That 248: Those who don't enjoy it shouldn't eat it

"Youtuber...?"

Of course, as a high school girl, I'm well aware of that profession.

"You mean people who post videos and live off the ad revenue, right?"

"Yeah."

Miss "Dancer" smiled warmly,

"Well, I don't actually use YouTube myself! But I figured that's the easiest way to explain it!"

I took the smartphone from her, following her prompt, and turned it on.

The antenna still wasn't showing, but...

"Ah, I can connect to Wi-Fi here."

"Yeah. That's how you deliver the ultimate 'fun' to everyone!"

Fun... is it?

Then she continued speaking as if reciting a memorized script.

"Uploaded videos can be viewed anytime by both the Gran delinea and Avienia citizens!"

Your salary is determined by the number of video views and "likes" per account!

With your salary, everyone can live a rich and fulfilling life!

That's how we——Vivian Girls live our lives!"

So, "Those who don't entertain, don't eat"—is that what it means?

"...So, basically, get rich by attracting people through boob broadcasts?"

"Sexual content—everyone's probably tired of it by now. If that's the case, you can't win over female viewers. The same goes for gore. Most people probably came here precisely because they want to avoid such extreme stuff and are seeking a safer space!"

Now that you mention it, that makes perfect sense.

By the way, Asahina-san had warned me about this in advance.

It's not involving any actual ethical violations or abuse.

"But it's still so indulgent... Can a community really be built around something like this?"

"Of course!"

The "dancer" girl winks dramatically,

"Actually, for you guys, it might be easier to understand it as an 'achievement reward item'!"

Hmm.

So, it's basically being artificially sustained by some mysterious power, right?

"By the way, I heard the queen here can bring the dead back to life."

"Yeah. It's possible. Isn't there someone who came back to life not too long ago?"

Hmm, so it's that easy to come back to life?

"Well, 'resurrection' isn't cheap, you know? Unless you become something truly ultra-super powerful like Vivian, that is."

As I listened to the conversation, I gradually began to see the path my actions would take after regaining my memories.

I let out a small sigh,

"There's one more thing I'm curious about... What are the conditions for going outside after entering?"

"Eh?!"

"Odoriko"-san, acting dramatically surprised,

"You're worrying about leaving before you've even entered!?"

"Well, just in case."

"If you don't like 'Avienia,' 'Granderiana' is fairly ordinary, so don't worry too much!"

"Still, just to be safe..."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"The outside is full of ghosts and monsters—really dangerous, you know?"

Gah... this guy's so annoying.

"But there's always the possibility of accidents—"

Cutting off his words sharply,

"How about confiscating the phone and temporarily deleting the account? 'The Unreal Kingdom' doesn't interfere with such freedoms. After all, that wouldn't be fun at all!"

"Huh... huh... okay..."

I feel like I'm being tossed around, but I'll just go with it for now.

I thought a kingdom ruled by a murderer would be something wildly insane, but it seems I might have overestimated it.

"Then, let's begin entry."

"Welcome, Vivian Girls!"

At once, the four-tiered barricades opened one by one.

When the final barrier—the steel door—finally opened, that's when "Avienia" at last came into view.

"Come on, follow me!"

As I passed through the first iron gate, pulled along by the "Dancer," a voice came from the nearby speakers.

It was a solemn, regal voice—very much the tone of a "queen," saying:

"Welcome, girls.

You've come this far, so you must already realize it.

That in this world, smiles are vanishing.

That people are losing their will to look forward to tomorrow."

The fact that misfortune is spreading throughout this nation.

Why is that?

Because there is no food. Because civilization has collapsed. Because loved ones have been lost.

But it's not just that.

It's because "joy" has been lost.

People do not live by bread alone.

The world needs circuses more than anything.

You understand now, don't you?

You are the beautiful fairy of the spring, "Vivian."

Now is the time to unleash your wisdom and healing power, becoming sustenance for people's tomorrow.

Come now, walk with pride.

After all, the fate of this world lies in your very hands!'

...

There's something slightly unsettling about feeling like we're following a script someone else wrote...

Well, whatever.

Thus, the four of us—including the "dancer"—step foot onto the vast grounds of this enormous theme park.

It was only when I heard the next broadcast that I truly realized the "Disneyland" I knew no longer existed anywhere in this world—that this place was indeed a peculiar realm known as the "Kingdom of the Unreal."