Chapter 67 - Interlude
"—This is your doing, isn't it?"
"How abrupt. A little more consideration for a lady, if you please..."
"The very fact that you've summoned me here is proof enough. You, who would normally never speak... —At first, I thought it was my daughter, but it's the other one, isn't it? The one you're truly meddling with."
In the pitch-black darkness, not a single sound could be heard. One of the resonating voices belonged to a calm, elderly man. The other was an electronic sound output from something—a synthesized voice.
"In any case, we cannot stop whatever you intend to do. But... that is precisely why I would like to believe you, even if it is only a verbal promise."
"Fufu... I have not broken our promise. Though it does require the premise of taking the long view... I have no intention of causing him any trouble."
It was more than just rare. Thinking back on their long association, the number of times it had clearly 'smiled' could be counted on one hand.
Which meant that 'he' was significant enough to make 'her' do so—
"...This is giving me a headache. What is it that you require of me?"
"For now, nothing. However, I ask that you make preparations."
"Preparations... You mean that, don't you?"
"When the time comes, it would have happened even without my instigation."
"...Which means you consider it important enough to press the point nonetheless."
Suddenly, one of the presences vanished. From the mouth of the one left behind, a long, deep sigh was exhaled.