Mephisto and Sayaka nodded. Kyoya put on a serious face. Three days before, the gale — the shock wave — that accompanied the appearance of that huge structure was theorized to be the result of its constituent atoms and those in the surrounding atmosphere fusing together when it suddenly materialized in the air.
“Teleportation is not something human technology is capable of,” Mephisto said, deeply impressed as he rarely was. “What would that say of the person living there?”
“Opinions are a dime a dozen. For these last three days, the United Nations must have collected several hundred million.”
“And one of them must be correct. However—”
Mephisto stopped speaking and cast his eyes down the hallway to the lobby. Sayaka, then Kyoya—who’d been staring at the ceiling—followed his gaze.
Escorted by four tall men in dark suits, a gray-coated individual approached the receptionist. A face that Kyoya and Sayaka had seen before.
“Hey—” Sayaka went to stand up.
Kyoya grabbed the hem of her skirt and pulled her back down again.
“But that’s Yamashina-san.”
“The look on his face tells me he’s up to no good.” Except the grim look on his face made Sayaka giggle. “The last time we met with him, we nearly ended up getting ourselves killed. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but if not, I’m not keen to end up the devil’s plaything again. What do you say we get out of here?”
“Sure.” Sayaka nodded, her eyes bright with trust and affection not in the least bit feigned, a reaction strong enough to leave Kyoya a bit flustered.
His next move was interrupted by a pretty bing bong chime from a ceiling loudspeaker. “Surgical nurse 737, Sayaka Rama, please come to the number one reception area.”
The announcement being made in an equally pleasant voice didn’t keep Kyoya from scowling. “Son of a bitch!”
As if in payback for that remark, the following announcement said, “Kyoya Izayoi and Doctor Mephisto’s presence is also requested.”
“Son of a bitch!”
Doctor Mephisto was the one who said it this time.
Five minutes later, they were sitting around a table in the number one reception room in the thirtieth basement level. Dai Yamashina, chief of the World Federation Government Information Bureau, Japan section, was the only other person there. The guards waited in another room down the hall.
“It’s been a while, Izayoi-kun,” Yamashina said, a heartfelt smile creasing his warm, friendly face.
“Yeah, it has,” Kyoya replied. Despite his obvious confusion, he smiled too. He wasn’t so rude as to turn aside such a well-meaning greeting. “You’re looking as professional as always. Get a raise recently?”
“Still being paid peanuts,” Yamashina said wryly. “And this is Doctor Mephisto? I believe this is the first time we’ve met.”
He nodded. Mephisto returned the gesture.
“Rama-san informed me about your assistance in that recent incident. The World Federation government would like to see that you are appropriately compensated.”
“I’m afraid you are mistaken,” Mephisto coolly said. “I did nothing of any note. And therefore expect nothing in return.”
“In any case, the World Federation is deeply grateful. If there is anything we can offer you, do not hesitate to let us know.”
The words had hardly left his mouth before the expression froze on his face—in response to Mephisto’s thin smile, a smile quite different from what he’d shown Kyoya and Sayaka. More like: And if I asked for your life?
“Um, what did you want to see us about?” Sayaka asked nervously. “Something to do with my father?”
“No, thankfully. Or not. Something else entirely.” The section chief shook his head. The tense expression on his face only set Kyoya and Sayaka more on edge. “Did you receive a letter today?”
“No. Well, I haven’t checked.”
The section chief held up an envelope in his right hand. “I apologize for taking the liberty of hand-delivering your mail. This morning, starting with the prime minister, three hundred of Japan’s top government and business officials received a letter just like it. Please read it.”
Sayaka took the envelope and cautiously examined it. The “paper” was made of a metallic silver. The address of the hospital and Sayaka’s name was engraved with laser precision. The flap was closed with yellow wax in the medieval style.
“That’s a curious-looking seal,” Kyoya said, leaning forward. “What is it? Lizard? Eagle?”
“A dragon,” said Mephisto.
“Exactly,” nodded Section Chief Yamashina. “We are currently investigating the owner. It’s quite likely that nothing will turn up. But if there was anything to be found, the World Federation’s supercomputers would have coughed up a result in ten seconds flat. All we know is the sender’s address.”
“Hoh.” Mephisto’s eyes glimmered with a strange light. Though there was no draft, the hem of the cape fluttered. Even Kyoya’s eyes widened.
“I’ll read it.”
Sayaka broke the seal and extracted the white card inside and scanned the text with a combination of suspicion and unease. Kyoya read over her shoulder. The note was brief and to the point.
Sayaka Rama-sama,
You are cordially invited to a housewarming party, to be held at the following address on the twentieth of the month, the year 2030.
I am aware that you lead a busy life, but truly hope you will be able to attend. A courtesy limousine will be provided on the designated day. The most unusual delights await you.
A car will arrive at one o’clock in the afternoon (wherever you may happen to be).
The Lord of Babylon Palace
Shinjuku Ward, West Shinjuku, Chuo Park
“Presumptuous bastard,” said an openly indignant Kyoya. “There’s no way you’re going, Sayaka-chan.”
“But why would I receive such a letter?”
“That is a puzzle,” Section Chief Yamashina interrupted. “Which is why I came. Today, the World Federation Government Information Bureau received a list of all the invitees who were sent the same invitation from the same sender. Izayoi-kun, your name was included along with Sayaka-san’s.”