You Call This a Trial?

The three of them did not waste time on Zao Dōji, who would rather die than surrender.

The room was only so big. If they turned it upside down, they were bound to find what they were looking for. There was no need to argue with her.

They began touching and questioning each item in turn, from the bed to the table to the incense burner on top of it.

They even checked the door. They felt every inch of the ceiling and the tatami mats, but still found no second monster.

Alice said, "We've turned the place upside down and haven't missed a single thing. If we still can't find it, there's only one explanation!"

Aoko and Manaka Sajyou swallowed at the same time, waiting for Alice's answer.

Alice asked, "Do either of you know the legend of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons?"

Aoko and Manaka Sajyou both shook their heads.

Ask Manaka Sajyou about Western demons and monsters, and she could talk your ear off. Japanese ones were another matter.

As for Aoko, she had only just inherited the family business. When would she have had time to learn this?

Alice sighed and began thinking aloud.

"If we weren't lied to, then the monster must be in this room. But we've checked every physical object and still haven't found it."

"That leaves one explanation: it might not have a physical body. It might be something we can't touch."

Aoko and Manaka Sajyou repeated, "No physical body? Something we can't touch?"

Alice said, "Among the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons is a monster called Enenra. Its true form hides in smoke."

As soon as she finished, all three looked toward the incense burner, which was still giving off smoke, and drifted closer.

Alice said, "Enenra fears