Chapter 1 - Plot of the Elders (2/8)

Even if all twelve of their large ages were added together, they still could not match hers.

"I am not saying we should do nothing. I am saying we need to actively work to maintain the status quo."

She glanced to the side and the maid stepped forward. The cards moved back after approaching to complain.

"First, I will report everything we know about Adam." The maid's smile had returned. "We have succeeded in retrieving Adam's sex cells. We have attempted an experiment with the highest known implantation rate, but we have learned artificial insemination is impossible."

"The cells closest to god cannot be manipulated with science," added Miss A.

The monoliths' microphones picked up another stir.

Miss A picked up her cup and took a sip of tea before saying more.

"That means restraining Adam would be meaningless. In fact, doing so would only sow the seeds of conflict between us and the angels protecting him."

"We do not need to fear the angels. The report said our Springloaded fought extremely well against the angel acting as Mutsuki Fujita's bodyguard."

"Do not forget that Adam is currently held by the angels. No matter how well we can fight, the results are what matter. We lost to the angels last time."

"Mh…"

"And with a demon on the scene, another loss would destroy the three-way balance and put FeTUS's very existence in jeopardy. We must act with utmost care."

The elder's composed words mostly silenced the twelve cards.

But they still did not accept it. There were a few comments of "well" and "but" coming in over the microphones.

"…Sigh."

The girl sighed because persuading them was proving difficult. And…

"Now, Miss A. How about this?"

One of the few cards that had not taken part in the previous argument spoke up. The King of Hearts floated calmly forward.

"What you say is correct. When implementing a plan, caution is the greatest virtue. But I am sure you understand the fact that simply observing has caused us to lose ground."

"Mh…"

"We are at an impasse. So how about we compromise by having Black Cat act?"

As soon as the name Black Cat was mentioned, the girl showed surprise for the first time. She had been setting down her teacup, but it clacked quietly against the saucer.

She was not the only one. Machina had remained as motionless as a doll, but she turned her head to stare at the King of Hearts. Finally, the maid's smile vanished again.

The monoliths reacted differently; they produced laughter.

"Now that would do nicely. Black Cat is a member of the FeTUS Witches, so we and Miss A can trust her."

"And she is quite close to Mutsuki Fujita! She would be perfect for dealing with Adam!"

"More importantly, no one is more loyal to our desires than her."

"…Wait. Black Cat is… Miss C is too dangerous."

The girl's previous composure vanished and she spoke with a low groan in her voice, but the twelve cards refused to listen and the King of Hearts continued after finding this weakness in the girl.

"Not to worry. The modifications made to her came from the best military technology that my country has to offer after being reunited from its split between east and west. Based on our calculations, she can take on an angel or even a demon."

"Dr. Strangelove," said Miss A. "I am sure you understand that we are not seeking victory in a trivial battle."

"If our knowledge proves effective against demons as well as angels, we will have taken a large step toward our ultimate objective. That seems to be a much more beneficial plan than simply monitoring the situation. I simply cannot see why you would oppose it. It's almost as if…"

The mocking laughter was obvious even through the microphone.

"Miss A, it's almost as if you desire this disappointing situation."

"…"

That finally silenced the girl.

Seeing an opportunity, the King of Spades immediately spoke loudly to seize the situation.

"Very good. Then we will have Black Cat secure Adam and eliminate his angel bodyguard."

"Understood," replied a new voice in the darkness.

Miss A, the maid, and Machina turned toward the voice in surprise.

"Ohh, so you're here, Black Cat. Then I assume you know what we wish from you."

A girl stood there. Only a straight-backed silhouette was visible in the darkness, but she did nod in agreement with the investors.

And she gave a slight snicker.

"It is about time, so let us bring this meeting to an end."

They reached that conclusion without waiting for Miss A to say anything more and the monoliths each spoke their thanks before vanishing.

Miss A glared at the King of Hearts which remained to the end. It then vanished without changing the clownish and somewhat mocking expression of the illustration.

With the ringing of a bell, the feminine silhouette turned its back.

Finally, the lights returned and the garden enveloped in peaceful sunlight followed.

The blonde girl brushed aside her bangs which were plastered to her forehead with sweat and sank heavily into her chair.

"This will probably lead to an all-out conflict with the angels. …I just hope the legends of Metatron are greatly exaggerated."

"…"

Silence fell and Machina took a drink of her tea now that it had finally cooled.

She took a large gulp without changing her expression. It was meant to calm her rattled nerves.

Miss A was the opposite, so she set down her cup as if to say she would drink no more.

"Be careful, Fujita Mutsuki's angel bodyguard."

"Cough!"

Ange choked like she was coughing up blood.

Then she collapsed to the ground.

It was 7 PM. In the Jiyuuni house, that was dinner time.

The three roommates were sitting around a small tea table in the cleaned-up living room.

Micha and Mutsuki blinked in confusion as pale-faced Ange pushed herself up with her hands and pointed at the small plate she had eaten from.

"Mutsuki… What is this?"

"Hm? Today's dinner."

"What is it?"

"A stuffed bell pepper."

"…"

"With kusaya, smoked cheese, and seaweed since they were on a really good sale."

"~~"

"Was it not any good?"

"It's disgusting! Was that choking not enough of a clue!?"