That simply fueled Mayumi's anxiety, and her psychological defenses
began to waver.
"From when?"
Perhaps stepping in to support Mayumi, or perhaps not, Katsuto came
up with a question in her stead.
"I merely rushed over yesterday because I was called. I was not
involved in the actual search for the vampire."
Since the question didn't ask by whom, or for what, Tatsuya omitted
such things in his answer. He had no interest in finding out what
Katsuto or Mayumi thought either.
"The two of you are aware that Saijou of Class 1-E was attacked,
correct?"
There was no way they didn't know. He was more making a statement
than asking a question. The reply was of course in the affirmative.
"It's not just me who wants to find out exactly what is going on. Until
those responsible are found and apprehended, there can be no peace.
Whether there's a lone culprit or a group, whether it's noncommunicable
or contagious; shedding light on at least these is the
bare minimum."
Having being looking at the two of them while talking, Tatsuya now
shifted his gaze to Mayumi alone.
"Sempai, if you don't at least tell me how much you know about the
situation, or what you intend to do about it, I can't help you."
His seizing the initiative was probably the opposite of what was
expected. Taking a breath, Mayumi's expression turned serious.
"If Tatsuya-kun promises to help, we'll gladly give you the
information we've got. As I'm sure you know though, you mustn't leak
anything."
"Understood. Let's cooperate."
Tatsuya agreed immediately to Mayumi's proposal. It was the answer
she had wanted to hear, but being unable to comprehend his true
intentions, she continued to scrutinize him for a while.
"...Does that mean you'll join our search parties?"
"That's what I meant."
"Why now, all of a sudden? It's not like you didn't see the conference
notice."
That was Katsuto speaking. The Saegusa and Juumonji families had
jointly set up 'Vampire Hunt' teams, and notices had been sent to the
heads of the Ten Master Houses, 18 auxiliary houses, and Hundred
Families requesting cooperation. If one is not connected with the
'Numbers' then it's certainly not something a mere high school student
would have seen, yet Katsuto was basically speaking as if it were
already a fact.
"Considering I'm not even of the Hundred Families, I had thought it's
none of my business."
For his part, Tatsuya didn't bother trying to conceal that he had indeed
read it. Obtaining non-classified notices wasn't a hard thing to do,
after all.
"Being asked directly, however, is a different story."
It was a rather vague answer, but while it wasn't perfectly clear, there
was nothing irregular or particularly strange about it. Thus, both
Mayumi and Katsuto felt compelled to accept.
In terms of previous experience, Mayumi's exposure to Tatsuya's
terrible personality was different from Katsuto's.
"...Still, is this alright? Earlier, I do believe it was said that before
cooperating it'd be necessary to disclose information."
"If neither of us make concessions we won't get anywhere. Besides,
even if you do back out I can do just as easily."
At his words, which while appearing far too straightforward, seemed
to contain various hidden meanings within them, Mayumi gave a dry
laugh. There was a sense of secrecy coming off her, yet for the most
part it looked like she simply wanted to get things over with.
"Understo~od. Then, I'll tell you everything we know at this stage.
Before that though, can I say just one thing?"
"What?"
"Tatsuya-kun, your personality is too terrible.