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I dug my own grave. What should I do now? If I intend to keep my existence a secret, then I need to have a plan. I’m not sure if doing this is possible against these people, though. No, it’s impossible.

‘I don’t really mind you telling them, you know.’
‘There’s the issue of whether they’d even believe it in the first place.’
‘I guess we can only bet on the twelve family’s mysterious physiology.’

Certainly, the twelve families have their own respective internal issues. If I use that as a reason, I might be able to conceal our condition convincingly. However, I don’t think this will solve this conundrum that easily. After all, with Hadzuki in particular, Mister has previously requested various information from him.

“So, is there anything you want to ask of me?”
“I mean, anyone would be curious after seeing this much of a change.”

In front of me are Hadzuki and Shimotsuki, while Kishita is beside me. In this group, Hadzuki is likely to be the greatest threat. Shimotsuki doesn’t appear to be the type to think before speaking, and Kishita doesn’t seem to be someone who takes initiative in questioning people.

“I’ll get straight to the point: who are you?”
“I am Kisaragi Kotone. There is no lie in my words.”
“Hmm, split personality?”
“I don’t mind if you interpret it that way.”

It’s actually not correct, but since I was provided an answer, I won’t deny it. I’ll greatly appreciate it if they misunderstand our situation on their own. It saves the hassle of explaining. However, in Hadzuki’s case, he might still consider different possibilities.

“Chronologically, which are you?”
“I am the first. He would be the third.”
“Which makes that the second one, I see. Hmmm.”
‘I’m impressed you didn’t slip up; you have my praise for that.’
‘After all, it would sound weird if I’m the first, but then I spoke like you are older than me.’

I nearly said Mister out of habit, but answering carelessly against Hadzuki can be fatal. I’m already at a disadvantage as I am now, so even a single mistake can spell checkmate for me. I have no intention of answering everything without thought.

“I’m personally convinced, but how about you, Aya?”
“I guess I believe it, too. I can recall something similar happening before. I see, so that reaction back then was from this one, huh.”

Uwa… She’s looking at me like a child who just found a brand new toy. It’s the same with Hadzuki as well. What Shimotsuki recalled was probably what happened during the New Year Song Fest. That was when Mister got a bit shaken.

“To think that the rumored multiple personality theory was right. There’s no smoke where there isn’t any fire, I guess.”
“Honestly, for us, we’re more curious than we are shocked. Try believing first before anything else.”

Their craziness might be at the same level as the rogue’s den people. No, these people aren’t believing unconditionally. They are simply considering it as a possibility. If there’s a contradiction to the story, I’m sure they’ll relentlessly pick it apart.

“Now then, let’s get to the questioning, shall we? There are a few things I’m personally curious about, you see.”

I knew it wouldn’t end that easily. So, what are these things he’s curious about? Personally, I think Hadzuki has some suspicion regarding my relationship with the rogue’s den. I can probably just throw that question to Mister. He’s the origin of that connection anyway.

“Kisaragi, how is your first love?”

The instant I heard those words, I could feel all the emotion vanish from my face. I’m surprised they managed to keep eye contact even though they were taken aback by my reaction. It was an unexpected question and something of a taboo for me.

“Hadzuki. You crossed the line.”
“I didn’t expect that kind of reaction. Yeah, I won’t ask that anymore.”
“I would greatly appreciate that.”

Having once loved that father of mine has become the greatest stain in my life. It might be normal to have love for your biological parent, but that love went beyond what was acceptable. I should have had the good sense to realize that, but I threw it away and took too long to recover it.

“Then let me change the topic. How did you get acquainted with the group called rogue’s den?”
“Ask him about that. I was only dragged into his social circle. ”

And to that predictable question, I replied with a prepared answer. Even if he pushes for an answer, I’ll simply feign ignorance. In truth, I have witnessed Mister’s activities, so I can talk about their relationship. However, I have no idea how to explain in words.

‘So you plan to keep quiet about my past?’
‘Otherwise, I’m sure that things will only get complicated. I intend to keep as much as I can about you a secret.’
‘I really hope the idiot behind us will stay quiet.’

That’s my biggest worry right now. Fortunately, it’s only Shirose who has been revived. Since earlier, she has only been observing us while lying down on the floor, but I wonder what she finds enjoyable about this situation. The other two are completely out cold.

“Considering that, they seem quite close to you.”
“They simply have an unusual sense of personal space. They really force their way close to you.”

I do think that not everyone in the rogues den is like that. Shirose doesn’t hold back when it comes to music. And as I got used to her intensity, I no longer felt the need to be so reserved. Rather, if I ever encounter any other rogue’s den folk, I’ll instantly choose escape.

“To corroborate her answer, I met Koto-chan through Isami, and Koto-chan told me about Kotone.”
“So she says.”

I don’t know why Shirose is coordinating with me. To begin with, Shirose herself caused this very situation. However, there’s no need to waste such a valuable opportunity. However, I will also punish her later.

“Hu-hmm. Then one more question. What is your relationship with Okita Souji?”

I knew he would delve into that. I am aware that Mister commissioned Hadzuki to investigate the circumstances of his own death. And I honestly found it strange that Hadzuki didn’t ask about anything related to that. Perhaps he was simply being considerate, but is there any meaning in inquiring about this now?

“He is someone that helped me in the past. Isn’t it normal to want to know about such a person’s fate?”
“I just found it curious that this Okita is also a member of the rogue’s den.”
“Are you insinuating that he and the third are the same individual? Logically speaking, that’s impossible.”

‘Complete denial of my existence, huh.’
‘It’s not easy to throw common sense out of the window. The rogue’s den folk are an exception.’
‘They don’t have common sense installed on their brain to begin with.’

If that’s the case, then they should be manageable as mere bad apples. But I’m sure the space where common sense was supposed to occupy has some weirdness installed in its place. Like chaos, or insanity, for example. Also, it’s probably why they’re weirdly talented in some aspects.

“It just didn’t fit chronologically for me. Why investigate him this late?”
“He, the third, appeared after the second died and before the academy’s second year started. He is still me, so he likely wanted to investigate on my behalf.”
“When did the second appear?”
“Immediately after I learned of Okita’s death.”

Shimotsuki and Kishita know about the scars on my wrist. Hadzuki should also know of my suicide attempt from his personal information network. So there’s no need to hide it, and while mentioning it would normally bring awkwardness and end the conversation, these people aren’t normal.

“Hadzuki. Isn’t it about time you end the questioning?”
“Man, I really wanted to try this kind of probing around with someone. No one would challenge me at the academy. ”

“Even if anyone were to challenge you, it would be clear that they’d lose.”
“Nono, Kisaragi. You’re really good at keeping your composure, so I thought it’d be a close matchup. I honestly find it hard to understand how you fell for such a simple trap earlier.”

You there in the back, stop it with the thumbs up. That was just the result of my daily habit acting up. That doesn’t change the fact that it was my mistake, though. I let my guard down because Shirose’s presence here became so natural.

“Kotone is the personification of taking initiative, but Kisaragi seems to be a different type.”
“Kaoru. Make sure to burn this current Kotone into your memories. She might have a level-headed and collected facade, but it’s easy to tear down.”
“You mean she becomes like you, Aya?”
“She becomes cute.”

Hold up. Shimotsuki, what are you planning to do? The celebration should be over now, but no one seems to be going home. Rather, why do they seem eager to stay? It’s already far past their return schedule.

“Isn’t it about time for us to finish up here?”
“Properly mingling with a new member of the twelve families is a must. Information is important.”
“And Mama can’t go home in her current state either. It’s time for overtime.”
“Can I just leave the two of them and go home?”
“Kishita, you have my gratitude.”

It’s scary not knowing what they’ll do, but for as long as Kishita remains as a deterrent, the worst-case scenario should be preventable. Rather, what are they planning to do after this? They should already be done with the interrogation.

‘They’re probably staying over, you know?’

I don’t have Mister’s adaptability; what do you want me to do?