Chapter 5:

Iome

Psychophage 0: Cold-Blooded Assassin

The next morning in Tsukiyuki Village, Takada awoke bright and early. He knew what he had to do, so he rushed and got dressed, putting his Psycho Hunter uniform on out of habit.

“I have to hurry!”

Before anyone notices I’m gone!

He carefully turned the knob of his door and pushed it open. After making sure the coast was clear, Takada stepped out of his room and quietly ran through the long hallway until he reached the stairs. He descended them and dashed to the front doors of the mansion.

I hope everyone’s still asleep.

He creaked the door open partially, then squeezed through the opening. Once he was outside, he closed the door behind himself, and as soon as he turned around, he jumped back in surprise.

A girl about Zashi’s age with light brown skin stood before him. Her hair was covered with a black, silk hijab and she wore a modest maid outfit—much different than those seen in the south.

“A-Amira!” he yelped. “What are you doing this early?”

She cleared her throat and said, “As a combat maid here, it’s my duty to protect the premises from intruders. I’m merely on patrol.”

“Ah. I-I see. Well, I have to go somewhere, but please don’t tell them anything, okay?”

She shook her head and sighed.

“Whatever you say. Have fun with your fiancee.”

The last word stung him, and he started walking off.

Takada left the mansion and walked through the village all the way to a particular traditional house that hardly stood out from the rest. After he walked up to the door and knocked, he heard someone scrambling inside.

“One moment!”

Takada groaned.

Why must I face this?

The door slid open a hair, then was shoved open. There stood a young woman dressed in a dark blue kimono with her hair pulled back into a ponytail with a black ribbon. Her dark black eyes had a bluish shimmer that shined in the morning light.

“Takada! What a pleasant surprise!” she clasped her cheeks.

Her face turned red, and her smile was radiant.

I don’t want to be here.

“Good morning, Iome! I’m glad to see you in good health,” Takada replied.

He plastered a smile on his face to match.

“How was work? I take it your mission went well?”

No.

“Yes. The mission was a success and there weren’t any complications.”

It was a disaster.

Iome’s smile widened further.

“I’m glad to hear that! Why don’t you come inside?”

“Thank you! I’d be honored!”

I’d rather die where I stand.

He stepped foot inside and took off his sandals before following her. Takada knew the layout of her house already, but still he felt like a stranger.

“Oh?”

I didn’t notice her father’s shoes by the door.

This is my chance!

A sinister grin stretched itself across his face and only lingered for a moment. She led him down the main hallway, then stopped. She then turned to the door on her right and slid it open gently.

“Wait here please. I’ll go get some tea!”

“O-okay. Thank you.”

She walked out of the room practically skipping. Now by himself, Takada looked around the room; There was a table, pillows to sit on, and a lamp on the ceiling.

“It’s kind of bare in here,” he said to himself. “Whatever. Doesn’t matter. I don’t plan on staying anyway.”

He carefully sat down and rested his elbows on the table.

“Isn’t this bad manners in Dhar’Naleem? Ah, whatever.”

He put his hand to his chest and felt something hard inside his shirt. Takada unbuttoned it partway and pulled out the red envelope.

I’d better wait on this.

He put it back and fixed his shirt. Then, he looked up at the ceiling.

Why must this be so difficult?

It’s going to cause suffering regardless.

“Walls all around me,” he whispered.

He patted the envelope again, feeling the coins shift inside.

“Death, hell, pain, or suffering? My fate has been sealed.”

A few minutes later, Iome returned with a long plate of food and set it on the table.

“Need some help?”

She shook her head.

“No, it’s fine. If I’m going to be your wife, I should at least be able to do this much, right?”

He awkwardly chuckled and she disappeared once more.

“I wish you’d stop saying that,” he mumbled.

I can’t let that happen.

A moment later, she returned carrying a tea pot and two cups.

“I figured that it was early enough that you probably didn’t have breakfast yet. Am I right?”

Grooowwwl!

Takada’s face flushed a deep red.

“Uh huh,” he nodded shyly.

Iome laughed as she sat down and handed him a pair of chopsticks.

“I thought so! Hehe… No need to be shy! Eat up!”

They both started eating from their bowls of rice, then Takada froze.

Wait a minute. Why is there only one plate? Dear God, why the heck is there only ONE PLATE?!

A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

“O-oh wow! This sure is a big fish for breakfast!” he laughed awkwardly.

Iome smiled.

“Yes. My father caught it this morning. He brought it here, then left to catch more.”

Right… He’s a fish monger…

“I see. W-wow. That’s very impressive!”

Damn it!

“It makes me so happy that we can share a meal together like this…” she beamed.

How can I even think about hurting her?

“M-me too!” he blurted.

I know what I have to do… But I don’t want her to lose her gentle smile!

“How’s your mother doing?”

“My mother is still asleep. It’s early, so I didn’t want to wake her since she’ll be manning the shop today.”

“That’s very considerate of you. Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked.

“N-not at all! Just being able to spend time with you is more than enough!”

Unsure how to respond, he just looked down at his bowl.

What am I even doing here?

He blinked, and when his eyes opened, there was a chunk of fish in his face.

“Huh?”

“H-here!” she said, putting her hand under the fish to catch any dripping oil. They both blushed as he leaned in with his mouth open.

Nom!

“Ish bery goob!”

“Haha! Don’t talk with your mouth full, silly!”

She pulled out a handkerchief from her kimono and wiped his mouth with it.

I’m truly a scumbag.

“Y-you know… I want to share meals like this all the time,” she said softly. After a moment, he nodded in response.

Just a little while longer…

They continued eating and started talking about random topics, such as the weather. When they finished, they set the dishes to the side and she poured them some tea.

The longer I drag this out, the worse it’ll get.

“I’ve never been more ashamed of myself,” she said, looking at her cup. He looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“What do you mean, Iome?”

Her hands tightened around her cup.

“Well… I know what I asked for as a dowry, and I know you’re working hard, but I… I…”

This could be my chance!

“I get it,” Takada nodded. “I really do. And you’re not wrong.”

She looked up at him with glossy eyes.

“You mean?”

“I do,” he said.

They both opened their mouths at the same time—

“I want to hurry up and get married to each other!”