Beatrice and I visit Kinzo's study.

Let’s go visit Kinzo’s study.

“Kinzo… Wait. Are you thinking Ushiromiya Kinzo, of all people, knows something about this sort of performance art? He might have an unhealthy interest in Western culture, but I’ve never heard of him having any interest like that… If he did, that bastard probably would have taught me in a past life,” Beatrice commented, grimacing like she’d suddenly remembered something unpleasant.

No, not Kinzo, obviously. I can imagine that old guy having a stroke if we even mentioned the idea of “Beatrice shaking her ass” anywhere near him, anyway, so we’ll avoid bringing it up around him. However, in a room like that, surrounded by both the occult and items of Western culture, we might find ourselves closer to the solution.

“I’m not so certain Kinzo’s health is that frail, Hip. Well, I’ll join you, but… Why are you acting like Kinzo isn’t in his study right now? I heard he hardly ever leaves.” The witch asked me with a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Really? I’ve heard that odd sorcerer is prone to taking unannounced walks around the mansion and island…In fact, he was out of that room when I met him upon showing up here earlier this morning. Well, hopefully, we’ll get lucky. I’m sure he isn’t going to stay in his study all day with his family here, anyhow.

“Hmhmhm… Very amusing!”

Sure enough, as we approached the study, we heard a raucous noise of female voices messing around from inside. I began to reach for the knob, before the witch reached out and caught my hand.

“For a supposedly powerful and knowledgable demon, that was nearly a damn careless mistake!” she warned me, pointing to the inscribed scorpion talisman on the door knob. “...Or are you simply unaffected by it?”

Oh… Huh. Well, I’m not eager to find out. Can you get us in?

“Hehe. All doors in this mansion are mine to open, including this one. It’s easy, thanks to a simple trick. You see… my furniture is already playing within that room! If poor Kinzo is inside, he might be nothing more than mincemeat by now, you know? Kyeeeheheh!”

… But you don’t think that’s actually the case, do you?

“You’re worried about that human? Well, relax. I can tell the difference between my furniture celebrating a kill and bullying each other as they love to do. This laughter belongs to the latter. Only they won’t be laughing much longer if they don’t open this damn door when their master is obviously trying to get in!!” she suddenly shouted in an angry voice.

I heard the tone inside change, some voices chewing the others out while a flurry of motion seemed to be directed toward the door. At last, they got it open…

Behind the door were all seven of the Sisters of Purgatory in their physical forms, with only the faintest hint of motion betraying that they hadn’t been in a dignified line and standing at attention a moment earlier. They announced themselves in unison, throwing on a “right here!” at the end as they often did.

“Finally,” Beatrice shouted, rolling her eyes and stepping through the doorway, then pushing the button on the wall to lock the door behind her. “Ordinarily, I’d consider punishing you all for that, but… you girls are in high spirits today, huh?” The witch’s grin spread across her face once more. “I bet you’re all excited about what we’re getting up to starting tomorrow, aren’t you?”

“Of course, Lady Beatrice!” Lucifer, the eldest of the sisters with the long dark hair, agreed on behalf of the others, who were all visibly relaxing as they realized they had caught their master in a good mood. “We’ll accomplish your ritual without fail! I’d like to personally volunteer-“

“Yes, yes, Lucifer, I’m sure you would... Only, the terms of the ritual have changed somewhat, and I need assistance earlier than expected. I’m pleased to see you’re all full of energy, because I may end up relying on that reckless enthusiasm! Now, for the type of help I need, the one I shall rely upon is...”