Chapter 1147 - Where Shall We Go?
────And so, ten-odd minutes later.
"Heeh... truly, as expected, or something like that."
No matter how excellent the top-quality concealment robes (hide cloaks) were, and no matter how much the morals and manners of Arcadia players were to be trusted. Naturally, there was no way there was an option like 'the three of us playing in the city,' so they aimed for the outside for the time being and reached the outskirts of the city.
While hiding in the shadows of buildings from the signs of people that were still scattered here and there. Nia was, today as well, spilling her never-ending admiration for a specific individual.
That was where they were headed. The specific individual was, of course────
"Mm."
"Nia-chan likes the Princess who stands tall and makes a smug face there."
"Ahaha..."
Similarly, a full incognito mode to avoid unnecessary fuss.
Having adjusted her ever-changing 'Seven-Colored Garment,' the full-body garment-type Anima (Anciel Irise), into a plain form like an otherworld village girl, she was in a state of complete defense with her cloak's hood pulled low... and,
Even after going that far, her radiant beauty and special atmosphere remained.
────Whether it's counted among the seven wonders of Arcadia or not, the mystery of how such an existence, for whom concealment is so difficult, spends her "usual" time in the virtual world.
The answer is...
"...──Now, this way."
"Okaay."
"Yes...!"
This, this ability.
Due to the opening of the second northern base [Frontier] and the establishment of the [Key Tree City] in the west, the population is currently somewhat dispersed. Therefore, compared to before, the density of people has thinned, and depending on the time of day, the amount of people and gazes on the outskirts of the city has decreased to a countable level.
However, it hasn't disappeared. It certainly exists.
Then, with an absolute popularity and charisma that could melt the morals and manners of players, she could inevitably cause a fuss if she were touched. Numerous such "lines"...
"""........................"""
With Iris in the lead, the three girls walking briskly slipped through without being noticed by anyone.
It wasn't that the hide ability of the concealment robes was working and they weren't reflected in anyone's eyes. It wasn't that the morals or consideration of the people on the street were working and they were being overlooked.
It was just that Iris knew the timing and the movement lines where gazes were completely cut off.
The original awakening skill of players in the virtual world────[Brave Heart's Mandate (Revolve Astraea)].
Even when she faced her first encounter and sword-talk with the [Hoshikake (Clown)]... no, that [Acrobat], it was a power that could be said to be the keystone of everything that fully assisted the [Sword Queen].
The authority it holds is the Voice of Heaven.
By arbitrary activation, there is no compensation... or rather, the state of activation itself is a compensation in a sense, but by activating it without requiring any particular cost, it is a sensory-expansion-type unique active skill that allows various additional information to reach Iris's five senses.
Gazes and the flow of consciousness like the wind, or threats such as approaching fighting spirit or hostility like sounds. The guidance shown in an inexpressible, peculiar form is just a useless noise for an ordinary human────however, the one who subjugates it is the polar opposite of ordinary.
"..................Mm. Out of the city (outside)."
""Oh—""
For the 'Princess' who showed she could handle someone's acrobatics until the very last moment upon first seeing it, it is extremely easy to continue striking the gaps between the people in the city.
◇◆◇◆◇
"────So, where shall we go?"
"Hmm."
"Mmm..."
And so, in the midst of the great forest around the city district.
In addition to Iris's awakening skill, Nia's detection skills and such, which have been growing rapidly due to various things lately, they maintained the avoidance of encounters with both humans and enemies without sparing any means.
While going along the forest path—or rather, the woods path—at a leisurely pace matched to the indigo of the non-combatant, when Iris raised the 'agenda,' the two following her tilted their heads this way and that.
They hadn't decided on a destination────and this, too, was undoubtedly part of the fun.
Gathering without deciding on a schedule, jumping out, and belatedly worrying about 'where shall we go' in a supremely inefficient meeting format while moving their feet. Such a thing...
"............Fufu."
Because I think it's nothing but an act of reckless disregard for consideration unless we are close friends.
Whether unconsciously, or consciously in the sense that she didn't intend to endure it. When Iris, who had dropped her expressionless face along the way, spilled a smile... even if it was small, it was certain.
"Right then, you there, the Princess who looks like she's having fun. Please give us the first proposal."
"Mu..."
While Nia, who didn't miss that with her sharp eyes and ears, welcomed her with a grin, she was truly like a close friend────... no, much, much closer than that.
A distance without a shred of reserve or wariness. Because she said it while sticking close to her, to a sense of distance like one would allow a lover.
"............I see. Then, for the time being, to the outside of the circle."
"Rejected! How many hours do you think the movement alone will take! I desire to stay within the Beginner Circle, not to mention the outside! Even without thrills, a girls' night out can be enjoyed!"
When she tried to tease her, she was rejected with a surge of momentum. It came with the bonus of grabbing Iris's hand, which had been snatched away at some point, and swinging it around meaninglessly.
"Muu..."
Then, the garnet gaze moved to the opposite side.
"Second proposal. Sora."
"Heh? Ah, e-err, well............"
A fluid transfer of responsibility. Sora, who had the responsibility pointed at her, was either shaken by the surprise attack or was flustered after almost tripping over a large tree root protruding from the ground.
"Um, well... just taking a walk without any particular destination would also be fun—"
"Effectively having no opinion is not allowed. Be prepared with a fourth proposal."
"Auu...!"
Her usual dazzling angel's smile────or rather, the compromise proposal she raised with the fake social smile she extremely rarely showed was immediately rejected, and she was successfully sunk.
Among close girl friends. Having no opinion while taking a step back was not allowed.
...And yet,
"Fufu."
"Oh, oh, you're in a good mood, you look happy, you're cute!"
"Nia."
"Ah, yes."
The break for the Princess, who walked while cherishing the circle she had become close enough to not hesitate in such tyranny, had only just begun.