kscans

Chapter 870 - Prank

"Alright then, see you later."

"Yeah, see ya."

A crisp, clean, and typical farewell.

Unlike Sora and Nia, who tend to linger or drag out their goodbyes, my partings with Ashe never once dragged on.

It’s not a matter of which is better or worse… it’s just, well, very her.

With a satisfied expression, she showed no sign of reluctance, departing with a crisp dignity that was almost gallant—truly befitting the [Sword Queen]. I couldn't help but chuckle as she vanished in a shower of smiles and residual teleportation light, the Ranker's “Key” in hand.

She really was, as always, a princess who could just as easily be a prince on a white horse—

"…Right, then."

I was in a deserted corner of the city. It had been thirty seconds since I’d left the small restaurant, having thoroughly enjoyed the numerous dishes and bidding the owner farewell with a “See you at the event next week.”

The sky above was a brilliant blue… which meant it was still daytime in both the real and virtual worlds. And unlike Saturdays, when I could pour in a full day without a care, my Sunday activities were usually in the afternoon to match Sora-san’s schedule, who needed time to prepare for the week ahead.

In other words, I had some time to kill. The options that arose were either to stay logged in and find some mischief to get into, or log out and face my sworn duty—studying… or so I would normally ponder.

Today, however, that choice had already been made for me.

You see, while I was eating with Ashe, I suddenly… well, how to put it? I got a call, or was summoned, or received a “pay attention to me” message.

So, I pulled a single “Key” from my inventory.

It wasn't the same direct-teleport key item to the special faction headquarters that Ashe had used… but rather, a house key that opened the way to a different, special space.

I could either make the gesture of using the key in the empty air, grip it tightly, or simply will it to activate with a thought—

A familiar sensation of teleportation. A moment later, I was in the clan home.

It was empty, of course; I had already confirmed that not a single clan member was logged in. Thus, I strode from the entrance through the deserted common area, my feet unhesitatingly turning not toward my own room, but toward my master’s room, which had become ‘Lounge II’.

Well, less a room and more a personal castle. When I opened the door, what spread out before me was a unique world built by her [Terror Armament], one that never lost its presence even when its master was away.

As I walked through the rustling bamboo leaves that greeted me…

"Yo. Rare to see you at this hour."

On the veranda wasn't the sight of my master sitting peacefully.

"…My plans got canceled today, so I’m free."

Instead, it was the sight of a downcast, petite senior, her long, light-beige hair splayed out on the wooden boards as she lay there limply.

It was Ri-na-chan, a sight that, recently, I could no longer call unfamiliar.

"Where’s your partner?"

"My plans were canceled at the last minute, so I’m free."

The reply was, word for word, the same as before. The only difference was in her voice, which had taken on a slightly more dejected tone.

"I see. —And by the way, how is your partner’s partner?"

"…Because my plans got canceled last-minute, I’m free."

"Aha…"

Since I’d just been doing the same thing myself, I probably had no right to be smirking at someone else’s situation. Quietly accepting my understanding of things, I took a seat on the veranda.

""………………""

Well, it was a natural silence. While it’s been a rare occurrence lately, whenever Ri-na and I are suddenly alone together, time usually passes just like this.

But for her to use the ‘spare key’ to visit the clan home when every other member was offline and call out to the only one logged in… that must mean, well…

She’s grown attached to me, I suppose.

""…………………………………………………………""

Still, to be blunt, it’s a little awkward.

I have no way of knowing what’s on her mind, but as someone who’s committed to the three girls, I feel hesitant to get unnecessarily close to another girl, which makes it hard to know how to act.

That one kitten is a special case since she’s a delightful senior who’ll try to strangle me at any given opportunity. Ri-na, on the other hand, is a genuinely good kid and a world-famous, adorable idol who’s actually close to my age.

It’s seriously difficult.

If she were to suddenly start playfully cuddling up to me on a whim, and if I were to fail to avoid it, I would instantly be found guilty by myself and others, and my arrest would be unavoidable. There have been moments like that before, but for it to happen when we’re all alone is no laughing matter.

Hence, the carefully maintained, exquisite distance of just over one meter.

""…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………""

But again, Ri-na is one of the best kids in this virtual world, a fact even I acknowledge.

While I have to be wary of the naturally flirty side I’ve glimpsed a few times in the past, ever since she grasped my situation, she’s definitely… well, she’s certainly reduced the frequency of her fidgety touching, and there’s no sign of her trying to close the distance now that we’re alone.

She’s being considerate of my position, and she probably understands her own as well.

""…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………""

So, while I continue to maintain a minimum boundary out of duty and responsibility, it thankfully seems unnecessary. The awkwardness of only being able to sit next to her is inescapable, but it’s not exactly uncomfortable, so—

I swear to God.

I wasn’t letting my guard down, nor was I being careless.

So, yes.

"—…Huh? Wait, what???"

I hadn’t taken my eyes or my attention off the presence of Ri-na lying next to me, and that hasn't changed even now. My vigilance is absolutely, perfectly, one hundred percent active.

That’s why, seriously.

"……………………Wait, WHAT?????"

I blinked once, and the illusion vanished.

And yet, the weight on my lap did not disappear, and the tiny figure that had suddenly appeared right in front of me was… not, my, fault. I, would like, to plead, my innocence—

"Ri-na-san, what is the meaning of this???"

"…Yeah."

"No, not ‘yeah’…!?"

Is this… going to be my fault after all…?

---

It's fine, I'm sure it's just a heartwarming incident. ...I dunno, though.