Chapter 185 - Three of a Kind
"As always, this place isn't exactly welcoming, is it?"
The decor, based in a deep red, felt somewhat heavy and opulent. Surveying the scene, so different from his own faction's meeting hall, the golden giant—Goldow—spoke in a playful tone.
"—You're one to talk about 'as always.' Barging in unannounced, and that's the first thing you say?"
The target of his words, a female player standing beside the seat at the head of the long table, shot him a cold look, making no effort to hide her disapproval.
Her black hair was a medium-length wave, accented by a single streak of blue-silver. Her matching black eyes were adorned with a monocle, giving her an intelligent and slightly sharp impression.
Combined with her slender frame and an outfit resembling a real-world suit, she was the type of woman who would make anyone immediately think of the title 'secretary.'
"You haven't changed either. Givin' me the cold shoulder before I even say anything."
"I was born with this face."
"What are you talkin' about? It's an avatar."
Their exchange, which could almost be mistaken for hostile, was curt and devoid of warmth—yet the atmosphere between them, so utterly natural, could never be described as thorny.
"Honestly… I trust you're managing your life in the real world properly."
"Don't you worry. I even got a new kitchen recently. I've been cookin' for myself."
"I imagine you're barely capable of frying and sautéing."
"Don't underestimate me. I just mastered simmered dishes the other day."
It wasn't that they lacked reservation; it was simply unnecessary. Anyone who watched them for a few minutes would surely arrive at that simple conclusion.
"…Now then."
However, the other person in the room—the one seated in the seat of honor, the 'throne,' attended to by the woman—understood their relationship without needing to observe them now.
"What business do you have?"
Therefore, she did not hesitate to interrupt. At the sound of her clear voice, Goldow, Third Rank of the Eastern Faction Istia, and Helena, former Tenth Rank of the Southern Faction Sotalm, ceased their banter.
"Sorry 'bout this, Princess. I've got a personal proposal for ya, regarding tomorrow's war."
Next to Helena, who had taken a step back and quieted her presence, the ruler she served—the one who was king not just of Sotalm, but of all players in this virtual world, the [Sword Queen] Iris—replied not with a tilt of her head, but with a simple blink.
Her regal demeanor, which seemed to say, "Continue," was a perfect fit. Realizing he was once again on the verge of being intimidated by a girl less than half his age, Goldow suppressed a wry smile and opened his mouth.
"I'm sure you're already dying of curiosity, but… tomorrow, we're putting our newcomer on the front lines."
It was not Iris who reacted with a twitch, but Helena at her side. The young queen, as always, rarely let her expression waver.
However—
"If you happen to meet him on the battlefield… or if you intend to seek him out—"
Surely, his next 'proposal' would crack even that work-of-art-like iron mask. With that thought, he stated his true intention… and indeed,
"…What is the meaning of that?"
Seeing Iris's expression shift slightly—truly, just the barest hint—Goldow was certain his 'proposal' had been accepted.
He had made her ask a question—meaning, he had piqued her interest, which was as good as getting her to play along. Helena, who understood that her master was, above all else, honest with her own curiosity, let out a small sigh in the shadow of the throne.
"I can't guarantee what'll happen. But I'd like to think I'm a decent judge of character."
He paused deliberately, and Iris narrowed her eyes impatiently. Once her interest was piqued, she was anything but an emotionless doll.
Feeling a solid response, Goldow nodded in satisfaction. The great man, a wicked smile on his face, made his declaration like a challenge.
"Don't overthink it, just give it a try. You never know, something special might just happen."
◇◆◇◆◇
The sound of a car door closing from outside came right on schedule.
Having already finished her preparations and been relaxing, the woman dressed in a maid's uniform unsuited for a Japanese home—Itsuki—rose to her feet and quickly made her way to the entrance.
Her master was not one to appreciate excessive fuss. Without touching the doorknob, she waited quietly by the door. The lock turned from the outside, and a man opened the door and entered.
Neatly trimmed black hair and a well-kept beard. He was slightly shorter for a man, but the way he wore his suit flawlessly emitted an aura of dignity that surpassed his stature.
Yotsuya Togo—Natsume Itsuki's employer, and more importantly, the father of her beloved 'young lady.'
"Welcome home, Master."
"Ah, I'm back, Itsuki-kun."
They both knew that neither desired excessive greetings or words of comfort. Though their relationship was one of employment, Itsuki understood that they already treated her as a member of the 'family.'
Her master would at least allow her to take his jacket. As she took the light coat from him and waited discreetly by his side as he removed his shoes—
"How is Sora doing?"
It was as she expected… but she had no complaints about a father who was concerned for his beloved daughter above all else.
"She returned about two hours ago and is resting now."
She answered with a hint of a smile at his unwavering devotion to his family—but then, thinking of his daughter's situation, the smile became tinged with bitterness.
"She doesn't show it, but she seems quite distressed."
"…I imagine so. I've put her through something unfortunate."
Though it couldn't be helped due to his position and the timing… honestly, it was hard to watch the girl, who was currently caught between hardship and pleasure, wearing her heart down.
"For now, today's meeting was the last one, correct?"
"Yes, the last. I will be declining all others for a while."
Hearing the words she had wanted to confirm above all else, Itsuki let out a silent sigh of relief.
Good. It seemed she wouldn't have to engage in an all-out war with her master for the time being.
"—Father?"
Turning around, she saw a girl peeking out from the stairs at the side of the hallway.
Her straight black hair swayed as she looked into the entryway. Upon seeing her father, her face broke into a soft smile, and she came pattering over.
"Welcome home. Thank you for your hard work."
"I'm home, Sora. Thank you."
A daughter's smile and kind words were surely the greatest source of vitality. Togo's stern demeanor vanished completely as he handed his bag to Sora's outstretched hands, his cheeks softening into a gentle smile.
"I heard you'll be home today and tomorrow. Is that true?"
"Yes, it's true. Tomorrow, what I have to do won't change no matter where I am."
Following two steps behind the parent and child as they walked side-by-side toward the living room, Itsuki quietly watched the scene—a sight she did not get to see often.
"…Heh."
She felt her own heart fill with warmth. In order to let them fully enjoy this brief moment of peace, the self-proclaimed maid braced herself to carry out her duties with renewed spirit.