Episode 362: Cupid

Well.

As for what happened afterward—let's just briefly touch on the key points.

The impromptu dinner gathering evolved into a small celebration after Nanami joined in.

Perhaps Nanami used her ability, "Parade," to lift everyone's spirits.

In any case, we spent the afternoon in a state of peculiar euphoria, utterly entranced by the joy.

Through this adventure, Nanami-san, Mai-san, and Ran-chan—despite our differing positions—can surely be said to have formed a bond of friendship.

We each fought with our lives on the line, for one another.

That kind of connection must be incredibly precious.

▼

The celebration was in full swing, I suppose.

When Kugamichi Saseki suddenly appeared, I was a little startled.

I’d heard she was in that “unreal kingdom,” traveling alongside Renkō Hana, but—

“Hey. Long time no see… though it’s not exactly that, is it?”

Whenever I talk to her, I can’t help but think about how her breasts were grotesquely altered, and how she bolted away right after the battle with the “King”—but—

“Lately, every day’s been so intense. It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve had a moment like this.”

"Oh, really. You're doing well, aren't you?"

"Not that much."

Now that most of my memories have returned, one question keeps coming to mind.

Her goal was supposed to be—reviving Sada Koun, right?

And Sasaedé and Koun were old friends, after all.

So why is she now with Renkai Hakka?

I playfully joined in the festive mood, teasing her just a little.

"By the way, Miss Sasae, aren't you spying on Hachibai right now?"

She immediately reacted with a clear, startled expression.

As someone who's never good at these kinds of mind games, I managed to expose her true colors with ease.

"So that's it, huh?"

Maybe, just maybe, she's fallen out of favor with Inu Oi because of information she shared.

I recalled the clique-like conflicts within the classroom, feeling a bit weary.

Even though we all have the same ultimate goal, it's just how the world works that we can't always get along.

By the way, I don't intend to handcuff Hanakou and shove her anywhere.

Oh, really? That's a relief.

Speaking, Kumakura-san quickly regained his composure.

"But either way, I was planning to get out of here as soon as possible. Still, I thought saying goodbye to you was the polite thing to do."

"Huh."

"Over there, it seems Hikone has been looking after me quite a bit—thank you very much. Another debt added to my list."

If she's talking like that—then—

"Wait, is it true that you're still in touch with Inuogu-kun...?"

"Well, yeah. That's why I've more or less got the whole picture."

So that's how it is.

"But is it really okay? You're trying to revive Hikone, who's already dead, aren't you?"

"Yeah, well... that was never possible to begin with. We're already well past twenty, after all."

Ah, right. That's true.

You can only revive someone who's still in their teens, wasn't it?

After that, the path he took following the battle with the 'King,' as Kurokage-san explained...

First, she apparently headed toward the "Unreal Kingdom" relatively soon after contacting 光音-san, while staying in touch with her.

Her goals were threefold.

First, to locate the "Undead Mage."

Second, to verify the rumors about "Reviving the Dead," and if possible, bring 光音-san back to life.

Third, to gather information about the dangerous individual, Renkai Hyakka.

"Realizing right away that 'Reviving the Dead' was useless wasn't much of a surprise—Keika didn't exactly keep it a secret, after all."

Hmm.

So, she quickly changed her strategy and started trying to win over Hakka-san, didn't she?

"That's right... But I'm starting to think she's getting crazier by the day. Are you sure she's okay? I'm actually starting to worry about her, even though she's the enemy."

"I'll just give her a good scolding—maybe a good smack on the backside—when the time comes."

"Please, do take care of this."

Kurakudou-san offers his usual weary smile.

"Also, about the 'Undead Mage'..."

"Yeah, that one..."

"Have you managed to track them down?"

"No. Not at all."

"...Really?"

"Of course. If I could eliminate that guy, I'd even borrow a cat's paw."

Well, after all—calling the 'Undead Mage' the enemy of every single 'Player' in this world wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Someone capable of seeing things from such a broad perspective wouldn't lie.

"By the way, access to the 'Land of Mirrors'—"

"Though it's not perfect due to the monster incident, as far as I know, no one other than you has entered or exited. Probably, the 'Land of Mirrors' has other entrances."

"Is that so..."

Well, that's disappointing.

"Anyway, I plan to vanish once again."

Are you going back to the 'Hero' person's side?

Well... I'm not sure about that...

Again with that kind of talk? You don't have anywhere else to go, after all.

For now, the one thing I've figured out from talking with her is this:

The 'Hero' team seems to be following a path that just doesn't mesh with ours.

...Ugh. We're probably aiming for the same goal, aren't we?

"Well, at least I know you're not the bad guy. Let's each find our own way to make the world better."

Huh.

"Don't give me that look. It's actually better when there are competitors—makes the whole industry run smoother."

Feeling nicely manipulated by an adult woman.

I know this trick. That's exactly how they trick you into signing up for confusing contracts when switching smartphones.

Still, it seems unlikely I could coax any more information from her using my charm.

Reluctantly, I change the subject.

"By the way... Chūdō En, he said something like this."

"Huh?"

"Um... 'No matter how dirty things get, I just want to marry you in the end' or something like that."

That's what he said, if I recall correctly.

"Wait... He said that? About me?"

"Yeah."

Then Kurokudo immediately flushed red, her face turning bright red.

"...That person's an idiot too. Waiting for someone like me... there's nothing good that can come from that."

"It's love. Love."

That's love. This is love too.

Then she gave a small, wry smile and gently poked my forehead with her index finger.

And then,

"...Thanks for the message."

She said nothing more, turned her face away, and quickly walked off.

I watched her retreating back and let out a deep sigh.

Cupid's job, I've definitely fulfilled it... you, Yuzu-san.