𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

26

☄. *. ⋆

An hour passed and finally, Ayato's schedule had become less packed. The moment he thought he could rest his eyes for just a second, two individuals walked into his office. One being his wife, and the other being the famed detective Heizou.

"Ayato," he straightened his back upon [Y/N]'s words.

"And to what do I owe the honour?" He responded with a smile.

"I hope you are not too busy. We would like to discuss a few things with you," said the woman, placing her hand neatly on her chest.

Ayato held back a sigh, his smile wavering a tad. He had wanted to rest, but he could read the atmosphere surrounding the two before him. Not to mention, he couldn't be so laid back In front of a civilian, and so he cleared his throat.

"Very well. But first, it is good to see you again, detective."

Heizou nodded, "Likewise, commissioner."

[Y/N] crossed her arms, "It regards Asahi," she said, almost hesitantly.

Instantaneously, Ayato's smile faded, and now he knew the reason why Heizou was here, "I understand. Have you filled the detective in on what happened?"

The woman shook her head, "Not yet. Nevertheless," she turned to look at the detective, "I believe he already has a good grasp on the events that transpired. Do you not?"

Heizou brought his fingers to his chin, "I believe so. Putting all the pieces and rumours together, it does not take much to realize the reality behind this tragedy. Once again, you have my condolences, [Y/N]."

Ayato froze for a second. He didn't wish to bring this up right now, but... [Y/N]? Just [Y/N]? Since when were they so close? He couldn't help but eye the detective suspiciously.

[Y/N] shook her head, "Thank you, of course, but let us stay on topic."

Ayato grimaced, "Yes. What rumours have you heard?"

Heizou made eye contact with the commissioner, "None of which are widely spread. Mostly these rumours circulate in the black market, and near those that work directly for the clan heads. Of course, no one yet knows what happened. It is only speculation, however, some say that the madam did not look drunk at all throughout the party, and others describe how the madam hurried to find the previous Kamiyama clan head after she spoke with Kamiyama Asahi. There are of course some other things going around, but none that are of great importance."

Ayato hummed, "I see. For someone like you, it should've been easy to come to a rather... grievous conclusion since you have ears everywhere... Hmm... Alright," Ayato had made his decision, "We shall accept your help."

[Y/N] smiled, "Happy to have you here, Heizou. You have connections, and the civilians would talk to you far easier than with us. You'll be of great help."

"I'm happy to help, [Y/N]."

Again with the first name basis. Ayato was once again quick to interrupt their joyful conversation, "Detective, do you have any thoughts on the situation?"

Heizou nodded, "Naturally. I believe Kamiyama Asahi should be stripped of his position and be... pardon my saying so, [Y/N]... executed."

He received no response from [Y/N].

Regardless, Ayato was swift to inquire, "Execute? Then what would happen to the Kamiyama clan?"

"The natural solution would be having a child of [Y/N] take the place of the Kamiyama clan head. Since I think the advantages of a hereditary monarchy are self-evident. Without some such method of prescriptive, immediate and automatic succession, an interregnum intervenes, rival claimants arise, continuity is interrupted and the clan's essence is lost."