"Zhang Fan, do you have a moment? Let's talk." Just as he left the classroom, Zhang Fan was unexpectedly called out by Zhu Mei Zi, the teacher and interrogation officer of 2nd year B class. Curious about her intentions, he consented to follow her.
In the office of the Academic Affairs Department, Zhu Mei Zi, with her carefree demeanor, sat at her desk and lit a cigarette, its scent hinting at something other than tobacco. Zhang Fan's keen nose didn't miss this unusual detail.
Despite limited interactions, Zhang Fan knew Zhu Mei Zi was one of the top three interrogators in Rikoku and a member of the formidable Lan Bao sisters, renowned for their inscrutable strength. Her casual appearance, with disheveled short hair and a sloppy black coat, belied her dangerous aura.
"Please, speak your mind, Teacher Zhu," Zhang Fan urged, noting her reluctance to initiate the conversation.
"Have you encountered the Demonic Sword in your previous mission?" Zhu Mei Zi inquired after a moment of contemplation.
"The Demonic Sword? Yes, I've encountered her. Are you suggesting she's targeting Bai Xue now?" Zhang Fan quickly connected the dots, recalling the original plot where Bai Xue was a target of the Demonic Sword Jeanne d'Arc.
"Indeed, your perception is astute, Zhang Fan. There's been intel suggesting Bai Xue might be in danger, especially with the Yad Athletics Tournament approaching. I was hoping you could take on the task of protecting her, given your close relationship with Miss Xing Jia," Zhu Mei Zi said, eyeing him closely.
"Understood, I accept this commission." Zhang Fan agreed without hesitation, knowing Bai Xue's well-being was at stake.
"And the fee for this commission?"
"It's on the house."
"Excellent! Having an S-grade martial detective work for free is indeed a stroke of luck," Zhu Mei Zi exclaimed, visibly pleased.
"Lan Bao values me?" Zhang Fan wondered, puzzled by her remark.
"Never mind that. Just take good care of Bai Xue," Zhu Mei Zi said, lighting another cigarette and giving him an approving look.
"Understood, there's no need to worry," Zhang Fan reassured her.
After leaving the office, Zhang Fan immediately sought out Aria and briefed her on the commission. Aria's reaction was visceral.
"What? The Demonic Sword has appeared?" she exclaimed, gritting her teeth at the mention of their mutual adversary.
"Yes, so we'll both be responsible for Bai Xue's safety, and we'll try to capture the Demonic Sword if possible," Zhang Fan confirmed.
"Great! Catching her could reduce my mother's sentence to 635 years, and might even prompt a retrial," Aria said excitedly, willing to do anything to aid her mother.
Aria's mother, Kanzaki Kanae, was serving a 864-year sentence, essentially a life sentence.
"Let's do our best!" Zhang Fan encouraged, patting Aria's head affectionately, eliciting a momentary comfortable expression from her.
"I'm not a child! Don't touch my head! Be careful, or I'll put a hole in you!" Aria protested, swatting his hand away.
"Why didn't you tell us you were targeted by the Demonic Sword?" Zhang Fan asked Bai Xue sternly, treating her as family and upset by her silence on such a critical matter.
"I didn't want to trouble you, Zhang Fan," Bai Xue replied softly, her demeanor meek.
"Trouble? Do you think you're a burden to me?"
"No, I'm sorry, Zhang Fan," Bai Xue apologized, bowing deeply.
"It's okay. Just remember, we're family, and I'll always be there for you," Zhang Fan comforted her, enveloping her in a reassuring embrace.
"In broad daylight, no hugging and cuddling!" Aria protested, her heart aching as she watched them, feeling as if her favorite toy had been taken away.
"That's true. We should save our embraces for home," Zhang Fan teased, seeing Aria's indignant expression.
"Going home? That's my first time, so please be gentle with me, Zhang Fan," Bai Xue misunderstood, thinking he was referring to something more intimate.
After some bickering, they finalized their protective mission. Zhang Fan and Aria would accompany Bai Xue to her morning theory classes, and he would take over her protection in the afternoon. For added security, he also enlisted Lei Ji for covert protection. With three S-grade martial detectives on guard, Jeanne d'Arc would find no easy targets.