Chapter 41: Is It a Coincidence? Or a Test?
Roswaal's gaze focused on Meili's body.
Although Meili did not remember him, Roswaal was very clear about her identity.
This young girl was Elsa's younger sister; he had learned of her existence while dealing with Elsa.
Meili's appearance was outside of Roswaal's expectations, but he quickly surmised that the crisis mentioned in the prophecy appearing in his territory was likely related to Meili.
He also knew Meili's other nickname—the Beast Tamer.
Yet Yuji Itadori claimed that Meili was being besieged by Witchbeasts?
How was that possible?
Furthermore, Yuji Itadori had actually brought Meili directly here and asked them to take her in.
Is this Meili's plan?
No... this didn't fit the style of her and Elsa.
Is it a coincidence?
Or rather, was all of this intentionally arranged by Yuji Itadori?
A series of questions arose in Roswaal's mind; this was completely different from his plan.
Roswaal had considered various scenarios, but he never expected things to turn out like this.
He desperately combed through his memories regarding Meili.
When he hired Elsa, he had not directly contacted Meili; the girl shouldn't know his true identity.
However, he couldn't rule out the possibility that Elsa Granhiert (The Bowel Hunter) had informed Meili about his situation.
If that were the case, it would be troublesome...
Roswaal thought hard while focusing his gaze on Meili.
From her current appearance, Meili likely didn't know his true identity yet, which was a good thing.
But why on earth did Yuji Itadori bring her here?
Roswaal pulled his thoughts back to reality, noticing that Yuji Itadori's gaze seemed to have landed on his face.
Roswaal maintained a smile on his face to avoid revealing any flaws.
"Since it is Sir Itadori's request, I naturally have no reason to refuse. We will take good care of this child and treat her as an honored guest. After all, both Lady Emilia and I owe Sir Itadori a massive favor."
"Thank you very much. If possible, I'd also appreciate it if you could arrange some small tasks for her to do, so she can at least be of some help to the Mansion."
Yuji Itadori nodded.
"Understood. Rem, go and arrange a room for this child first."
"Yes, Lord Roswaal."
Soon, Rem led Meili out of the reception room. Emilia looked at Yuji Itadori again, a kind smile on her face:
"Sir Itadori really is a kind person! If there's anything else you need, please don't hesitate to ask us! If Sir Itadori wishes to stay here for a while, it doesn't matter how long you stay! Lord Roswaal and I will treat you as our most distinguished guest!"
"I don't think I need anything. I was just passing through and decided to stop by. I'm preparing to leave shortly."
"You're leaving so soon? Won't you rest for a bit?"
"I'm just a traveler; I don't stay in one place for long. I have some rather important matters to handle."
Yuji Itadori said to Emilia, then looked toward Natsuki Subaru, who gave him a slight nod in return.
"Since the matter is settled, I'm ready to head out."
"Where is Sir Itadori planning to go? I'll have Ram drive the Dragon Carriage to drop you off."
Emilia inquired.
"No need. I'm more used to walking on my own."
"Then let me walk Senior Itadori out for a bit."
Natsuki Subaru said immediately.
"Mhm."
...
Yuji Itadori and Natsuki Subaru soon walked into the forest, not stopping until they reached a deserted area deep inside.
Yuji Itadori informed Natsuki Subaru of the main contents of yesterday's conversation with Meili, and he also converted it into a video to post in the group.
[Only Love White-Haired Elves: This Assassin Organization is truly detestable, actually raising a child like that to be a killer...]
[Jujutsu Physical Education Student: This is way too much!]
[Useless Goddess, You Really Deserve to Die: And that person called 'Mother,' just who is that? Being able to transform others into something else—that ability is way too broken.]
[Unsurrounded One: I'm not sure. Although there wasn't enough time this time, no matter what, I will definitely find that person.]
This was the first time Yuji Itadori had made such a serious statement in the group.
Regardless of who that person called Mother was, or whether there was a connection to the Mahito he knew, Yuji Itadori could not allow such a person to continue their evildoings.
"Subaru, I'll have to trouble you to look after that child for a bit and help her get back on the right path."
Yuji Itadori closed the chat interface and spoke to Natsuki Subaru very seriously.
Unconsciously, he already carried the shadow of the former Satoru Gojo, acting like a Sensei guiding a student toward the right path.
"Yeah! I definitely will!"
Natsuki Subaru nodded vigorously while patting his chest.
"Also, we need to meet someone."
"Meet someone?"
Just as Natsuki Subaru was confused, Yuji Itadori turned toward the depths of the forest and spoke,
"Come out. I know you're here."
"Oh my~ I originally wanted to give you a surprise, but I was discovered after all~"
At that moment, that familiar, suggestive voice drifted out from the shadows of the forest. Natsuki Subaru was incredibly shocked, having completely failed to notice anyone else was around.
The silhouette wrapped in a long black dress appeared before them. Holding her Kukri Knives, a chilling smile hung on Elsa's bewitchingly beautiful face.
The moment he saw her, Natsuki Subaru took a large step back in shock.
"The—The Bowel Hunter?!"
He completely didn't expect Elsa to appear here.
"Weren't you taken away by the guards?!"
"I'm so sorry~ my capable little sister rescued me."
Elsa narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze fixed intently on Yuji Itadori.
"This was supposed to be the spot where I met up with her. Why are you here? I see the surroundings are filled with the shredded corpses of Witchbeasts. Was that your doing?"
Although there was a smile on Elsa's face, the killing intent radiating from her body became even more concentrated.
It was even more intense than when they first met—
According to the plan, after Meili created chaos, Elsa would meet her here to leave together.
But Yuji Itadori had appeared here instead.
Coupled with the floor full of Witchbeast corpses, Elsa could only form a certain suspicion in her heart—
"What did you do to that child?"