Vol 2 Chapter 11 – Tsutsuka was stunning. Love turns to madness. (【Just Trying to Be Kind】Arc)

I stood frozen in front of the meeting room.

Inside, all the executives were probably waiting.

I hoped today’s meeting would go peacefully.

With that thought, I opened the door.

The moment the door opened, all the executives stood and bowed their heads to me.

No, you really don’t have to go that far.

It’s scary.

For now, I’ll just greet them…

“Good morning, everyone. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

No, seriously, just relax.

I’m the one who’s nervous here.

I took my seat.

Seeing that, the executives all followed suit and sat down at once.

They all looked like they were doing this reluctantly.

As for Hirata and Arisu, the murderous intent in their eyes was so intense that just talking to them felt like a death sentence.

“Well then, since everyone is here, let’s begin today’s executive meeting.”

Hirata, still glaring at me with murderous intent, started speaking.

“Today’s meeting will cover… the Friendly Relations Prospect List.”

Well, at least today’s topic doesn’t seem tied to anything illegal. It should be a fairly easy conversation.

Hirata began explaining the details about the person we were planning to establish friendly relations with.

“The individual’s name is Honoka Kinjou. She’s a 19-year-old woman who resides in ○○ Town, Hokkaido. We’ve already confirmed her exact address.”

“You’ve confirmed her address… That’s impressive.”

No, seriously, how did they so easily find her exact address?

Isn’t that a straight-up crime?

While I was cringing internally, Hirata puffed out her chest with pride as she continued.

“Thank you. But this level of work is child’s play for me.”

If committing crimes like this is “child’s play,” that’s seriously concerning.

As expected of an executive in a criminal organization.

“I see. I could never do something like that myself.”

“Oh, Boss, you’re so bad at joking.”

“I wasn’t joking, though…”

Even as a joke, I wouldn’t dare engage in criminal activity.

And I certainly wouldn’t be able to feel proud about it.

As I was lost in thought, a distinctively husky voice echoed in my ears.

“So, we get who this person is, but why was she chosen first? Isn’t she just a plain, ordinary citizen?”

“I’m curious about that as well.”

Takanashi and Kirino tilted their heads in confusion.

No, I don’t know either.

Hirata-san, the floor is yours.

I glanced at Hirata, silently asking for her to take over. She nodded firmly.

As expected of my assistant. She always explains things I don’t know.

“She’s apparently feared by the townspeople as a ‘Punisher.’”

“Punisher?”

Takanashi frowned, looking even more puzzled.

I get it. I’m equally lost here.

Unbothered by my growing confusion, Hirata continued.

“It seems she’s been apprehending people involved in criminal activities around the town.”

“So, she’s like a self-proclaimed police officer?”

A self-proclaimed police officer—

That has such a weird ring to it. I can’t decide if it sounds cool or ridiculous.

Does Hirata or Kuzuryuu just want to befriend her?

“Well, I get that much, but I still don’t understand the reason for choosing her as a friendly prospect…”

Takanashi was still holding her head in thought.

The reason for befriending her, huh…

If she’s being called a “self-proclaimed police officer,” she probably has a strong sense of justice. But can someone like that really get along with us?

We’re a criminal organization, after all.

—A criminal organization…?

An idea suddenly struck me.

I get it now!

“So—are we considering inviting her as a ‘Punisher’ to help maintain order within the organization?”

“Exactly! While we can’t confirm this until we meet her, if her abilities are genuine, she could be a valuable asset for us moving forward!”

Hirata shot me a look that screamed, For once, you’re not useless.

I’m sorry for always being such a disappointing boss…

As I wallowed in self-pity, Kirino chimed in with a bright voice.

“So, by ‘directly,’ does that mean someone has to go to Hokkaido to meet Honoka Kinjou in person?”

That’s right.

And it’ll probably end up being me…

Hirata answered Kirino’s question.

“Yes, first of all, I apologize in advance, but… Boss, we need you to go to Hokkaido to determine whether or not to invite her.”

Of course.

Well, Hirata had already proposed this to me earlier, so I was fully prepared to go.

I nodded in response to Hirata’s words.

“Yes, I understand.”

Hearing my reply, Hirata flashed a wide smile at me.

No, rather than a smile, it felt more like a menacing glare…

Hirata continued.

“So…

—I’d like to decide now who will accompany the Boss to Hokkaido.”

Her proposal caused the room to stir.

Wait, does everyone hate the idea of traveling to Hokkaido with me that much?

The blatant reluctance on the executives’ faces made my stomach churn.

Well, Kirino and Arisu seemed as neutral as ever.

Anyway, I’ll decide who’ll accompany me after figuring out how many people are coming.

“How many executives will be accompanying me?”

“I believe two would be sufficient. While the chances are slim, this is to minimize the risk of the Guardians or police discovering our connection to Empress.”

“I see.”

Alright, with just two people, there have to be at least a few executives who don’t mind accompanying me.

Before this discussion drags out and hurts my feelings, I’ll decide quickly.

“In that case, may I choose the two myself?”

My words caused an even louder stir among the executives.

Don’t worry. I won’t pick anyone who doesn’t want to come.

It’ll be fine—right?

I glanced at Hirata, who gave me a radiant smile.

“Of course. If the Boss decides, we can avoid any conflicts.”

“Thank you.”

That smile clearly says, Don’t you dare pick me. Got it.

I scanned the room, observing the executives.

A skilled negotiator capable of managing the situation is essential.

In that case, Hirata, who essentially runs Empress, would be the ideal candidate…

But from her earlier reactions, she clearly didn’t want to go to Hokkaido, even after I explained the situation to her.

Then there’s Kuzuryuu.

He’s the sharpest mind among the executives and would handle negotiations effectively. If I bring him along, things should work out.

He also understands me well.

That leaves one more spot…

Kirino might be too cheerful, which could leave a bad first impression depending on the person, and her compatibility with Kuzuryuu isn’t great either.

Considering that, Arisu seems like a better fit.

She’s versatile and capable of handling anything. Plus, she could swap her conspicuous maid outfit for a suit when we head to Hokkaido.

I glanced toward Arisu’s seat.

There she was, exchanging a quick glance with Hirata and offering a slight smile.

That smile… it had the look of someone whose plan had gone perfectly.

Seriously? Even Arisu doesn’t want to go?

I nearly invited her. That was close—I’d have been dead for sure.

Chilled by the thought, I reconsidered the candidates for the second spot.

Hmm… if Arisu is out, maybe I should go with a security-focused executive instead.

As I glanced around, my eyes met hers.

Of course, she didn’t notice because of my mask.

Right, there’s someone perfect for this mission.

With Kuzuryuu and her, everything should go smoothly.

With that in mind, I named the executives I would take to Hokkaido.

“———Alright, I’d like Kuzuryuu and Satsuki to accompany me.”

I looked at Kuzuryuu and the black-haired, side-ponytailed woman who had been twirling a revolver just moments ago.

Satsuki Tsutsuka
Rank 7 Executive of Empress.

She wears a jet-black battle dress with revolvers holstered at both hips—a striking figure with her black hair tied in a side ponytail.

Her background as a former soldier made her adept at hand-to-hand combat and gunfights. If we ran into trouble with the Guardians or the police, she’d be the best choice for protection.

That’s why I decided to bring her along.

The two I’d chosen gave small smiles.

Neither seemed particularly dissatisfied, which was a relief.

It was at that moment—

The round table shook violently.

The cause of the disturbance was Hirata and Arisu, who sat across from me and to my side.

They had slammed their heads against the table with full force.

What the hell? What’s going on with these two? Terrifying.

“Are you two… okay?”

Neither of them responded.

What? Did they just die?

As I stared in confusion, Kuzuryuu spoke up.

“Boss, just ignore them. They’re both idiots.”

“Even if you say that…”

“They’ll be back to normal soon enough.”

“I see…”

Kuzuryuu looked at the two of them with a mix of exasperation and pity.

I decided not to look at them any longer and continued.

“Kuzuryuu, I’ll leave the planning on-site and negotiations with our prospect to you.”

“Understood. I’ll do my utmost to be of service.”

Kuzuryuu responded with firm yet polite determination.

Then…

“Satsuki, I’d like to entrust you with my protection.”

“I’m so happy, Boss. Thank you for choosing me. ——Protecting you is my life’s purpose.”

She looked genuinely delighted.

She really knows how to flatter—probably because she’s older than me.

“No, you’re simply the most suitable for this mission. I’m counting on you.”

“Oh, what a sweet thing to say! I’ll do my best for you, Boss.”

Satsuki is one of the more amiable executives toward me.

She’s someone I can truly rely on to have my back.

For some reason, I started looking forward to the trip to Hokkaido.

“Well then… since the executives accompanying me have been decided, let’s adjourn the executive meeting for now.

…Especially since there are two people who are currently out of commission.”

Kuzuryuu glanced at the unconscious Hirata and Arisu as he said this.

“Understood… Hirata, Arisu, I don’t know what happened, but please cheer up, alright?”

“Boss, forget about these two lunatics. Let’s just focus on planning the mission.”

Satsuki cut in before I could dwell on it further.

Lunatics, huh…? Well, fair enough.

“Alright, the executive meeting is adjourned for now. We’ll reconvene once the idiots have returned to their senses.”

With Kuzuryuu’s words, the executive meeting came to an end.

“Now then, Boss, Satsuki and I will go over the mission details.”

“Let’s get started! Time is of the essence.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re misusing that phrase…”

With Kuzuryuu and Satsuki almost dragging me along, I left the room.

————————

Later, in the meeting room.

The room now held Kirino and Takanashi, as well as Hirata and Arisu, who hadn’t moved since banging their heads against the table.

Kirino, still bewildered, called out to the two.

“Um… Are you two okay? Please, say something…”

“It’s no use, Kirino. Those two are already…”

Just as Takanashi began to voice her resignation—

“Ah…”

“Ugh…”

Both Hirata and Arisu suddenly sat upright, their faces a mess of tears.

“Thank goodness! I was so worried about you two!”

Kirino breathed a sigh of relief.

But her relief was short-lived.

“Ahaha… ahahahahaha… Why, Boss? Why did you abandon me? ——Ah, it’s unbearable. I’m just going to die.”

With those words, Hirata brought her karambit knife to her neck.

Seeing this, Kirino desperately grabbed her hand to stop her.

“This is bad! Takanashi-san, do something!”

“Why are you asking me? The only option is to knock her out again.”

“That’ll just reset everything back to square one!”

At that moment—

Arisu, who was normally expressionless, began laughing hysterically as if something inside her had snapped.

“Master… Master… Master, Master, Master, Master, Master, Master, Master, Master, Master… Thank you for everything until now. I’m sorry for being such an incompetent maid… Goodbye…”

Arisu unsheathed a dagger and was about to plunge it into her abdomen when—

“Idiot! Don’t you dare attempt seppuku on your own!”

Takanashi tackled Arisu and pinned her down.

However, Arisu struggled against her grip, sobbing as she spoke.

“Why are you stopping me? I’m nothing but a useless maid who keeps causing trouble for Master… I have no right to live anymore… So just kill me already…”

Takanashi sighed, realizing this was going nowhere. She delivered a karate chop to Arisu’s neck, knocking her unconscious.

She then picked up the limp Arisu and approached the still-struggling Hirata and Kirino.

“Hey, Kirino. Hold this woman.”

“Takanashi-san…”

Takanashi handed Arisu to Kirino and then delivered another karate chop to Hirata, knocking her out as well.

“Haah… I’m exhausted. Boss really is a sinful man…”

Stretching her body, Takanashi sighed heavily.

Kirino looked at the two unconscious women and spoke.

“Love is scary, isn’t it…”

“Love? Hah. This isn’t love.”

Takanashi let out a dry laugh.

“——This is madness.”