Alexandre and the others, led by Himejima Suzaku and Kushihashi Seiryuu, left the commercial district and finally arrived at an office location—a massive building towering over the area.
A garden had been established on the building's rooftop. There was a penthouse there. It was within this that Alex and the others were admitted.
As for the interior of the penthouse built on the rooftop, it was heavily Japanese in style, as even the room to which Alex and the others were escorted was a Japanese-style room with tatami mats.
In this Japanese-style room, Alex and the others were seated alongside Himejima Suzaku and Kushihashi Seiryuu, as if in a meeting. Without disturbing her posture at all, the way Himejima Suzaku sat so meticulously made it clear that the training she had received in social norms was quite sophisticated.
It was Suzaku who began by making the first statement.
"To begin, there is something I must address. The previous matter involving the Utsusemi Agency—their recklessness is the fault of the Five Clans. For having involved all of you in this, I wish to formally apologize."
Suzaku lowered her head. Kushihashi Seiryuu, who was holding a position behind her, also lowered his head, but in some ways, his expression was one of mockery.
Samejima was feeling anger, a vein bulging in response to Kushihashi Seiryuu's expression, but since Barakiel had ordered him to show restraint, he clenched his fist to endure it.
Regarding the incident involving the Utsusemi Agency, it originally occurred due to the circumstances of those Five Clans. Moreover, Tobio and the others, who were caught up in it, had reasons to complain—or rather, it would be excusable for them to rant while grabbing the other party by the collar, as it only served to further complicate the relationship.
Suzaku spoke while looking at Barakiel.
"As for Grigori, our side is individually pursuing the remnants of the Utsusemi Agency, as well as that group of wizards cooperating with them—Oz. We've confirmed that, while they are fleeing from our pursuit, there is something they are chasing."
Barakiel spoke.
"…The remaining Four Fiends?"
Suzaku nodded calmly in response to the fallen angel's words.
"Yes, we've heard that two former Ryoukuu High School students have taken refuge in the mountains near a certain provincial border, where the remnants and the people of Oz are in the process of tracking them. Based on information from our own spies deployed at the location, it has been verified that there have already been skirmishes between them."
"Contact with those spies has almost ceased a few days ago. Probably…"
Suzaku, with serious eyes, posed a question to Barakiel.
"I heard that within Grigori there was a devilish force. An organized force of people in possession of rare and ferocious Sacred Gears… 'Those who fell into the abyss.' They are known as the 'Abyss Team,' aren't they?"
Alexandre looked at Barakiel with interest.
"…Barakiel, is this the first you're hearing of this?"
Barakiel let out a single sigh before responding.
"…It was something Azazel told me to discuss with you when I observed the appropriate moment. My apologies. As she said, the cadre who betrayed us—Satanael—when he left Grigori, he took a certain force with him. Nephilim Abyss, also known as the Abyss Team. They… are students of Satanael, and moreover, they consist of owners of devilish Sacred Gears. To the human world, they are nothing but dangerous abilities with the potential to negatively influence. For that reason, they were placed under our protection at Grigori."
This was information they were hearing for the first time.
Suzaku asked Barakiel.
"By all rights, I heard that the elimination of ability users is something natural. Why, then, was this not done? Since ancient times, records of Grigori doing this have been passed down, and yet…"
When it came to Sacred Gears that could not be controlled, he had heard that Grigori, since time immemorial, dealt with them harshly, but…
Barakiel made a troubled expression and said nothing in response.
"…The only answer I can give is that we are not monolithic either."
Even for fallen angels, who had been living for an unimaginable period—no, precisely because they had been living since eternity—it seemed the respective leaders had embraced their own motives. Thus, even a traitor came to exist.
Hearing Barakiel's statement, Kushihashi Seiryuu gave a cynical smile.
"That's a rather convenient statement."
"Seiryuu."
Suzaku uttered a reprimand.
"Alright, alright."
Seiryuu shrugged.
Returning to the topic of the conversation, Suzaku continued.
"Regarding those contacted by the remnants of the Agency and the wizards, they are a boy and a girl who possess the remaining Four Fiends, Taotie and Hundun. I assume you also know the individuals involved."
In response to Suzaku's statement, Barakiel nodded.
"Nanadaru Shigune and Koga Hyousuke, correct?"
Suzaku nodded.
"Well, then, I'd like to take this moment to convey my true intentions for organizing all this at this place and time."
After a pause, she declared the following.
"—Shall we form a temporary united front?"
Tobio and the others were shocked by this sudden proposal from someone of the Himejima clan, but Barakiel, Alex, Cao Cao, and Lavinia showed no particular reaction.
Suzaku continued.
"We will make our best efforts; the goal is the capture of the Agency's remnants. For now, regarding the Four Fiends and the Wizards of Oz who participated with them, if they become hostile to us, we will take the position of dealing with them."
Barakiel asked.
"In other words, regarding the Four Fiends—the Ryoukuu students—you'd be fine entrusting them to us?"
When Suzaku nodded, Barakiel's expression turned doubtful.
"…Suzaku, is this your own judgment? With that family head, something like this… it seems unlikely they would allow an alliance with an organization of fallen angels. No, even if the family head forgave it, the chief executives would not stay silent."
Suzaku merely gave a sweet smile in response to Barakiel's question.
"One could say we are not monolithic either. The current matter has been entrusted to me. Despite my appearance, I have inherited 'Suzaku.' Moreover, to be completely honest, the truth is we have little information about the Abyss Team and Satanael, and the same goes for Oz. One of the conditions that comes with the implications of the united front I'm proposing is that it should also be a win for all parties."
"There is much information that cannot be disclosed… but with the Abyss Team and Satanael being a problem we share in common, let's deliver as much as we can… That should be to your advantage."
With Barakiel's words, Suzaku let out a sigh of relief.
"It's a great comfort to me that the negotiations have gone well, Uncle."
Behind Suzaku, Kushihashi Seiryuu said in a low whisper, "I was opposed to this, though," with half-closed eyes, but…
Barakiel asked Tobio and the others.
"The gain from a temporary cooperative relationship with her and her associates is regarding the protection of the two Four Fiends. There seems to be a point of consideration for them in light of the incident from a while ago, as well as the confrontation earlier, but… to begin with, the important thing must be rescuing the Four Fiends—your classmates. There's no issue with that, is there?"
The group nodded, while Suzaku smiled. She spoke as she handed a memo to Barakiel.
"This is the location where the Ryoukuu students who are the remaining Four Fiends have been confirmed as their whereabouts. It would be a good idea to leave immediately. Whether due to them escaping or being captured, the more time passes, the greater the likelihood they'll leave that place. We are also planning to head there before the end of the day."
Kushihashi Seiryuu followed Suzaku's words with a hint of cynicism.
"Well, if we find them first, we might protect them for the time being. I hope you don't hate us if we don't get there in time."
It seemed that making jokes was part of the personality of the boy called Kushihashi Seiryuu. However, with the aura enveloping his body being genuine, it was certain that his skill level was several tiers above Tobio and the others.
Afterward, after several rounds of exchanges between Barakiel and Suzaku, the conference concluded peacefully without incident.
Everyone stood up, and just as they were about to leave, it happened. Suzaku abruptly called out to Lavinia.
"Lavinia Reni."
"Yes."
When Lavinia responded, Suzaku asked a question.
"Augusta of the Purple Flame—you're familiar with that name, correct?"
The moment that name came up—it seemed the room's temperature dropped slightly. No, it truly did.
It wasn't clear whether it was conscious or unconscious, but Lavinia was exuding a chilling atmosphere.
"Yes. She is one of the magicians I'm pursuing. She is the 'Witch of the East,' Augusta."
With that said, Lavinia was releasing pressure from her entire body. The name Suzaku had mentioned was enough to unsettle Lavinia's emotions.
Lavinia was a disciple of the 'Witch of the South,' Glenda, from 'Oz.' And also, Lavinia was pursuing the 'Witch of the East' from 'Oz.'
Suzaku continued.
"Regarding the matter of Oz, I just remembered that I was informed you are a disciple of Glenda, who was the 'Witch of the South.' The 'West' is also coming here. While both the 'East' and the 'West' are troublesome, I wonder, could the 'North' be coming too?"
"Perhaps, though I believe they haven't yet come from their country."
"Well, then, the position of the king of the 'Emerald City' of 'Oz' regarding the current situation is…?"
Lavinia lowered her eyes in response to Suzaku's question.
"…I don't know. I haven't received anything at all about the situation there."
In response to Lavinia, whose voice sounded strained, Suzaku merely replied, "Thank you. That's enough."
Raising her index finger, Suzaku gave Lavinia a piece of advice.
"Just a piece of advice. You shouldn't associate too much with Grigori. Even at the best of times, they are targets of observation due to the power they've obtained. I've heard rumors that the Vatican has ordered the assassination of Grigori operating in this country. If you come across an exorcist who is enthusiastic about their work, it's possible they might hunt you down if given the chance."
"…My thanks. I'll take care to avoid being subjected to a 'witch hunt.'"
As they were leaving, Barakiel spoke to Suzaku without looking back.
"Suzaku, I believe you haven't changed."
Suzaku responded while smiling.
"…Uncle Barakiel, nothing has changed since that time. Nothing about the Himejima Suzaku who played with Oba-sama and Akeno. However, regarding the Himejima… the current heads of the Five Principal Clans, be cautious with them. Of course, the same goes for the exorcists."
"Ah, naturally."
After Barakiel left, the others were also leaving.
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Each had gone to their respective rooms to prepare. Although they had to leave as soon as possible, the group agreed to act at night.
Alexandre retreated to one of the rooms. There were still a few hours before departure, and while kneeling in the traditional Japanese room, the young man breathed softly.
Despite being Japanese by birth, he had been raised in America because his grandmother wanted to keep him and Tobio separated due to his power, but even so, he still felt something nostalgic when in a typical place like this.
He had visited Japan many times in the past, both to stay close to Tobio and for other reasons.
[Hey Alex, are you really thinking about doing this?]
The heir of the Legendary Wizard let out a sigh as he set aside his focus.
"What do you mean, Albion?"
[What you're planning to do. I admire that you're doing this for your brother, Alex, but you've not only revealed yourself to Grigori and the Five Principal Clans but to a large part of the supernatural world.]
The White Dragon spoke in his host's mind with seriousness.
[No matter how much you're allied with them, Azazel won't hide your existence. I speak from experience, Alex. Many of my former hosts have met that Fallen Angel, and he's not someone to be trusted.]
[You've made many enemies over the years and worked hard to stay hidden for years, for over a decade, and now you're revealing yourself.]
"Albion is right," Regulus nodded in Alex's mind. "Everything you've worked for all this time, it's almost as if you've prepared to throw it all away."
"That doesn't matter," the golden eyes slowly opened, a coldness running through those orbs. "Plans are just that—thoughts of what could be. Not everything goes according to what we desire, and I'm prepared for the sacrifices."
"For my family, I would do anything. Besides, everything that's happening also aligns with what I desire."
The man let out a sigh as he relaxed, setting aside his thoughts about his partners' opinions.
"A serious Alex is a scary Alex," Regulus murmured, and Albion nodded in his host's mind.
Perhaps the most fearsome aspect of the man named Alexandre Ikuse was not his power or talent, but his intelligence and strategic thinking.
This man, Alexandre Ikuse, was talented as a magnificent villain, capable of turning times of peace into chaos and seizing the chaotic moment to ascend to the throne.
As they set aside their thoughts, the sound of someone knocking on the door was heard as Alex spoke a calm "Enter."
The door slowly opened as Alexandre turned his eyes to who was there.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to come, Suzaku."
Standing at the door was the exceptionally beautiful Japanese girl, with her long, ebony-black hair loose and her red eyes fixed on the golden ones of the man before her.
She wore a red kimono that couldn't hide her captivating figure, and curiously, she held a bottle and two cups.
"I took a little while."
The young woman slowly entered the room, placing the bottle, which Alex recognized as sake, on the table along with the cups as she sat in front of Alex.
"Coming to a guy's room wearing that outfit and bringing a drink, especially at this hour—I never imagined you'd be so bold."
Alex said, giving a mischievous smile. In response, the young heiress of the Vermilion Bird merely smiled gently.
"What do you mean? I'm a priestess, and this is the typical attire of one. Besides, I didn't think there'd be any issue with us sharing a drink."
Suzaku offered a slight smile as she opened the bottle and poured for both.
"Are you sure you're not trying to get me drunk to take advantage of me?" the young man said with an amused smile. "Or do you want to pick up where we left off two years ago?"
This wasn't the first time Alexandre Ikuse and Suzaku Himejima had met; it was far from it.
During his past visits to the country to see Tobio, he had investigated the Five Principal Clans, and thus knew Suzaku. Their relationship, in fact, was even older—since, when they were very young, Alexandre, Tobio, and Suzaku used to play together.
They knew each other well, and Alexandre had relied on Suzaku to protect Tobio during the times he was away.
In return, he had done some small secret missions for the Himejima Clan and the Shinto Gods—or rather, for the Youkai.
"And if I do?" Suzaku asked without any shame, surprising Alex. "After all, two years ago, the young man who pinned me in a room while kissing me passionately and speaking words full of love is standing in front of me."
"At the same time, he's the man who, while professing vows of love to me, gave me a drug that made me pass out, and when I woke up, he had disappeared."
Alex had the decency to look embarrassed. "I didn't do anything while you were unconscious, if that's what you're asking."
"I know, even though you're a scoundrel, you're not that stupid."
"Are you still mad?" Alex murmured, though it was hard to tell since Suzaku's expression didn't change at all. "I had to flee because I knew your uncle was coming, and he'd kill me if he saw me with you, so I thought it was the best option."
"So the fact that I woke up with a small wound, and that one of the Himejima Clan's treasures, which could only be accessed by the blood of the Vermilion Bird's possessor, had disappeared, means nothing?"
[She got you there,] Albion laughed in Alex's mind as the latter stiffened.
"I could say I was going to return it, but I…"
"Sold it, didn't you?" Suzaku said, making Alex's eyes widen. "Don't worry, we bought it back on the black market six months ago."
Alexandre sincerely didn't know if that was good news or not—probably not.
"So, what do you want to talk about?" Alexandre asked, picking up the sake cup and downing it in one gulp.
Suzaku smiled slightly.
"I'd like to say I know you well, but I'd be lying. Everything you do has a hidden motive. Even though you're here for Tobio, I know you have other plans."
"You overestimate me."
"Alex, your secrets have secrets," Suzaku huffed lightly.
Alexandre merely sighed. "Well, I could never resist beautiful women." The young Himejima maintained her usual expression, but Alex could see the blush slowly forming on her cheeks.
"Let's just say that for something I'm planning, I need three things."
Alex raised three fingers.
"One, I already possess."
One finger went down.
"Another is with the Wizards of Oz, and I plan to obtain it after dealing with them and Satanael."
Another finger went down.
"And the other is in Europe. It'll take a while for me to get my hands on it, but don't worry about that."
As Alex lowered his hand, Suzaku sighed lightly.
She truly couldn't tell what her cousin and childhood friend's goal was.
The young woman with black hair and vivid red eyes stood up slowly and walked over to Alex.
The lower part of her kimono opened slightly, giving a glimpse of her leg and her sacred place, but it closed immediately, preventing a full view. Still, from that glimpse, Alex noticed something.
Suzaku wasn't wearing underwear.
The Hakuryuukou found this rather… interesting.
Suzaku sat right beside Alexandre, shoulder touching shoulder, and at that proximity, the young man could smell the girl's fragrant scent.
"Are you really trying to seduce me?"
"Didn't I say I was?"
Hearing the blunt response, Alexandre gave a slight laugh. "Are you sure? We're cousins."
"That didn't stop you before."
The young woman smiled brightly, her soft lips parted in a very inviting way.
Alexandre didn't waste a second as he grabbed Suzaku by the waist and pulled her onto his lap, making the young woman blush.
"Very bold, aren't you?"
"All talk and no action."
Hearing Suzaku's tone, Alexandre gave a slight smile that left the young woman enchanted.
She knew Alexandre Ikuse wasn't exactly a saint.
Though he was handsome, intelligent, charming, someone who knew how to be romantic, affectionate, dedicated, gentlemanly, and extremely attractive…
"Okay, I'm losing focus."
Suzaku quickly dismissed those thoughts. She simply knew that Alexandre Ikuse was hiding something, that he was dangerous in his own way.
But even so, she couldn't resist him.
Suzaku wondered how many innocent young women this man had seduced with his silver tongue.
With a fluid motion, Alexandre turned Suzaku, making her lie down gently, with a tender affection that one would only have for a lover, a beloved person.
But this man was capable of faking such a thing as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
"I guess I'll have to show you some action, then."
Seeing the smile on his face that melted her heart, Suzaku thought that even her mission against the Utsusemi Agency and all of this could wait a bit.
He had a more important matter to attend to.