-586- Become our comrade

At this point, Rozen finally understood why Soma Takiko had such a profound reverence for fate and duty.

Because this girl had been indoctrinated with these beliefs by her family since childhood.

In order to fulfill the family's millennium-long wish, the girl had a mission she must devote herself to.

In order to achieve the goal of the ancestral god's descent for the family, the girl had a fate she must strive for.

As long as it was for this mission and this fate, any kind of sacrifice could be allowed.

The girl named Soma Takiko held onto this notion, associating herself with Dairenji Shidou and Mutobe Chihiro, always believing that their actions were correct, and that's how they ended up where they were now.

As for the people sacrificed for this cause, Soma Takiko would feel heartache, regret, reluctance, sympathy, and even guilt, but she would never hesitate.

So, that's why Soma Takiko had previously advised Rozen. If he was Yakou's reincarnation, then, for the lingering wishes and missions of the previous life, any condition was worth trying, even if it meant going berserk while possessed. That was how self-centered her behavior was.

As for Yashamaru and Kumomaru, there was no need to say more.

Yashamaru was the kind of person Rozen hated the most. No matter how many sacrifices were made, he remained indifferent, as long as the goal could be achieved. He would defy ethics and morals, showing a facade of gentleness and politeness, but in reality, he was a cold, ruthless, and even cruel person. He could use even his own daughter as an experimental subject, and one death was not enough for such a person.

Kumomaru seemed to retain some trace of humanity. Similar to Soma Takiko, they were both emotionally rich types. But in order to achieve the long-standing wish, this man seemed to have prepared himself and was determined to pursue a path of no regard for anything, hence his eyes constantly carried a sense of determination and sorrow. He belonged to the type that carried the burden of guilt while advancing, unforgivable all the same.

The trio before Rozen caused him the utmost repulsion. The moment Rozen found out that they were the masterminds behind all the events, his perception of them had sunk to its lowest.

Of course, what caused Rozen's diminished perception wasn't just these three in front of him.

"You've been watching from outside for quite a while. Isn't it time to come in?"

Rozen spoke indifferently, addressing the door behind him in front of Soma Takiko and her companions.

"————"

Soma Takiko, Yashamaru, and Kumomaru fell silent, their various expressions fixed on Rozen.

Rozen, however, paid no more attention to the three, focusing on the two individuals outside the reception room.

These two individuals were familiar in a certain sense.

"Since this is your territory, there's no need for me to invite you in, right?"

Rozen said these words without turning back.

In this situation, after a moment of silence, the door behind him was finally opened.

Two people came in from outside.

One was seen just a while ago, looking unkempt, possessing great strength, and hailed as the strongest onmyouji of the current era.

It was Miyachi Iwao.

The other was dressed in onmyouji attire, presenting a stern and austere appearance, hailed as the best onmyouji of the current era.

It was Kurahashi Genji.

Two men standing at the pinnacle of the modern world of Onmyodou, both in terms of strength and status, walked in through the door.

Among them, Miyachi Iwao followed Kurahashi Genji like a loyal subordinate, with an appearance that showed great respect for Kurahashi Genji.

Kurahashi Genji, on the other hand, walked in without expression, coming up behind Rozen.

Then, both Kurahashi Genji and Miyachi Iwao completely ignored the presence of Soma Takiko and her group. Likewise, Soma Takiko and her group were unsurprised by the arrival of Kurahashi Genji and Miyachi Iwao.

What did this imply?

It implied that both sides were already familiar with each other and knew the actions the other was taking.

In short,

"It seems you all are in cahoots."

Rozen spoke lightly.

Yes.

These people were indeed in cahoots.

In other words, all of these individuals were the masterminds behind a series of events in the occult world.

Kurahashi Genji directly faced Rozen's back, and after a while, he spoke with a calm tone.

"You don't seem surprised at all."

Indeed.

Rozen was not surprised at all.

Because he had already guessed.

"A group of blatantly suspicious individuals can move freely within the Onmyou Agency. This is enough to show that someone in the Onmyou Agency allows their presence, perhaps even supports them from behind."

Rozen turned around and looked at Kurahashi Genji, speaking in this manner.

"These people's status would naturally not be too low, otherwise, how could they ensure these individuals move freely within the Onmyou Agency?"

And within the Onmyou Agency, could there be anyone with a higher status than Kurahashi Genji?

Of course, there wasn't.

So, Rozen knew long ago that the Onmyou Agency couldn't be trusted.

"However, I didn't expect that 'Fire Demon' Miyachi Iwao would also dirty his hands with you."

Rozen shifted his gaze to Miyachi Iwao, who was behind Kurahashi Genji, his eyes revealing genuine mockery.

Miyachi Iwao remained silent, not saying a word.

As a result, it was Rozen who initiated a conversation with Miyachi Iwao first.

"Where are Natsume and Suzuka? Where have you taken them?" Rozen asked casually. "And what about Kinu and Gyokuto? How are they?"

Faced with Rozen's question, Miyachi Iwao remained silent for a while and then chose to answer.

"The two young ladies are fine, just like you, their spiritual powers have been sealed, and they've been taken to the interrogation room for questioning by the Mystical Investigation Division," Miyachi Iwao answered truthfully. "As for the other two, due to the dangerous circumstances, they have been temporarily sealed by the Exorcism Division."

They were treating this matter with extreme caution.

The other party likely did this to prevent Rozen from being able to communicate with his Shikigami and utilize their powers, right?

Unfortunately, whether it was Natsume and Suzuka, or Kinu and Gyokuto, no matter what methods were used, they couldn't prevent Rozen from contacting them.

Miyachi Iwao, who knew nothing of Rozen's thoughts, remained silent and didn't speak further.

Kurahashi Genji continued to look directly at Rozen, then after a while, turned to Soma Takiko and her group.

"It seems your conversation isn't going smoothly," Kurahashi Genji straightforwardly pointed out.

In response to this, Soma Takiko bit her lip, Kumomaru remained silent, and Yashamaru shrugged, looking helpless.

In that case...

"In that case, let me try talking," Kurahashi Genji said in an official tone, looking back at Rozen.

"You've already learned quite a bit of the truth, so the conversation should be easier."

Kurahashi Genji spoke in this manner.

"Tsuchimikado Akikan."

"We hope to collaborate with you."

"No, it should be said, we hope to invite you to become our comrade."

This was what Kurahashi Genji and even Soma Takiko and her group wanted to do to Rozen from the very beginning.