Episode 89: Negotiation Obscura
But my identity’s already been exposed.
Hey, my identity’s already been exposed!
“Would you please calm down.”
Do you think I can calm down!?
It was clearly stated – Na Takikai!
I was enjoying my time as a Mysterious Beautiful Girl when right in front of me was undoubtedly Kanon of the Void.
And she was already in combat-ready form with her butterflies released.
Why does this terrifying name “Mastdai” exist for the butterflies?
Why are there so many of them flying around?
“Oh my, I didn’t expect you to figure out this place. All our security measures were meaningless, weren’t they? You truly live up to being a Star Reader.”
Hey, when?
When did you find out?
“I haven’t downloaded any information about you from the Academy, so I don’t know much about you. In other words, you’re an unknown entity to me.”
The butterflies spread throughout the area.
Though it wasn’t clear what they were exactly, I understood one thing for certain – it was bad news.
“…I have no interest in you.”
“Don’t be so cold. Hmm, is this approach better?”
At that moment, Kanon’s aura of beauty disappeared.
“…”
“Yeah, I can see you too. …Which means, you’re the same kind of existence that Zero-One mentioned at the Academy. Troublesome.”
Once again, Kanon’s aura of beauty reappeared within her.
What’s going on… No, seriously.
“Hey, after ‘Salvation’ and ‘Inquiry,’ what else do people see in you?”
“…Why don’t you try guessing with that brilliant mind of yours?”
Don’t talk about me like I’m not here!
Star Reader’s Staff, help me!
“I have no idea either.”
So we’re both clueless then?
“That’s right.”
This is the worst situation ever.
“Ugh, is this your true self? Not cute at all. …No, maybe confusing you like this is also fun. Your honest self during the day is nice, but it seems training this cheeky kitten could be enjoyable too.”
This person… her aura of beauty keeps appearing and disappearing.
There’s no way I can attack like this…
“Pitiful. Well, shall we prepare for a transfer? I’ll construct it gradually so as not to be detected by him. Please buy us some time.”
Thank you, Star Reader’s Staff.
I’ll try to extract as much information as possible while you work on that.
“Can you really get any useful info when Solciera’s making all-knowing moves?”
Sure I can!
“Futile human talk about advancing useless plans. Clearly, the Evil Eye isn’t suited for you.”
“Yeah. That’s why I’ve already used it. By the way, you’re awfully mean. Don’t you already know?”
“…Yes, of course. I’ve seen it thoroughly.”
This is hopeless… I understand nothing…
Is the Evil Eye something you use?
Not equipment, but rather a consumable item?
“Hmm, meaning she doesn’t possess the Evil Eye. Research materials state that the Evil Eye behaves like a living organism feeding on information. Also, those crushed letters. Is it something equivalent to the Evil Eye or perhaps the name of someone who used it? Anyway, we need to meet the Doctor to confirm what the Evil Eye truly is.”
You’re pretty impressive for thinking things through properly.
“This is your job. Being a Solciera, you should pull yourself together. Why do you only become smart when it comes to beautiful girls?”
When else would I become smart?
However, I do have some knowledge about the Doctor!
The Doctor is one of the executives at Silver Twilight and a colleague of the Professor.
Within the main story, he’s less of a prominent boss and more of the type who creates various weapons and such behind the scenes. As far as I know from the original story, he hasn’t been defeated yet. Moreover, his appearance hasn’t been revealed.
Well, it can’t possibly be him!
Because I have no information suggesting the Doctor is doing anything at Jilnias Academy!
He’s just a regular Doctor, hahaha.
“Again, you’re being overly optimistic…”
Anyway, meeting the Doctor is the best course of action!
As long as we have that plan, even an idiot can move forward!
Alright, let’s gather some intel!
“Hmph… I wish to speak with the Doctor, not you. I have no time for trivial conversations.”
“Haha, sorry, but I am the Doctor. Surely, you must know Silver Twilight well?”
Saying that, Kanon laughed.
Her deliberate mention of “Doctor” and the final word “Silver Twilight” indicated who she truly was.
Star Reader’s Staff, this person is the Doctor.
This is bad… right now.
“So, I’d like you to gather some information.”
I already tried that, but it was impossible.
Don’t push me beyond my limits.
“You’re quite the puppet now, aren’t you?”
Shut up already.
“…Ah, the one you’re talking about is Zero. It currently has no physical form. Though things might change if connected to the Academy.”
Kanon looked at my silence and concluded on her own.
Oh, there’s someone called Zero.
Too many unknowns are overwhelming.
“Then hurry up. I dislike waiting.”
I summoned a large scythe and pointed it at Kanon.
However, she merely kept smiling eerily at the scythe in front of her eyes.
Instead, Kanon took a step forward.
“Hey, is Miuye a friend to you?”
“…How should I answer to satisfy you?”
I gave a vague response.
I seem to be getting good at these evasive answers.
“Come on, just say ‘friend’ honestly. …Hey, hey, how about we team up?”
Kanon said this with the same light-hearted tone she used when inviting me for late-night snacks.
Without malice or hesitation.
It felt like a casual chat.
I said while watching the butterflies dancing around.
“For someone who’s supposedly my partner, you sure are giving a strange greeting.”
“I have no intention of bringing back ‘Divided Death.’ It’s insurance. I’ve already obtained the information that you killed the Professor. If that thing dies, I need to be cautious too.”
Kanon surrounded the area with more butterflies, contrary to what I said. Why…?
Hey, Star Reader’s Staff, is the transfer still not ready?
“Please wait. I’m doing it gradually so as not to be noticed. Just give me a little more time.”
If we can just transfer, everything will work out somehow.
I glanced at Kanon with a mocking smile.
“Cowardly person… Alright, go ahead and speak.”
In response to my words, Kanon nodded satisfactorily before speaking.
“Let’s deal with Nameless together. Kill that Irregular.”
Silent, I waited for Kanon to continue.
Understanding my attitude, Kanon added more.
“From your actions, it’s evident you’re related to Demons Gear. In fact, you showed no interest in the Evil Eye until Nameless appeared, right?”
Kanon continued, “But Nameless is different. They clearly interfered with the Evil Eye. Despite numerous studies conducted at the Academy, Nameless showed peculiar interest only in the Evil Eye. Plus, they apparently use the same magic formula as you. An equally skilled individual with unclear intentions… I dislike such creepy entities.”
She seemed to have far greater interest in Nameless than I did.
I see, so from the start, she considered me as a force to eliminate Nameless.
“It might not be a bad deal for you too.”
With the same bright smile as always, Kanon spoke.
Despite wanting to believe her expression, this was a proposal to kill.
“I decline.”
“…You’re quite unreadable yourself.”
I cannot commit such violence against a beautiful girl.
Nameless overlaps significantly with the archetype of a Mysterious Beautiful Girl, clearly surpassing others in mystery, but she’s still a beautiful girl.
There must be a beautiful reason behind her actions.
Therefore, I cannot kill her.
Besides, I shouldn’t turn Kanon into a murderer. Keep those hands clean to pet Miuye.
“Murder… How barbaric, typical of Silver Twilight members.”
“Haha… Did I upset you? But are you really okay with this? You don’t know Nameless’ true identity either, right? With me, there’s a higher chance of finding out.”
That might be true, but impossible is impossible.
Moreover, if she truly is a Mysterious Beautiful Girl, we’ll meet again.
Then, I just need to outperform her next time.
“Hehe, please don’t group me with you.”
Smiling while strongly implying I know Nameless’ true identity.
Kanon seemed perfectly deceived by the atmosphere.
A Mysterious Beautiful Girl must know everything about all characters!
“Huh… You’re interesting indeed.”
The sharp atmosphere dissipated completely.
Kanon stretched widely and smiled.
“Yeah. So, no partnership. And… Can you kindly observe my experiment quietly? It’s almost done.”
I don’t know about the experiment.
Where are you conducting it? Here?
Also, what exactly is the Evil Eye anyway?
Might as well respond casually.
In situations like this, giving vague answers that leave interpretation to the other party works best.
“Wouldn’t it be wise to use your brilliant mind to guess how I’ll respond?”
To my words, Kanon smiled faintly.
“…You’re so stubborn. Alright, let’s play a bit.”
“Hehe, an invitation to dance?”
Oh no, Star Reader’s Staff.
It seems we’re heading towards battle.
“Weren’t you provoking her earlier in the middle of this ridiculous disadvantage?”
Of course not! I was merely adhering to the standards of a Mysterious Beautiful Girl.
“Perhaps that was the cause?”
“Alright, here we go!”
“Do your best to entertain me.”
I deliberately posed with my scythe and smiled coolly.
Then, I charged forward.
(End)
