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Chapter 4 - Wild Card/The Fool
Part 1
The surrounding s. p. a. ce exploded.
And Amira, who was spectating the game from the real world, got the brunt of the impact.
"... Eh?"
- Plum and Amira were frozen in shock as they saw that everyone had broken out of the dream world and woken up.
The reason why they were surprised wasn't simply because Jibril had easily shattered a spell that had been constructed by tens upon tens of Dhampirs that had recently consumed blood with the force of her will alone.
It was because of what Sora said as he stood up.
"- Alright, checkmate, we win."
"... Eh, about that, Amira doesn't really get the situation~ ☆"
Amira spoke with a stiffsmile.
However, Sora and s. h. i. +ro told her nonchalantly:
"... The rules didn't say we can't... 「Save and Quit」..."
"In other words you never said that we couldn't leave the game until every one of us was rejected, so there shouldn't be a problem with us 「Quitting」 the game for now... you have to uphold the 「Pledges」 as far as you can, you know!"
Sora replied impatiently, and spoke to everyone else who had just woken up:
"Alright, Jibril, we're done here so restore the air."
"- I obey."
Jibril nonchalantly began drawing out the outline of a spell with her fingertips.
- Suddenly, a gust ofstrong wind attacked the Empress' room.
In an instant, the water parted and inside the room - air began expanding.
"... Eh... ?"
Plum and Amira were completely stunned, while Jibrilsmiled thinly.
"Pardon me... I just restored the air that I compressed into a bubble earlier to its originalstate."
In the room, the air continued to expand, pus. h. i. +ng and splas. h. i. +ng apart the waters.
"- Cough -!... Phew... ugh... hah."
- She hadn't said anything since earlier, when they were in the dream.
Miko who had been pretending to be calm since earlier, suddenly revealed an expression as though she was in pain.
Breathing fresh air that she hadn't got the chance to breathe in a long time, her shoulders heaved up and down almost as ifshe was laughing.
In an instant, steam began rising from her completely blood-red body.
- She revealed the truth straightforwardly.
"To bear water pressure twenty times higher than normal with a body of flesh and blood for such a long period of time... it feels pretty uncomfortable even after using 「Blood Devastation」."
Miko appeared to be at the verge of collapsing, experiencing a liberating reaction from the overbearing pain instead.
However, she strengthened her will, sat cross-legged and cupped her face in her hands while smiling.
"- Eh?"
Plum, Amira and Steph appeared completely clueless as to what was going on.
Sora didn't appear to pay any attention to them, and instead he continued emotionlessly as if he was wearing a mask:
"- But 「Due to the water pressure, blood won't flow out of the body」 - so even ifshe used 「Blood Devastation」 it would be undetectable, which was why we weren't noticed and we were able to listen to your heartbeats to our heart's content - thank you very much, Miko-san, please give us your verdict."
- Miko's expression was...
"... You really like ordering people around huh... ah, forget it."
Miko thought from the deepest recesses of her heart 「Luckily these people are on our side」, and replied with a thin smile.
"That Seiren over there - she doesn't want to awaken the Empress at all."
- Hearing her words, Amira appeared visibly shaken.
And then... hearing her next sentence, she positively froze in place.
"Next up we have Sora's deduction - all that about complying with the
Empress' 「Bet」 was a lie as well - ah~ and..."
Upon seeing Plum and Amira's reactions, she appeared genuinely happy, and smiled bitterly.
Miko looked towards Sora gently and continued:
"All that stuff about you being just her type, being a handsome guy and all that, those were all lies as well."
"I realized that long ago -... dammit."
Miko laughed cheerfully upon seeing his reactions.
And then - as though she was looking down upon Plum and Amira.
"... Did you really think being in the sea would be able to seal off my senses?"
She spoke painfully, but with the highest degree of mockery, and laughed with a twisted smile on her face.
"- The fact that I'm the 「FullRepresentative (Strongest) 」 of the Werebeasts isn't a fluke, you know."
Sora tried extremely hard so as to not show how hurt he was, and looked away instead.
"Yes, Master, same goes with me."
Jibrilreplied while kneeling reverently at Sora's feet and meeting his gaze.
"Plum's spell actually did work properly, as in that it did make the Empress fall in love with others."
- After which - it was Plum's turn to freeze.
"- There's no question that it worked properly, and the Empress was actually affected."
- Was there a possibility that it was a fake?
Sora confirmed it with her wordlessly, but Jibril laughed and replied:
"Please don't worry, that's the reason why you let Miko-sama experience it herself, didn't you?"
Sora replied her with a smile, and lastly - turned towards s. h. i. +ro.
They didn't need any form of verbal communication -
"... Mm... memorized... everything..."
- With this sentence alone, s. h. i. +ro fulfilled all of her brother's requests.
Seemingly satisfied with everyone's answers, Sora nodded.
He still had a cheerfulsmile on his face.
Above that smile however - was a sinister shadow created by his fringe and an unbelievably sharp gaze.
With a gaze that could make anyone feel as if they were being glared at by a wild beast, he spoke:
"- Hey you, Dhampirs and Seirens (you b. a. s. t. a. r. ds), did you really think that you could use us as 「Food」?"
Hearing those words, Plum and Amira's gazes s. h. i. +fted slightly.
If they really thought that sort ofsuspicious action wouldn't be noticed by
Sora that he was 「Exactly correct」- that would be too -
"Eh? Huh? Um, well, what's going on?"
"... ?"
Steph and Izuna still didn't appear to understand what was going on.
They looked at each other in disbelief.
But Sora didn't appear to want to explain any further, and instead clapped his hands and turned to leave.
"Alright, we're going back, Jibril, take us to the beach."
"I obey."
Jibrilspread her wings and her halo began spinning, while everyone hurriedly got in contact with her.
"Eh? Um! P-please wait!"
Plum hurriedly ran over as well -
"You're pretty observant, Dhampir - can you stop acting the errand girl
(victim) now?"
What welcomed her was - Sora's thin smile, which caused a chill to run down her back.
- Amira spoke.
"Eh~? Ino-sama~ Is 「Still here」~! Is it really alright to leave this early~ ♥"
Beside Amira, Ino was lying motionless, and everyone looked over at him.
Izuna began looking uneasily at Ino and Sora -
But Sora replied casually:
"Yeah, it's fine."
"Because... the consequences if you do anything to Ino - you know them very well, don't you?"
Amira's eyes grew wide in shock, and Sora laughed mockingly.
"Acting like an idiot in front of me - you've got to have a limit somewhere when you underestimate others, outsider."
Sora turned around.
"- We'll be back, Seirens, and don't forget that the price for looking down on
「Us」 - is great indeed!"
After which Jibril teleported them out, only leaving behind Amira and Ino.
Part 2
They were back at the seaside.
The sun had set long ago, leaving behind a reddish moon and countless stars
- and a beach lit up by bonfires.
Amongst the cras. h. i. +ng of the waves and the explosions of the fireworks on the bonfires, Sora spoke cheerfully:
"Oh, s. h. i. +ro, it's almost done roasting right?"
"... Tropicalfish... can we eat it... ?"
"It's a salt. w. a. ter fish called 「Lelite」, I heard it tastes pretty good."
[28]
- Everyone was teleported from Oceande back to the seaside by Jibril.
Since they had teleported a large amount ofseawater with them, they were currently grilling the fish that were swept along as well.
"Hah -!... This stuff is usually what I eat as side-dishes with alcohol after work anyway... if only it was -"
Miko finished her drink in one gulp, ate her entire fish after which Sora continued her sentence.
"If only it was 「Fried tofu skin」 - am I right?"
"- How did you know that's my favorite food? Did I mention it?"
Ignoring the shocked Miko, Sora and s. h. i. +ro began laughing.
And a few paces behind that peacefulscenery -
"W-what is this... what's going on?"
Steph still appeared to not have understood what was going on, and was asking herself this question.
Beside her Izuna was looking down, speechless.
While further ahead - Plum was silent as well.
Sora glanced at Steph, and spoke while chewing on a piece of grilled fish:
"It's nothing - it's just that Plum wanted to trick us, that's all."
- As Steph was looking wide-eyed over at Plum, Sora continued as though in reply to her query:
"You're going to ask when did I realize that - right? Plum."
... No, he was speaking to Plum who was looking at the ground - and he continued mockingly.
Upon seeing Plum lift her head up in trepidation, he smiled bitterly and continued nonchalantly:
"It was 「From the beginning」 - your story was pretty suspicious from the start."
As though imitating Sora, s. h. i. +ro, Miko and Jibrilsneered as well.
- The Dhampirs and Seirens had a relations. h. i. +p of mutualism.
And their relations. h. i. +p was crumbling due to the Empress entering hibernation.
Plum did not rebut Jibril's words at the time - but...
Sora smiled bitterly again as though he had just heard a bad joke, and continued:
"「Since we've created a form of magic to awaken her, please help us」- hah, that's impossible."
"... Eh? W-why is that?"
Steph was the only one that hadn't caught on, while Sora pa. s. sed a stick of grilled fish down -
"Pretending to have a sure-win method in order to cheat us into playing a game where we have no chance of winning, causing us to lose everything, doesn't this sound like an extremely profitable method to you? Wouldn't you do the same?"
"-..."
Steph's face twitched instinctively upon hearing Sora who was uttering such cruel methods with a smile on his face.
"That's true, but there's stillsomething that 「Worries」 me."
Sora spoke while chewing a grilled fish:
"I couldn't seem to tell whether Plum was lying, and Izuna who was in the same room couldn't detect it either - ah, Izuna, aren't you going to eat the fish?"
Sora held out a stick of fish while recalling the night when they first encountered Plum.
"... No thanks, des."
Izuna shook her head slightly.
Miko who was drinking wine opposite them - closed her eyes and shook her head as well.
"So just in case she really was lying I even took her to Miko - but she still wasn't lying."
IfJibril was on alert, magic that could conceal a person's lies would be revealed instantly.
So in front of the strongest Werebeast 「Miko」, any lies would be completely exposed, or at least that was what Sora had thought.
Sora began grilling another piece of fish over the fire.
"But what Plum casted back there really was - 「A magic that could make people fall in love」."
Under the glow of the fire, Sora appeared to be genuinely enjoying himself.
However, he then took on a sinister smile and continued:
"So she really had a spell that could guarantee victory - but why ask for our help then?"
"Essentially, w-what that means is, she really wasn't lying?"
So that would mean that she really needed Sora and the others' help -?
Hearing Steph's question, Sora began twirling a fish stick and replied:
"Yes, she wasn't lying - and that's 「The source of the problem」."
- Sora looked down at s. h. i. +ro who was at his knee-height, and she replied:
"... UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) 6/20 22:42... 「Nii」..."
As though she was a recorder, she recited his words out perfectly -
"... 「If we win the game, what will we get in return?」..."
s. h. i. +ro adhered to the accurate time displayed on her phone from their
「Original World」- to organize her memories, even 「Completely memorizing」 his pitch as he spoke those words. She spoke Sora's previous words completely accurately, just like a 「Replay」, causing everyone there to widen their eyes in shock.
"- And in reply to this, what did Plum say?"
"... UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) 6/20 22:43... 「Plum」..."
She emotionlessly, calmly -
"... 「Um... we willreward you with thirty percent of Oceande's underwater resources, and permanent good relations between our nations... a-and...
um... I-I will do whatever you wish. 」..."
This time she 「Replayed」 Plum's words and Sora smiled bitterly upon hearing it.
"Exactly - right 「Here」, she wasn't lying - but 「There was also no truth」."
Sora pointed the stick he was playing with previously at Steph.
"Steph, didn't you have something to say about us having to bet 「Everything」 in their game?"
"Y-yeah... because they're requesting for our help, aren't they?"
"Yes, you're correct."
"- Eh, huh?"
Sora chewed on his fish while nonchalantly uttering shocking revelations, and continued:
"I shot your protests down only because I needed to gather the necessary information. In apology, I'll explain why you're feeling such incongruity."
At that moment Steph's incongruity could only be described as she felt
「Something wasn't right」, and that was -
"This 「Game」- is like a 「Horse race」."
"H-horse race? The kind where you bet money for horses to win?"
Sora nodded in relief at the fact that this world had horseracing as well.
"Horse racing is to let horses race, a 「Game (Gamble) 」 to predict which one will win... but in its most basic form it's just the act of letting horses race against each other - which is also a 「Contest between the riders」 isn't it?"
To be precise, what he meant was -
"Horse racing is - 「A gambling sport created from a rider's sport」- a doublelayered game."
"The riders (us) race against each other (romance game) to win the Empress' love."
And -
"On the other hand, the resources and relations given as rewards by Amira and Plum is a 「Prize」 merely directed at the aim of「Awakening the
Empress」- racing and horse racing (gambling) are clearly two different games, but we were forced into the game as both horses and gamblers - of course we would feelsomething wasn't right."
... Steph inhaled sharply, realizing what was going on.
According to Sora's example, they were the riders in a horse race.
But they were forced to bet all they had on themselves - 「Also」 being forced to take part in a second game.
And Sora appeared to read Steph's thoughts...
- He shook his head and said "That's not the problem."
"So if this is a horse race, where did the riders' (our) - 「Prize」 for the compet. i. tion go?"
Sora looked evilly at Plum.
"... Huh, it's the love of the Empress of course... allowing her to wake up?"
"- If you make the Empress fall in love with the person, the Empress would love the person forever? And she would wake up for her prince? - This doesn't make sense at all, and only the Empress benefits right? Where's the
「Equal」 reward for the winner?"
Finally, Steph found the 「Source」 of her incongruity.
Resources, good relations, and Plum's free will - none of them sounded like what the Empress would've bet.
So, the game that allowed the Empress to hibernate after 「Swearing by the
Pledges」.
The 「Bet」 of equal value to both parties - to be given to the victorious rider
-
- Regarding that reward -
- She hadn't mentioned it all!?
Miko laughed bitterly and began playing with her fish stick as well.
"This series of games has two sides to it, but when Sora mentioned 「The rewards for winning」, the Dhampir over there intentionally avoided the twofacedness of it, so she didn't lie."
She smiled and continued.
"But even though she didn't lie - it doesn't mean she was telling the truth."
Miko immediately sensed something in Plum's heartbeat that told her 「I was found out」, and she smiled again thinly.
Sora spoke in an exaggerated fas. h. i. +on as though deep in thought -
"Alright, here's where the 「Problem」 comes in - why couldn't she mention the two-facedness of the game?"
Sora looked at Plum while twirling the stick in his hands and continued:
"Before we reached the sea floor - the place where you thought you could seal Miko-san and Izuna's senses, you ignored the topic, why couldn't you just say something like 「Amira said there won't be any risk」?"
At this time Jibril who was busily preparing the fish and piercing them on sticks behind Sora pa. s. sed him a fish stick that was coated in salt, and continued for him:
"- Because as long as she were to say that it would be 「Lying」... right?"
She smiled thinly, having answered the question.
Sora nodded, so what that meant was - Sora glanced at s. h. i. +ro meaningfully.
"... UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) 6/20 04:28... 「Plum」... 「Please save our species!」..."
Nibbling on her fish lightly, s. h. i. +ro skilfully - 「Replayed」 Plum's initial words.
"If the words 「Our species」 wasn't a lie - that would mean she really wanted us to save the Dhampirs."
Which would mean -
"Which means - only - save the Dhampirs - so what should we do?"
Sora ignored Steph whose eyes were wide as marbles.
He flicked the stick he was playing with earlier - towards Plum who was sitting on the beach, and it stuck in the sand beside her.
"Alright, so we have all the materials we need for the verdict, don't we?"
Sora began throwing stick after stick in her direction in the same fas. h. i. +on.
"There are three questions. And, only one conclusion."
Looking over at the beach sand that had three sticks lodged in it, Sora spoke to Plum.
"- Are you prepared for this? Plum."
As though in reply to Sora's words.
- Under the light of the bonfire, the red moon and the stars.
Four pairs of equally mysterious eyes each began exhibiting a unique glow.
The first to react was Miko.
"- Why would you avoid talking about anything related to the two-facedness of the games?"
Miko threw out a stick at a speed that broke the sound barrier, hitting the first stick Sora threw, causing it to split into halves.
"Because you can't lie."
After Sora replied, Jibril was the next to act.
"Why would you request for our help even if you clearly have love magic?"
Jibrilshot out a stick that broke the sound barrier as well, hitting Sora's second stick - crus. h. i. +ng it into pieces.
"Because Plum can't lie."
Sora replied, and the last to react was s. h. i. +ro who was sitting on his lap.
"... Getting to the bottom of it... why - can't you... tell a lie?"
The stick s. h. i. +ro threw drew an arc in the air and hit the center of Sora's third stick... connecting the two.
"Because ifshe lies - she would be exposed."
- Exactly.
"If this is a 「Horse race」, then one mustn't forget - each of us is betting on different horses."
The Seirens bet on - the Empress.
The Dhampirs bet on - Sora and the others.
Two games, two aims.
Combining all the conclusions they had made.
Yes, there was - 「Only one」 conclusion.
"The Seirens plan to use 「The Empress' hibernation game」 to 「Feed on the
Imanity」."
"What -!"
Steph was the only one shocked by this.
The Seirens had done what Sora had said initially.
Pretending that the game they were partic. i. p. ating in would be a sure win, to lure Sora and the others - the fullrepresentatives of Imanity into their game.
In order to get new 「Materials for reproduction」- in this case the Imanity, to avoid the crisis their species was in.
But -
"The Dhampirs took advantage of this plan to betray the Seirens - they plan to 「Free the Dhampirs」."
Yes - Plum did want the Empress to fall in love and awaken from her slumber.
While Amira - did not.
"Since Werebeasts were present she couldn't lie, but since she had another plan entirely she couldn't reveal the truth either."
Once again, Steph was the only one who remained speechless.
But - as though requesting everyone to stop, Sora raised up one hand.
- As though to say 「The fun has only just begun」.
"Alright, so let's allrecall, what was the 「Prize」 if the Empress were to win the game?"
Sora smiled at Plum genuinely, and he looked away.
After which - under the glow of the moonlight, four pairs ofsharp and unusual eyes began discussing.
"Would that bet let Amira - let the Seirens choose maintain their current situation over awakening their Empress?"
A pair of bewitching golden eyes, Miko smiled thinly.
"Would that 「Bet」 let Plum - let the Dhampirs achieve freedom if they were to win it?"
A pair of cold amber eyes, Jibrilsmiled mockingly.
"... Regarding the survival of the Seirens... something that could return the rights of the Dhampirs..."
A pair of emotionless ruby eyes, s. h. i. +ro smiled sympathetically.
Each one of them spoke in order, and a pair of obsidian eyes, Sora emotionlessly - revealed his conclusion.
"What the Empress bet was -「Everything she had」... am I right?"
- Plum bent her head down while Steph inhaled deeply.
Back when the current Empress first entered her hibernation, she wasn't the
Empress yet - which meant she wasn't a 「FullRepresentative」.
But now it was different.
Now regarding the 「Bet」, as long as they were to fulfill the victory conditions
- they would win all the Seirens had as well.
- Including the Race Piece as well, winning 「Everything」 just as the bet implied.
Sora smiled bitterly again, completely ignoring Steph.
He casually uttered words that made Steph question her own hearing.
"I've deduced everything up to this point before we even reached the beach."
"- What?"
"But... since I didn't have enough evidence, I decided to go to Oceande anyway."
Sora sounded like he was joking, but his voice carried a hint ofseriousness as well.
"We don't get to go to the beach very often, so we definitely have to enjoy it
- which is to say..."
As he said this, Sora flashed an unbelievably cruelsmile in the direction of
Plum.
In a single breath - he provided the solution to the rest of the riddle.
"We brought you to the beach in broad daylight to weaken you."
"We let Miko-san and Jibril pretend to fool around to test whether 「Blood
Devastation」 could be disabled underwater."
"We also made Jibril venture forth to the oceans in order to confirm the location of Oceande."
"The strain of using 「Blood Devastation」 the entire day was partly alleviated by s. h. i. +ro who was fondling Miko-san until nighttime."
"We didn't wait for the 「Reception Boat」 that could very likely be a trap, and instead we proceeded using Jibril's teleportation.
"We forced you, Plum, into a situation where you had to top up on fresh
Seiren blood to allow us to breath underwater and part ways with us; while
Jibril used that time to compress and save the air that we brought there; casting extra preventive methods on Miko-san as well to prevent your underwater breathing magic from taking effect; allowing us to meet Amira with her Werebeasts senses fully awakened.
"- That's it. Do you get it now?"
...
... -
- Steph and Plum were both shocked to the point ofspeechlessness.
While Sora was nonchalantly checking on whether his fish was grilled properly.
"It was impossible for you to 「Not lie at all」 before the game started, since you had to make us swear 「Everything we had」 on the pledges, and to expose your lies Miko-san had to be - in a condition where she couldn't be affected by your suspicious magic."
A magic that allowed them to speak and talk underwater -
And the caster was Plum who was confirmed to be an 「Enemy」 as well, so there was a high risk of her managing to cheat their sensory devices.
After uncovering all the solutions, Sora continued:
"The Seirens and Dhampirs may be different - but have you forgotten? They made us bet everything we have on ourselves, taking part in both a horse race and a gamble - so we have a sweepstake as well."
- Exactly.
"- A sweepstake of 「Cheating all of you and allowing us to take victory」."
"Ah, Plum, you're quite something, that's a strategy rather suitable for a weakling, no doubt a level of intelligence only achievable by the race that had all their power taken by the 「Ten Pledges」. Since even if Amira's evil plot were to succeed and Imanity were to be used as 「Food」, the Dhampirs could stillsurvive, as let's say the Empress was actually awakened -"
Sora clapped in genuine admiration, not carrying any malice.
"What made the Empress fall in love was your magic and not us, so you alone won"
- Even managing to deduce Plum's reason for joining in the game as well,
Sora continued.
"Just a disclaimer, I don't praise others, I just genuinely think that - this is a great strategy."
She had managed to create a situation where she would win no matter what happened.
Also she virtually didn't need to do anything except sit back while others do the work.
It was an ideal method of victory, but -
"You left out one thing!"
"- Eh?"
Plum lifted her head up.
"Didn't you realize? The problem here isn't because your plan was revealed, nor was it because you hid the fact about the true 「Reward」we receive when we win the game in order to free the Dhampirs; and neither is it because - your magic can't awaken the Empress."
Sora's mouth twitched at a corner.
And then he spoke as ironically as he could:
"It was because Amira a. s. sured us that we 「Absolutely couldn't」 awaken the
Empress."
"-... Ah!"
Plum inhaled sharply.
Because of that, everything made sense.
Why - Ino couldn't beat the game -
Plum's magic worked properly.
Jibril confirmed as well that the magic unquestionably achieved its effect on the Empress.
But despite this, the Empress did not awaken.
Which would mean -
"The condition to awaken the empress - 「Isn't making her fall in love」."
-... Only gnawing noises could be heard.
Those were the sounds of Plum clenching her jaw, while Sora continued:
"Amira knew that from the start, as no matter how much you beg her she would never give you 「An actual opportunity to awaken the Empress」, because it would be a huge blow to the Seirens - you understand that right?"
Sora even kept his smug smile.
"The Seirens that you've been looking down on since earlier - even took your betrayal into consideration."
"... -!"
Plum collapsed onto the beach in a sitting position, unable to believe that the
Seirens that she had always looked down upon on had tricked her.
However Sora continued to add fuel to the fire.
"A strategy befitting of a weakling, an excellent strategy. But - in the end it's all just futile."
- Exactly.
Even if the strong were to use the knowledge (weapon) of the weak, they wouldn't be able to exercise its full potential.
Because the weak had something they didn't stemming from self-pity -
Stemming from their weakness - cowardice.
Sora's expression changed once again as he stopped smiling, instead continuing solemnly:
"The natural enemy of the strong is the weak, but the natural enemy of the weak is not the strong - it is the ones that are even weaker."
The weak - the man that was the very personification of this term began approaching Plum dangerously.
He crouched down, meeting her exact line ofsight, and spoke softly and directly:
"An idiot that knows he's an idiot - is even harder to deal with than an idiot that thinks he isn't."
- Whoever that was referring to, Sora chose not to reveal.
"Alright - checkmate."
- Plum's face was pale.
Originally only Sora's bunch had accepted her terms.
But since they had saw through her deception and interrupted the game, Plum had no other choice..
In order for the Seirens to survive, they could only devour the Dhampir's
「Hidden last living male」.
Since they had confirmed that the Dhampirs had betrayed them, they would definitely do it.
- Ifso, the Dhampirs would be the first to 「Checkmate」.
And after the Dhampirs turn extinct, the next up would be the Seirens.
The Seirens - needed to find a partner that would allow them to carry out reproduction.
But what they needed in return for that was the partner's 「Life」, so of course no one would agree to it.
- Just like that, the Seirens would reach 「Checkmate」 as well.
In order to survive, they could only unconditionally surrender and become
-「Domestic slaves」.
"Plum, do you know what the ultimate way to win a game is?"
He had a devilish smile on his face - that could make anyone tremble in fear.
"- It's 「To win without fighting」. Even if we don't win the Empress' game, we still win."
After which it was something that dragged Plum into the depths of h. e. l. l - a smile.
"Trying to beat the Imanity with 「A weakling's strategy」, you all are too inexperienced - rookies (beginners)."
- One move.
He was a man that had the survival of two species in his control in just one move.
He laughed creepily, sinisterly and continued.
Part 3
"Alright, you should have got the gist of it, so..."
Sora appeared restless.
Looking closely, s. h. i. +ro who was sitting in his lap appeared awkward as well -
"Hmm? Master, is something the matter?"
"- W-where's the toilet?"
...
Sora asked with a pitiful expression that completely shattered the serious situation from earlier.
"The toilet you speak of... is the chamber where Imanity excrete -"
"What kind of toilets are there other than that!"
Sora yelled while pointing at everyone else.
"Speaking of which what kind of inhuman bladders were you all born with!
Being by the sea for an entire day, diving into the ocean itself, coming back to the beach at night, even eating fish, a normal person would be at his limit by now!"
"... N-Nii... S-s. h. i. +ro is..."
s. h. i. +ro signaled with tears in her eyes, while Miko laughed heartily:
"Beautiful ladies don't do that sort of thing, although I don't really understand how you feel, but shouldn't it be alright as long as you find somewhere nearby to take care of business?"
- Not counting Jibrilfor now, Miko-san is a 「Living Being」 right -
Sora stood up, sensing that it wasn't the time for such comments.
"W-we - no, I'm going to the toilet, s. h. i. +ro's going to pick flowers!"
Sora suddenly ran off while carrying s. h. i. +ro.
"... N-Nii - d-don't... shake..."
"Ah! This is the beach so there should at least be some 「Seaside Teahouse」!
Where is it!?"
Sora and s. h. i. +ro noisily ran off.
Leaving behind the perfectly silent beach.
-...
There were only the noises of the waves and fireworks exploding.
"Alright, now we just have to wait for them to surrender unconditionally. I'm tired, so I'll be heading back first."
Miko appeared extremely tired, and she stood up in preparation to leave.
"Ah, wait a minute! What should we do about Ino-san!"
Steph asked hurriedly, having finally come to terms with the situation.
- She understood that the Seirens wanted to take the Imanity as food.
She understood that Plum wanted to take advantage of their plan to free the
Dhampirs as well.
She also agreed with the fact that Sora had saw through everything and was on a whole new level above them.
But -
The Seirens still possessed a card known as 「Hatsuse Ino」.
Steph yelled loudly as this problem was yet to be solved.
And - Miko turned around.
She appeared even more enchanting under the moonlight - and she spoke with a monster-like sinister smile:
"We won't do anything. Just like that we get two races - isn't it a good deal?"
Miko indicated that there was 「None」 of that sort of option, allowing Steph to finally understand everything.
Which is to say - she could summarize the incident.
(Neither Sora and the others or Miko-san planned to save anyone from the start -!)
Sora and Miko and the others had discussed - a single move that could put the two races in 「Checkmate」.
Just for this purpose, only for this purpose, they had actually so easily.
- Treated Ino as a sacrifice -!
"... That sort of thing... I don't approve of it."
"Huh?"
Golden - exactly like a 「Monster」, even though Miko's beastly eyes were causing Steph's knees to wobble.
But, even ifso - Steph continued to survey her surroundings, squeezing out her voice with all her might.
In an Elkia without Sora and the others, the only Werebeast that had supported Steph was - Hatsuse Ino.
Although he had only been with them for two weeks, playing together and struggling to rebuild Elkia, he had spent a tremendous amount of effort on the establishment of the Elkian
[29] Federation, without him, they might not even know where to begin.
No matter to the Eastern Federation or to Elkia - to Steph, he was definitely not a cheap talent, and if a sacrifice were to occur for the sake of uniting multiple races - it would cause unbelievably negative repercussions.
Miko couldn't possibly fail to understand this unspoken rule -
"Hatsuse Ino is undoubtedly a man of great talent, a man who had supported me since the very beginning of the Eastern Federation, and a man who would undoubtedly reply 「I obey」 if he was given the order to die for it - this sort of man really cannot be considered worthless - but in the end he stillremains an impeccable man that has achieved great things."
Miko spoke regretfully while looking up at the moon.
For their own benefits, they could even sacrifice someone like that so easily -!
(Then I might be sacrificed at any time then - who could trust someone like that!!)
Within the emotionally charged Steph's field of vision.
Izuna appeared, sitting slightly further away from them.
- Of course, Izuna couldn't possibly come to terms with a situation like this.
With her own grandfather being sacrificed, even for the sake of Izuna, Miko still -
"I-Is Izuna -?"
- Fine with this? Before Steph could finish her sentence, Izuna began hugging her knees as though attempting to hold herself in, rendering her unable to continue.
Even though she couldn't see her properly in the dusk - she could still hear
Izuna's voice.
"... Grandpa was prepared long ago, des..."
Far away from the bonfire, under the faint glow of the moon and stars,
Izuna's expression couldn't be seen.
"... No matter it be Grandpa's heartbeat or smell, they are good sounds and good smells, des."
However, Izuna's voice.
It carried sounds of her crying as well - despite the pitch darkness, her emotions were sufficiently conveyed.
"I don't want Grandpa to die... but it'll be fine as long as Izuna bears it alone, so - s-so! More people... can be saved... de, des -"
Steph recalled a scene from the beach earlier.
After the ruckus at the seaside - when she was deciding whether to let Sora or Ino help with her fur.
Izuna who should have been sick of being fondled by Ino, instead - walked towards him without hesitation.
- She understood... it would be the last time.
Izuna had accepted this outcome from the start.
Werebeasts - they had supernaturalsenses, and they were done communicating by then.
Steph was the only one not in the know, but -
"- Still, don't you feelsad?"
"I'm not sad - I just... don't understand some things, des."
She clenched her teeth, appearing to exhale.
Izuna asked a question with a shaking voice.
"... Because Sora said - no one will die, no one willsuffer, des!... B-but then, why - is Izuna suffering, des? Is Izuna weird, des... !?"
- Her tears fell like rain.
Even in the darkness, it was obvious from Izuna's voice that she was crying large tears.
However Steph - felt the blood that was concentrated in her head dissipate slowly.
Hatsuse Izuna - this child was too young.
Too obedient, too pure, too smart - too clever.
To make a girl like that, a girl merely eight years old take part in games she does not wish to, even causing her to feeling guilt towards pleasurable things, making her shoulder the burden of the lives on an entire continent. This truth made Steph realize:
- The Eastern Federation's actions - didn't start from here.
- Sacrificing the minority for the greater good - was normalfor them.
"You created the Eastern Federation with such ways that make children cry like this, didn't you - you're despicable."
- The Werebeasts had previously split into many small tribes and continued their disputes.
A method like this that united them within the short time of half a century and made the Eastern Federation a great power -
Steph suddenly felt that she had a small glimpse of the big picture, and she - even scolded Miko in an underestimating fas. h. i. +on.
Miko met her gaze head on, and replied:
"Sacrificing some for the greater good - it's not even a necessary evil, but a
「Natural」 one. If you want to care about every single person - then every single person would express his/her opinion, how are you going to run a government like that... little wench."
... Steph had no way to rebut that.
To be honest, Elkia's n. o. bles acted the same way.
They had tried their best to not let anyone suffer any losses, but completely equality was impossible in the end.
Steph clenched her fists, which was when Jibril began attacking her.
Maybe because she was unable to understand Steph's opinion, her expression was that of genuine curiosity.
"Does Dora-chan have something to say? Just by sacrificing one person, we can save two dying species; and we might even move one step closer towards uniting with the Eastern Federation through strengthening Elkia's forces - what else is there to be desired?"
- Steph still was unable to rebut them.
"Could it be -"Jibril continued.
"You think that without sacrifice and unhappiness, we can conquer the world
- no, taking a step back, we can reclaim Elkia?"
"... !"
"Or maybe you simply -"
Jibril continued with an even more provocative smile:
"You simply don't want to hurt those close to you - how selfish of you ♥"
Steph clenched her teeth - she understood clearly.
Just by sacrificing one person, they could unite two races.
They could save two races that would go extinct if they did nothing.
If it was not good of her to feel bad for sacrificing Ino alone, then -
"- So what... !"
Steph spoke determinedly.
Looking at Izuna who was trembling in shock, she yelled - as though she was awakened.
"I don't care what you call me, be it selfish or self-interested, but despite this, there's only one thing I truly know! It's that using this method to unite all the races - is impossible!"
- She had no concrete evidence.
Miko and Jibril's words were very true, and what they spoke ofsadly was the unquestionably more realistic thing to do.
But, Steph was confident that it 「Wasn't the way」.
As for why - probably because - it was 「Common sense」.
The two of them made perfect sense, and it was a proper method of attacking head-on.
- But, getting down to it.
Attempting to unite all the races by attacking head-on - would probably be an impossible feat -
Part 4
Sora and s. h. i. +ro returned calmly after wiping their hands.
What they were met with was Miko who was returning home and a solemn atmosphere.
And - Steph's gaze pierced them like a needle.
"Ah... what's up with this atmosphere?"
"Essentially speaking you choose to run away right?"
"- What?"
"I get it, you want to sacrifice Ino-san alone to get two races - that's just a
「Threat」... I've overestimated you! How do you still have the guts to say you want to unite all the races after you've used this sort of method!!"
Faced with Steph's harsh words and expression, Sora scratched his head and looked at s. h. i. +ro in confusion instead.
"Eh, um, s. h. i. +ro, why am I being scolded?"
"... Because... you took too long... ?"
"Of course I didn't take long, I just went to take a p. i. s. s!! F-forget it, I don't really understand but my bladder's empty now."
- With a grunt, he cleared his throat, and Sora said "Let's get back to the original topic." -
"So let's start over - to awaken the Empress, let's get moving."
... - Huh?
Everyone was speechless, while Sora continued calmly:
"Without Plum's magic, as long as we actually awaken the Empress the
Dhampirs and Seirens won't go extinct; and we can use that as a condition for them to release Ino as well, which would resolve the entire situation - speaking of which we only 「Interrupted」 the game, 「Giving up」 is against my personal policy, so we're going to try again -"
Ignoring the stunned ma. s. ses, Sora stroked his chin and spoke:
"The problem is 「How do we awaken her」."
Sora looked sharply at Plum:
"I can just about guess - no one knows the condition... right?"
"... Y-yeah..."
"Huh? You said no one knows... how is that?"
Steph peeked at Izuna.
Izuna who was crying since earlier looked up attentively, seemingly transfixed by Sora's words.
She closely observed Plum's reactions - then she nodded her head, indicating she wasn't lying.
However Sora nodded, as though he had expected that.
"The Seirens can't use magic while the Dhampirs can - if anyone knew the plan would've failed a long while ago, and Amira only knows -「It's not a game to make the Empress fall in love」."
"... How can you be sure?" Steph asked.
"The Empress went into hibernation before she became the Empress... but in her standpoint she would become an Empress sooner or later... ifsomeone like that said she would give all her rights to you... what would you do?"
Plum sighed and spoke, originally thinking that she had found the real condition.
Sora and s. h. i. +ro nodded and continued:
"Ifsuch a dangerous truth were to be mentioned with someone like Amira in the vicinity, she would definitely conceal it - and what is the ultimate method of doing so?"
"... If no one knows the truth... then... no one willfind out..."
- Exactly, which is to say.
To beat the Empress' game...
One had to find the victory condition that no one knew except for the
Empress herself.
It was - a game called 「Victory Condition」.
It would be nearly impossible to beat, and could be described as extremely difficult.
But -
"As long as it isn't a 「Realistic Romance Game」- won't lose!"
"... Mm... !"
「 」
Kuuhaku
The two of them powerfully - uttered their maxim that was both reliable and embarra. s. sing.
But upon seeing the siblings' actions - Steph asked nervously:
"... A-about that... Sora, didn't you - wanted to sacrifice Ino-san?"
"Huh~? What are you talking about, you're such a Steph."
Hearing Sora's words, they carried an unmistakable 「Denial」.
She didn't care even though her own name was being used as an insult.
"I can't possibly let a living cultural artifact like Izuna get depressed, and Ino
- that real man among men, how could I leave him... Steph, it's not possible to not get tired, but you need to wake up before you start sleeptalking nonsense like this!"
... Sora spoke as though Ino's value to him had risen multiple folds like a profitable company in the stock market, and he didn't seem as though he was faking it.
"Also - I said I would come back, didn't I? Amira can't lay a hand on Ino since he's the only way they can get us to rejoin the game, and if they do they can only become 「Slaves」."
Steph spoke once more:
"B-but about Ino-san, Miko-san said 「We won't do anything」-"
"Of course, Miko-san let us use Ino as 「Proof」, while the rest is our job."
Hearing Sora's crisp and blunt response, Steph's eyes grew even wider.
Yes, Miko - didn't need to do anything.
Because after this - Sora and the others 「Wanted everything」.
"Miko-san continuously used an ability 「Blood Devastation」 that might cost her life, even offering an important subordinate of hers to us - now it's our turn to do our best - exactly what it sounds like, we need to put our lives on the line."
Sora announced cheerfully, while s. h. i. +ro nodded in agreement.
However - the process of undergoing a chilling revelation and their next words caused Steph to inhale sharply.
"That's called -「Working together」 right?"
A smallshadow pa. s. sed by Steph.
Izuna looked up with her eyes red and swollen at Sora and s. h. i. +ro somewhat uneasily.
"You all are planning to save Grandpa, des?"
Sora and s. h. i. +ro didn't know why she was crying.
But - Sora placed his hand on Izuna's head, fondling it somewhat forcefully, then spoke with a laugh:
"But of course, I'll definitely get the old man back - I'll make a 「Promise」 with you."
The uneasy gaze s. h. i. +fted towards s. h. i. +ro - and what welcomed it was
「Confirmation」.
"... Izuna-tan... believe in Nii..."
It was unavoidable that Izuna didn't know.
It was... something only s. h. i. +ro knew.
When Nii - Sora - said the word 「Promise」.
Even the 「Ten Pledges」 falter under the might of it - for that word meant an absolute oath.
But -
"... Nii absolutely... won't go back on it..."
Hearing s. h. i. +ro's confirmation, Izuna looked up at her once again.
The hand that was caressing her head - Izuna smelled it.
And then - she wiped her wet eyes and spoke:
"... Mm, I believe you, des."
"Alright, someone believes me, des."
Sora spoke jokingly, while Steph looked on from a distance.
Jibrilstood beside her.
"Sorry, Dora-chan, I went too far."
"... What?"
"I was curious as to how you would react, so I couldn't resist... but Dorachan is right."
- Her expression looked like she was going to jut out her tongue, as the overly curious person spoke.
And as Steph glared at her, Jibril continued solemnly:
"The Masters will undoubtedly change this world."
But the method - Jibril continued:
"Because no currently known methods will allow it."
"..."
- So regarding the true way to awaken the Empress -
Steph was only half listening to Sora's next words.
... At that time, hearing Miko and Jibril's words - she felt something 「Wasn't right」.
As she was searching for the reason why she felt that way - she finally realized why as she looked at the two figures standing before her.
Sora... s. h. i. +ro... the two of them...
They wouldn't use any legitimate methods.
They snorted and laughed at things like 「Reason」.
They sliced away and ignored things like 「Common sense」.
The two had said - they wanted to rule over all the races without any deaths nor bloodshed.
It was like a dream - a completely unrealistic goal, impossible to achieve through reason and common sense.
- But their shadows told people that they 「Could do it」.
On that day - on the day of their coronation - Steph might have seen it.
She might have seen the same thing Jibril who was standing beside her saw -
- As she began to understand the future she was predicting for this world, she began feeling emotional.
"Ah~ right, Steph, you said something that I can't ignore."
"Huh?"
Steph snapped out of her frozen stance upon hearing Sora's words.
"Sacrificing Ino to get two races - firstly sacrificing Ino is wrong, and -"
She once again heard something that made her freeze.
"It's not two races - it's 「Three」♪"
...
... - Huh?
| ← Ch. 22 | Ch. 24 → |