She is not an investigator.

It was like a dream, an illusion.

If it weren't for the fact that she actually had an extra pen in her pocket, Igris would probably have really thought that the time she spent with the catgirls was just a hallucination.

Having seen so many monsters disguised as cute creatures, this pleasing cat is all the more disheartening.

Although they will most likely meet again.

"I should get a cat sometime..."

…………

The night was quiet, and it was around 10 p.m. Most people wouldn't be busy working at this time, but there are always a few exceptions.

At this time when everyone should be asleep, a detective agency is surprisingly still lit up.

Staying up late is just staying up late.

"—"

Momokawa stretched lazily, rubbed his sore and swollen eyes, and yawned.

It was very late, and she should have gone to bed much earlier. Although she did often stay up late, meaningless late nights were just a waste of life, so Momokawa rarely experienced anything like this.

As for why she still wasn't asleep, it was simply because she was still somewhat unaccustomed to being in a relatively unfamiliar environment.

This discomfort wasn't due to her being pampered; after all, she often slept in sewers and park benches, so she wouldn't dislike such a warm and comfortable environment.

But that's precisely the problem. It's a warm and comfortable place, and it's a shop that Igris owns. She only came here for help because she had nowhere else to turn.

In such a place, she always felt that even sleeping on the floor would be a bit of a nuisance, let alone actually finding a room to sleep peacefully.

Because Igris hadn't arranged a room for her before leaving, she felt embarrassed to wander around aimlessly, and so, before she knew it, she was here.

Now, she's just going to sleep sitting in a chair.

However, her plan did not succeed, because just as she was about to turn off the lights and rest, a figure appeared at the door.

It's quite frightening when someone suddenly pops out of the door at this time. Although Momokawa often encounters this kind of thing, it's not the kind of fright that can be easily overcome by experience.

“Igris…you scared me.”

Taochuan breathed a sigh of relief upon recognizing the person who had entered and opened the door.

Igris didn't stand on ceremony and squeezed right in, asking curiously.

"I thought you were asleep. I didn't expect you to still be awake at this hour. Is something bothering you?"

If so, Iglesias would be happy to temporarily play the role of a good listener and mediator, helping her friend resolve her little troubles.

"Yes, indeed. Although it's a bit embarrassing to say this, this is your home after all, and I can't be too casual about it. So to tell you the truth, I was even prepared to spend the night on the chair before you came back."

Momokawa spoke somewhat awkwardly, and because she didn't know what expression she should make at this moment, she simply lowered her head, letting the shadows protect her face.

"Hmm... idiot, come on, I'll take you to your room."

Igris wanted to laugh, but laughing at this moment would only seem impolite.

Momokawa's troubles may sound strange, but considering that she had almost no friends and no close acquaintances before, it's not so strange.

She probably rarely stays overnight at other people's homes, so it's relatively normal for her to have this kind of trouble.

Although he still seems a bit clumsy, he's also quite pitiful.

Sometimes I'm really glad you're my friend.

Momokawa followed Igris's pace, and said in a low voice with some sigh.

"Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have had an even more difficult time in many situations."

No need to thank me.

The Bizarre Stage Play – The Book of Secrets: Chapter Thirty-Three, The Requested Mission

In the morning, Igris pushed open the door of the agency, preparing for the day's business.

Although she claims to be in business, she hasn't received many commissions or tasks so far, and it's unlikely that anyone will come to her for help.

But there's no downside to it; at least she's happy to have some free time.

"Good morning."

Taochuan came downstairs, dressed neatly and seemingly awake. However, judging from the spiky hair she hadn't noticed, she had probably just woken up.

I guess it's because I went to bed too late last night.

Good morning, thank you for your hard work today.

"If I can help, that would be great."

As Momokawa spoke, he yawned softly.

Indeed, people are different; at least Igris wouldn't dress herself up so elaborately if she wasn't fully awake.

"And...you've seen that notebook, haven't you?"

"Yes, indeed."

It's worth mentioning that last night before going to bed, Momokawa handed her notes to Igris.

The document records some of the red mist she encountered when she was not in the firm, along with her speculations.

Igris was familiar with this thing, because she had specifically dealt with it yesterday, but she wasn't quite sure where it came from.

However, Momokawa's conjectures and records did indeed provide her with great help.

First, it is known that this substance can invade the human body and affect the rationality and thoughts of the invaded person to a certain extent. The most prominent feature is that it can make the person extremely irritable and cause certain damage to their mental state.

The solution is currently unknown, but this substance will disappear on its own after a period of time, so the harm is not as great as imagined.

It's mysterious, but it's probably not anything particularly dangerous.

"Speaking of which... I'm planning to get a pet."

Igris had no intention of delving further into these clueless and unexplained anomalies; it would be pointless and only add to her troubles.

Upon hearing Igris's words, Momokawa raised his head with interest.

"I remember you said something like that when you were in Morgans. So, have you decided what kind of pet you want to keep?"

"I want to get a cat, black or white, it doesn't matter..."

Before Igris could finish speaking, her jacket pocket suddenly bulged.

A small black head peeked out of the pocket and looked at Igris.

It's the Mirror Demon. It seems it's not entirely happy about Igris's suggestion to keep a pet.

"Is that a crow?"

"Hmm...indeed."

Igris took the Mirror Demon out of her pocket and gently tapped its head.

"But I think I'll pass. Actually, when I think about it, most of the time I just suddenly get the urge to raise something... It's too much trouble."

"I see."

Momokawa nodded, said nothing more, and fell silent.

Igris placed the Mirror Demon on her shoulder and prepared to pour herself a glass of hot water.

Perhaps she should buy a coffee machine or some tea; otherwise, if she always drinks plain water, she won't be able to entertain guests.

Although Igris never noticed that her guests never needed her to entertain them.

dong dong dong-

"Ok?"

Someone is knocking on the door.

Igris looked towards the door with some confusion. She couldn't recall any of her friends being so polite as to knock instead of just pushing the door open.

Or they could simply jump in through the window.

"..."

Igris stepped forward, slightly opened the door, and looked at the figure outside.

"Hmm—it's you?"

Igris pondered for a moment before remembering the other person's identity.

Or rather, they only just recognized him.

"The priest gave me your address."

“Constantine…whatever, what are you doing here? I guess you’re not here to get revenge, because I beat you up last night.”

"Of course not... I'm here to express my gratitude."

It was Wilson, but he was dressed in a new outfit and wearing a mask, unlike yesterday.

That's why Igris didn't recognize her immediately, but she'll still find a way to do so.

He was holding a bag in his hand. Although it was unknown what was inside, since he said he came to express his gratitude, it was most likely a gift for her.

"Is it alright for you to be wandering around outside like this?"

“They won’t find me, otherwise I would have been caught two years ago.”

Igris shrugged, took a half step back, and made way.

"Come in and let's talk. At least it's safer inside."

"Thank you."

Wilson adjusted his black hat and slowly walked into the office, not forgetting to close the door behind him.

Soon, he also noticed Momokawa sitting in the chair, and his movements paused.

"This is Taochuan, one of our own. At least she won't cause you any trouble."

"Hello."

Momokawa waved his hand and said hesitantly.

"I guess you probably don't want me listening in here. If necessary, I can leave for the time being."