A Dead Apostle appearing in Misaki City?
As they exchanged glances, Touko couldn't help but laugh. "Aren't you vampires all over the world? What's so strange about one showing up in Misaki City? Besides, I no longer consider it my hometown. Are you expecting me to be moved to protect my hometown and go back there?"
Touko had long since left behind what could be called a hometown. At this point, the only place she might consider her hometown was the planet itself.
"No, didn't you catch what I said, Puppet Master?" Rita wagged her finger. "If it was just an ordinary Dead Apostle, such trivial news wouldn't reach my ears. But if it's a Dead Apostle on our level, that's a bit unusual."
On Rita's level?
That meant… an Ancestor had appeared in Misaki City?
"What's so strange about that?" Touko asked. "Seven years ago, didn't three Ancestors die in Misaki City? Now it's just one more. Is that so remarkable?"
"What if I told you this Ancestor appeared out of nowhere?"
Rita smiled and added, "You must know, a Dead Apostle can only become an Ancestor in two ways—first, by killing a previous Ancestor. Second, by inheriting it from an Ancestor with a blood connection."
"The first method is very rare. I only know of two examples. One is Vlov, who was killed seven years ago, and the other is the Dead Apostle hunter named Enhance. Apart from those two, over the years, there have been other Ancestors killed, but similar cases haven't occurred."
"The second method is me. That case doesn't need further explanation—it's a normal succession."
"But the Ancestor in Misaki City is different. They truly appeared out of nowhere. Before this, they didn't exist in this world. Hmm, like a meteor suddenly crashing into the earth."
"So, are you interested, Puppet Master?"
An Ancestor appearing out of nowhere.
If it was just an ordinary Ancestor, Touko might be intrigued, but it wouldn't be a big deal. After all, she had encountered Ancestors many times, and most of them had been taken out by Naoki, who was sitting beside her. She knew of at least four Ancestors he had killed.
Moreover, in recent years, for some reason, rumors had been circulating about several Ancestors being killed. Though their truth couldn't be confirmed, it was certain that at least one or two had been taken down.
At a time like this, an Ancestor appearing out of nowhere… that was indeed an intriguing situation.
After pondering for a moment, Touko sighed. "Fine, that's information that does pique my interest. Deal's done. Tell me what kind of puppet you want, and I'll make you the highest quality one I can."
"Yes, that's how a transaction should be—clean and tidy. Haggling is so unpleasant. My request is simple: perfection. Give me the most perfect puppet you can make. That's my only demand."
This kind of client was the type Touko hated most—she immediately concluded in her mind.
Perfection? That was basically the same as saying "whatever." Who knew what her definition of perfection was? If Touko made it and got an utterly dissatisfying response, wouldn't that be a waste?
(In that case, I'll just make something half-baked to trick her later.)
"Once it's done, wait for the train to depart again. I'll send another invitation. Also, young man with the beautiful Mystic Eyes, what's your name?"
"Natsukawa Naoki."
Natsukawa Naoki—after committing the name to memory, Rita stood up. "Like the Puppet Master, the Mystic Eye Collection Train will send you invitations regularly in the future. I look forward to our next meeting, Naoki."
With that, Rita turned into a shadow and vanished from the room.
From the start, she was only a clone of her real body on the train. She could appear anywhere on the train at any time, so she could come and go so abruptly.
Watching her leave, Naoki asked Touko, "After this, are you going back to Misaki City, Touko?"
"Maybe. I'm a bit interested. I'm not sure if I'll go myself." Touko laughed. "Why? If I go, will you come with me?"
"Yeah, sure. I don't mind."
Naoki answered promptly. "I'd just need to take another leave from the Clock Tower. It's not a big deal."
"Don't you need to tell the people at home?"
"Merry and the others won't stop me from going. In short, if you want to go, Touko, I can accompany you anytime. You don't need to worry about that."
"Anytime…"
Muttering softly, Touko pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, took one, lit it, and inhaled. Then, she exhaled gray smoke out the window. "By the way, how long has it been since you last saw Aoko?"
"Eh? Aoko? Six months and five days."
"You remember it so clearly?"
"It's become a habit. With Aoko's personality, who knows when she'll come back. I have to keep track of the day she left and make some preparations."
As for what preparations… those who understood would understand.
(Six months and five days. They've been together for nearly six years, so they can afford to be apart for that long. In some ways, I really lose to Aoko—she moves so fast.)
Taking another drag of her cigarette and glancing at her disciple, Touko stubbed out the butt in her hand. "In that case… I can't refuse. Naoki, this time, please accompany me to Misaki City. As my bodyguard—if I encounter danger there, I'll rely on you to stay alive."
Touko, who could take a new body even if her current one died, said this with a laugh.
Hearing her words, Naoki gave a wry smile. "Understood. In the name of the Holy Sword's heir, I swear to you, Touko, I will protect your safety and won't let you get hurt in the slightest—"
*CRACK!*
Just as Naoki finished speaking, an untimely cracking sound came from the door.
Both turned to look. There stood Rei, who had been there for who-knows-how-long. With one hand, she gripped the doorframe so tightly it was covered in cracks.
"Rei, is the auction over?"
"Yes, it went smoothly. Nothing unusual happened." Rei replied with a smile. "More importantly, Master, could you explain to me—what are you doing with Miss Touko right now?"
"Six women aren't enough, and now you want to expand to sisters? Greedy Master?"