In fact, it was more like being treated as a joke, because Yamawashi asked him, "Is this also part of the plan? Do you think that by saying this, I will be moved and provide convenience for your actions within the Organization?"
“I didn't think that.” Hiromitsu Morofushi explained, looking flustered as he observed Yamawashi's expression, trying to convince him, “Didn't you emphasize to me before that we are in a partnership? It has been proven by facts now that you are an excellent partner. Offering terms favorable to you to win you over is just our standard procedure; it's perfectly normal.”
Yamawashi once again wore the same expression he had when he first mentioned this matter at the kitchen doorway that day.
For a brief moment, he felt as if Yamawashi had already seen through his thoughts. He stood up, turning his back to Yamawashi, said hurriedly, "I'll take that as your agreement."
Yamawashi said, "And if I don't agree?"
Do you not care about Scotland anymore?" he said in a stern tone, "Yamawashi, you should think about Scotland's situation. You are still a free man; regardless of whether my mission succeeds or fails, you will have the chance to escape to the ends of the earth, but Scotland will not.
Do you want to see Scotland die in prison?
Yamawashi accepted it.
He didn't want to use such means to make Yamawashi accept this plan, but it was indeed the most effective method at present.
Looking at that indifferent face, many words were stuck in his throat; Hiromitsu Morofushi knew that the reason Yamawashi was silent at this moment was different from his own.
..
Once you tell a lie, you must use countless others to cover it up.
Recalling the past, the first lie he told Yamawashi was not that Scotland was in his hands, but rather the sentence he spoke when they first met.
“When we first met, I was Scotland.”
Chapter 35
Because, in name only, they had already begun a plea bargain where Yamawashi would provide intelligence to Public Security, Public Security would provide Yamawashi with a clean new identity in the future, some basic investigations had also begun to be carried out jointly.
In truth, this wasn't entirely a joint effort; Yamawashi would not proactively provide intelligence, nor would he answer every question he was asked, but Yamawashi seemed to truly know some of the secrets hidden within the Organization, casually pointing out key details in a nonchalant tone.
This could be described as the most harmonious period in their relationship. Yamawashi was an extremely serious person when it came to work; even for tasks he didn't truly want to do, he would subconsciously maintain a proper attitude. During these two months, Hiromitsu Morofushi also became more certain that Yamawashi was not unconditionally loyal to the Organization, which made him increasingly curious about Yamawashi's past. A young assassin who entered the profession at sixteen, who returned to the Organization after leaving it, who became the now-renowned Yamawashi—every choice made had its own reasons.
Looking at the profile of the person beside him, he thought to himself: perhaps it was that Yamawashi cared more about Scotland than the Organization, rather than not caring about the Organization at all.
"Why investigate him?" Yamawashi asked, pointing at a line of scrawled handwriting in the notebook. Once he entered mission mode, he instinctively became serious, even though this was a mission he had no business involving himself in.
Hiromitsu Morofushi snapped out of it: ".. Which one?"
Yamawashi clearly frowned, his tone tinged with a hint of displeasure, but he still pointed again.
“Ino Seigo.” Hiromitsu Morofushi spoke the name, deliberately slowing his pace to leave a gap in his speech.
He couldn't exactly say that the investigation had been launched early because, three years later, Ino Seigo would publish an anonymous novel whose protagonist happened to share the same name as a mysterious high-ranking member of the Organization they had been pursuing, because the Ino family also had countless connections to the Organization.
He omitted some key details and gave a relatively conservative answer: "Within the Public Security intelligence network, the Ino family has connections to the Organization. Although Ino Seigo's relationship with the family isn't particularly deep, his identity is a good breakthrough point."
Yamawashi himself was a member of the Organization, so he naturally didn't have much doubt regarding this statement.
Ino Seigo had always been a key subject of his investigation; in fact, just a few days before his rebirth, he was still maneuvering through meetings with this guy. However, reality dealt him a heavy blow, as the Ino Seigo of this period appeared to be nothing more than a frivolous young master.
Then a new question arises: why did Ino Seigo lie low for so many years?
The Ino family has simple interpersonal relationships and harmonious family ties. The second son is still young and holds great admiration for his elder brother. Under these circumstances, if one were to say that Ino Seigo was hiding his strength while waiting for an opportunity to seize the family in one fell swoop, it would be an exaggeration. If he were willing to return to inherit the family estate, the Ino family would only cheer and celebrate, thinking it was a blessing from their ancestors.
What was it that caused Ino Seigo to suddenly change his mind and end his carefree lifestyle?
He asked for Yamawashi's opinion, not holding much hope.
In fact, he just wanted to ask Yamawashi what kind of person Ino Seigo was when he served as Ino Seigo's bodyguard. A bodyguard stays with his employer at all times, close contact inevitably reveals one's true personality, perhaps even uncovering secrets unknown to outsiders. But Yamawashi was like a treasure chest; it seemed as though Yamawashi could help him obtain anything he desired, Yamawashi revealed the crucial intelligence in a calm tone.
“He has someone he dislikes, that person is his..” Yamawashi paused, as if recalling, “classmate.”
He pursues that classmate; working part-time at a bookstore is one of his methods.
Yamawashi looked somewhat speechless; at first glance, this logic indeed lacked any sense of rationality, it was understandable that one could not grasp the thoughts of such an unconventional and capricious young master.
Sounds like a scene straight out of an idol drama," Hiromitsu Morofushi teased, then added thoughtfully, "How old was he back then?
Eighteen.
Eighteen years old, third year of high school, a classmate he hated yet pursued, a bookstore.
The high school where Ino Seigo studied..
"Ikubunkan Academy," Hiromitsu Morofushi muttered to himself, failing to notice the person beside him suddenly look up at him.
Although it remains uncertain whether this intelligence will prove to be of any practical use, having a lead is better than spinning in circles. Hiromitsu Morofushi stood up, preparing to adjust his investigation plan—for instance, by checking who Ino Seigo's classmate was, whether she was still in contact with Ino Seigo, whether there might be some room for maneuver regarding this person.
Since Ino Seigo is still at the bookstore, he probably hasn't succeeded yet, nor has he given up.
When he returns to inherit the family estate, will he have already succeeded, or will he have given up?
He didn't remember any signs of a romantic relationship in Ino Seigo's files.
Just as he took a step forward, Hiromitsu Morofushi suddenly remembered there was still a question remaining. He turned his head and asked, "By the way, your mission at that time was.."
Protecting him at his coming-of-age ceremony." Yamawashi replied in a flat, matter-of-fact tone, "The reward was generous, impossible to refuse.
While gaining intelligence, he also obtained information regarding Yamawashi; during the investigation, he might even learn more about the bodyguard from that banquet years ago. Hiromitsu Morofushi said with a smile, "Thank you for telling me all this."
Yamawashi looked at him for a while before slowly asking, "You've been to that high school.. Ikubunkan Academy."
Hiromitsu Morofushi nodded subconsciously, then belatedly realized that he hadn't actually been there yet.
It would have been strange to immediately retract what he had said just a second ago, which would only arouse suspicion, since it wasn't anything important, he simply decided to keep playing along.
I went there once while investigating Ino Seigo. The campus is very luxurious; it truly is a school for nobles.
That happened three years later.
To investigate Ino Seigo, he followed Ino Seigo into a high school one day.
The school itself wasn't important; Ino Seigo was the real focus. However, he still took the opportunity to learn about Ino Seigo's purpose for visiting the school during the holidays to discuss dress code issues for the new school year. As an honorary board member, with numerous heirs from partner families attending the school, considering he was the widely recognized eccentric young master who loved hosting masquerade parties for strange guests and made working in a bookstore his first priority upon returning from studying abroad, there was nothing suspicious about him making a trip for such a matter.
As he spoke, Hiromitsu Morofushi suddenly thought of that brooch inlaid with rubies.
The Ikubunkan Academy students all wore uniform brooches; he had happened to see one by chance once, though at that time, he didn't know that such a magnificent and unique ornament was merely a high school badge.
“And also, that..” His voice paused.
Scotland was the one who hadn't returned the brooch Yamawashi had picked up, who, after finding the brooch at the end of the mission, had specifically looked for an opportunity to return it, only to end up in a complete muddle.
He couldn't have seen the brooch that Yamawashi picked up, but it wouldn't be out of place if he had already been to that high school and seen the brooches worn by the students.. even though he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.
However, only he knew the truth.
He finished saying that, "The badges worn by the students of that high school are very beautiful."
Yamawashi nodded in agreement.
Hiromitsu Morofushi was somewhat surprised; he rarely could clearly see Yamawashi expressing agreement toward him.
He thought that in that day's mission, Yamawashi might have picked up that brooch, perhaps because it was related to having once served as Ino Seigo's bodyguard; having seen it on a client before, it would make sense to pick it up out of curiosity upon seeing it again.
..
The car drove through the bustling streets and into a quiet alley. The car door was opened and then closed, the man stepping out of the driver's seat suddenly turned back to take a glance.
Across half an alley and a road, there was a famous accessory shop on the opposite side.
He paused for a moment for no apparent reason, rubbed his car keys with his fingers, withdrew his gaze, walked a few steps, then stopped once again.
Perhaps he should give Yamawashi something as well, he thought.
Living in a house in Yamawashi, driving a car from Yamawashi, obtaining intelligence from Yamawashi.. He should give something in return, so that it would be more fair.
There was plenty of time, he rarely hesitated when it came to most things, so two minutes later, he was already standing inside that shop.
Are you picking out a gift for a loved one?
Time was plentiful, but not so much that it could be wasted aimlessly on the road. He interrupted the rest of the introduction: "Excuse me, do you have any Cognac here?"
That brooch, which he had only seen once, flashed through his mind, the bird's pupils, inlaid with gemstones, were so ruby-red they looked as if they might spread their wings and cry out at any moment. His brow furrowed slightly.
“.. Sir?”
Hiromitsu Morofushi flashed a proper smile and said politely, "My apologies, what I meant was, do you happen to have a ruby cufflink?"
Chapter 36
Although a pair of cufflinks had been purchased that very day, in reality, it wasn't until more than a month later that they were actually given away as a gift.
Having completed an extremely important mission, which could be called a historic victory for the Public Security, a mix of relief and exhaustion surged through them. Neither of them spoke throughout the journey, it wasn't until they were standing at the door that Hiromitsu Morofushi took out the small box he had been holding in his pocket the whole way and handed it to his assistant.
Yamawashi didn't look surprised; to be precise, he wasn't surprised to see the other person suddenly pull something out.
I thought it was a handgun.
Hiromitsu Morofushi said awkwardly, "We haven't had any conflicts lately, have we.."
If there really were a situation, it would be more reasonable if it were because Yamawashi had launched a sudden, unexpected attack against him.
After closing the door, Hiromitsu Morofushi's peripheral vision swept past the small box that Yamawashi had casually placed on the shoe cabinet. His shoulders slumped, before he could think much more, a sudden palm strike cut through the air. Even though he had already sensed it, he was helpless because the opponent's speed was too fast; he simply didn't have time to maneuver his body to dodge, Hiromitsu Morofushi slammed against the door with a loud thud.
Another body quickly closed in, pinning him down with weight and technique. He could not move his limbs, even turning his head slightly was extremely difficult; in this situation, even with their bodies pressed tightly together, there was not a hint of romance to be felt.
A few words were squeezed out from between Hiromitsu Morofushi's teeth: "Yamawashi?!"
Yamawashi increased the pressure of his grip: "I want to see Scotland."
As soon as those familiar words appeared, Hiromitsu Morofushi suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. His face was squeezed into a slight distortion as he managed to turn his head and say, "Let me go first. We can sit down and talk about this slowly; you've done a great job this time."
Yamawashi did not refute his persuasion, but he also completely ignored it, acting as if he would face the consequences if he did not agree immediately.
Hiromitsu Morofushi's temples throbbed. ".. It's a sensitive period right now; meeting in person also carries a great risk for Scotland."
Yamawashi still showed no reaction. Hiromitsu Morofushi's arm had already gone numb, but he braced himself and continued, "You performed perfectly on this mission. Even if it is solely for your value, Public Security will definitely treat Scotland well. I promise you, Scotland's life will be no different from how it was when you were with him."
"One hundred and thirty-seven." Yamawashi only spat out a single number coldly.
Hiromitsu Morofushi was puzzled: ".. What?"
"I haven't seen Scotland for one hundred and thirty-seven days," Yamawashi said.
Hiromitsu Morofushi froze, a flash of complexity passing through his eyes. He closed them and leaned his forehead against the door, making no further attempt to break free.
I thought trading five minutes of my time for several months of your smooth sailing would be a good deal. Even Scotland hasn't been helped by me like this; you should be content.