A/N: Hope you are all doing well in self-isolation. Here's another chapter that will (hopefully) give you a few moments of entertained reading. Sorry, it's a bit shorter than my other ones.

Chapter 9: Suspicions And Accusations

In the drawing-room of the Origami Family Estate were six silent figures, all unwilling to speak to each other. Outside, the storm had cleared and the weather actually became quite fine for that time of year. However, despite the blue sky, not a single person was seen outside in the courtyard.

As Inspector Etou and Sergeant Tanaka restricted departure of any kind from the mansion, Akane and the five presidents found forms of entertainment to be scarce. Work and other engagements were forced to be put aside. This, however, was of little trouble to anyone, except Yukina. The need for a break from their respective duties was shared amongst them all. Even so, each woman couldn't help having the secret desire to not be under the same roof with everyone else.

At the moment, Akane, Ema, and Iroha were taking part in a game of cards. Repetitive musical tunes could be heard from the piano, as Yuzuki let her fingers move lightly along the keys. Anything was better than having to be in a dead silent room. Listening appreciatively, Sana leaned against the instrument, cigarette in hand. The only person in the farthest corner of the room was Yukina, who purposefully positioned herself there to have a full view of everyone. And still, nobody spoke. The danger of disturbing the peace was something none of them wanted to risk.

Now within the walls of a house that smelled like death, they were all enemies. The pleasure they formally had in each other's company as teenagers was superseded by cautious distrust and guardedness. Whenever one woman would meet the eyes of another, they'd both quickly look away.

Maki and Suzuka, who were standing by the door, couldn't help feeling uncomfortable. Although they had brought coffee and small confectioneries from the servants' wing, the drinks went cold and the sweets untouched by anyone.

Sana threw her cigarette in the ashtray, before immediately lighting another one. 'What was that saying again? The wolf in sheep's clothing, that's it. Yes...but now, which one of us is the little devil?'

She let out a puff of smoke, sweeping her eyes around the room, scrutinizing everybody. Her gaze fell on Yukina, who appeared to be engrossed in one of the big tomes she brought with her. However, Sana could see that the purple-haired woman was looking above her reading glasses at everyone. A snide frown crossed the director's face.

"Funny, Yukina-senpai, that you stood listening at the doorway when the inspector and sergeant were talking with Etou and Juujou," she said.

Heads turned Yukina's way. The Renpu president was now looking down at the dusty pages of her book, pretending to have not heard anything.

"Yukina...? What were you doing?" Ema asked, warily.

The purple-haired woman asked, a bit too innocently, "Nothing. Is it a crime to simply be curious?"

Her answer caused Maki and Suzuka to internally groan.

"No, but it is a crime that the inspector and sergeant are trying to solve," Sana said, with a frown.

"Which is why we should all just mind our own business," Yuzuki added, with a roll of her eyes.

Yukina sniffed, "My business is eliminating any threat that'd dare to hurt Yukari-sama."

Sternly, Ema said, "Yukina! Not our problem, not our job!"

Yukina sneered, "This coming from the same woman whose job is to lead Minoseki Academy, and instead uses it as an excuse to grovel over other people's money."

Maki didn't mean to inhale sharply, but she did. Eyes twitching with rage, Ema slammed her cards down on the table, before jumping out of her seat on full adrenaline. She would've marched right up to Yukina if Iroha didn't have the good sense to hold her back. The heat was now beginning to rise. Suzuka was starting to think that maybe it was indeed better when nobody was talking.

With an equal look of anger, Iroha turned to Yukina saying, "Yukina-chan, everything is already under control. The least we can all do is remain here as we've been instructed."

"By sitting here playing an amateur game of Crazy Eights? You useless group of idiots!" Yukina snapped. "I, on the other hand, already have my suspicions!"

With narrowed eyes, Akane demanded acidly, "What do you mean, Yukina-san?"

Hardly any of the others in the room were formed for ill-humour. Every negative feeling against the Renpu president was now sharpened by anger that she'd dare be suspicious and try to accuse any of them. Yukina was not a sensible woman, her only care being of her own self-importance. The subjection in which her unhealthy need for approval from Yukari made her have a good opinion of herself, when the latter was still alive. Now with her leader of such high-rank dead as a doornail, Yukina sought to support her self-proclaimed title of Yukari's protector by taking the reins herself.

Pointing a perfectly manicured finger at Suzuka, Yukina began, "Well, for starters—"

The ponytailed girl she was gesturing at leaned closer to her fellow Elite Guard. "For starters? This is going to be a long day, Maki-san."

"Believe me, I'm already prepared," Maki muttered back.

Yukina, who hadn't heard their hushed grievances, continued, "I heard Inspector Etou say that girl saw Juujou Hiyori creeping around last night from the East Wing."

She snapped at Suzuka, "Well, did you?!"

Maki tried to calm the tumult. "President Takatsu, that's quite eno—"

"Yes, I did," Suzuka interrupted.

Her answer made the Renpu president fling her hands in the air with a wild expression. "You see?!"

"I still don't understand," Ema sighed, exasperatedly.

"Clearly you have a brain the size of a pea then," Yukina spat. "Don't you all get it? Juujou Hiyori was seen by Konohana Suzuka creeping from the East Wing, where Yukari-sama's room is. She said she was using the bathroom—and isn't that suspicious enough already? Considering how there's already a bathroom near Juujou Hiyori's bedroom anyway? Just down the hall! Why the hell would that wretched girl need to go all the way to the other side of the mansion?"

She added, with furious energy, "It is obvious Juujou Hiyori is still a terrorist and assassinated Yukari-sama. Hadn't she already attempted to during the national swordsmanship tournament?"

Another ridiculous thought struck her. "Supposing she even wants to take my rightful place as the next heiress just for power and money?!"

Akane, who was staring at Yukina incredulously, could've made several answers to this. First of all, Yukina never was going to be the next Origami Head in the first place. Second, the reason Hiyori tried to kill Yukari on that fateful day was to seal away Tagitsuhime—for the good of everyone. And last of all, Akane knew very well if there was anything Hiyori was passionate about, power and money were not on the list. In fact, the Heijou Toji seemed to view them as a means of corruption.

'No, the only one who wants power and money is you, Yukina-san,' Akane thought.

Yukina said, "That Juujou Hiyori liar…she was definitely doing something else last night!"

By now, everyone's patience had finally worn thin and they all started yelling at each other. If any ordinary Toji or citizen of Japan for that matter happened to see Akane and the five presidents, they would've been astounded and maybe even aghast. That the bonds shared between the six women could be so unstable as to be easily severed! Suzuka stared in dismay, wondering if this was a friendship that could ever be repaired. However, Maki's thoughts were troubled about another thing.

'Juujou Hiyori…you couldn't possibly have…'

A/N: Will the friendship of Akane and the presidents of the Five Traditions survive?! Next chapter will be turned towards Kanami and her father, as they search the mansion for clues. There will be some in that chapter, so get your detective magnifying glasses ready! ;)