Chapter 386: The Ideal Kingdom

A room bathed in warm orange light, filled to the brim with luxurious furnishings.

A chamber straight out of a story, fit for a princess to dwell in.

Yet there is one decisively strange feature about this room—there are no windows. Not a single one.

There are things that look like windows at first glance. But they are all merely simulated reproductions.

It was understandable. After all, even though this was a VIP-exclusive room, it was still inside an attraction. It would have been disappointing for park visitors if someone suddenly appeared at the castle's window.

Still, it was precisely because of such peculiar design elements that this room felt "special"—a space reserved only for "special" people.

Shizukawa Reika liked exactly this aspect of the room.

A place that continually reminds her that she is not an ordinary person.

She is gazing at a single wall. Amid the cluttered impression of the room, this one area stands neatly cleared—serving as a projection screen. The owner of this room can enjoy a view unparalleled anywhere else in the world: the entire land spread out beneath them, seen from here.

Especially when fireworks are blazing, the sight is breathtaking. Gazing at the vibrant colors of the flame reactions glowing right beside you, it feels as though you've truly wandered into a world of dreams and fantasy.

Of course, Reisen isn't the kind of girl to be so dreamy. …In fact, she's not even a girl by age.

Thirty-two years old.

An age that could be considered a crossroads.

To live as a woman, or to live for the people.

She had always chosen the latter without hesitation.

From the moment she was born, without fail.

Not once had she wavered.

She was not sane.

▼

Sighing, Reiha looked up at the ceiling, studying her own hands.

Even after the video connection had ended, she stubbornly kept her hand shape exactly as it was—fist, palm, or open—unchanged. That was her own quiet pride.

"I see, I see... So, the 'Nameless' girl is currently heading here, perfectly healthy and in one piece, full of energy."

I had thought she'd be a useful asset—yet even calling her a "licensed player" by the government, she's not particularly skilled.

Given this, I might need to reconsider my stance on our relationship with the "Central Office."

"During the journey, I hear there were a few other 'players' who attacked us... but they didn't seem like much of a threat at all. In fact, it seems they're now gathering strength and heading this way."

"Hmm."

Rikka lets out a nonchalant hum, her expression still relaxed. She has more than a few tricks up her sleeve for moments like this.

The girl beside her, having finished her report, simply falls silent, standing there like a porcelain doll.

Now then. What could she possibly be thinking about?

Hey, Mai-chan

"...uh"

You wouldn't actually betray us, would you, Mayi-chan?

Ah

No way. I hate those vague, half-hearted replies. I’m actually kind of hurt by them, you know?

I won't betray you. Anyway, this is just a game, right?

Hehehehe. Well, that's true, I guess.

Thinking it, he wondered, 'Is this guy an idiot? That's impossible.'

Indeed, this is, in name at least, a game.

But this is a game where both sides are wagering their positions.

Yet she, a girl like her, fails to see that. That's precisely our advantage.

"But don't you think Miss Reika's becoming a little too fixated? Why go out of your way to organize such an event...? If things go this far, the 'Nameless' one might end up ruined."

"Oh? Really?"

"Isn't that true? If a bloody brawl breaks out in public, people might start questioning your sanity."

That... I'm also hurting inside. I never thought that girl would go that far.

It's strange that my own mouth, half or more, genuinely believes it.

"But I started this event purely as a game—I never intended for anyone to get killed. So, don't you think she's at fault for swinging a knife so casually?"

Sometimes, in battle, you have no choice but to settle things this way....You might not understand, Lady Reika."

Maiyo seemed slightly dissatisfied. Noting the unpleasant vibe, Reika quickly stood up and approached her.

I understand... I'll admit it. Maybe we made a mistake in our selection this time. But events like this are necessary from time to time.

I suppose so, huh.

"Ah, right. And once this matter is settled, I'm thinking of reviving a few others next."

"……………"

"Of course, I'll prioritize the people connected to those caught in the game! That's right—wasn't it Shichireiran? How about reviving her first?"

"That's... a good idea, though—"

"Then it's decided."

"Yes."

And so, Mami's attitude clearly softened.

She has a tendency to be a bit too lenient with those close to her—this was both her strength and her weakness.

"Besides, try looking at the positive side. Lately, haven't all our videos been getting a bit repetitive? Look at this—there's definitely some new energy starting to emerge."

Indeed, the latest videos on the feed were showing a noticeable uptick in activity.

Most of them revolved around debates over the controversial, somewhat violent actions taken by someone known only as "Anonymous."

"Real killings are happening right now. People near the Fantasy Area, be careful!"

"Graphic content warning! We're releasing the scene of Nanasaki's legs being severed."

"Looks like an innocent girl got caught in the crossfire (exclusive interview coming soon)."

"Rumor: Poison gas detected in the Cartoon Area!? The truth behind the claim."

"So, who exactly is this 'Anonymous High School Girl'?"

Since the game has only just begun, all that's currently being posted are utterly pointless videos. But things are going to get much more interesting from now on.

The closer the anonymous girl comes to us, the more she'll go against the crowd's intentions. And the crowd never forgives those who defy their desires. Especially if she ends up being the loser of this contest.

All we need to do now is slightly exaggerate the story.

Gossip, rumors, baseless claims, and fabricated tales.

She will be completely finished—forced to leave this place entirely.

It wasn't as if she had meticulously planned every detail, just that everything unfolded as expected.

Even when she heard from Mai that the "anonymous" person wanted to meet her, she didn't harbor any deep hostility.

It was only after seeing her face through the camera just a moment ago—just that, nothing more.

"Hey, Reika-sama."

"Hmm?"

"Why are you so fixated on that girl, anyway?"

"I'm not fixated."

"You are."

She giggles, brushing it off.

Why? It's obvious.

—That girl is undoubtedly going to threaten the nation.

Not some distant future, but now.

Though honestly, it's not based on logical reasoning.

It was just a gut feeling.

Yet that instinct was crystal clear.

She was someone entirely opposite to me... This must be a trial.

If it is a trial, I must overcome it.

――"A land of dreams and fantasies where everyone is filled with smiles."

――A kingdom of the unreal.

All of it, for the realization of an ideal.