第１１６６堀：彼女たちが集められた理由 (Part2)
"We even have some stuffed toys we made ourselves, so I'm looking forward to seeing how well they're selling."
*Clang-clang.*
The bell chimed as the door opened, just as it always did.
"Welcome... Oh, wait, I have some business to attend to!"
Leila had started her greeting for customers, but the moment she caught sight of our group, she attempted a tactical retreat. Well, that’s only natural, isn't it? It wasn't just Fio and me who were acting strangely.
However...
"Yuki. Do something."
"Don't run."
"Ugh."
It was already too late, and more importantly, the opponent was far too formidable to escape. As soon as Comet-sama and her companions stepped into the living room while still carrying us, everyone’s faces turned to absolute despair.
"Hey there, everyone. Good to see you're all doing well."
"Yo."
"H-hi there..."
Comet-sama and her group offered their greetings with straight faces, regardless of the situation.
"Come now, sit down. We aren't here to eat you, you know. Or would you prefer I force you to sit?"
Threatened like that, we had no choice but to take our seats quietly.
"...For starters. Can I assume that this emergency summons wasn't from Mikos, but was actually at Comet-sama's direction?"
"Correct, Difes. That said, we don't have much time, so just listen."
"Hmm. So it’s a serious matter, then. Everyone, let’s lend them our strength."
Once Difes said that, we couldn't very well refuse. We might as well help them through to the end. So, steeling ourselves, we sipped our tea and listened to what Comet-sama had to say...
"I see. So you're wondering if the mental control from the 'Other Sword' can be used to prevent suicide?"
Kishua responded, sounding genuinely intrigued. It was true; none of us had ever imagined that the mental control of that sword could be used to save lives.
"Honestly, it’s surprisingly serious. But Yuki has already dispelled the mental control of the sword itself, hasn't he?"
"Nina. I’m not talking about showing you the sword or using it."
"Hm? Then you just came to talk to us?"
"Not quite. Kaya. I have some new mental control tools right here."
As Comet-sama said this, she placed rings and accessories on the table.
"...I don't mean to be rude, but for something made by Comet-sama..."
"They’re actually well-designed."
As Leila and Claudia noted, while the accessories looked simple, they were adorned with proper decorations. That alone told us this wasn't something Comet-sama had prepared entirely on her own. After all, she wasn't the type to bother with such fine details unless absolutely necessary. She was the kind of person who would make a ring that looked like "just a plain band" and wouldn't even question why that might be a problem.
"Yeah. You're right, but... I feel like I'm being looked down upon as a woman."
"If you feel that way even a little, then at least fix your appearance. Your looks are the only thing you have going for you."
"Don't say 'only.' *Sigh.* Anyway, the point is, try wearing these. I adjusted them to prevent suicide."
Told that, we obediently put on the accessories. I put on a ring. After all, if it was meant to prevent suicide, I figured even if Comet-sama made it, it wouldn't cause us any harm.
"Right. Thanks. Now, for the experiment."
"Wait, experiment? Does that mean we have to try committing suicide?"
"No, I can't let you actually die. I’ve rewritten the conditions slightly. The rule is: you can only throw scissors in rock-paper-scissors."
"Ah, that’s surprisingly easy to understand. So, we just have to try to throw rock or paper, right?"
As Kishua said, it was a straightforward form of mental control.
"Glad you understand. Try it out and see if you really can only throw scissors."
"Alright, here we go. Rock, paper..."
"Scissors!"
As we thrust our hands out in unison...
"Oh. It really is scissors. I consciously tried to throw rock, but at the very last second, my thoughts were scrambled. I felt I *had* to throw scissors."
I agreed with Difes’s observation. I had been absolutely determined to throw paper, but for some reason, I changed it to scissors at the last moment. Everyone around us had also ended up frozen, all throwing scissors.
"Ten out of ten, success. Oh, it seems the mental control is quite solid. Can this be repurposed?"
"Hmm. I’d like a bit more experimental data... perhaps some real-world data, too?"
And so, we spent our time in the living room repeating experiments to help save people.
Wait a minute? Were we just test subjects after all?
Well, there are things only they can do! I suppose it’s a case of the right person for the right job.