Haydn had also pledged to crack down on crime as a part of his political campaign. He sought to revise existing laws and impose heavy offenses on criminals. And he publicly declared that Beast Bloods needed to be controlled by humans from the time of their birth. He repeatedly criticized Erica’s humanitarian policies for being lukewarm and flimsy. His stances were clear and straightforward, and he was a popular politician with the upper and middle classes. He wasn’t considered the most likely candidate for mayor for nothing.
From the perspective of a man like Haydn, ridding the world of Nightz through the use of rodents must have looked like foolish child’s play. Euphemia sensed he was only praising her work because he was a mature adult and a politician.
Why did this old man suddenly show up without contacting me first? Did he come to tease me? Trying to dig up material to ridicule Erica with? That seems like the most likely reason, Euphemia thought, never letting her ire crack through her polished smile.
“Is all your passion reserved only for these rodents?” Haydn asked.
“Yes, it is. That passion is what has driven my research near practical application,” Euphemia stated, not taking his bait.
“I hope your sister can last long enough for that to happen,” he said quietly enough only Euphemia could hear him.
“…Is that supposed to be a threat? Or are you just being rude?” Euphemia asked in an equally low, tempered voice.
“Ooh, the gleam in your eyes is magnificent… But you’re ruining that pretty face of yours with your anger, Euphemia. Did you know that? Ah, but your anger has its own appeal… Oh dear, what I just said counts as harassment, doesn’t it? I certainly am being rude. I accidentally said too much. I should apologize to your sister too.” Haydn was so sure of himself he easily spoke over Euphemia’s complaints as she cocked an irked eyebrow at him. “All I was saying is that your sister’s term is almost up. I meant no ill will by it.”
“My sister is running in the next election.”
“Oh, of course she is. Anyone can run for election. Mayor Saionji is especially popular with the masses.” His way of speaking made it clear that he didn’t think Erica had any talent. “Setting aside politics, might I ask you something, Euphemia?” he asked, suddenly changing the topic.
“What?” Euphemia retorted in a barbed voice, feeling disgusted every time Haydn used her name. She wanted nothing more than to get far away from him as soon as possible.
“I know you have to clean up after this, but how would you like to join me for dinner after that?”
“Excuse me…?” Euphemia was confused by the sudden dinner invitation.
What should the younger sister of a politician do when she’s invited to eat with a political rival?
Haydn was an influential man, but not someone who was fun to talk to. Joining him for dinner would be even less enjoyable. But curtly rejecting his offer might come back to bite her later. After all, it was thanks to him that Euphemia was finally able to conduct the experiment she had been dying to do. She also didn’t want him going around saying that Saionji’s sister lacked the manners to reciprocate a favor.
Well, not like anything bad can happen over dinner. I’ll gratefully let him treat me and end the night with a single thank you. I’m dealing with an adult here, and one who is a famous politician and businessman. I’m sure he’ll bring me to some expensive restaurant and will have private security with him.
Euphemia made up her mind. She crafted a sweet smile that usually went over well with men. “…I wouldn’t mind joining you. It’s an honor to be invited. But I am supposed to leave Romanesque City just past eight, so I unfortunately won’t be able to join you for a five-course meal. I will also have to be accompanied by my bodyguards. If those conditions don’t bother you, then we can dine together.”
“I am happy to abide by your conditions. My company helicopter is scheduled to leave at ten. You can go home using it instead,” Haydn offered, increasing the amount of time he would have with her. “If you’re worried, I will gladly contact your sister and explain the situation. Don’t worry. Mayor Saionji and I are politically at odds, but we do trust each other.”
“Is that so? Then please do speak with her first. I have other matters to attend to right now, so if you will excuse me.”
Euphemia believed she could suck it up and handle being with Haydn for two hours. It was a younger sister’s job to wiggle into the good graces of her older sister’s bitter enemies and improve their overall relationship when opportunities such as this arose. She just needed to send Erica a message when she got the chance.
“I will reserve a restaurant with outstanding food and night views,” Haydn promised.
“I look forward to it.”
“Can I come too?” Ronaldo asked as soon as it was settled they would eat out. He was a man who butted in whenever the opportunity presented itself.
“The more the merrier. Let’s enjoy an evening flight after dinner. It will be the perfect time to enjoy the night scenery. You will be able to return to Gothic City just before midnight.”
“That sounds wonderful!” Euphemia didn’t have any complaints as far as that was concerned.
She had never experienced flying in a helicopter at night before. Viewing the world’s nighttime scenery from above was a unique experience few had the opportunity to enjoy. There was a high chance that Zelaide hadn’t done it before either.
It’ll give me something fun to tell him about. Euphemia was delighted by the prospect. Now his invitation had become something she could enjoy for herself, which made her start to think that Haydn might not actually be such a bad guy after all.
“But what matters do you have to attend to before this evening? Didn’t you already wrap up your experiment here?” Haydn asked Euphemia now that she was smiling.
“I did,” Euphemia answered honestly. “I have never left Gothic City before, so I want to make the most of my time in this city. There’s someone who lives here that I have always wanted to meet and I’m going to use this chance to do so. He’s a little-known researcher, but I heard he is very familiar with Night Blooms and the animals that live around it in the Wilds. I’ve already made an appointment to see him.”
“…A Night Blooms researcher? Might ask his name?” Haydn asked, intrigued.
“His name is Maurice DeLay. I learned about him while reading through some of his biology findings. He was the first person to come up with an alternative solution to the Night Bloom problem by introducing fruitless Night Blooms into the Wilds,” Euphemia explained.
“Oh? Night Blooms wouldn’t be able to bear fruit anymore?”
“Yes, if he had succeeded. But he suddenly retired from the institute and continued his research in private. I don’t know why though. I was surprised because it happened so suddenly.”
“But if he successfully implements his research, your precious rodents will starve to death,” Haydn said, feigning concern.
“I don’t think so. Night Bloom seeds aren’t that easy to destroy. Even if the numbers are temporarily reduced, the roots are tenacious enough to find a way to adapt and survive. Evolution is like that. Unless humans intervene, nature will take care of itself.”
“…You believe in evolution?”
“Yes, I do. I know saying this will offend you, Mister Haydn, but I believe that the people we call Beast Bloods are at the top of the evolutionary food chain,” Euphemia said, speaking of what she hoped and dreamed was true.
Everything that lived continued to evolve and adapt in order to survive. Recently, Euphemia started to think that Beast Bloods were the next phase in evolution for humanity.
They lived longer, were stronger, and prettier than humans. Weren’t they the ideal next step for humanity?
However, it seemed like they were still evolving. They did live on this planet long before humanity showed up, so their evolution might diverge from the humans who colonized it. One thing was clear: they were not enemies of humanity. Humanity’s greatest enemy still remained humanity itself.
“…I see. That’s very fascinating. Dinner with you seems like it will turn out to be very informative. Please come to my company’s lobby at 7 pm… I look forward to our time together, Euphemia,” Haydn said, lifting Euphemia’s hand to his lips and kissing it.