Chapter 273 - Trail of a Conspiracy
（１）
Beep beep beep beep...
I wake up.
Toya-kun is turning off the alarm.
I pretend to be asleep.
I wait for Toya-kun's signal to wake up.
Looks like it's sunny today.
Toya-kun is trying to get out of bed.
Grab!
I won't let you go!
I won't get up until you do it properly.
"Airi, I have time to go jogging today. We'll be late."
I know~. So hurry up.
You're thinking I'm a troublesome wife, aren't you?
It's a morning ritual.
There's no room for shyness anymore, right?
Come on, quick.
"Airi, wake up."
Along with his words, Toya-kun's lips touch mine.
I can't help but hug Toya-kun.
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
When I open my eyes, Toya-kun looks sleepy.
I get up and quickly change clothes.
Meanwhile, Toya-kun also changes.
And after finishing the morning jog, Toya-kun goes to take a shower.
In the meantime, I make breakfast.
When he comes back from the shower, Toya-kun helps set the table.
Toya-kun's father and Maya-san wake up.
The four of us have breakfast together.
"Speaking of which, I heard you caught Sora yesterday?"
Where does that kind of info come from?
It seems Toya-kun thought the same, and he was asking his father.
"I still have connections from the old days. That kind of info comes quickly. As expected of my son. But don't let your guard down. The real show starts now."
Toya-kun's father has a serious look.
Toya-kun listens earnestly.
Toya-kun returns to the room.
I also return to the room, grab a change of clothes, and go take a shower.
At that time, I asked Toya-kun.
"Which underwear should I wear today?"
Toya-kun was surprised.
After thinking it over, Toya-kun chose a light pastel-colored set of underwear.
So that's what Toya-kun likes, huh?
I'll have to buy a lot of those.
Because I have to make sure I'm ready in case my skirt gets flipped up anytime, right?
Toya-kun has changed.
He started flirting with me from the morning.
I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but I'm happy.
See, today too, when I came back from the shower and was drying my hair, Toya-kun hugged me.
You shouldn't underestimate men's morning libido.
I hear that's been scientifically proven.
It seems Toya-kun feels sorry for using me just for sexual relief.
So he watches naughty videos in the morning.
I worried that he might have picked up a habit from Makoto-kun, but that wasn't it, huh?
It's Toya-kun's own consideration.
But if it's bothering him, it's okay. I have to change too.
I'll help Toya-kun relieve his desire together.
Toya-kun doesn't just act on lust; he definitely has love too.
Just thinking that makes me happy.
"I'm not done getting ready yet~"
It's okay to tease him a little, right?
"We can't do it once you're done getting ready, right?"
Toya-kun says.
That's true too.
Once I'm ready, it's morning coffee time with Toya-kun.
We sip our coffee while watching TV.
Toya-kun seems to be bothered by my scent.
If you sniff me that much, you're like a dog.
When I finish my café au lait, I take my mug to the kitchen.
Toya-kun's disappointed expression.
I leave the room, ignoring his look.
When I come back, he's fiddling with his phone.
I sit next to Toya-kun, who's like that.
And I lean against Toya-kun.
Toya-kun caught me firmly.
We watch TV in that position.
They were covering last night's incident.
The police view is that it's an accident.
It goes without saying that Akira-san and the others applied pressure there.
But some TV stations were rumoring that it might be terrorism.
Well, of course.
There are traces of gunfire left, after all.
Commentators give their analysis, but all their views are wide off the mark.
We laughed and listened together.
Though it seems Toya-kun isn't really in the mood for that.
He's staring at me intently.
Did you think I was on guard?
It's fine anytime.
Push me down like you usually do.
But Toya-kun is operating his phone.
Ugh...
If you're going to be like that, fine!
I push Toya-kun down.
Toya-kun panics.
Sometimes it's good to have the roles reversed, right?
"What a troublesome wife."
Toya-kun says.
"What a troublesome husband."
I say.
We don't have time, so I open Toya-kun's desktop.
I look at a video file I got from Makoto-kun.
But it seems Toya-kun isn't feeling horny today.
He says he's bothered by my fragrance.
Ah, that's because I'm wearing perfume today.
I hear it has a relaxing effect.
But still, it seems it bothers him after all.
He touches my chest and stuff.
You shouldn't touch so much.
Even I'll get in the mood.
No, maybe I was in the mood from the start.
I let Toya-kun do as he pleases.
But reality is cruel.
"Boo~, time's u~p."
A sighing Toya-kun.
It's because you were messing with your phone.
"Tonight again, huh?"
I reply with a smile.
"I'll be late again tonight, probably."
That's right. There's definitely Unity activities.
Toya-kun also has club activities, so it's tough.
"Let's do it on the day before a holiday!"
"...Yeah, I guess."
But I'll probably repeat the same thing tomorrow morning, right?
The joy of being able to welcome the same morning.
I felt it more strongly than anyone.
（２）
When lunch break begins, I eat Airi's bento.
Appetite over drowsiness.
As I'm eating my bento, everyone gathers.
"Everyone worked hard last night."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Good work."
"Toya, can you gather tonight?"
"I can, but..."
So my night with Airi is postponed again.
I glance at Airi; she looked a little lonely.
"Alright, then at the family restaurant again tonight."
"Could you call Hiyama-senpai?"
I asked Watanabe-kun.
"...Is it about that code?"
When Watanabe-kun says that, I nod.
"Got it. I'll try to call him."
"What about God-san?"
Airi asks.
"No problems for now. He's answering our questions too. But there was one phrase that bothered me: 'God is an existence that is elevated. There are those who profit in God's shadow.'"
I thought so.
"Just like you said, Toya-kun. But how did you know, Toya-kun?"
"I hear that what is written as 'one who believes' is written as 'profit-maker'."
"Huh?"
"Of course, the existence called God also profits. But the existence that elevates him should be getting even more profit."
"I see~, do you know who that is?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't be struggling. I have a rough idea though. Watanabe-kun, what about that part?"
"He's still remaining silent about that."
"We need to bait him, huh?"
When I say that, everyone looks surprised.
"Bait him? Do you have a lead?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"I told you, didn't I? I have a rough idea. An existence that profits by elevating God. If you think about their class, you'll know right away."
In order to confirm that, I need to meet God once.
"Should we meet him tonight?"
"Is it possible?"
"That's possible."
Akira-san says.
"Then, since we're at it, how about the family restaurant in Beppu?"
"Someone said before that it sounds like drunken rambling. If that's the case, a livelier place would be fine too."
"Where's that?"
When you say a lively place in Beppu, there are only limited options, right.
"Well..."
Tap!
It seems Airi caught on.
"Watanabe-kun, the family restaurant is fine! Toya-kun has other intentions anyway! You're probably thinking you want to eat yakiniku or something, but that won't happen!"
"Airi, your intuition is pretty impressive too!"
Kanna praises Airi.
"Yeah... let's do the family restaurant."
"Who can come?"
"It is the time it is. I think most of the members can come."
"I see, that's good."
"What's wrong, Toya? Is there someone you're worried about?"
"I'm curious about how much information Kiritani-kun leaked at the cabaret club."
It's not necessary to worry about it now, though.
"We need to teach Eita a lesson. Got it."
Watanabe-kun nods.
Actually, there was something I was more concerned about.
Yesterday's commotion — was that really okay? Are we the only ones who benefited?
But no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't figure it out.
（３）
"God died in the line of duty."
On the new Egoist homepage, traces of last night's tragic scene are recorded.
Excessive retaliation from the rival group Unity.
As a result, the anger of Egoist's lower ranks is directed at Unity.
"God has become a true god."
It is written like that.
The rebirth of Egoist.
Egoist members are getting excited.
Everything is going according to Warlock's plan.
However, if God spills everything, it will all come to nothing.
"Is it okay?"
I ask Warlock.
"Dead men tell no tales, right? God is no longer here. It won't be legal evidence."
"Wouldn't a DNA test reveal the cover-up?"
"Hushing up that kind of stuff is our specialty, right?"
"If you say so, then I suppose so. Failure is not permitted."
"Don't worry, it's fine. But we need to prepare to cover it up. We haven't found Wizard yet either."
He and I talk while eating donuts.
"It will still take time for Egoist to be reborn. We need to buy that time. I've set up a cover-up operation for that."
"Cover-up operation?"
"I told you, right? We'll use the same methods as them. But that method must not be investigated either."
"...A decoy?"
"Yeah, first of all. We start by rebuilding the embers of the problem."
"...I understand. What then?"
"The best place to hide a tree is in the forest, they say."
Warlock said with a laugh.
"Is the forest already complete?"
"Yeah, 'Happiness Delivery Circles' are already springing up like crazy. It's our chance."
I understand Warlock's aim.
I nod.
"Neutralize their hand. As many cards as possible, even if it's just one."
"None of the facts will reach the truth."
"Yeah, just as you, my beautiful one, say."
"Stop calling me that."
"If I offended you, I apologize."
"Well then, let's stop here for today. See you next week."
"Don't you want to hang out for once? Our dates are always so dull, aren't they?"
"I didn't come here to play."
"That's a shame."
We leave the shop.
"I'll tell you the next place again. Maybe a movie theater once in a while would be good too?"
"Are you thinking of this as a date?"
"I think meeting with that kind of feeling would be less suspicious?"
"I understand... a movie theater, then."
"Do you have a preferred movie?"
I wonder how serious he is. This man?
"I'm not particularly interested. I'll leave it to you."
"Maybe a romance movie would be nice."
"I have never had any such feelings for you."
"That's a shame."
"See you then."
"Yeah, my beautiful one."
A man who jokes endlessly.
But his skill is superior to God.
An indispensable existence for the rebirth of Egoist.
And from now on, indispensable to me too.
But there are no romantic feelings there.
When I get in the car, it departs.
Our plan has only just begun.
（４）
"Egoist was caught."
It was a bolt from the blue.
It seems they were done in by an undercover investigation.
So God was caught too, and information leaked.
But I heard God is dead.
What's going on?
If this keeps up, I'll be implicated too.
At that moment, my phone rings.
It's from Warlock.
"What's the meaning of this, Warlock!?"
"Judging by your tone, you seem to know."
"I just saw it on TV."
"Then I don't need to explain. I'll just tell you the business."
"Business?"
What does he want me to do?
"I want you to create a new Egoist."
"Recreate Egoist?"
"Yeah, I'll prepare subordinates for that purpose."
"Is there no risk of me getting caught?"
"Don't worry. I've taken measures."
"But I don't know how far their nets have been spread."
"Don't worry, Emperor. They'll never reach you."
"I can trust you, right?"
"I swear to God."
"That god is dead!"
"Then what should I swear on?"
Is this guy joking?
"...You'll guarantee it, won't you?"
"You said it yourself, 'There is no god.' There's no one who's all-powerful."
"...I understand. So what are the arrangements?"
"Same as before is fine. No need to change the name either. It'll work out. Don't worry, Emperor."
"...I understand."
"As a precaution, I'll prepare a new residence for you. I'll send an executor, so follow their instructions."
"I understand."
"Well then, good luck, Emperor."
Warlock, what are you thinking? Does he intend to play around like a child's game?
（５）
I'm surprised when I see the evening news.
Orgy circle 'Egoist' arrested.
We didn't do anything.
We didn't leak any information either.
If there's a possibility...
"We don't need rotten oranges anymore... huh."
We have already figured out the full picture of Egoist.
But we haven't gotten to the crucial matter of the Takahashi Group yet.
We can't carelessly release 'Freesia' anymore.
"No good! They switched to a more robust server!"
Makoto is trying to hack into the new server using his laptop.
But he says traps are set up and he can't recklessly intrude.
"Does it look impossible?"
"No, there is a way."
Makoto grins.
"I could force it open, but that's not smart. I'll use a simpler method."
"What method?"
"I call it the Human Trojan Horse Operation."
Huh?
"I told you. We've already got a comprehensive list of everyone who connected to Egoist's server."
"But all Egoist members were arrested."
"There are still some who haven't been caught."
"...Pope-san, Emperor-san, and Warlock-san."
"Plus Hermit, too."
Airi replies, and Makoto responds.
"So, what do we do?"
"The four of them are executives, right? Naturally, they should have deep access privileges. We hijack those privileges."
"Won't we get found out?"
"We'll just have them guide us. No problem at all."
"Then what after?"
"After that, we just extract the important info and bail out."
"Don't be overconfident. He's completely guilty."
"I know, I know. Don't worry. More importantly, are you sure you're okay?"
"I won't know until I meet him."
"I'll pray for your success."
"By the way, I have a favor to ask you, Makoto."
"What is it?"
"Can you hack into the local bank's server?"
"Easy peasy."
"Then, I'm counting on you tonight."
"You're fixated on the local bank, huh?"
"That's probably where the key is."
"God's information?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, see you tonight."
While I'm on the phone, we arrive at Akira-san's villa.
Airi and I talk to the gatekeeper, and they let us in without any trouble.
"Are you Katagiri Toya?"
"Yes, nice to meet you."
I speak to God and convey only my business.
"Egoist was caught. There's no time. I need you to hand over the 'key.'"
"You seem to be sharp too."
"That's the first time I've been told that."
"Take this strap around my neck."
It seems they didn't bother to search him properly.
On the strap hanging around his neck, a USB stick and a key were tied together.
"This is important evidence. Use it well."
"Thank you. Oh, and I know about the existence that elevates God, as you mentioned."
"What?"
Airi says that.
"You have sharp intuition. So there's no communication network here... It's just as you suspected."
"Because the one recognized by God receives the most benefits from God."
Airi looks at me curiously.
"That's right."
God says that.
"Thank you. Well, see you."
Saying that, I turn on my heel and get in the car.
"Toya-kun, what's that~?"
"It's something good. More importantly, can you contact Hiyama-senpai? Tell him to meet at the main branch of the local bank."
"Got it~."
Airi operates her phone. And then...
"He says it's fine~."
I drive the car towards our hometown for a bit.
"Hey? Who was the person recognized by God?"
"Since ancient times, it's been said that the Emperor is a human chosen by God, or that God is disguised as a human. And the one who recognizes that is the Pope. The Pope is venerated as God's representative."
"I see..."
Airi is impressed.
When we arrive at the bank, Hiyama-senpai and Sakura-san are there.
"What do you want with me?"
"I'd like you to guide me to the safety deposit boxes."
"Ah, so that's it?"
There were countless safety deposit boxes, but I unlock box number 39.
I was right.
Inside, a thick brown envelope contains a lot of documents.
I put it in my bag and leave the bank.
"Well then, at the family restaurant in Beppu, senpai... and..."
"...I understand. I'll check on it."
"Toya-kun, what was that about?"
"All mysteries are solved."
Tap!
"I told you not to quote lines from manga!"
I thought I wouldn't get caught since it's so old.
When we arrive at the family restaurant in Beppu, everyone is waiting.
I hand the documents I got from the bank earlier to Emi-san, and I give the USB stick to Makoto.
"What's this?"
Both of them ask me.
"A gift from God. Use it carefully."
"...I understand."
They both put them away carefully.
"You had another reason for calling us to Beppu, right?"
Hiyama-senpai asks.
"Hiyama-senpai, about that matter earlier?"
"I checked using my father's connections. You're amazing, Toya. It was just as you said."
I thought so.
"Makoto, the intrusion?"
"Already done ages ago. So, what should I look up?"
"I want you to look up account number --0009997."
"...I understand."
Makoto immediately takes action.
"This is... Toya, no way!"
It seems I hit the jackpot.
"What exactly is in there?"
Emi-san asks.
"It's the main Takahashi Group's account. All the illegal money transfers and stuff are recorded there."
Everyone is so surprised they seem unable to speak.
"Amazing, Toya-kun! How did you know?"
"I heard from the man himself that it was the local bank. I had a hunch that the branch code would be the main branch. All that's left is 'Thank you.'"
"So that mystery is 0009997?"
"'Thank you' is 39, the box number. There was also the possibility of 397."
"And then?"
"What is 39 in English?"
"Thirty-nine?"
"I got it! It's Three-Nine!"
Kanna shouts.
I nod.
"You figured it out well!"
"Because I thought 39 was too short for an account number."
"Now the evidence is perfectly secured."
"Amazing, the contents of the USB are top-secret documents too..."
Makoto fiddles with his laptop and is amazed.
"There's also a solid connection to the Takahashi Group. The only thing left is where to submit it."
"After all, should we give it to Secretary-General Seki or Vice-Minister Ishu?"
"Not yet."
I said.
"Why?"
Watanabe-kun says.
"They've cut off Egoist. We need to catch their tail again. This time, we hold the body so they can't cut it off."
"Then we're all set."
Makoto says.
"They seem to be planning to recreate Egoist. Make sure it doesn't get caught by search bots."
"So, did you catch it?"
"No way I'd let it escape. I've got it securely captured."
"We've finally made it."
Watanabe-kun says.
"It's been a long time, but everyone endured well. From here on, we push all at once!"
"Ooh!"
Everyone gets excited.
"But we need to be careful. My father and the others just barely got away."
"We need to start by blocking their escape routes."
When Ai-san says that, I nod.
I won't let them escape, absolutely not.
I'll destroy both Egoist and the Takahashi Group together.
I was determined.