Shiono Shunji didn't continue his sentence—he couldn't, and didn't dare, reveal that Takatsuki-sensei's true identity was that of a ghoul.
The young man beside Takatsuki-sensei appeared to be human. Had Takatsuki-sensei actually developed romantic feelings for a human?
Or was this merely a ruse to eventually devour him?
But if it were truly a ruse, there'd be no reason to specifically come to the editorial department to tell him about it, would there?
For a moment, Shiono Shunji was deeply perplexed.
Shiono Shunji was arguably the only ordinary human who knew that Takatsuki Sen was a ghoul, having accidentally discovered her identity many years ago.
But at the time, Takatsuki-sensei hadn't killed him to silence him. He'd kept the secret hidden and continued to interact normally with her as her editor.
"It seems Shiono-san doesn't recognize him. He's actually a CCG Ghoul Investigator."
Eto explained. "He happens to be exactly my type. Plus, being in a relationship with an investigator could provide excellent material for my new book."
"Oh, I see—a Ghoul Investigator."
Now Shiono Shunji understood better.
So Takatsuki-sensei probably wasn't planning to eat this human. After all, as a ghoul, devouring a Ghoul Investigator would be an extremely serious matter with severe consequences.
"I'm Amaha Byakuya. Here's my card."
Out of courtesy, Byakuya introduced himself and handed his business card to Shiono Shunji.
Shiono Shunji took the card and glanced at it. His expression immediately changed. He adjusted his glasses and unconsciously straightened in his seat.
Two pieces of information on the card caught his attention: Associate Special Class Investigator, and Ward 20 CCG Branch Director.
This was clearly a high-ranking CCG official. He hadn't expected Takatsuki-sensei to be dating someone of this caliber.
Most critically, Takatsuki-sensei's true identity was that of a ghoul. Dating a high-ranking CCG official—was that really okay?
If she were discovered...
"Nice to meet you, Amaha-san. I'm Shiono Shunji, Takatsuki-sensei's editor."
Shiono Shunji stood and extended his hand to Byakuya.
Byakuya reached out and shook it.
"However... did Takatsuki-sensei come here specifically to reveal her relationship for some other purpose?"
Shiono Shunji tentatively asked.
He was quite worried about this matter—after all, Takatsuki-sensei's romantic partner posed far too high a risk.
"If you're asking about other purposes, then yes, there is one. Those media reporters love digging up scandals, don't they? For instance, if word got out that I'm dating the CCG Branch Director, my fame would grow even more."
Eto revealed her intentions. "That's why I needed to specifically tell you about this, so you can help orchestrate things behind the scenes."
"I see..."
Shiono Shunji considered this for a moment.
It was indeed an excellent way to boost her reputation.
However...
Shiono Shunji looked toward Byakuya. "Amaha-san wouldn't mind this?"
"What's there to mind? The fact that I like him hasn't changed because of this, and he's not that petty either."
Eto said with a smile.
"..."
Byakuya's expression turned blank.
Still, he had to admit—Eto's approach was an excellent way to play the publicity game.
Though the internet in this world wasn't as developed as in his previous life, it should still be quite effective.
At the very least, if this kind of publicity stunt were pulled in his previous world, the traffic would definitely be substantial.
Byakuya could roughly understand Eto's purpose in doing this. Once her fame increased and her new work was published, exposing the Washuu Clan's true nature would cause an even greater societal uproar.
"I understand. We'll assist Takatsuki-sensei in this regard."
Shiono Shunji nodded.
If Takatsuki-sensei were just an ordinary woman, daring to publicize her relationship with a Ghoul Investigator would certainly invite great danger.
After all, ghouls would definitely seek revenge against investigators' families—similar to how drug cartels retaliate against the families of narcotics officers.
The relationship between ghouls and investigators was practically one of mortal enemies.
But since Takatsuki-sensei was herself a ghoul, the problem was much less severe.
However, Shiono Shunji didn't know exactly how powerful Eto actually was. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so worried about her dating a Ghoul Investigator.
"Mm, then I'll leave it to you, Shiono-san."
Eto said with a smile.
Afterward, Byakuya and Eto left Shoeisha.
Shortly after they departed, other editors in the office began chatting with Shiono Shunji about the matter.
"Shiono, so your Takatsuki-sensei has started dating too, and with such an outstanding young man."
"Takatsuki-sensei has reached that age where she'd be getting anxious, hasn't she? I think she's twenty-four or twenty-five now?"
"Doesn't that make it an older woman-younger man relationship? That guy looked like he wasn't even twenty yet, though his credentials certainly don't match someone that young—being a Branch Director and Associate Special Class and all..."
"..."
Listening to his colleagues discuss the matter, Shiono Shunji could only respond with an awkward expression.
Unlike his colleagues who were cheerfully gossiping, Shiono Shunji was deeply worried.
After all, if Takatsuki-sensei's ghoul identity were exposed in front of that Amaha-san, he would certainly be implicated as well.
Or if Takatsuki-sensei were suspected and investigated, as her editor, he would definitely be taken in for questioning—or even tortured...
Shiono Shunji was just an ordinary person. Facing such a situation, he felt he probably couldn't withstand that kind of torment.
In fact, in the original story's finale, Shiono Shunji had indeed been tortured by the CCG into confessing Takatsuki Sen's ghoul identity, leading to her capture.
But that had also been part of Eto's plan, so she didn't blame Shiono Shunji for it.
However, Shiono Shunji's eventual fate had been quite tragic...
Of course, that was all from the original story. In this world, it would never happen again.
...
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