When we returned to the room, i made a raffle for a bit to at least distract her and make a lively atmosphere inside.
After that, we left and buy her drinks and sweet pastries in our cafe, after both our mood becomes lighter, we both separated ways.
When i got home i called Neru once again to secretly investigate the identities of the student that vanished.
Thursday....
I'm here once again in her office.
"Did you find out something pres?"
"I found out one of the girls identity that suddenly vanished, i have someone in my family that investigated it for me, she said that i should talk at them first before they go, because the parents might be in sudden shock and panic if police suddenly came asking about their daughter, it would be good if they are mentally prepared."
"Hmm, that's amazing..."
That is definitely Isha, i'm glad she consider the mental health of the family...
"....So are we skipping?"
I asked while reading the printed content of the paper.
Anya Tayagi, the name that is highlighted in the paper.
"No need, i got a permission as a president as long as it is related to my job."
"How clever."
She brought few things in her pocket and bag before we left.
When we left the room, i've saw the vice president looks so anxious.
"Where are you going president." He tried to be so serious and cold
"None of your business, take care of the council, i have something to do." And he got a response of absolute coldness
"You've been declining your job as a president for past 2 days, and today, you're doing the same, what is this 'something to do' possibly mean." He glared at me with hostility
"Again, it's none of your business, the secretary will accompany you."
"Then is it necessary to brought him?"
"I need someone to accompany me."
"Then why him? He's just a member, i'm more capable! I know you better than him!" His voice became louder
The whole room is silent, and all eyes are looking at us with anticipation as if it's a well rehearsed drama.
But with that question, it looks like she's also conflicted of what to say, maybe she realized that she's feeling comfortable with me now, she stayed silent for 2 seconds
"None of your business."
"Why?! You're neglecting your role as president to hang around with this guy.... Are you perhaps being blackmailed by this guy...?" His voice became more colder and deeper
And then, the members started to murmur to themselves.
I need to say something.
I tried to lay my arm behind her shoulder but in instant, she grab it and glared at me.
"See that, is this the face of a girl being blackmailed? Your president is still as cold as ever, it's just i'm accompanying her because i'm more clever than you, she don't need a capable assistant like you who decides for her, she needs a capable assistant that is willing to share their thoughts to her and let her decide because she's not also capable by herself." I lay down my hand that has mark of redness because of her grip.
"Stay out of this conversation scum." He said so coldly
"Oya, how discriminating vice president is, i can't believe he hurts a innocent feelings, it looks like i can't trust student council anymore." I sarcastically said it in monotone voice.
"Stop, both of you, vice president, you know how i work, i won't bring a person if it isn't necessary, and when i do, the person i picked is the one i need, i don't need your assistance."
That's pretty harsh even if she didn't literally mean it.
This guy is usually a cold silent arrogant guy but he's getting worked up, he's jealous.
I still don't like him as he tried to get in my way when i'm trying to give Karui a redemption.
He clenched his teeth internally as he's looking down.
"Let's move, secretary, i will entrust you the room." She move forward.
"Un." Without any interest, she just respond while still skimming a book
We both left fast pace.
.....
We left the school and started to navigate Anya Tayagi's home.
But it felt like she's staying away from me, and so i respect it, she's probably getting conscious after what the vice president said.
However, if making i'm going to make her happy, i at least need to make her sociable.
Her cold demeanor is possibly because of trauma, although i want to know it, this isn't the time for now, i don't want to let Neru investigate such things, i can do it myself, i at least need to have a raw reactions in discovering her past.
We reached the victims house without even talking.
....
In front of the white door and yet a simple house, we both stood in front door.
"I will be asking questions so note it down." I asked her with serious tone.
She just stayed silent
And then i knocked the door.
After 3 seconds, someone open it.
A lady in her 40's.
"Umm, what can i do for you?" She look at us curious.
"Hello Mrs. Tayagi, we would like to interview you about the summer school event in St. Grey that will be initiated on June."
The old lady tilt her head
"Oh i see, please enter."
"Thank you."
Miru looked at me with surprise as if she don't know how did i pulled such excuse.
When we sat down on the kotatsu(1)
This is pretty plain household, the front is both dining and living room, someone might be sleeping here, in the right corner is the kitchen, the top floor are possibly rooms.
She sat down with her husband.
"I'm sorry childrens, i don't have any foods to offer." She bowed down
"It's okay Mrs. Tayagi, we're about to leave short soon, we just want to interview you for a bit." I assure them with a smile
"Okay."
"So, we have a school event that will initiated on summer, so yesterday we made a raffle of several students parents from all over the scholars room and separated it, we won't go to detail but you're one of the person we've picked so we want to ask you these following questions."
"I'm ready."
"Does it feels good having fun with your family when you visit some places and they are just so chaotic?"
I looked at Miru and signal her to write.
"Well... Didn't we visit a shrine last year dear? I think Anya tripped on the stairs because she's competing with his little brother."
"Hmm, i remember that.... Haha." Her husband who's also in 40's giggle.
"Yes." She looked at me with nostalgia.
"During summer, do you visit some attractions?"
"We do."
"Does it felt good eating when your bodies are still wet after swimming on beach?"
"Oh, we've done this before."
"Would you like to re experience the bliss brought by summer?"
"Hmm.... Our budget isn't enough since our daughter in your school needs more allowance."
"Oh i see, actually we need some volunteers too, what is your daughter's name?"
"It's Anya."
"Hmm, does she stay in dorms?"
"Well, yes... We are always worried but i think the school is safe."
"Then do you check her? Email or visit?"
"She visits us, during sunday we ask her how's she doing and she's feeling well she said in chat."
"Do you still do video call?"
"We didn't."
"Uhh, i'm asking if you always video call her."
"Oh well yes, she's always a lively child, much hyper than her younger brother but that's what makes her an enthusiastic person." She said so proudly while her husband is just smiling with relief.
They explained how they appreciate their daughter in a well detailed manner.
....
"I see, if she's enthusiastic, then she's perfect for the job, i would like to recommend you to participate in this restaurant's summer event to enjoy it with your family." I smiled while giving them the azure card.
But behind me, she pinched my back.
She write something on the notebook.
'I almost got fooled, you just advertise your restaurant.'
I giggle at her cold demeanor.
However we got a good information about her, if the time her disappearance happened was sunday then it's enough to erase the traces.
But i still have my suspicion.
"Can i get your number and your daughter so we can communicate much effectively?"
"We can do that, this restaurant is enough for our budget." They gave us their phone but it only gave me much advantage.
[Hacking skills activated.]
[Data duplication running....]
[Saving to phone 1...]
"Thank you for cooperation Mr and Mrs. Tayagi."
"You're welcome, please say to our daughter we missed her!"
I nod at them while Miru just stayed silent.
After that, we bid a farewell to them and left.
Outside, Miru and i are still silent.
"Did you understand what information we've got?" I asked her.
"I did, it's enough, my cousin will take care of it."
"Then, we're back again, but still we can't go back investigating the dormitory, our option is to find more victim's identity, we can't just interrogate those sus- ah, suspicious people who are wandering around the dorms." I wanted to do a joke but i dispose the thought
She stayed silent as we walked on the streets together but then a vibration can be heard.
Miru took out her phone and looked at it.
"No need, we can continue, we have the next target."