Chapter 288 - Like Something Out of Fiction
"So, the talk about what comes next is—about conquering the Colored Monsters, right?"
"Yes. Now that we've accepted a formal offer, we will aim for their complete annihilation."
After we had both eaten our fill, we started sipping our post-meal coffee. As the conversation finally shifted to the main topic, I spoke, and Iris nodded before turning her gaze to the chef beside her.
"Even if there are things you still can't tell us, it can't be everything. You need to give us the minimum necessary information."
"Of course. As long as it's within the scope of what I can answer."
From their exchange, it seemed the information she'd been given wasn't much different from mine. She was probably kept in the dark about anything related to Yotsuya's confidential matters.
"First, the basics. The deadline. For this 'game clear' that Yotsuya desires, is it something that can happen 'someday,' or is there a specific timeframe you're hoping for?"
…Well, the conversation immediately veered in a direction I hadn't considered at all, so all I could do was listen quietly.
"Hmm… You cut right to the chase, don't you?"
"I don't have a particular theory. I just remembered that around the time I started to slow my pace of conquest, you contacted me once to ask 'how things were going.'"
"Ah, that time. Did it seem like I was pressuring you?"
"At the time, I thought you were just concerned."
"But—" she paused, taking a sip of coffee. Her eyes fell to the cup she held in both hands as she continued to speak in a flat tone.
"Yotsuya, despite being the developers, is so desperate to 'clear the game' that they're making direct requests to players… Knowing that now, I can see it differently. The reason you approached only me and Haru, without looking at anyone else, was because of that, wasn't it?"
"…"
"Yotsuya is probably in a hurry. But there's some kind of 'restriction' that's preventing them from moving freely—"
"Stop. I surrender. I don't have the authority to speak on that matter."
It was a low voice that cut off her words, which were frankly difficult for me to comprehend.
It wasn't threatening… but rather, as his words suggested, a weary tone that seemed to say, 'You've got me.'
"I'm impressed, Princess. Your ability to think critically, your wisdom, your insight, and even your directness—you're truly a reliable asset."
"…I'm sorry, did I offend you?"
"Not at all. I'm genuinely astounded."
His words, delivered with a smile, were likely sincere, but…
"—In that case, don't cut her off with such a low voice. It's startling."
I interjected jokingly. Chitose-san glanced at me—and then at Iris—and bowed his head slightly, looking a little sheepish. "My sincerest apologies."
It's not like it bothered me, but still.
"As you've surmised, it relates to 'secrets,' so I still can't tell you everything. But as for the deadline, your prediction is correct. We can't afford to wait for 'someday.'"
"…I see. Can you elaborate?"
"I can—but in reality, we're not that pressed for time just yet."
Chitose-san held up two fingers.
It wasn't a peace sign, obviously.
"—Two years. We want you two to lead the players and annihilate the remaining four Colored Monsters within the next two years."
"—Tch…!"
Okay, safe. Good job holding your tongue, me. I can't believe I managed to keep my composure after having multiple bombshells dropped on me at once.
"As for that deadline, you don't need to adhere to it strictly. If it's impossible, it's impossible. It's something we can give up on if we have to—at least, I can."
"…Is that… a good thing?"
"I suppose it is, if you're both willing to let it slide."
Iris stared at the vaguely smiling representative from Yotsuya for a moment before giving a small nod of understanding.
"I understand. Thank you."
"Kasuga-kun, do you have any questions so far?"
"…I do, but they can wait. For now, I'd just like to ask, 'Are you guys characters in some kind of drama?'"
It's not every day you get to witness a real-life (and serious-toned) exchange of dialogue that makes you think, 'What on earth are these people talking about?'
"Haha… You're one to talk, Mr. Protagonist."
"Unfortunately, I think that title suits my neighbor here a bit better."
"With a comeback like that, I'd say you're quite the character yourself."
He gives me way too much credit, saying whatever he pleases. At least for now, this is just the result of me desperately trying to tune into their wavelength.
Unlike those two, I'm sure I don't look the part, so I wish he'd be a little more considerate.
"…May I ask another question?"
"Of course. Go on, as long as it's something I can answer."
At this rate, it seemed Iris's difficult questions would continue for a while. So, as for me, who still couldn't get a word in…
"Are there any special considerations we should have while acting on this request—"
"Don't overthink it. You two should just continue as you have been—"
"Regarding coordination and reporting—"
"On that front, Yotsuya will be the one making accommodations—"
"…"
I guess I'll just sit here quietly and prepare a list of questions in my head for later.
Yep, this coffee is delicious.
Please enjoy these additional mysteries and plot bombs. The Princess will explain most of it later.