Chapter 207: Double Trap (10)

“True. That guy got more and more worked up as the fight went on. He nearly forgot he was supposed to be the bait and started taking on the guards head-on.”

Katsuragi Reimi nodded in agreement.

Hearing that, Arashikaze Manami perked up.

“So how did it end?”

“Anyway, nobody was hurt in the end. Though they did wreck quite a few cars.”

“Katsuragi, that’s already quite something. I don’t know the details, but if even Amagi-kouhai says so, I can imagine what it was like.”

“Right? That idiot brother of mine actually asked me to do something so dangerous. I’ll never forgive him.”

“But even so, you still did it, didn’t you, Amagi-kouhai?”

At that, Asuka let out a muffled groan.

“Ugh... Th-that couldn’t be helped, okay? It really couldn’t! My idiot brother got down on his knees and begged me. How could I say no? I’d have said yes even if it were a complete stranger. I only... yeah, I was just being kind.”

Arashikaze Manami just smiled faintly.

“Oh... From what I know, Amagi-kun asked you over the phone. So how did you know he was on his knees at the time? I don’t think he’d make something like that up... Well, in the end, I don’t know the details of that phone call, since you were the one who passed the message along.”

“Of course that’s what happened! My idiot brother didn’t just get down on his knees—he was crying and begging me, too. Who could possibly turn him down? I only did it out of pity.”

“Well, I won’t deny that. But... I don’t think Amagi-kun would need to go that far to ask you for something. After all...”

Whether she did it on purpose or not, she stopped halfway through.

“I have to agree with that.”

Katsuragi Reimi nodded knowingly.

“Ugh... Anyway, I wouldn’t have helped if my idiot brother hadn’t begged me with tears and snot running down his face. I’m not that free, you know. I only did it out of basic human decency.”

“Well, let’s say that’s what happened. Whenever you talk about Amagi-kun, you’re nowhere near as composed as usual.”

“I agree with that, too.”

Katsuragi Reimi agreed again, her meaning clear.

“W-What kind of logic leads you to that conclusion? I’m acting just like I always do!”

Though Asuka declared that loudly, all she got in response was...

“...”

Silence from everyone.

That was enough to rattle Asuka.

“Hey, at least say something!”

“Well, let’s put that aside for now. How are things on the other side?”

As she spoke, Arashikaze Manami turned her gaze toward the green-haired man.

“According to the latest report, they’ve successfully captured all the terrorists. Captain Crepes and Amagi Ryuto are both heading this way, and there were hardly any casualties. You could say it went very smoothly.”

But Katsuragi Reimi was the first to answer.

“Really? That’s great. There’s something I need Amagi Ryuto’s help with.”

That answer was strange enough, but what surprised Arashikaze Manami even more was the thing she’d mentioned...

“Something...?”

“Yeah. This.”

As she spoke, Katsuragi Reimi opened her right hand.

“What is that...?”

It wasn’t just Arashikaze Manami—everyone stared in astonishment.