Chapter 128: I Want to Learn Magic!
The people in the Buddha hall remained silent, but the awkward atmosphere didn't last long.
Soon, Monk Tennei rushed into the hall.
His gaze was much sharper than when he'd greeted them at the entrance, his expression dark, as if someone had desecrated his family grave.
And that wasn't far from the truth—someone wanted to take the Mist Tengu mask, which was practically the same thing.
"Miss, is this the one who claims she wants to take away Mountain Mist Temple's most prized treasure—the Mist Tengu mask?" Monk Tennei's words were extremely rude, his face radiating hostility.
Just as expected.
Natsukawa knew that Abbot Tennei, who'd either studied hospitality management or worked as a hotel manager, would never return the mask.
That thing was the guarantee for the villagers' offerings to Mountain Mist Temple. If Koizumi Akako took it, the temple's donations would plummet.
Reduced income would be devastating for Mountain Mist Temple, which was already barely scraping by.
Given Monk Tennei's personality, he'd never agree to Koizumi Akako's request.
Natsukawa had no intention of mediating. He wanted to use this opportunity to see if she truly possessed magic.
In Magic Kaito, Koizumi Akako didn't appear often, but her performances were absolutely outrageous!
Magic wasn't just unscientific—it completely defied the laws of physics!
"Mountain Mist Temple's prized treasure?"
Koizumi Akako paused, then covered her mouth and let out a loud "O-hohohohoho!" laugh.
"Abbot, aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself? The Mist Tengu mask, and even the entire construction of Mountain Mist Temple, received significant aid from the Koizumi family. Are you seriously planning to turn your back on us now?"
"I apologize, but the previous abbot didn't convey any such information to me. This is just your word against mine—there's no evidence whatsoever."
"Are you certain you won't return the Mist Tengu mask to me?"
Monk Tennei nodded confidently, as if he had this young girl completely figured out.
He did know a little about the Koizumi family. The Mist Tengu mask and Mountain Mist Temple were indeed connected to them.
But so what?
Now, the one in charge at Mountain Mist Temple is Tennei. If I say there's no such agreement, what can this little girl from the Koizumi family possibly do?
This was a society governed by law. Besides, all that magic nonsense was just a con.
He'd been the abbot for decades—surely he'd know if ghosts and yokai actually existed. Even the Tengu legend was just a tool for making money.
"Since you insist, then fine."
Koizumi Akako's lips curled into a smile as she tilted her head and spread her hands. "But Abbot, you don't look very well. You should be careful lately."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Hehe, just a witch's friendly advice. If you obediently return the Tengu mask to me, perhaps I'll reveal more."
"Hmph! If you're here to stay as a guest, we welcome you. But if you're only here for the Tengu mask, then leave now. Mountain Mist Temple doesn't welcome arrogant troublemakers like you!"
"O-hohohohoho!"
Koizumi Akako covered her mouth and laughed loudly, the sound practically drowning out the waterfall crashing against the rocks outside.
"Then I'll graciously stay for one night. Perhaps the host will have a different perspective tomorrow."
Heh, if you even survive tonight!
Koizumi Akako plopped down in a chair, leaving that last thought unspoken. Her expression of anticipation greatly displeased Tennei.
Natsukawa let out a soft "hmm," noting that Koizumi Akako's words implied she'd figured something out.
Strange. Does magic really exist? Did Koizumi Akako already know about Tennei's impending death through divination or some kind of spell?
"Big sister, aren't you cold dressed like that?" Anya appeared beside Koizumi Akako without warning, poking her exposed thigh with wide eyes before staring at her intently.
We're both girls! Why am I wearing long sleeves and pants in this freezing weather while you're practically in a bikini?
"Anya really wants to learn magic that makes you immune to the cold! Big sister, can you teach me to become a witch?"
Anya was practically bouncing with excitement. If she learned magic, it would definitely be useful—flying, disappearing, catching all the bad guys in the world!
At the very least, becoming a witch would surely make her a super beauty like this big sister.
"Big sister, look!" Anya tugged at her pink hair. "My hair is pink! Isn't that perfect for learning your family's magic?"
Please! Anya's being way too superstitious.
Conan yawned, resting his chin on his hand, clearly uninterested in the scene unfolding.
Koizumi Akako clicked her tongue. "Being a witch isn't some game for little kids to play. It's a noble profession. I'm the only remaining Red Mage in the entire world. Do you understand how difficult it is to become a witch?
Besides, my family's magic is passed down through bloodlines. Unfortunately, little one, we have strict rules against teaching outsiders."
"I'm so sorry," Natsukawa stepped forward and picked up Anya. "The child doesn't know any better and has caused you trouble."
"It's fine," Koizumi Akako laughed a few times and added, "Magic is inherently attractive, after all."
Dinner time.
Natsukawa's group of six, along with the temple monks and Koizumi Akako, gathered in the dining hall for dinner.
Upon hearing about the meal, Kogoro Mouri sobered up considerably, making one wonder if he'd been truly drunk or just faking it.
During dinner, Koizumi Akako remained mostly silent, making no further mention of the Mist Tengu mask.
Conan, however, was in full detective mode, eagerly questioning the monks about the Mist Tengu murder case from several years ago.
Perhaps it was Conan's unique talent, or perhaps some people simply couldn't help but talk, but through subtle probing, Conan managed to extract some information.
He learned that the young monk who'd died two years ago in that meditation room was named Tunnian, along with some vague reasons for his death.
"Killed by the Tengu? That's impossible. After my ancestor slew the Tengu, its remnant soul was sealed in the mask.
I just examined it—the mask shows no signs of magical leakage. The Tengu clearly hasn't broken the seal. Rather than blaming the Tengu, it's more accurate to say someone killed this monk named Tunnian for their own reasons."
Koizumi Akako spoke matter-of-factly, glancing at the pale-faced Monk Tennei before continuing. "Having been a witch for so many years, I've seen far too many murderers who use demons and yokai as excuses for their crimes. Though these people aren't demons themselves, their ruthless methods to achieve their goals are no different from actual demons.
Abbot Tennei, wouldn't you agree?"
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became awkward. Everyone understood Koizumi Akako's implication—she seemed to be accusing Abbot Tennei of being the murderer.
"The police have already provided a clear conclusion regarding the cause and circumstances of Tunnian's death. This matter is not to be discussed further. Dinner is over for today. Everyone should return to your rooms immediately and go to sleep.
And to all our guests—Mountain Mist Temple is not safe at night. Wild animals often roam these grounds. If you don't want to be frightened, you should go to bed as soon as possible!"
Abbot Tennei left the dining hall with a dark expression, never responding to Koizumi Akako's accusation.
Not that Koizumi Akako needed an answer—perhaps she was simply stating a fact.
End of Chapter 128
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