Chapter 297: Warning (2/2)

“Why is that?”

“Kukuku.”

Kohaku purred with laughter. The loli baba made a smile unique to those who have experienced life to the fullest, full of pleasure. She spoke as she smiled.

“I will not tell ye.”

“How cruel of you.”

“Kukuku.”

The door to the entryway opened, and Youran came entering in. Having been notified of Sakura’s arrival, she had brought her hair down into New Moon Director mode.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Don’t mind it.”

Sakura stood up, gracefully giving a respectful bow. It was a cold, formal gesture. Youran sat on the sofa, motioning for Sakura to sit down as well.

“You may sit.”

“Thank you very much.”

“And shall I take me leave?

“Actually, it would be preferable if you could remain here…”

“Hmm.”

“I apologize for intruding at such a late time. I believed it good to directly report here, so I came unannounced.”

“What do you seek? State your purpose.”

“Tsubaki-sama has escaped from her house confinement.”

“Mm?”

Youran’s eyebrows twitched upward. Kohaku also stopped smiling, replaced by a serious look on her face. Juunishima Tsubaki. A relative of Youran’s, as well as one of her political opponents.

“What is the meaning of this? I recall there being a strict order to confine her to scrupulous house arrest.”

“Yes, she seemed to have outside connections. All of those keeping surveillance have been done in…We’ve been outdone.”

“Saekusa? Or perhaps it was Anna?”

Youran said. She had first thought of Tsubaki’s two subordinates.

“I do not know. I know where both of them are, but they have no alibi.”

“…”

“Youran, does that bring bad tidings?”

“…Tsubaki harbors a grudge against me.”

“Aye, even I can see that much.”

“That woman is a snake. Once she begrudges someone, she never lets go.”

“That sounds mighty troublesome.”

Kohaku rested her shoulder on the sofa behind her.

“That is all that I have to report. I hope that it was of use.”

“Okay, thank you.”

After Sakura walked out, Kotone, Suzune, Kazane, and Aoba came into the living room.

“Haaah, well that’s a drag.”

“Indeed.”

“Then it’d be a good idea for Youran-chan to stick around with Natsuno-kun for a bit.”

“Eh?”

“Indeed. Though I know not when he intends to return, it should be safe for ye to remain by Danna-sama’s side.”

“But if I do that-”

Youran was about to finish, then shut her mouth. The three of them were looking at her with argumentative eyes. After thinking a bit, she opened her mouth.

“Okay, I’ll-”

The moment she was about to nod, the door opened with a click.