abandon the mission, and was about to get physical."
"You know I wouldn't just stand there and take a beating, so I casually took care of him."
His tone was so casual it might as well have been about some trivial daily occurrence.
"Besides, Your Excellency Seitenshi, didn't you dislike that guy too?"
"...That still doesn't justify taking the law into your own hands."
Her hands resting on her lap clenched slightly as Seitenshi lectured him with a stern expression. "Mr. Mahiro, if everything truly happened as you described, you could have reported this to me and let me handle it."
"Tell you... and then what?"
"I would have punished him severely according to Tokyo Area's laws!"
"Oh? And after that?"
"After that...?"
Seitenshi couldn't answer. Or rather, wasn't legal punishment and warning enough?
Of course it wasn't.
"You're still too naive, Your Excellency Seitenshi... No, perhaps 'why don't you eat cake' would be more accurate."
Mahiro's words made Seitenshi's brows furrow slightly in displeasure. She wanted to refute that she wasn't being that oblivious, but before she could speak, Mahiro continued:
"Since you can't answer, let me tell you. After legally punishing Takuto Yasuwaki and those guards, since the punishment would just be a warning at most, they'd eventually come after me for revenge. What I'd have to do then would be no different from now."
"So why shouldn't I eliminate them from the start instead of going through that pointless song and dance?"
"That wouldn't happen, how could it—!"
Seitenshi wanted to protest, but Mahiro cut her off:
"Moreover, my methods actually benefit you, Your Excellency Seitenshi."
"At the very least, it deters those who keep trying to take advantage of you. Externally, it projects a strong image, showing everyone you're not some obedient puppet or being controlled by that old fox Tendo Kikunojou."
"Isn't that better?"
"You should know decisive action is far more effective than empty words or by-the-book thinking. At least after making an example of them, when you push for the New Gastrea Act, you won't get so many threatening letters every day."
Seitenshi pressed her lips together.
What Mahiro said was true.
Ever since she proposed the New Gastrea Act, apart from Tendo Kikunojou's constant obstruction, the citizens had also been stirred up.
While there hadn't been extreme actions, she received threatening letters almost daily—some even containing hazardous items.
She understood this logic. It might work.
The problem was—that simply wasn't her style.
"Ruling a region by exploiting the people's fear is the method of a dictator. But I am neither a dictator nor a tyrant. What I aspire to is for all citizens to be treated equally."
"That's precisely why, Seitenshi, you're far too idealistic."
Mahiro helplessly spread his hands.
"Though I don't dislike this kindness and naivety of yours—in fact, I rather envy it—and your ideals might achieve great things in peaceful times, unfortunately, you were born in the wrong era."
"Are you saying my ideals are wrong?"
Though Mahiro's words carried no overt criticism, the implication was clear. Seitenshi's face flushed with faint anger as she caught his meaning.
In response, Mahiro, still resting his head on one hand, nodded without hesitation.
"Indeed, they're wrong. And not just slightly wrong."
"As the saying goes, harsh laws are needed in turbulent times. In this godforsaken era of rising warlords, what's needed isn't a merciful and benevolent savior, but a tyrant capable of sweeping everything aside."
"History has proven this time and again—only an iron-fisted ruler can suppress the demons lurking below and bend them to their will."
"And let's not forget, what you're governing is even more repulsive than demons—it's the CS. So you must demonstrate even more ruthless methods."
Seitenshi: "..."
She couldn't agree with Mahiro's words. Even now, she still believed in mutual understanding between people and the inherent goodness of humanity.
But she overlooked one thing.
If mutual understanding is impossible even in peaceful times, how could it be achieved in an era of chaos?
Persistent weakness only leads to boundless indulgence.
However, in Mahiro's words, Seitenshi caught a key point and couldn't help but voice her confusion:
"Mr. Mahiro... do you have some issue with the people of Tokyo Area?"
"Who knows? Maybe I have issues with all of humanity... But let's end the discussion here. We've arrived."
Mahiro gave Seitenshi a meaningful smile and pointed out the car window.
An eighty-six-story super high-rise hotel came into view.
He remembered eating a meal without paying with Kisara on the thirtieth floor of this hotel a year ago. Who would have thought he'd return to the same place a year later?
Seitenshi, however, kept her gaze fixed on him, as if trying to see through him.
Based on her understanding of Mahiro and judging from his earlier words, she could confirm that he harbored a certain degree of hostility—or perhaps hatred—toward the people of Tokyo Area.
And this hatred seemed indiscriminate, directed at everyone.
But since they had arrived at the venue for their informal meeting, there was no opportunity to press further.
Seitenshi could only silently commit this matter to memory.
"Asaka, Enju, you two stay in the car. If you notice anyone suspicious approaching the vehicle, don't hold back—eliminate them immediately."
After getting out of the car, Mahiro instructed the two inside.
"Understood~!"
"Mm, Enju and I will guard the car. Please be careful, Mahiro-sama."
Enju's liveliness and casualness stood in stark contrast to Asaka's seriousness and meticulousness.
However, one thing was certain—no matter how they behaved, they would both faithfully fulfill their duties.
Afterward, Mahiro followed behind Seitenshi, who was dressed entirely in white, as they slowly entered the building.
Yet, as the elevator started moving and the numbers on the panel rapidly changed, Seitenshi's heart gradually grew restless.
With her back to Mahiro, she gazed at the scenery of Tokyo outside the elevator and said, "Mr. Mahiro, I've never met President Saitake before, but I know he is certainly not a simple man. So, I'll be counting on you—please don't leave my side."
"Is this nervousness? Or fear?"
"Both, I suppose..."
Faced with Mahiro's teasing, Seitenshi admitted frankly, "...He's someone even Kikunojou-sama finds troublesome, so naturally, I must be cautious in every way. And—"
As she spoke, she suddenly turned around, her white dress flaring slightly like petals before settling again.
Then, with utmost seriousness, she said to him:
"What follows is my personal request. No matter what, please do not threaten President Saitake with force—direct action is absolutely forbidden. Moreover, I am not as naive as you seem to think, so I ask that you at least maintain the minimum respect due to me as a head of state."
"Of course. I've always respected you, Lady Seitenshi."
Mahiro wore a flawless smile on his face.
He wasn't a fool—he knew when jokes were appropriate and when they weren't. At the very least, he had to preserve Seitenshi's dignity in front of others.
And besides...
"You underestimate me. If I really wanted to act, I'd choose to do it outside."
He said this very quietly, but just as the elevator stopped, Seitenshi happened to hear it.
Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at him.
But there was no time to say anything—the elevator doors had already opened.
"After you, Your Highness."
"..."
Seitenshi shot him a slight glare, hesitated for a moment, then with a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks, silently took Mahiro's outstretched hand.
The first thing that greeted their eyes was a vast expanse of blue sky. The semicircular roof was constructed from transparent hexagonal reinforced glass, creating an illusion of infinite expanse when gazed upon.
The opposing side was arranged in much the same way as theirs.
Aside from a burly man who stood like a bodyguard beside the sofa, there was only one other man seated there, sporting a thick beard.
Before long, the man noticed their presence and rose from the sofa, turning to face them.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Seitenshi."
Slicked-back hair, a dense beard, a portly figure, round British-style gentleman's glasses, and a light black suit—his appearance gave off an incongruous, almost comical impression.
This man, who looked like a reformed bandit at first glance, was none other than Sogen Saitake.
However, as if noticing Mahiro's presence, his voice faltered slightly before he turned his gaze toward him.
"If I'm not mistaken, the gentleman beside you must be the renowned Yotsuba Mahiro of the Tokyo Area?"
Am I really that famous already?
Mahiro subtly turned his head, exchanging a glance with Seitenshi.
But Seitenshi shook her head slightly, indicating she had no idea.
Moreover, the man's gaze was far too intense, making Mahiro feel somewhat uncomfortable—enough to stir an impulse to slap him dead on the spot.
But what truly unsettled him were the man's next words.
"Since you're here, it saves me the trouble of seeking you out later."
"Seeking me?" Mahiro's brows furrowed into a deep frown. As far as he recalled, this was their first meeting—there should be no connection between them whatsoever.
Yet, Sogen Saitake chuckled and said:
"It's nothing too serious. I merely wish for you to relocate Arcadia, the shelter for the Cursed Children, to the Osaka Area—and then join my ranks. What do you say?"
"A place as weak as the Tokyo Area can never fully utilize your talents. Why not come to Osaka and join forces with me?!"
"With your strength and my capabilities, along with an army of these Cursed Children, we could make the entire world bow at our feet!"
Sogen's eyes burned with fervor, his voice rising with excitement.
However, Seitenshi's brows knitted slightly.
She hadn't expected Sogen's first move in this meeting to be an attempt at poaching.
What surprised her even more was the implication that Mahiro had established a shelter for the Cursed Children.
But...
"President Saitake, I must ask you to retract your reckless words," Seitenshi said sternly. "Such ambitions of ruling the world through violence will never be tolerated by the Tokyo Area."
"Hah..."
Sogen let out a disdainful chuckle, slowly rising to his feet and looking down at Seitenshi.
"Lady Seitenshi, you truly are a woman with short-sighted vision. You've never even considered how the world should be divided after the Gastrea are driven out! Japan, as the nation that recovered fastest from the Gastrea War, naturally has the right to become the leader of the world!"
"Japan should aim for this—this is the grand vision that looks at the bigger picture!"
"I will spare no effort to eliminate anyone who stands in my way, the incompetent, and those who refuse to submit to me!"
Madness flickered in Sogen's pupils as he waved his arms wildly, foam gathering at the corners of his mouth, as if he had already glimpsed a future where he stood above all as a supreme ruler.
Then, he turned his gaze back to Mahiro and asked once more:
"Now that you've heard my plans, what is your answer, Yotsuba Mahiro?"
"That was quite an interesting speech... but I refuse!"
Mahiro replied coldly.
This man wanting to freeload without offering anything in return was one thing, but the real issue was—how did he know about Arcadia?
After all, what he had done was kept under wraps, known only to a handful of people. He had even warned Miori not to disclose it to anyone, and the location he chose was the abandoned District 39, where no one would ever come.
Yet now, this man he had just met seemed to know his secrets well.
Could someone from Miori's side have leaked the information?
Out of habit, Mahiro activated his Spirit Eye, analyzing the man's information body before him.
But what he discovered was unexpected.
'What is that?'
He "saw" a strange tattoo on Sogen's right chest—a design of five wings.
He vaguely recalled this symbol. The group that had summoned the Scorpio to destroy Tokyo had the same tattoo.
They were called something like the Five Wings Syndicate...
In an instant, it all seemed to click.
Hearing his answer, Seitenshi also exhaled slightly in relief, her pale face gradually regaining color as her hands, which had been gripping her lace gloves tightly, slowly loosened.
Noticing this, Mahiro couldn't help but think to himself.
Seriously, Lady Seitenshi? This was just the appetizer before the main course.
Still, he decided to fan the flames a little more and added:
"Oh, I forgot to mention something earlier—this isn't a mental hospital. If you have psychological issues, please go to the hospital in Tokyo Area 3."
Who would've thought he'd encounter a lunatic who wanted to rule the world in this day and age?
Not that ruling the world was inherently wrong—but one needed the capability to back it up. Clearly, this man named Sogen Saitake didn't have it.
If Seitenshi was an idealist, then this man was simply delusional—the kind who deserved to drown in a cesspit!
"Y-You... what did you say?!"
Sogen's face twisted with rage, his thick fingers nearly crushing the wooden armrest of the sofa, a barely concealed killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"How dare a mere Civil Officer speak to Lord Saitake like that!"
Tendo Combat Style, First Form, Eighth Technique—
Blazing Fan!
Mahiro struck with his palm instead of a fist, and a crisp sound echoed through the room.
The subordinate who had just spoken out of turn was sent flying backward.
Even Sogen couldn't clearly see what had just happened—he only felt a gust of wind brush past him before his bodyguard went flying.
"Mr. Saitake, please keep your subordinates in check. Otherwise, next time it won't be just a slap."
Mahiro wiped the hand he had used to send the man flying and spoke indifferently.
He completely disregarded everything Seitenshi had said earlier, tossing it all into the Mariana Trench without a second thought for the diplomatic fallout his actions might provoke.
Strangely enough, this time Seitenshi showed no reaction or panic.
She simply sat there calmly, her hands folded neatly over her formal dress, her back straight.
"President Saitake, shall we get to the main topic?"
Sogen clicked his tongue, paying no attention to his downed subordinate, and waved his hand. "Let's begin."
You've grown, girl.
He glanced slightly surprised at Seitenshi as she began formal negotiations with Sogen.
...
...
Two hours later.
The first informal meeting concluded.
The only tangible outcome of the talks was the mutual understanding, established the moment they entered, that Seitenshi and Sogen Saitake were sworn enemies who could never coexist.
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