#38 – The Direction Given
“Now, there’s someone I did not expect to see.”
The reporter, Sven, was starting to sweat as he put out his cigar.
“Good morning, Behemoth. I interviewed you once before. Do you remember?”
“No.”
Grafios sat heavily down on the sofa. Coffee was then served, and he filled his with sugar. Apparently, he had a sweet tooth.
Obviously, it was Yukito who had called him.
He was aware of his own ignorance in this world. If possible, he had wanted to call Iria or her father…but it was too dangerous to get those people involved.
At least with this man, he did not have to worry about his safety.
Indeed, he was one of the strongest people among Yukito’s acquaintances.
Though, he was not the only one that had been called…
“Gileus was not able to come. He’s in the army as well. They’d be quite busy during this time.”
“I see.”
After all, the prime minister was dead. They would be in a state of emergency as well.
“So. You’re a TOF reporter, right? Why are you on this case?”
“He used to be in the news department.”
“Hmm. Used to be…”
“My circumstances do not matter.”
He said, raising his hands as if in defeat. And then he turned to Yukito again.
“So? Will you exchange information or not? I can give you information on things that are happening in the shadows of the capital. And my opinions on this case. I am sure you will find my advice useful.”
Yukito turned to Grafios.
The biggest reason he had called him, was because while he was a Hunter, he was also connected to the police.
Also, he seemed to know something about the dark sides of this city.
Did he think the reporter was trustworthy?
Grafios stared at the reporter for some time. Then he took a sip of his coffee and turned to Yukito.
Accept it.
Yukito nodded.
“Very well. I accept your offer.”
◆ ◇ ◆
“The apprentice of Jin Raidou…!?”
Sven stood up so violently that it knocked over the chair.
“Keep it down, reporter.”
Grafios warned, and Sven looked around frantically before lowering his voice.
“Sorry…”
“It’s fine.”
It was not really something Yukito cared to hide. Though, he still did not want to draw attention to himself right here.
On the other hand…
His eyes turned to Mr. Grafios, who sipped his coffee calmly.
“I guessed it.”
“…You did.”
“Your skill with the sword, the talk of your grandfather. It was a natural conclusion to make. Though, you seemed oblivious yourself, so I didn’t say anything.”
Now that he thought about it…
It seemed likely that the Count might have realized it too.
(What was he and Ms. Iria doing now…?)
He shook his head.
He could not meet them now. They should not get involved in all of this.
“Still, the Sword Saint. The culprit, eh?”
Mr. Grafios muttered as he placed his cup on the table. Sven was the one who answered.
“…Indeed. If it is true, then this situation is quite strange.”
“Strange?”
“If the Sword Saint murdered the Prime Minister and was hiding in the city, the festival could not continue. The palace and military would have to act.”
“The police could not catch someone like him. I don’t even know if the military can. A large group of people from the underworld might…but such a battle would wreak havoc on the city.”
As Sven and Grafios talked, Yukito looked outside of the cafe.
It was early morning, but the streets were already filled with people. In just a few hours, it would be crowded like the other days.
As if the events of last night were just a dream.
“…Still, it does seem likely that he is the culprit.”
Sven sat down and said with a serious expression.
“But if the Sword Saint is not the culprit? And why was the Prime Minister killed? The Sword Saint was staying in the house, was he not? Would he really not notice?”
“…I doubt it.”
Yukito shook his head.
If the old man was there, he would know as soon as someone invaded the house.
Besides, why was he still hiding now that the Prime Minister was dead?
“I want to talk to the old man directly.”
“…Well, I’m sure you do.”
But they did not know where he was.
And the city was too big to just go running around and search for him.
And so…
Yukito turned to Sven.
“I see. So that’s why you agreed to my offer.”
“Yes. The old man…Jin Raidou. Tell me if there are any places where I am likely to find him.”
“…Well, there are many places where he could be hiding. Many shadow organizations have deep roots here.”
This place had expanded numerous times.
And the brighter the lights, the greater the shadows.
“However, the Sword Saint…is an easterner. So that could narrow it down.”
“I see.”
Mr. Grafios nodded understandingly.
Sven looked at Yukito and opened his mouth.
“Phoenix Town.”