I N N O C E N C E (Shu Sakamaki)

Chapter 43

The odor of the evening tea made Manami feel nauseous. It reminded her of the events which had transpired earlier that day, after her practice with Shu.

As planned, she snuck into a guest bedroom where Laito and Subaru had already been waiting for her.

"That makes no sense." Subaru shook his head with a disgusted grimace. "Elephant is not big enough to fit into a fridge."

"You are too narrow minded." Laito exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "It could be a toy elephant."

"But that contradicts the elephant going to the lion's birthday." Subaru sighed in exasperation. "The elephant would have to be alive."

"What if it's a baby elephant?"

"Baby elephants are huge."

Manami stood at the doorway for a moment, before snapping out of her trans and clearing her throat.

"I don't really want to know what's going on here so let's just get to business." She said, taking a seat on the bed.

"Little dame, I didn't notice you come in." Laito purred, taking a seat on top of a desk. "To what do we owe our services?"

"I need your help..." She mumbled, looking at them hesitantly. "I have no one else to ask."

"Couldn't you have asked Shu?" Subaru grumbled, only to receive silence in response. "Oh, I get it. It's about him."

Manami opened her mouth to speak, but no words could come out. It would be unfair to lie to them, since they have already been a handful of help.

"Well..."

"Is that why you wanted to know about the secrets of our family?" Laito raised his eyebrows, as he looked at her in awe. "Oh~ is little dame in lo-?"

"Not the point." Manami shut him down, looking at Subaru for the voice of reason. "But yes, I want to confirm something. You guys said that Reiji keeps a set of diaries where he discusses all of the events which have transpired in your family, right?"

"Yes, indeed." Laito nodded his head, but was more distracted by the pen which he was now twiddling around his fingers.

"I can't just go up to him and ask for it, especially since he is deeply upset with me." Manami reasoned. "So, my only choice is to sneak into his office and read them all there..."

"What?" Subaru questioned, furrowing his eyebrows. "Why not just take them?"

"Because Reiji isn't dumb - his eye is as sharp as a hawk's." Manami said, biting her bottom lip. "Plus, I am fairly confident he will still notice somebody had rummaged through his room. However, then, at least I could make up some excuses for why that couldn't have been me. He would have no way to prove I am guilty."

Subaru and Laito looked at each other, knowingly.

"... and our job is to distract our brother?" Laito questioned, as Manami nodded her head. "That is quite dangerous, little dame. I am not sure I'm up for Reiji's lecturing."

"I agree." Subaru sighed, getting up and heading for the door. "Sounds like a hassle. I'd rather sleep."

"Wait!" Manami exclaimed, stopping both of the vampires in their tracks. "Name your price."

"Price?" Subaru questioned, turning around with a slightly angered expression. "You dare to assume I need anything from you filthy humans?"

"There must be something you want." Manami stated, confidently. "My family is rich. We know everyone and can get anything you desire. And by anything, I mean anything."