Chapter 501 - The Invitation: The Case of the Partner
Although she hasn't yet reached what would be considered the 'clear-cut adult age' by Japanese standards, Nia is an 'adult' in the sense that she is socially and financially independent.
As Mitsueda-san, her guardian, had said, she's actually quite responsible at her core.
She's the type who can think for herself and, generally speaking, make the right decisions, which is why her family, including her best friend, has entrusted her with her own decision-making authority.
For that reason, while her immediate decision was a little surprising, I had anticipated she would say 'Yes.' Nia-chan isn't the type to show hesitation now after being so cordially invited.
Now then, there's one mission left that I've been entrusted with—that is, the verbal delivery of an 'invitation.' The recipient is, of course, my partner, but this is where the problem lies.
Sora, or Sora Yotsuya, is currently a high school student. Unlike a university student who has a certain degree of flexibility with their time, it's not logically possible for her to go on a trip starting on a Monday.
I have no way of knowing under what principles the unknown world of an 'elite girls' school' operates, but knowing Sora, who is apparently diligent in her studies, she wouldn't say 'I'll go' without a second thought, both due to her personality and the circumstances.
Furthermore, while Nia didn't mind, there's the issue of meeting face-to-face in the real world. I had a feeling Sora herself would want to avoid it, and more importantly, I was concerned that she would need permission from Yotsuya… or rather, from her father.
To avoid unnecessary complications, the existence of the Yotsuya heiress is kept secret from the public. I still only have a vague understanding of that whole situation, so I can't judge how much freedom she has to act.
Lately, we've started talking more about ourselves, so I've gathered that she isn't 'excessively restricted,' but still…
In any case, after considering all the various factors, the response I was expecting was 'No.'
Of course, I assumed the answer would be 'I can't go,' not 'I won't go,' so I prepared various alternative plans and words of comfort in advance before making the call—
"I'm going."
"…………Uh, well… Sora-sa—"
"I said, I'm going."
"Look, um, I don't want to say this, and I'm sure you don't want to hear it, but you don't have to force yourself, you know? It's Nia and Ashe this time, so next time, I was thinking we could focus on making your selfish wishes… I mean, your hopes, come true."
"Don't make me say it again—I. Am. Going! Absolutely!"
"Wh-Whoa…"
Come to think of it, this was our first time contacting each other in the real world, and our first voice call.
Her familiar voice, now with a slight, unfamiliar tinge through the speaker, rang out cheerfully, and the pressure that radiated even through the airwaves made me instinctively lean back.
"But still, I'll say it again, it's for a week, starting Monday…?"
"And I'll say it one last time, too: I'm still going. As for school, taking time off for a trip is a common occurrence, so it's fine."
"What's that about? What kind of world do you live in?"
"Regarding meeting everyone else in person…"
I reflexively shot back a question at her incomprehensible words, but Sora completely ignored it.
"There's no need for me to introduce myself as the daughter of the Yotsuya family. I don't think it'll be a problem to meet with Alicia-san and the other rankers."
"Is that… really okay? I'd think Natsume-san and Togo-san would be worried…"
"Itsuki-san is right in front of me, waving a piece of paper that says 'Have a good trip.' As for my father… if I tell him I'll forgive his previous peeking incident, he'll gladly send me off."
"Ah…"
The peeking incident… she means the time Mr. Togo found out about my interactions with Sora in the virtual world. It seems his beloved daughter's anger had been put on her father's tab in the form of a favor owed.
The maid is still doing her maid thing, huh—
"Eh…? Ah, um… I'm sorry, Itsuki-san would like a word."
"Hmm? Oh, uh, yes. That's fine, but…"
There's no way that even Natsume Itsuki could have read my slightly rude thoughts from afar, but the timing was so perfect that I was still reeling as the presence on the other end of the line shifted.
"—It's been a while, Kasuga-san. I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but if I may have a moment."
"H-Hello, good evening…"
"Yes, good evening. Regarding the trip, please feel free to take the young lady with you. As she mentioned, school is not an issue, so please don't concern yourself. As for my master, I will talk him into it before Sora even has to ask."
"You just openly said you'd talk your master into something."
"Ufufu."
Don't 'ufufu' me, that's what makes it scary coming from a woman.
"In any case, I will handle everything. I will take care of all preparations and arrangements, so I would appreciate it if you could share the detailed schedule with me as well."
"O-Okay… Yes, understood."
This master-servant duo's speed surpassed even Nia's. While I was left dumbfounded, the presence on the other end switched back again.
"…So, that's the situation. I'll be counting on you."
"Got it… Yeah, I got it. I know I'm being persistent, but just let me do one final check, out of concern. You're sure you're okay with this?"
"I'm okay. In fact, being left behind would be not okay. If I was like that after just three nights and four days, a whole week would be impossible for me."
"Haha, ha…"
"It's not a laughing matter! Really, honestly!"
With the maid's stamp of approval, I knew she wasn't forcing herself, and I could finally tell that her unusually energetic tone was simply because she was excited.
Since I myself am in a delicate position, I was mostly just relieved that both Sora and Nia had responded so positively… —
…No, wait.
No, 'relieved' needs to be corrected.
"In any case, I understand. I'll contact you later with the details."
"I look forward to it. …Well then, um…"
"Yeah. It's getting late, so good night."
"…Yes, good night— Um, Haru?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you free tomorrow?"
"I don't have any particular plans. Want to go somewhere?"
"Y-Yes! Then, if you'd like, maybe in the early afternoon again…"
"Okay. I'll see if I can find a fun-looking place."
"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it."
Lately, it's become a bit of a tradition for our conversations to drag on like this after we've said our goodbyes in the virtual world.
Not that I mind, and it makes me happy, but…
"I'm looking forward to the trip, too."
"…Yeah, me too, I guess."
Constantly facing these three, who have all gone full-throttle and are completely on the offensive, is, in the simplest terms, draining my physical and mental energy at an astronomical rate.
Still, their timing has been staggered, and I've been able to carve out time for both physical and mental rest, so I've managed to survive thus far…
But now, this impromptu trip has confirmed that all three of them will finally be gathered in one place. To be honest, I have no idea what kind of chemical reaction will occur when they all meet again.
Thinking about it calmly and rationally, it's an absurd situation that basically guarantees a bloodbath.
I chide myself that this is no time to feel relieved, but I can't predict what will happen, nor do I know how to prepare for it.
In the end, all I can do is resign myself to the fact that 'what will be, will be,' and prepare myself with the appropriate resolve to 'accept whatever happens.'
Oh man, this is going to be so much fun I could die, and so exhausting I could die… The strained smile creeping across my face, no matter what anyone says—
Was, without a doubt, one hundred percent a positive outlook.
Since we're packing in a lot of necessary plot developments, this part will be a bit long, but I don't plan on committing the outrage of having an entire section be about the real world, which is unheard of for the VR game category.
Let's get through this week nice and quick.