kscans

Chapter 67 - Interlude

"—This is your doing, isn't it?"

『That's rather abrupt. A little more consideration for a lady would be...』

"The fact that you summoned me here is proof enough. You, who normally never deign to speak... —At first, I thought it was the girl, but it's the other one, isn't it? The one you are truly meddling with."

In the dim darkness, where not a single sound could be heard, one of the echoing voices belonged to a calm, elderly man. The other was an electronic sound output from something—a synthetic voice.

"We cannot stop you, no matter what you do. I know that... But that is precisely why, even if it is only a verbal promise, I would like to be able to believe you."

『Fufu... I have not broken my promise. Though it is necessary to take a long-term view, I have no intention of causing him any trouble.』

Rarely... is an understatement. In all their long association, the number of times she had shown a clear "smile" could be counted on one hand.

Which meant 'he' was enough to make 'her' do so—

"...This is giving me a headache. What do you require of me?"

『Nothing, for now. However, I would like you to be prepared.』

"Prepared... You mean for that, don't you?"

『When the time comes, it would have happened even without my prompting.』

"...Which means, the fact that you are still giving me a warning implies that you consider this to be of great importance."

Suddenly, one of the presences vanished from the room. A long, long sigh escaped the lips of the one who remained.