This was indeed something Eto would say—she'd even called herself a "twenty-four-year-old old lady" before.
"...I know where I stand."
Byakuya didn't want to say much about this, feeling somewhat speechless.
As a transmigrator who knew Eto's personality and her identity as the "One-Eyed Owl," there was no way he'd believe such nonsense.
If he were an ordinary person who actually believed this, his fate would be far worse than just having his organs harvested...
"Alright, alright. I'll stop joking."
Eto finally became more serious, though she still wore a smile. "Honestly, I'm a bit surprised my identity was exposed so quickly."
Though she'd long been wary of the Clowns, she was still surprised that they'd revealed her identity to Byakuya so soon.
Even though she wasn't the true "One-Eyed King," this still had a significant impact on her.
But at this point, there was no meaning in hiding anymore.
Once the CCG suspected someone of being a ghoul, there were plenty of ways to investigate—raiding homes, surveillance and tailing...
Even if she immediately disposed of the "food" in her refrigerator, she couldn't evade being followed. If she killed the investigators tailing her, that would only give the CCG more evidence.
Especially given her special status as the prime suspect for the "One-Eyed King"—the CCG would investigate her with maximum intensity.
So it was better to have a conversation with Byakuya like this.
"So it really is you. Sen Takatsuki-sensei, who has written multiple bestselling works, actually has this other identity. It's hard to believe."
Byakuya remarked with feeling.
"You're supposed to be an investigator, Amaha-kun, yet you didn't bring an investigator's 'weapon.' Knowing I'm such a dangerous ghoul, aren't you afraid I might suddenly attack you?"
Eto said lightly.
"You mean a Quinque? I did bring one."
With that, Byakuya produced a dagger from his pocket.
As for "13's Jason"—he hadn't brought that. The bag containing the briefcase with "13's Jason" had been left at Anteiku. He simply felt there was no need.
Based on his understanding of Eto, he was certain she wouldn't attack him in this situation.
Eto had a curious dual nature between her human form and her bandaged "Eto" form. In human form, she was a lively, interesting big sister. In her bandaged "Eto" form, she was brutal and merciless.
Moreover, Eto was extremely goal-oriented—she basically wouldn't do anything detrimental to her plans.
Looking at the dagger in Byakuya's pocket, Eto seemed amused and laughed heartily. "Hahaha~ Such a tiny thing. B-rated? A-rated at most? You've got quite the nerve, Amaha-kun~"
"It's fine. I believe Takatsuki-sensei wouldn't harm her fans. I'm actually a fan of your books."
Byakuya smiled lightly.
"Really? Being trusted like this makes me a bit embarrassed."
At this moment, Eto suddenly shifted topics. Her gaze turned sharp, as if trying to see through to Byakuya's innermost thoughts. "So then... could you bear to hurt an author you like? As a CCG investigator, you'll probably rush to report my identity the moment you get back to claim credit, won't you?"
"Under normal circumstances, perhaps."
Byakuya said flatly.
"Oh? And what about abnormal circumstances?"
Eto's lips curved upward.
"I'm actually quite tolerant toward ghouls. You could even say I have a bit of a savior complex."
Byakuya said self-deprecatingly. "So my guiding principle is to address the root causes of all evil and tragedy. This world has never been as simple as conflict between humans and ghouls. Am I right, Takatsuki-sensei?"
"You seem to understand quite a lot~"
Eto found him increasingly interesting.
"The Ward 11 Aogiri Suppression Operation—you participated, didn't you? First you encountered the 'One-Eyed Owl' and repelled it. Then you encountered another executive. Though you beat him badly, you still spared his life."
Eto brought up the Aogiri Suppression Operation. "It's clear that Amaha-kun is quite tolerant toward ghouls. That doesn't quite match your identity as an investigator."
Most of the kagune on "Noro" was actually hers, so she could sense certain things that had happened at the time.
"Perhaps. But one thing worth mentioning—was that 'One-Eyed Owl' the real One-Eyed Owl?"
Byakuya's words carried a certain significance.
Eto smiled slightly. "...If Amaha-kun is willing to join our Aogiri Tree, wouldn't you find out whether it was the real One-Eyed Owl?"
"I'll pass on joining Aogiri Tree. But if there's an opportunity to tour Aogiri, I think that could work."
Byakuya naturally wouldn't accept Eto's invitation—otherwise, what would be the point of his Akatsuki Organization?
"That's a bit of a shame, but you'd still be very welcome."
At this point, Eto handed over a business card. "This is my contact information. Feel free to reach out when you have time."
"Alright."
Byakuya accepted the card and nodded slightly.
He could see the name on the card was also "Sen Takatsuki"—not Eto's real name.
Though this conversation hadn't produced anything substantial, he'd accomplished what he came to do: subtly conveying his stance to Eto.
It was important not to rush at the beginning. If he'd blurted out everything from the start—like shouting about wanting to save her or declaring that she was the real "One-Eyed Owl"...
That would have been too obvious and frankly stupid—it wouldn't have led anywhere.
Gradual progress was best. He wasn't in any hurry to save Eto. His overall goal was to change this world; saving Eto was just something he'd do along the way.
He wasn't some selfless saint—it was just that the way things played out in the original story left him feeling unsatisfied. Since he now had the power as a transmigrator to change this world, he was willing to work toward that.
Besides, if he'd come to this world and done nothing, wouldn't that be boring?
Afterward, Byakuya stood up to leave.
In his view, this conversation was over—there was no need to stay.
But Eto called out to stop him. "What's the rush? Our couple's set is almost here."
...
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