The magical girl likes coffee.
Right after the match, I was immediately cornered by Dendrobium and grilled with questions, which caused me to get home late…
I didn’t expect her to cry again… Although I was forced to promise a later simulation battle, I doubt we’ll ever meet again.
It may end up being just an empty promise, but adults are sometimes messy. I’m not asking for forgiveness, but if there’s a chance, I’ll apologize.
Well, even though I say I’m going home, I still can’t go yet.
I was told to come to Kaede’s office after everything wraps up.
I don’t know what it’s about, but my gut tells me it’s nothing good.
I’m trying to avoid people as much as possible while heading there, but since today and tomorrow will have many civilians around, it’s impossible to completely avoid attention.
So, I’ve been approached several times by strangers since a while ago, but I’m ignoring them.
Some have even suddenly blocked my path, but when I stare at their faces, they back off.
It would be troublesome if someone grabs my shoulder, but since anyone causing trouble gets immediately detained without question, there aren’t any foolish attempts.
If there were, they’d likely end up getting hurt due to self-defense.
After all this hassle, once I entered the facility for top-ranked individuals, no one bothers me anymore.
(What a nuisance.)
“Haruna never runs out of topics, so there must be many people who want to talk to you.”
(I can’t understand that…)
Alright, I’ve arrived at the office, so as usual, I’ll knock and wait for a response.
“Come in.”
“Sorry for the intrusion.”
Unlike Jeanne’s place, Kaede’s office is quite tidy.
That messy room isn’t something one could create on purpose.
“After a little longer, I’ll be free, so please take a seat. Drinks are over there, so feel free to help yourself.”
“Understood.”
Though hot coffee sounds good given the recent cold weather, I might opt for some hot cocoa instead.
While making my own, I’ll prepare Kaede’s as well.
(Coffee is nice, but cocoa once in a while is also good.)
“I personally prefer orange or grape juice, but…”
(I know that because you keep making me buy them.)
Drinking itself is fine, but opening multiple kinds often leads to expiration dates approaching before I finish them all.
Since I don’t drink much, and Demon’s small body doesn’t allow for much consumption either, Mika ended up drinking them several times.
Buying large quantities might be my fault, but smaller packs increase trash…
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It’s fine. What’s the matter?”
While talking about Demons and drinks, it seems Kaede has wrapped up her work.
“Expectedly, or rather predictably, complaints have come from various parties…”
Summarizing Kaede’s somewhat vague explanation, it seems the Important Persons who watched my battle with Dendrobium thought it was inappropriate and consulted Kaede.
Initially, they had underestimated the situation, thinking such handicaps wouldn’t make for a proper fight, but now opinions have shifted.
Well, as long as I’m not banned from using magic, I won’t lose.
Perhaps I should’ve fought more like a rookie, but I got carried away.
Afterward, even Demon scolded me a bit about my fighting style.
Since I’ve already appeared in the New Demon War, withdrawing now would surely cause chaos.
Still, honestly speaking, there’s no point adding further handicaps.
“Understood, what do you plan to do?”
“That’s the thing… Given the commotion caused by the handicaps and the impossibility of withdrawal, when I proposed alternative solutions, everyone remained silent… ”
At this rate, unless I intentionally lose, I’ll win.
It was a mistake to enter me in the first place.
Kaede groans while swaying her body left and right.
Either doing something rash might provoke a riot among spectators, or doing nothing will result in a predictable match.
From my perspective, since I’m participating out of gratitude, I just want it to end quickly.
“How about restarting the tournament as a Battle Royale?”
“…Will that be approved?”
“If this continues, it’ll be obvious Inie will win, and no one is offering alternatives anyway. If Inie agrees, others shouldn’t object too much, whether it works or not.”
Since it’s officially hosted by the Magic Bureau, Kaede should be safe regardless of the outcome.
Kaede seems to have pent-up frustrations too.
“Will that suggestion be accepted?”
“Given that continuing like this will lead to criticism, if Inie consents, others should follow. Likely, they’ll agree.”
Anyway, it’ll essentially turn into a 1 vs 9 battle royale.
They’ll definitely swarm me at the start, trying to take me down.
Besides, those who are eliminated gain a chance to win, and those remaining avoid having to face an unbeatable opponent one-on-one.
If I were in their position, I’d accept these terms.
Fighting rookies isn’t satisfying, but a 1 vs 9 scenario should be enjoyable.
“Haruna, stop setting flags!”
(Flags? I’ll break them!)
Not having a staff is unsettling, but losing here would mean hunting witches remains a pipe dream.
Occasionally, I need to aim to break flags and push myself.
“Fine with me. Of course, the handicap stays as it is.”
“As for that, we’re unsure, but I’ll consider your consent and inquire.”
Kaede takes out her terminal to call somewhere—likely an Important Person connected to the Magic Bureau.
Until she finishes, I’ll rest.
Sipping cocoa and munching on cookies.
Ah, right. I had to tell Demon something.
(Are there any teenagers among Demon’s acquaintances?)
“Hmm, appearances can be deceiving. They can change how they look if they want. Do you have any other information?”
Not really, since we barely talked.
Just exchanged greetings…
Oh, now that I think about it, they said something at the end…
(I think they mentioned ‘selection’ or something.)
“Tch! It’s Fool. And of all people, he showed up…”
Demon’s really pissed off… He must dislike him a lot.
(What kind of person is he?)
“He’s a selfish bastard. Probably the most useless among us.”
That’s pretty harsh… He seems extremely agitated.
“You shouldn’t trust anything about him. His name fits him perfectly.”
(Does that include tomorrow’s events too?)
“…No, stay alert. I somehow feel an attack coming.”
I see, not everything he says is nonsense then.
“Understood. Please inform everyone once it’s decided. Thank you.”
Kaede seems to have finished her call.
“How did it go?”
“They hesitated a bit, but it’ll likely become a Battle Royale. Regarding the handicap, it depends on the other participating magical girls besides Inie.”
Do proud magical girls willingly ask for handicaps?
Regardless, I need to consider the witches too.
Even if I’m uninvolved during the match, I’d like to join the fray during the closing ceremony.
Ideally, I’d decapitate them from behind, but that’s probably unrealistic.
“I see…”
“Likely, you’ll receive notice early tomorrow morning, so good luck.”
“Understood. Is there anything else?”
“Uh, no… That’s all… ”
She seemed like she wanted to say something, but I’m mentally exhausted and just want to go home quickly.
After tidying up the cup and slightly bowing, I leave Kaede’s office and head toward the exit.
“Oh? Isn’t that Inie? Are you leaving now?”
Just before reaching the exit, I ran into Jeanne… So close!
“Yes. I was called by Kaede and am now on my way back.”
“Ah, if you have time, why not have a drink? I got some rare coffee. You liked coffee, right?”
Considering caffeine is the only stress reliever now that I can’t drink alcohol, I’m tempted to try something rare, even if it means visiting her messy room…
“That’s great. Taragon probably finished cleaning up, so we can enjoy it in relative peace.”
Ah, she’s helping clean up again.
Taragon does cause issues, but she’s quite caring.
Following Jeanne, I entered her office where Taragon was organizing electronic files.
The room was relatively tidy, decent enough to show visitors.
“Oh? You’re finally back. And why is Inie with you?”
“I ran into her. Since I got some rare coffee, I invited her.”
“I see. Anyway, Inie, didn’t I tell you not to be too flashy? Wasn’t that overdoing it?”
Why is it? Even though she’s saying something entirely reasonable, hearing it from Taragon feels off.
“Sorry. I got carried away.”
“I understand your excitement, but because of that, higher-ups are in an uproar. Be more careful tomorrow.”
“Regarding that matter… ”
I explained what I discussed with Kaede earlier.
“Hmm… Ah, Jeanne, mine with extra milk. Well, since things turned out this way, there’s nothing to be done, but try not to make the battles too flashy.”
“Understood.”
“The lecture is over, right? Here’s the promised coffee. Apparently, it’s a recreated blend from a lost country. Indonesia, I think?”
(Where’s Indonesia?)
“It was a country between Australia and Vietnam. It’s been about 30 years since its fall.”
I see, before my time.
Since “The Day of Beginnings,” many countries and lands have disappeared. Remembering them all is tough.
Let’s try a sip first.
“…This is delicious.”
“Not only the aroma, but the deep bitterness is remarkable. This is a hit.”
“You two drink black coffee so easily… ”
For men, sure, but few women drink black coffee. Mika used to say she stopped drinking it altogether.
In that sense, Jeanne is part of the minority.
“I believe coffee truly shines when it’s black, but I don’t intend to criticize others’ preferences.”
Ah, caffeine coursing through my body… My spirit, battered by Demon, calms down.
…Oops, almost fell asleep.
Jeanne looks shady, yet she helps me out quite a bit.
Thinking about recovery magic, Jeanne might be involved in darker matters, but now’s not the time to bring it up.
“Thank you for the coffee. I’ll take my leave.”
“Nonsense. Don’t worry about it. Though I can’t offer you some due to its special procurement, feel free to visit again when you want more.”
“I’d invite you to dinner, but I have more work ahead… Make sure to slack off tomorrow.”
With that, today’s official business concludes.
Now, will they really attack tomorrow?
“By the way, Marin sent a few messages. Check them later.”
(…Understood.)
Looks like I won’t be able to sleep right away.
