Chapter 367: Rock-Paper-Scissors

I looked up at Rikka Shizukawa, projected on the screen before me, with a skeptical expression.

"Rock-paper-scissors? Really?"

Just the two of us?

That's something only someone with absolutely nothing better to do would ever actually do, isn't it?

"Of course, I'm not doing this for free. If you win, I'll do anything you ask."

Huh? Did you just say "anything"?

"Yes. Anything within my power to do."

"For example... bringing the dead back to life, free of charge, or something like that."

"Is that really enough? Then you could just ask for the Soul Replicator to be brought over."

I frowned slightly.

"Or, for example, would you be willing to become the queen of the 'Kingdom' in my place?"

"Yes. If that's what you wish."

I began to wonder if she'd suddenly gone drunk.

"Even so, that's just something we're joking about right now, isn't it?"

"Maybe," she said.

"Even if the promise were broken, we wouldn't have any way to prove it here."

"Then I do have a way. Everything discussed here is recorded. We can just retrieve the data from Kudryavka later."

"Even so..."

"If you want stronger assurance—well, you'll just have to trust me. I want to become someone different from the politicians of this country's past. I don't want to be known as a 'liar queen.'"

She certainly doesn't seem like someone who's lying.

Of course, she might still change her mind at the last minute.

"But is it really okay? Doing something like that. You don't gain anything from it."

"I do gain something. Didn't I say? I've been bored for so long. I've always wanted a playmate."

After hearing this, only one thought comes to mind.

There must be some rigged element in her version of "rock-paper-scissors" that I could never possibly win against.

"Of course, I'll accept it. But this 'rock-paper-scissors' won't be played the ordinary way, will it?"

"You've got a good instinct....Just as you suspected, this isn't quite the easy game you think it is."

"Yeah, that's right."

I force a polite smile, trying to be the kind of good "playmate" she'd enjoy.

But Rika-san didn't so much as twitch in response.

"The rules for playing 'rock-paper-scissors' with me are five.

1. You must directly face me and reveal your hand.

2. I will never change the hand I first show, and I won't move from this spot.

3. You're allowed to go second.

4. During the time it took you to get here, you must not use any 'achievement reward items.'

5. Otherwise, you can use magic or get help from your allies.

...Ah, and just so we're clear, all cheating moves in rock-paper-scissors are invalid.

"Invincible Scissors" or "Pistol," how about those?"

Items are not allowed. Magic is okay.

Sure, I understand.

"And also, it'd be more fun with a time limit. How about this— if you don't show up in front of me and make your rock-paper-scissors move within an hour, you lose."

An hour. That's plenty of time, even if I take a short nap.

Of course, assuming nothing interferes, of course.

"Then, I'm off! Rock-paper-scissors, shoot!"

And Rikka, keeping her elbows on the table, forms a "scissors" gesture.

She shouldn't be able to change her move since she can't play second, so this move should stay the same.

That means what I need to do is go visit her room at the "Aubenia Castle" right now and show a "rock."

"Understood. Then I'll be heading there right away."

"Uh-huh. Try to get there sooner rather than later. Staying with scissors up this whole time is tiring."

"Got it."

"Ah, before you go! You might want to hear this too."

Reika, keeping her hand on the screen, used her free hand to flip another switch.

Then, *ping pong pan pon♪*, the bell that she always rings when giving speeches to everyone rang, and a voice came out from her smartphone in her pocket.

"Hello! Vivian! Are you buzzing?

Thanks so much for your fun videos every single day!

I watch all your videos, lots and lots!"

So, here's the thing—I was thinking, since it's a good chance to show my appreciation, let's all play one game together today!

The game is called♪ "Catch the Nameless Girl!"

From now on, I want everyone to try and catch the—“Nameless JK”!

Within the next hour, whoever manages to catch the Nameless girl will receive... wait for it! Ten thousand VP plus the right to resurrect someone I know, completely free!

So that's a total of thirty thousand VP as a gift! Amazing!

By the way, the reward will be given to everyone who touched the "Nameless" girl, one hour from now! What a generous offer!

The "Nameless" girl is currently heading toward the castle, so hurry up, hurry up~!

Everyone, do your best~♪'

And then, the voice abruptly cuts off.

"Ah, I see. That's how it is."

"Surprised? Thought it was unfair?"

"No, this is well within expectations. It wouldn't be fun otherwise, would it?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself too!"

I let out a deep sigh,

"But isn't this less like rock-paper-scissors and more like tag?"

"It's rock-paper-scissors. There's just a trial waiting before you even get to challenge someone."

...When put so calmly and gently, I'm left at a loss for words.

"I want to know just how popular you are. I want to understand your true worth. If you're genuine, everyone should respect your will over my 'reward'—they should be able to reach me without interference."

"Regardless of who I am, I can't possibly compete with the dead."

"But if that's the case, couldn't you just break through the situation with force?"

And then, I vaguely understand her intention.

Maybe she's always wanted me to be... like this.

So that I wouldn't remain the "hero" for everyone.

Still, I didn't expect to fall right into her trap.

But if that's how it is...

I'll just push through until the end.

After all, I was never the type to be popular with everyone, was I?