Rising Rays of the New Century: Tale of the Japanese Empire

The Dark Side of the Japanese Embassy

December 21

Les Corts District Tavern, Barcelona, Republic of Catalonia

Tokusa is surprised by the sudden revelation of the darkness at the Japanese embassy, but begins to talk about specifics.

"So... how do we find it?"

What they need now is physical evidence. It is nearly impossible to hide anything from Maebayashi, who possesses Satori's ability, but no matter how much he reveals his mind, it means nothing without physical evidence.

"My ability is to read what other people think in their minds... it doesn't mean I can read their memories."

His power is to read 'what one thinks in one's mind at the time,' not to read 'memories.' Therefore, if he wanted to get something out of someone by reading minds, he had to directly shake the person's mind.

"But... there should be no problem on that point. Leave it to me. I'll reveal the mind right away."

With Satori's power, they could not hide anything from Maebayashi. He was confident that he would soon uncover the truth.

"Ah... take care of it."

Tokusa decided to leave the matter in Maebayashi's hands for the time being. And so, the two men set out to uncover the dark side of the Japanese embassy.

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December 22

Japanese Empire Embassy, Les Corts District

The next day, Tokusa and Maebayashi woke up in the guest room of the ambassador's residence and visited the Japanese Empire Embassy again. The ambassador's residence was the accommodation for all diplomats, including the ambassador, and was located on the same grounds as the embassy.

"Starting today... I will try to shake things up with the staff. Tokusa-san, please take care of another matter."

"Understood. Take good care of them."

After greeting the ambassador, the two men outlined their plans for the day ahead and then went about their respective tasks. Tokusa continued with the audit, while Maebayashi went to investigate the welfare of the local staff.

Tokusa, as he had done yesterday, set up the PC he had brought with him to the office. With the miniaturization of desktops and the spread of holographic keyboards and displays, the distinction between desktop and notebook PCs is disappearing.

'.........'

Tokusa was again checking the accounting records. In the process, he looked for any suspicious records or receipts and disbursements.

'...If they are prostituting, they must have some form of income in the form of money and goods. And the location... could it be they are bringing clients into the embassy?'

"........."

Tokusa carefully examines the records stored in the computer. One of the diplomats working at the embassy, minister Sakusa Ryugawa, stared at his back.

There are five male diplomats working at the embassy, including Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Takatora Mashiba, a minister, a counselor, and others. The suspects are all of them.

Embassy Kitchen

Meanwhile, Maebayashi was visiting the kitchen of the embassy. Alexis Sardinello, the embassy's only male local employee, was working there. He is a cook and had already started preparing for lunch.

"Hello, excuse me."

"...!! W-well, well, well... Minster Inspector!"

Alexis was wide-eyed and surprised. As an employee of the embassy, he already knew the faces of the two inspectors. Maebayashi paused his work and approached Alexis, who bowed at him, one step at a time.