Working With Phantoms

Shibuya's Debt

June 19th

It was a Sunday, and Madran felt very inclined to celebrate her new freedom from Mitsuru's grasp by taking a break. However, due to what Wysteria said, Philemon had coordinated another meeting on the single day of break, which brought Madran to the Velvet Room midway through the day with Chicory close behind.

"Hey, everyone, so, what's up today?"

Madran looked around to see all but Suga and Wysteria in the room.

"Well, we're waiting for Wysteria-san and Suga to arrive, so not much yet."

Madran nodded and sat down. Then, after a few more minutes, Suga and Wysteria arrived and were followed by Ryuji.

"Oh, Ryuji? What brings you here?"

"Well, uh, everyone else is following their leads, but Camas-sama asked for me to come with her and Suga."

"Oh, Ryuji, you can just call me Wysteria. Life is too short to worry about honorifics."

Ryuji chuckled and sat down.

"So, new visitor, what is your business here?"

Ryuji looked with confusion and then shock to Margaret and Elizabeth.

"H-Hey, who are they?"

"We're right here, there's no need to pretend otherwise."

"Well, since Ryuji noticed, why don't you introduce yourselves?"

"Very well. I am Elizabeth, one who governs over power and the Velvet Room."

"And I am Margaret, she who governs over power and shadows."

"What do you mean?"

"We mean to say that we shall happily aid any peaceful visitor to this room. Now, please, get on with your meeting. Time is fleeting, as your identities are in peril due to Makoto."

"How'd you know that? What are-"

Margaret put a finger up to her lips and Ryuji quieted.

"Uh, anyways, Ryuji, what have you found?"

"Ok, ok, so..."

Ryuji brought out a piece of paper with things in chicken scratch scrawled on it.

"We've found, so far, that there's this large ring that's been operating in Shibuya that extorts money mainly from students through blackmailing and stuff."

"What other stuff?"

"Nasty stuff. Um, we haven't found any leader, but we have seen several higher-ups set about-"

"Oh, I believe that I know who you're speaking of."

"What is it, uh, Margaret...?"

"The one with the sleeved dress is Margaret. Anyhoo, ever since our tangle with the elusive but still manageable encounter with Rosana's uncle-"

"Huh? Wait, Rosana?"

"Yep. That's me. Hola."

"Ask her for the details later, because I have more right here. So, they changed Fourete's heart, but this brought about Mitsuru's wrath-"

"I have no idea what you're talking about-"

"-Which was quickly ended by Madran and her hard work-"

"Can you please explain this to-"

"Pixie!"

Elizabeth then summoned Pixie.