Chapter 350 - The Boss, the Hero, and the Normal Person
Well now. The representative of Yotsuya Development, the company that created the world's only virtual world, couldn't possibly have much free time.
That meant he hadn't appeared in person for the unbelievable reason of dutifully meeting with my so-called manager… that was out of the question.
In reality, that part was more of an extra—something along the lines of, While I'm making time for this, I might as well greet Shijo's daughter.
After some light conversation established the beginnings of a trusting relationship, we enjoyed tea prepared with the full skill of his prized maid, and then we parted ways cleanly.
So, what was the main event, not the extra?
It was, of course, to have a “talk” with me—or more accurately, with us.
Driven in a car by his assistant representative, Chitose-san, the stage shifted from the “office” to the “headquarters”—a massive building that stood out even in the bustling city, a place I had visited once before when I ordered [Arcadia].
"Please call if you need anything."
"Yes, thank you."
Before I had time to think, I was led along, invited not to the very top of the colossal tower, but to a representative's office on an upper floor, reached after a long ride in a spacious elevator.
A subordinate bowed his head and exited after seeing his boss take a seat on one of the sofas flanking a large table. The representative raised a hand in thanks.
And so…
"Hello."
"Yes, hello."
Sitting across from him, next to me, was Arshe, who had arrived earlier and was making herself at home as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
A space had finally opened up in the extremely busy schedule of Mr. Togo, allowing for the real meeting to take place. In other words, the long-awaited reveal of the 'company secrets' was about to begin.
"Well then, shall we begin?"
To put it another way…
"Yes, let's."
Following the session with Kazuharu Chitose—it was the invincible princess's interrogation time, part two.
"First, I'd like to make something clear," Mr. Togo began.
"As you've likely surmised from my title of 'Representative'... I am not at the pinnacle of Yotsuya Development—or more accurately, of those involved with [Arcadia]."
It was a shocking statement to start with.
However, something of that degree had already been the subject of rampant speculation ever since [Arcadia] was first announced.
Even I, having only done some light research long after the fact, wasn't surprised enough to think, You've got to be kidding me. Arshe, beside me, showed no reaction either.
"Therefore, there are many matters I am not permitted to discuss. I ask for your understanding on that."
"Understood."
"Of course."
As someone who had volunteered to support us, and as our 'client,' he seemed to treat us with respect—more than that, he acted as if we were his superiors.
I had no way of knowing what the princess next to me thought of this, but for me, it was all incredibly overwhelming. Still, his sincerity was palpable, almost crushing.
There was no refusing the request of a contracting party who bowed his head so earnestly. To be honest, I just wished he'd raise his head as soon as possible, because my stomach was starting to ache.
"Thank you. In that case, I will answer what I can."
Though he carried an air of solemnity, Mr. Togo's expression was soft as he offered a composed smile. And despite having said the other day, 'Even I get nervous around a god,' Arshe wore her usual prim and proper expression.
I'm the only one here with a normal person's mentality. I'll just keep quiet until they speak to me.
"…Very well, first—"
After a moment's thought, Arshe, having been prompted to speak, began to line up her questions.
If Yotsuya Togo was the 'Representative,' then who was this 'pinnacle' he spoke of?
Despite being the developers, what was their purpose or intention in hiring us to 'clear the game' and offering their support?
And from their words thus far, why did it seem as if Yotsuya Development had absolutely no control over [Arcadia]—
On and on, the pent-up suspicions poured out like a torrent… but as expected, or rather, as is her way, while she seemed to be firing off questions haphazardly, they were all neatly categorized.
Which is to say—
"I see… Ah, just as you've surmised, those are all questions I cannot answer."
"I see."
And that was that.
She was probably just trying to gauge Yotsuya's critical line as a starting point. Arshe accepted the lack of an answer without complaint.
For my part, having chickened out and committed to being a listener, nothing was outside my expectations—which is why his next words took me by surprise.
"However, I am permitted to give partial… incomplete answers to some extent."
But even then, the princess's expression remained perfectly still…
No way, did she just fire off a volley of questions she didn't think he could answer, but suspected he could answer partially?
Ah, nope, I can't keep up with this. Time to really try and disappear.
"That said, this is still a legitimate 'company secret'—though, to be honest, 'Yotsuya Development' isn't even a company in the truest sense… well, at any rate, it's a 'grave secret' all the same."
As he spoke, Mr. Togo stood up and walked over to a very official-looking executive desk… and on the wall beside it, he clicked open a tall, rectangular panel.
And what he pulled out was a single bottle—wait a minute, you're kidding, is that some kind of cooler?
It looked completely wooden from the outside; I thought it was a coat locker or something…
"This will take a while. Let's not be so formal, shall we?"
He then retrieved glasses and other items from a nearby shelf, prepared some snacks, and—while I and Iris could only stare blankly—filled the large table with refreshments. Then, as if setting an example, Mr. Togo offered a friendly smile.
And so, that casual smile and those words—
"Since you're about to hear this story… you'll officially become 'family' now, after all."
—if only they had truly been just that: casual.
Apparently there's a protagonist who chickens out, gives up on joining the conversation, and then tries to erase his presence.