kscans

Chapter 259 - To an Unconventional Reality

—Yotsuya Development, the creators of the virtual world. It could be said that in this day and age, there is no one who does not know of this world-renowned small enterprise.

Three years… no, if you go back to the announcement of VR technology, it would be about four years ago. A small group of just a few people, who suddenly started a business. It took less than a day for the technological revolution they championed to capture the attention of the entire world.

No one could doubt Yotsuya's words, as they publicly declared the backing of multiple national governments, and the realization of a virtual world was hammered into people as a truth of almost violent proportions.

The announcement of virtual reality technology. And the presentation of the VR device, [Arcadia]. Various opinions were raised around the world when their words came to the conclusion that this ark of the future was merely a device for providing entertainment (games), but….

In the end, there was no one on earth who could complain to Yotsuya, which the 'world' had openly shown its stance on 'protecting'.

The ordering and production of [Arcadia]. And the service launch of the VR game, 'Arcadia'. The small enterprise that took a step no one could stop now continues to walk an unrivaled path as the world's most authoritative 'small group'—

"————...Um… yes, I'm well aware of that. Yes."

"Oh my, my sincerest apologies."

I was sitting on an incredibly comfortable, plush, large sofa that could rival the ten seats at the Eastern Round Table. The tea, even without holding the cup, sent a fragrant aroma wafting up with its steam, and the nameless sweets were something I could tell were expensive at a single glance.

And then there was the dignified woman in her forties sitting on the sofa across the table, and the man in his fifties standing by the wall beside her. Both of them were beaming.

Now, I may have been called 'ignorant' more times than I can count in the last two months, but I'm merely ignorant of the virtual world's customs. Apart from information related to the game world of Arcadia, I have at least an average person's knowledge of the great Yotsuya Development.

So, when I politely indicated that a detailed company explanation wasn't necessary, the woman in front of me—the university's Director Kunori—gave an elegant laugh, her mood remaining exceptionally good.

By the way, the man standing is the university president... or was it the chancellor? I'm not familiar with the structure of universities, so I'm not sure, but judging by their behavior, Director Kunori is clearly the more important person.

"My apologies, I seem to have gotten carried away… Oh, please, have some sweets. They're a recommendation from a shop I'm quite fond of—"

"Ah, no, yes, thank you…"

............And as for why I'm being treated to such reverent hospitality, complete with tea and sweets, by a super-energetic royal madam—

Well, there's really only one reason for it.

"I'm sorry for the wait, Haru-san. The other party should be arriving shortly."

"Ah, no, yes, that's fine…"

While responding meekly to the words of the president-or-chancellor, I took a sip of tea. I was so on edge that I couldn't appreciate the taste; honestly, the only impression I got was 'hot.'

So, here I am, waiting in a place set up by the university as a go-between, waiting for the other party—the messenger from Yotsuya Development.

On a side note, Mizuki, who had offered to drive me here, once again waved at me with a distant look in her eyes, saying, "Stay safe." I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from these proactive 'final farewell' gestures.

At any rate, I had been waiting in this strange space for a good fifteen minutes. Just as I was starting to think I couldn't handle any more mental exhaustion before the main event,

"————hk..."

A knock echoed through the room.

Unlike me, who reflexively held my breath, the two of them were, despite their high spirits, remarkably calm. While the president/chancellor (?) headed for the door, I followed Director Kunori's lead as she rose from the sofa and hastily stood up myself.

Peeking through the gap in the opened door, I saw the figure of another woman I didn't recognize. Judging by their exchange, she seemed to be an escort; the real guest of honor was the one who appeared from behind her—

"—Excuse me."

—this person, I presumed.

Ushered into the room was a young man in his mid-twenties. His suit fit him so well that he seemed to be the very embodiment of 'an ordinary salaryman.'

He had clean, short-cropped black hair and eyes of the same color. Overall, his features were rather plain, but... his incredibly composed gaze gave a sense of his caliber.

He was ordinary, yet somehow not. Unfathomable—that was my slightly rude impression of the man who met my eyes and stared at me intently.

While I stood frozen, the man looked away from me and exchanged words with Director Kunori. After a brief exchange of greetings, welcomes, and thanks—

"Well then—it's a pleasure to meet you, Haru Kasuga-kun."

Only the two of us remained in the room.

As I mechanically responded to the unhesitatingly offered right hand,

"I am Chitose Kazuha, Assistant to the Representative of Yotsuya Development."

He was likely the number two at the world-famous Yotsuya. Assistant Representative Chitose smiled refreshingly, then looked straight into my eyes and said,

"—I've come to pick you up, Acrobat-kun."

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This is the same guy who was a nervous wreck in front of the princess!!!!!