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V7 Story II – Part 06

“Children of espers have a high possibility of inheriting their abilities,” Mayuzumi said. “But that doesn’t mean you have to choose Asato, does it? I don’t know if there are any suitable candidates, but if you just want to get pregnant, there should be other options. And if they’re poor, they’d be sold at an even cheaper price.”

“It can’t be just anyone,” Maihime replied. “I’m searching for an extraordinary ability. I heard about your dispute with him. He created white humanoids. I’m interested in an ability similar to mine. It’s hard to predict what would be born between espers with different abilities, you see. It’s saddening that you can’t perceive my true motive. I’m actually quite emotional.”

Maihime touched the corner of her eye. Mayuzumi frowned at the affected gesture.

Yusuke snorted, while Hirugao was wide-eyed, her body unnaturally stiff. She might be frightened by the puppets around us.

“Unfortunately, the humanoids were not the product of his ability,” Mayuzumi explained. “Simply accessories he happened to come across. They’re no longer available. Give up. Besides, you’re still young. Why are you in such a rush?” The last part sounded somewhat offhand, betraying her annoyance at Maihime’s demand.

Maihime ran her hand through her hair, lifting it lightly before letting it fall softly down her back.

“I’ve heard that several times already. But I want to hear it directly from him. Information from anyone other than the person in question lacks sincerity. As to why I’m in a rush, a look at my hair should answer that. I’ll be sad if you don’t understand.”

Her smooth, voluminous white hair was as beautiful as a bride’s veil. She buried her face in the armrest of the chair.

“Apart from the puppets, there’s only me and Kugutsu in this house,” she went on, stroking Kugutsu’s palm. “My clan’s ability is passed down to only one child. The other children are sold after they reach a certain age. And then, the parents die.”

Custom dictated that only the esper was allowed to stay in the workshop. She didn’t seem lonely about it.

“Members of my clan gradually lose their hair’s color and die young,” she went on in a sonorous and proud voice. “The later we try to give birth, the more dangerous it becomes. Our genes seem to be abnormal. Perhaps the story of our ancestor being born between a human and a puppet is true.”

Her droopy eyes belied the tragic tone in her voice. Her true intentions were still inscrutable.

Mayuzumi sighed softly and waved her hand in annoyance. “I understand now. I appreciate the explanation, but my decision remains the same. Give up.”

“I know what your decision is. But it does not affect mine. I am a person who gets what I want. In addition to Kugutsu, I also want him. Let’s discuss this, shall we? We should start with a discussion.”

Maihime interlocked her fingers and smiled. Mayuzumi’s brows furrowed deeper. Things were getting messy.

Mayuzumi was ignoring the wishes of the main family. Though her intentions were absolute, disregarding Maihime could lead to a breakdown in negotiations. Mayuzumi’s aura grew razor-sharp cold.

Maihime cocked her head. Her gaze went to me, Yusuke, and Hirugao for the first time.

“Mr. Odagiri, some guy, and the girl? It must be tedious listening to us talk. I wish to be considerate to others. Thoughtfulness is important in this day and age. Kugutsu, Kugutsu. Would you be kind enough to entertain our guests?”

“Certainly, Princess. Your wish is my command.”

Kugutsu bowed deeply. Maihime smiled and stroked his head, a gesture full of affection. Kugutsu straightened himself. His face was expressionless, but he seemed very happy.

“I will leave the choice of entertainment to you. What do you want to do, Kugutsu?” Maihime asked, resting her cheek on her hand.

What did she mean by entertainment? Yusuke and I exchanged looks.

Hirugao, her mouth still covered by Yusuke’s hand, stood upright for some reason.

Kugutsu put on a faint smile. “How about the tale of the dog?” he answered readily.

---

The staircase, jutting out from the wall, was an odd construction. With its gaping holes and steep angle, one misstep could easily lead to a fatal fall.

Kugutsu led us to the fourth floor, our hands tightly clutching the railings as we made our way up the precarious steps. Yusuke, holding his baseball bat bag in his arm, carried Hirugao on his back. Hirugao had her eyes closed, seemingly exhausted. Yusuke looked over his shoulder with concern.

“Hirugao? Are you sleepy?” Yusuke asked. “You feeling well?”

“I’m fine, Yusuke,” Hirugao murmured, smiling. “I’m used to this.”

When we reached the second floor, Yusuke set her down gently and pressed his forehead to hers. Hirugao giggled, feeling ticklish, but she seemed unwell.

“No fever,” Yusuke said. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“What’s the matter, sir?” Kugutsu asked. “Is the little lady feeling unwell?”

“Probably the nerves. You good, Hirugao? Do you wanna rest?”

“I’m okay, really. I don’t wanna be a bother, so.” Hirugao shook her head stubbornly.

We decided to continue to the fourth floor as planned.

“I was taken aback when I learned that Lady Maihime intended to visit the Mayuzumi clan,” Kugutsu shared. “That household is a terrifying place for me. But to meet the good sir there as well… I have mixed feelings, to be sure. Nevertheless, I cannot help but feel happy.” He flashed a genuine smile.

My gaze flickered to his right hand. It was then that I noticed something peculiar: unpainted, puppet fingers, affixed to the glove that covered his entire hand. A replacement for the fingers that Uka bit off.

“It’s magnificent, isn’t it?” Kugutsu said. “Lady Maihime gave this to me. I change it often, so I don’t paint it, but it moves just like my previous finger. She’s so kind and never raises her voice or hits me. She’s like a goddess. I’m truly blessed to have her favor.” He smiled broadly, feeling embarrassed.

I couldn’t bring myself to agree with him. I pictured Maihime’s appearance, always drowsy and exuding a sweetly poisonous aura. Her true intentions were shrouded in mystery. I couldn’t wholeheartedly support Kugutsu’s relationship with her.

“Kugutsu, I don’t think of you as a dog,” I said. “I hope you keep that in mind.”

“I am a dog. That is why Lady Maihime keeps me by her side. It’s enough for me. I’m already happier than I ever thought I would be.”

I recalled what Maihime said. Non-espers weren’t permitted in the workshop, yet Kugutsu was allowed to stay by her side. If that was because he was a dog, wasn’t it a terrible thing?

I hesitated before declaring, “I don’t think that’s true happiness.”

Kugutsu appeared saddened by my words. He tried to say something else.

“What’s this guy’s deal?” Yusuke interjected. “Is he a masochist or something?”

“Mind your words, Yusuke.”

Kugutsu’s lips twisted. “I’m not a masochist,” he declared firmly. “I’m just a dog.”

“So you’re not just a masochist, but a hardcore one at that,” Yusuke remarked. “The world sure is vast. You lose if you think you understand everything,” he added with a nod.

I smacked Yusuke on the head, making sure not to hit Hirugao. He yelped. Kugutsu fell silent for a moment and turned his face away, deciding that there was no need to explain himself any further.

Soon, we arrived at the fourth floor. There were no partitions, and the floor was covered in a thick carpet. Puppets lined the walls, each roughly the size of a human being and modeled after individuals of various ages. If you gathered figures wearing old-fashioned clothing, you could create a small village.

One-third of the room was a wooden stage, currently covered with a red curtain. It resembled a theater.

Kugutsu spread his arms wide with pride. “Welcome!”

“Welcome!” Countless voices sounded.

I swiftly looked around.

The puppets clattered into motion, moving forward despite the absence of anyone controlling them. Their exposed joints suggested they were crafted crudely on purpose. They looked like marionettes whose strings had been cut. And while their appearance was completely different, the way they moved on their own reminded me of something.

“I really feel like hitting them,” Yusuke said. “It’s like my bat’s screaming.”

“They look like the white humanoids. No wonder she’s so fixated on Asato.”

The puppets continued moving, lining up next to Kugutsu, then bowing in unison.

Kugutsu, too, gave a deep bow. “What do you think, good sir? Many puppet enthusiasts who have no connection to the supernatural visit this house. We always have a puppet performance prepared for entertainment. Please enjoy it while waiting for Lady Azaka and Lady Maihime to finish their discussion.”

Kugutsu and the puppets bowed again. Hirugao rubbed her eyes and climbed down from Yusuke’s back, plopping herself on the floor. We sat down next to her. Yusuke stroked her small back gently.