kscans

Chapter 288 - Like Something Out of Fiction

"So, the topic at hand is… the strategy for taking down the Colored Monsters, right?"

"Correct. Now that we've accepted a formal offer, we will be aiming for their complete annihilation in earnest."

After we had each eaten our fill, we began to sip our post-dinner coffee. I finally broached the main subject, and Iris nodded before turning her eyes to the chef standing beside her.

"Even if there are things you still can't talk about, surely that doesn't apply to everything. I need you to provide the minimum necessary information."

"Of course. As long as it's within the scope of what I can answer."

Judging by their exchange, the information she'd been given probably wasn't much different from my own. Anything related to Yotsuya's confidential matters was likely off-limits.

"First, the fundamental premise: the deadline. This 'game clear' that Yotsuya desires—is it something that just needs to happen eventually, or is there a specific timeframe in mind?"

…Well, the conversation immediately veered in a direction I hadn't anticipated at all, so all I could do was listen quietly.

"Hmm… you cut right to the chase, don't you?"

"It's not that I have a particular idea. I just remembered you contacted me once around the time I started to slow my pace, asking about my 'recent progress.'"

"Ah, that time. Did it feel like I was rushing you?"

"Back then, I just thought you were concerned."

But—she paused, taking a sip of coffee. Staring down into the cup cradled in both hands, Iris continued to speak in a flat, even tone.

"Yotsuya, despite being the developers, desires to 'clear the game' so much that they're willing to make a direct request to a player… Knowing that now, I can see it in a different light. The reason you approached me and Haru, and no one else, was because of that, wasn't it?"

"………………"

"You're probably in a hurry, Yotsuya. But there's some kind of 'limitation' that prevents you from moving freely—"

"Stop. I surrender. I don't have the authority to speak on that matter."

A low voice cut through her words, which, frankly, were getting harder and harder for me to comprehend.

It wasn't a threatening tone… but rather, one of weary resignation, as if to say, 'You've got me.'

"I'm truly impressed, Princess. Your ability to think critically, your wisdom, your insight, and even that straightforwardness of yours—it's all incredibly reassuring."

"…I'm sorry. Did I offend you?"

"Not at all. I'm simply astounded."

The smile he offered seemed genuine enough, but…

"—Then don't use such a low, cutting tone. It's startling, you know."

When I interjected jokingly, Chitose-san glanced at me—and then at Iris—and bowed his head with a faint look of embarrassment. "My sincerest apologies."

It's not like I mind, though.

"As you've surmised, it pertains to a certain 'secret,' so I still can't tell you everything. But well, regarding the deadline, your prediction is correct. We can't afford to wait forever."

"…I see. Can you elaborate?"

"I can talk about it—but in reality, we aren't that pressed for time just yet."

Chitose-san held up two fingers.

Of course, I doubted it was a peace sign.

"—Two years. We want you two to lead the players and annihilate the remaining four Colored Monsters within the next two years."

"—Hk…! …………"

Okay, safe. Good job holding your tongue, me. I can't believe I managed to keep it together after having multiple bombshells dropped on me at once.

"And about that deadline, you don't need to adhere to it strictly. If it's impossible, then it's impossible. It's something we can accept and give up on—at least, I can."

"…………Is that a good thing?"

"I suppose so, if you're willing to just let it slide."

Iris stared at the vaguely smiling assistant representative of Yotsuya for a moment before—

"Understood. Thank you."

—she gave a small, convinced nod.

"Haru-kun, do you have any questions up to this point?"

"…I do, but it can wait. Right now, I'm just tempted to ask, 'Are you guys characters in some kind of drama?'"

It's not every day you witness a back-and-forth conversation (with serious undertones) 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 over there a bit better."

"Between that comeback and everything else, I think you're quite something yourself."

He sure has a high opinion of me, saying whatever he wants. For the record, at least in this moment, this is the result of me desperately trying to tune in to you two's wavelength.

Unlike them, I probably don't look the part, and I wish they'd take that into consideration.

"…May I ask my next question?"

"By all means. Go ahead, as long as it's something I can answer."

And with that, it seemed Iris's difficult questions were set to continue for a while. So, as for me, still unable to get a word in…

"In acting on this request, is there anything we should be mindful of—"

"You don't need to overthink it. Just continue as you always have—"

"Regarding coordination and reporting—"

"That's also something Yotsuya will handle—"

"………………"

I guess I'll just sit here quietly and prepare a list of questions for later.

Yep, this coffee is delicious.

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Enjoy the additional mysteries and foreshadowing bombs. The Princess will explain most of it later.