Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria Volume 4 Chapter 1

Yuuri-san died.

She was executed because she didn't come to the big room in time.

I feared this already because yesterday she didn't return to her room on her own after becoming traumatized. So in the end, she really did it.

Yuuri-san committed pa.s.sive suicide and is no more.

"Uwaa... that's awful! My valuable prize disappeared before I could obtain it! Uuh, Yuuri-chan's virginity!"

I feel dark emotions well up inside me at seeing Koudai Kamiuchi, who is, in spite of what he said, really just grinning while supporting his head with his hand.

However, I don't care about how horrible he is anymore.

I have no goal anymore, after all.

What remains are feelings of guilt towards Iroha-san and Yuuri-san. Only the feelings towards those two who had to die just because I thought I could become the «king».

Should I have done the same as Yuuri-san...?

I'm so lost that I even have such thoughts. Right now, I have no idea what to do with the remaining few days of my life.

Therefore, the only thing I'm doing is apologizing to them in my mind.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

Of course they were just NPCs, so I can meet them again if I manage to survive. But that fact doesn't make these feelings of guilt disappear. Aah... I finally understood how they felt when they were forced to kill the NPCs when they were players.

Indeed, the fact that the others are just NPCs doesn't make it any better.

I can't lift my face off the table.

There was one jute bag on it. In the bag was a disabled portable terminal and the two watches Iroha-san had been wearing - orange and beige.

Daiya puts on these watches.

After seeing that, I also throw my blue watch to him. Daiya glances at me, but then he wordlessly puts on my watch as well.

"Rather than the watch, I hope you also brought the other things I asked you to?"

I nod, take the food portions out of the jute bag I brought along and lay them out on the table. I didn't do that because I gave up, but because I gathered that he would kill me otherwise.

Since I still have all of my own portions, I won't die instantly. But I lost my [Revolutionary]-like power with this.

[Kingdom Royale] has regained its original gruesomeness. In order to survive there's no way left anymore but to meet one's victory conditions. Daiya and Koudai Kamiuchi will naturally come to kill me soon.

So, should I try to win myself?

......Impossible. I'm the [Knight] while Maria's the [Prince]. We can't survive together. Trying to win would automatically mean wis.h.i.+ng for Maria's death. No matter how much she's an NPC, I would definitely never wish for her to die.

I can't win against them with this kind of feeling.

So, I'm going to die.

"......"

...I'm going to die?

Well, yeah. I guess so.

But then---why?

I raise my head.

I look at Maria.

All four of us should know that I'm going to be next. Maria should know, too. And yet she's not doing anything to prevent it.

She? She, who can easily throw her own life away for others? And not just since today. All the time since yesterday, she almost hasn't spoken at all.

That can't be.

"Maria?"

I call her name. Although she can clearly hear me, she doesn't look at me.

Maria was just biting secretly on her lip.

Fifth Day [Secret Meeting] with [Maria Otonas.h.i.+], [Maria Otonas.h.i.+]'s room[]

Why doesn't Maria do anything?

There is only one answer to this question:

Like me, she's at a loss what to do.

But how did she arrive at this condition? Did she also get shocked by something, like I did by Yuuri-san's and Iroha-san's death?

Maria doesn't greet me when I arrive at her room, seeming a bit uncomfortable.

"Maria?"

"......"

...Something's definitely wrong.

"...Can I sit down next to you?"

Usually I wouldn't even need to ask. We don't need to ask each other's approval first.

But Maria frowns at hearing this question now.

"No. Don't sit there."

And leaves me dumbfounded.

"...why?"

Maria closes her mouth and averts her eyes to avoid my question.

But I mustn't ignore that.

"...tell me."

Even so, Maria still hesitates to open her mouth. But when I stare at her for a while without saying a word, she finally, reluctantly opens her mouth.

"I've been watching your actions all the while."

Maria continues, still not meeting my gaze.

"I've been watching your movements in this game, waiting for you to rely on me. You managed to drive s.h.i.+ndou into a corner all alone, you built a foundation to explain the 'boxes' to them by yourself and you even were on the verge of succeeding once. Kamiuchi may have ruined it in the end, but I think your actions themselves were splendid. And after watching you, I've arrived at a conclusion."

Maria says,

"You are not Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no."

That's the reason for her indecisive att.i.tude...?

«You are... Kazuki, right?»

Indeed, she's said that already in our [Secret Meeting] on the second day.

But I didn't take it too seriously at that time. I mean, she was able to recognize me even during the 'Sevennight in Mud'.

So this has to be a joke.

"...Geez, what are you talking about, Maria?"

She does, however, not say "just joking" as always. She won't relieve me like that.

"Kazuki."

Instead, she says that.

"[Cla.s.s]-wise we're enemies, right?"

"...what are you saying? But well, yeah, our [cla.s.ses] are opposing each other... eh?"

Did Maria want to hint at following?

"Do you think I'd kill you...?"

For some reason Maria doesn't shake her head at this question that's just like a joke to me.

"S-Stop that... I would never---"

"Kazuki."

She interrupts me.

"I was confident in being able to predict your actions. We've spent a whole lifetime together, after all. But your actions in [Kingdom Royale] have all been contrary to my expectations. So, I just don't know anymore. I'm also not sure if you will move as I expect from now on."

"......"

"I'm positive that the victory conditions you mentioned were true. But, we failed. So, what will you do now?"

"I'm... still..."

"I'm an NPC, right? Even if you killed me, the real Maria Otonas.h.i.+ wouldn't die, would she?"

"What are you getting at...? Do you think... I would kill you because of that?"

"That's not what I think. I can't imagine you killing me."

"Then..."

"But as I said; that's just another of my inaccurate predictions. I don't understand your thoughts anymore, since you let go of my hand."

"No way..."

When I'm about to press her, wanting to solve this misunderstanding,

"Don't come near!"

Maria rejects me by showing me the palm of her hand.

But what makes me stop, more than her words or her att.i.tude, is the disturbance on her face.

"You look exactly like Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no, and that makes you --- scary."

I haven't relied on Maria in this game.

Because I knew that relying on Maria, who can be called the weakest in here, leads to defeat. Because I knew that I couldn't win if I didn't suppress the desire to rely on her, and if I didn't stop being so soft.

I was able to pull that off because of my experiences in the previous rounds.

It's something I wouldn't have been able to do without the information I gathered. So, indeed, my actions must look unnatural from Maria's point of view.

But I was sure she would understand nonetheless.

I mean, it's Maria! She, who comprehends me more than anyone else. I thought she would accept everything I'd do and never mistake me.

It was my emotional support.

Being confident that we trust each other was my emotional support.

Even so---

"......Why?"

Before my eyes is Maria's disturbed face.

This is what my actions have led to.

---I see.

I just got the reason Maria doesn't do anything.

I've already lost her trust long ago.

There's no need for Maria to save someone she doesn't know.

Thus, Maria won't save me anymore.

......................................................................

......................................................................

..............................................................really?

It's Maria.

Sitting in front of me is Maria, who would sacrifice herself for absolutely anyone in order to save that person.

And yet she's abandoned me...?

Just because she doubts whether I'm really Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no?

"Are you okay with this?"

I ask her.

"...I'm going to die, you know?"

The fear and disturbance in Maria's expression seem to be real.

But what disturbs her so much? What frightens her so much? She wouldn't behave like that even when she thought of me as her enemy. If she considered me an enemy, she would definitely be a lot more determined.

So, what is she thinking, then?

"......as you are right now, you can survive on your own, can't you?"

Maria replies with downcast eyes.

"No way! I can neither kill you, nor accept it if someone else killed you! So there's no way I could win against Da---"

Wait.

I can definitely not kill Maria. As long as Maria's here, I can't possibly win in [Kingdom Royale]. That is a certain fact.

But if you turn that around, it becomes:

I can survive if Maria disappears.

"......Maria."

When she raises her head, I say,

"Do you intend to commit suicide?"

Upon hearing that, Maria silently fixes her gaze on me.

"Do you plan to die on your own, like Yuuri-san did? To raise my survival chances at least a bit?"

She stays silent and I continue,

"Because you think I may be able to kill Daiya's NPC as I am now...?"

Maria's expression finally softens.

"I thought about that, indeed. After all, I am just an NPC whose life doesn't matter. However, I merely considered that method."

"Cut that out...! I don't want to win in this game at all!"

"But that's because I'm here, isn't it? If it weren't for me, you would tend more towards surviving."

"That's---"

Seeing me waver, Maria lets out a small sigh.

"...you know, Kazuki. It seems I can't talk myself out of it anymore, so let me tell you this: I consider your change undesirable. That is because it makes me unable to predict your actions."

"...What's the point in being able to do that?"

"If I could predict them, I could, for example, surmise what actions you would take after my death and judge whether you could survive or not. But because I'm not able to do that now, my hands are tied."

".....what are you talking about?"

'After my death?' What kind of a.s.sumption is that!

But Maria continues without caring about my reaction.

"You haven't depended on me this time. Indeed, I may be helpless and serve no purpose in [Kingdom Royale]. Sure. But I don't care."

Maria says with a smile of all things,

"I will protect you all the same!"

And for that sake you don't mind using your own life...?

Even though you perfectly know that I don't desire that?

«Still, I want to protect you even if I have to pay with my own life»

Didn't I tell her?

Didn't I tell her in the second round that,

«It's my job to protect you when you have lost your 'box'.»

Therefore---

"---I won't let you."

I definitely won't allow Maria to die for my sake.

"Didn't I tell you, that's my task?! I won't let you!"

Maria widens her eyes.

Aah, right. Maria doesn't remember what I told her in the second round. It's only natural that she's dumbfounded.

That doesn't matter. As long I can convey my intention!

"You don't protect me. I will protect---"

"Wait."

But she stops me.

She has already narrowed her eyes and is piercing me with a sharp glance,

"What has come over you?"

"...What do you mean?"

"What you want to protect is your everyday life, not me, right? It's the everyday life Mogi, Kirino and the others are in, right? Didn't you have an unshakable determination for that? So what's with this whining? Don't disappoint me too much!"

I'm left astonished.

Because she obviously is serious about that.

"......I see."

I finally noticed.

Maria has been overestimating me.

She has come to see me insisting on my everyday life for a whole lifetime without changing this belief. That may have looked amazing to her. Although the only reason I couldn't change was being inside that unchanging recurrence, I must have looked like some superhuman to her.

Maria thought that I would never change because I didn't change for such a long time.

But that's not possible.

I'm ordinary. That's what I always say. Even 'O' said that I'm going to change soon.

Also, I'm sure superhumans don't exist. Even people like Iroha s.h.i.+ndou, Yuuri Yanagi, Koudai Kamiuchi or Daiya Oomine didn't always manage to survive [Kingdom Royale]. I don't know which one of them is the best. And I think that's the evidence that there are no superhumans. Ironically, I realized that in this 'box' that was only created for staving off boredom.

Thus, I'm no superhuman.

And---neither is Maria.

And yet she's getting something wrong.

"...why aren't you in this everyday life as well?"

"Isn't that... obvious?"

Because she's trying to be special. Because she thinks she can.

"Because I am a 'box'."

Even though she's just a normal person.

Then, I think without any logical connection or basis:

It's not over yet.

I haven't lost yet.

Fifth Day [Secret Meeting] with [Daiya Oomine], [Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no]'s room[]

«Do you want to kill [Koudai Kamiuchi] by using [Deathblow]?»

This message was displayed on the monitor in my room.

Those messages are set to disappear during [Secret Meetings] so they aren't seen by the other players. Therefore, the message isn't there anymore, now that Daiya has come.

But in this case, that function's pointless.

After all, it must have been Daiya, the [King], who selected the target for [Murder].

"...what are you scheming? Weren't you supporting Koudai Kamiuchi?"

Daiya answers with a daring smile while sitting on the table with crossed legs,

"Whoa, that's a great joke. As if I would lend a hand to such a guy! I merely used him because he was a useful tool."

"...But in regards to your [cla.s.ses], [King] and [The Double], you can coexist."

"Do you even think winning in [Kingdom Royale] is my goal or what?"

"------"

I'm bereft of speech for a moment. I didn't expect him to declare that he doesn't intend to win this game so distinctly.

What on earth is he up to...?

"...So, why did you kill Yuuri-san and Iroha-san? Did you really need to do that?"

"...in a way, yes. But in any case, Yanagi committed suicide! I didn't expect that at all!"

"......did you plan to leave Yuuri-san alive?"

Daiya flashes a sarcastic grin.

"No. But I planned to make use of her for a while by showing you how she suffers, being violated by Kamiuchi before your very eyes. In order to fan your anxiety."

I don't get it.

I have no idea what's going on in his head.

However, what he's doing is terrible, no matter what reason he may have.

"What anxiety are you talking about, anyway...?!"

"After Yanagi, Otonas.h.i.+ is obviously the next target in both life and s.e.xual desire for Kamiuchi, isn't she? I wanted to make you aware of what Otonas.h.i.+ will have to go through if you don't do anything."

"Why?!"

Accidentally I shout.

But I know that, leaving aside the means, Daiya wouldn't do such a cruel thing without meaning. I won't mistake this fact and I also believe I'm right about that.

"......"

Right, Daiya doesn't do anything without meaning.

Therefore, there must have been a meaning in bringing this situation about. There also must have been a meaning in selecting Koudai Kamiuchi as the target for [Murder] and in initiating this [Secret Meeting] with me.

I just have absolutely no idea about his reasons.

I mean, what is this 'box'? A 'box' just to stave off boredom? What's that? That's not like Daiya at all.

«A 'box' just for the purpose of making others play a killer-game? Heh... just how nonsensical is this? There's no meaning to its existence.»

In fact, he said so in the second round. I don't think his NPC tried to deceive me then, knowing nothing about the 'Game of Idleness'.

«The 'box' can be no more than a way to kill time for people that were engulfed by boredom. Thus, this is only a game. A pointless game.»

He's contradicting himself. His statements don't match. Although Daiya would never, ever, put such a wish into his 'box', the 'Game of Idleness' is, without doubt, nothing but a way to stave of boredom. This is obviously contradicting---

"------"

No.

It's not contradicting.

«Otonas.h.i.+ can sense and intervene in 'boxes' and knows 'O' because she's an 'owner', right? As I'm already an 'owner' myself, it wouldn't be strange if I had the same abilities.»

Right.

That was it.

Daiya Oomine has been taking advantage of someone else's 'box'.

So, who is the 'owner' of the 'Game of Idleness'?

Only one person comes to mind. I know only one person that fits the pattern of 'someone that was engulfed by boredom' just too perfectly.

"Koudai Kamiuchi."

I raise my head and tell Daiya,

"Koudai Kamiuchi is the 'owner' of the 'Game of Idleness'."

Right, it's not Daiya.

Aah, he was even giving me hints the whole time. He didn't call himself the 'owner' of the 'Game of Idleness' even once, and his NPC seriously denied being its 'owner' as well. Daiya has not told a single lie, except when he concealed being the [Revolutionary] in the first round.

There were more than enough hints to notice. He was surprisingly fair and made sure I was able to fight against him.

And yet, I merely felt something was slightly wrong, but I couldn't figure out that Daiya wasn't the 'owner'.

He raises one of his cheeks to a daring grin and says,

"I guess I didn't need to give you some hints. You noticed pretty fast."

"Fast? ...it's too late already!"

I already sacrificed Iroha-san and Yuuri-san. You can't possibly call it fast.

Thanks to my slowness, I was controlled by Daiya like a puppet and failed miserably.

But...

But can't you think of this as a new hope?

I lost to Daiya. But I only lost to Daiya, not to the 'owner' of the 'Game of Idleness'.

Right --- I haven't lost to the 'Game of Idleness' yet.

Therefore, there might still be a possibility to slip out of the 'Game of Idleness'.

"Tell me, Kazu, do you know why you couldn't win against me?"

Daiya says that.

"It's because your goal is ambiguous."

"...Eh? But my goal is clear? It's to return to my everyday life... or it should be..."

I need to slip out without killing anyone. Because I would be unable to return to my everyday life as soon as I kill someone - even if it is just an NPC.

That's why I tried to clear the «everyone has to survive for eight days»-condition Daiya told me of, and intended to become the «king».

"Kazu, did you seriously think you were geared for becoming the «king»!"

The same phrase as yesterday.

"...what do you mean?"

"Just like I said. Only someone that's prepared to devote themselves to others' happiness, without caring about their own, is allowed to become a «king»."

...I wonder?

If only such people may become the «king», then I'm indeed not geared for it. I don't want to become like that.

There's only --- Maria who would want to become like that.

"Since that's not happiness for you, you can neither become it nor do you need to. At the most, you can become,"

Daiya says, wearing a wry smile,

"A «knight» who solely protects a certain somebody, right?"

«Knight».

This word calls a picture forth in me.

A picture of myself on my knees, stretching out my hand to the princess.

I know that scene.

The background's blurred. I don't know whether it was a castle, a terrace, a corridor or a cla.s.sroom. I suppose the background has been painted over by my everyday life.

But I can vividly recognize who the princess is.

If I don't take her with me, this princess would surely become the next «king». And then she won't be able to think about her own happiness a second time. Even though she would really want to escape, taken by the hand by me.

That's why I had decided to betray everything and make everyone my enemy, protecting her.

For her sake.

...Aah, right.

Until I met her, I insisted on my everyday life because of a distortion. It was just an emotional measure to forget about the incident with «Nana Yanagi».

But that started to change when I met her.

I wanted to have her by my side. I wanted her to be a part of my life, to exist in my everyday life.

Having her by my side was what I called my «everyday life».

So that's it.

Before I knew it, my goal----

My goal has become saving Maria.

That's why Daiya told me it's «absolutely impossible» for me to win.

He recognized that I wasn't comprehending my own goal. He was sure not to lose against me as long as I was like that.

d.a.m.n... he's perfectly right!

"If your goal is clear now, do what must be done."

"...what must be done?"

Daiya says plainly,

"Yeah, what you have to do. To kill Koudai Kamiuchi."

"......Kill......?"

The Koudai Kamiuchi that's here is just an NPC, so the 'Game of Idleness' won't be stopped by killing him.

"But... ah, I see."

If I don't do that, the Maria in here is going to be killed. Not only that, she would even be made his toy.

Being her «knight», I can't allow that.

Therefore, I have to kill the 'owner', Koudai Kamiuchi.

"......But still."

Can I really pull it off?

Sure, Koudai Kamiuchi is someone who's beyond all hope. If I wasn't concerned directly, even I wouldn't care too much if his NPC was killed.

But when you have to do it yourself, everything's different. I'm sure I won't be able to return once I choose to «kill» him. I would have to falsify myself when socializing with Kokone, Haruaki or Mogi-san.

But Daiya's telling me to do it anyway.

Daiya's telling me to do it if I know what's really dear to me.

But will it really be my «everyday life» I return to after killing him and slipping out of the «Game of Idleness»?

"Kazu, try touching the monitor for a few seconds."

I touch the monitor as he told me. Nothing happens right away, but after waiting about five seconds, the monitor turns on and the message «Do you want to reveal the screen?» appears.

"If you accept, the screen where you can use [Deathblow] will appear. You can decide right now to kill Koudai Kamiuchi."

"......I see."

I press the «Yes» b.u.t.ton, whereupon the message «Do you want to kill [Koudai Kamiuchi] by using [Deathblow]?» appears.

I can kill someone just by pressing this b.u.t.ton.

I haven't done so in any of the games up to now, but I guess I can't avoid it anymore.

So if I can protect Maria with that, I......

I reach out for the b.u.t.ton and---

"......"

---stop my hand.

Wait.

Am I really okay with this? Is it okay to move as Daiya says?

Am I seriously thinking that I can protect Maria if I follow Daiya?

"...What's wrong? Did you get cold feet?"

"Daiya."

He looks at me suspiciously when I call him with a frown.

"You're Daiya's NPC, right?"

"...why do you need to state the obvious?"

"So it's not like you know the intentions of the «real Daiya» completely, right?"

The suspicion in his look becomes even stronger.

"Answer me."

I say, focusing on Daiya.

"What happens to our promise?"

Daiya grasps what I'm driving at and keeps silent.

"I wasn't able to «make everyone survive until the eighth day». Hence, the Daiya on the other side doesn't need to destroy the 'Game of Idleness'."

"......"

"If the «Game of Idleness» doesn't get destroyed, I can't protect Maria. Even worse, being unable to kill Maria, who's the «Prince» in this game, I'm going to die for sure. And Maria will definitely not be able to win her round when she's the player. In other words, I can't protect Maria."

Daiya remains silent. Therefore, I continue,

"You actually don't know how the «real Daiya» intends to solve this incident, do you?"

"......"

Daiya doesn't answer.

That's basically telling me that he really doesn't know it.

"...I can't just follow you, then. I have to find a way to save Maria myself."

"......that Koudai Kamiuchi has to be killed is certain."

"Yeah, I also think I have to kill him because Maria would be killed otherwise, but..."

...Oh?

No, wait. What did he just say?

Because of his uncomfortable expression, I a.s.sumed he was just trying to evade my previous question. But is it really like this?

What if his statement was the answer to my question about how the «real Daiya» is trying to solve this incident?

«That Koudai Kamiuchi has to be killed is certain.»

This sentence.

I know. I know the easiest way to destroy a 'box'.

So, didn't he actually want to say the following?

He'll crush the 'Game of Idleness' along with its 'owner'.

The «real Daiya» will settle this by killing the «real Koudai Kamiuchi».

But why did he hesitate to say that, then?

Because it's an awful solution? ...No, Daiya can say such things easily.

Daiya is scowling at me. He's forbidding me to put my understanding into words with his glance.

What's with this reaction? Why is he on guard, even though n.o.body can listen to what we talk about in this [Secret Meeting]?

Sure, there is a possibility that Koudai Kamiuchi will hear this conversation on our portable terminal later. But if that was it, he wouldn't have told me to «kill Koudai Kamiuchi».

Which means that there's someone else who can hear this conversation? Someone which should better not hear it?

Besides us, there is---

"......"

I look to the ceiling without thinking.

There's just the blank concrete ceiling that doesn't change no matter how long I stare at it.

The «real Daiya» seemed to know about what I've done so far. I can't say for sure, but I guess he's watching my fight through that game machine even now.

Right, in short --- the [real Daiya] and the [real Koudai Kamiuchi] can hear this conversation.

The «real Koudai Kamiuchi» mustn't get wind of the «real Daiya's» intentions of killing him. The odds would be against Daiya in a direct fight...all the more when there are no knives and such in that dark room.

But how does he plan to kill Koudai Kamiuchi then?

I reconsider everything Daiya has said. "'Natures' are like this. Every event changes its shape according to your nature." "Doesn't matter. I have now tasted the «hope» called 'box'. As I have tasted it, there's no way I'd let someone steal it from me." "You should know that I didn't do anything for a while after obtaining a 'box'. In other words, I was merely in possession of the 'box' without using it." "You can survive if n.o.body kills anyone during those eight days." "Have I ever lied to you?" "Therefore I am --- your enemy."

"......"

I see.

So that's how it was.

"Daiya."

He looks at me with a frown.

"You asked him about that week, didn't you?"

Daiya doesn't answer.

That makes it certain.

"......hehe..."

I've fully understood Daiya's intentions.

"Daiya, you are such a liar."

Therefore I can't help it but swear at him like this.

"You haven't won against me at all."

I mean, his plan would miscarry just by exposing his scheme right now.

You can't call that having won already.

"...Don't get carried away, Kazu! What can you do, being unable to kill Otonas.h.i.+?"

Indeed.

I may have figured out that Koudai Kamiuchi's the 'owner', but in order to confront him I would need to win this round of [Kingdom Royale] first - even though I can't win because I can't kill Maria.

But that's no issue in the plan Daiya's scheming. Because he's going to destroy the 'Game of Idleness' even before that.

But---

"So I'm supposed to rely on you?"

Quite odd, isn't it?

"Even though you're my enemy? And even though we have no idea whether your plan will succeed? I'll try to think of a better strategy then!"

"......"

Daiya closes his mouth.

Daiya's plan is advantageous for both of us. In truth, I am aware of that and I'm sure Daiya knows that I am as well.

I would immediately follow him if he just bowed lightly and said please.

But Daiya won't do that.

He would never bow before me.

Daiya would never lower his stance in front of me. That's not just because he wants to protect his pride. I still don't know Daiya's goal, but I'm sure he mustn't bow before me for its sake.

Just like Maria who doesn't ever bend.

Therefore, Daiya just keeps scowling at me with enmity in his eyes, not lowering his head.

With a cutting intensity.

"......Daiya."

I'll be the one that bends, then!

If I don't, Daiya may be killed. And I don't want that, after all, since he has always been my friend.

"I have a request."

It's no request, really. It's something Daiya is forced to do. He would need to do it anyway.

"I want you to talk Koudai Kamiuchi around to not do Maria any harm."

I mean, I won't hold back anymore if Maria dies because of one of Koudai Kamiuchi's whims.

If that happens, I will kill Daiya.

And he can't win against me. Because his plan doesn't allow him to kill me.

"......"

Sixth Day [Secret Meeting] with [Maria Otonas.h.i.+], [Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no]'s room[]

It seems like Daiya succeeded at talking him around. In the end, Koudai Kamiuchi didn't do anything for the day.

But it was obvious to the eye that he could barely manage to behave himself today. He is unable to conceal the thirst for violence inside him any longer, and dyes his surroundings in it.

I know that pitch black atmosphere that almost seems to consist of boiled down desire from a certain Master Room.

There's still something Daiya is overlooking.

That is, how Maria is going to move.

Daiya's plan will only be executed if the time pa.s.ses. The «real Daiya» won't move until shortly before we turn into mummies because our food portions run out. I know that.

But Maria doesn't know of his plan, of course. She still thinks I'm going to die if the time limit draws near.

Of course, she will try to make me win in [Kingdom Royale] so that I can survive...while knowing that my victory conditions can't be met as long as she's alive.

In other words---

Maria is going to die for my victory conditions if I don't do something.

In order to prevent that, I have to persuade her. But I know very well that Maria doesn't bend that easily.

That's why I asked Daiya to pacify Koudai Kamiuchi.

I couldn't kill him right then. Because, for persuading her, I wanted Maria to see.

---See how I kill Koudai Kamiuchi.

I confront Maria who has arrived at my room.

I wonder why?

Now that I have figured out my goal, I feel like something's terribly out of place when looking at Maria.

Maria's silhouette looks blurred as if my eyes have lost their focus.

"Kazuki."

She doesn't sit down next to me after all.

I guess she still doesn't admit that I'm «Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no». She won't approve of me as things stand now, although I figured out my goal.

"It seems like I need to die, after all."

Therefore, I can't stop her foolishness if things stay like this.

"Otherwise I'm going to stand in your way for sure, Kazuki. You wouldn't be able to win in [Kingdom Royale], either. But hey, fortunately I'm just an NPC. There's nothing to worry about."

She says, carelessly.

I can't help but sigh.

As I thought, it will be most difficult to stop Maria.

"Maria, you don't have to worry about that anymore."

"Why?"

"Because I'll kill Koudai Kamiuchi!"

"------"

Maria's bereft of speech for an instant, but she recovers from her astonishment right away.

"I really don't understand you anymore."

Maria frowns.

"So you conspired with Oomine, huh. And you readily made the worst possible choice on top of that."

"I've already decided."

"...I see," Maria looks away, "I don't even consider murder as a method. Using such a means to solve something is, however effective it may be, nothing but an atrocity. I once said something similar in the 'Rejecting Cla.s.sroom'... but, well, you don't remember, huh."

It would be a lie to say that I didn't feel anything, confronted with Maria's att.i.tude of refusal. But I don't step back, even while being hurt by her words.

"It's much more awry to commit suicide."

"If it's about humans, yes. But I am a 'box'."

"Don't make such an excuse! You definitely know that I don't wish for that!"

Maria widens her eyes when she hears my scream.

"......are you still talking about this nonsense? Why have you become so soft? You should have what it takes! You should be able to prioritize your «everyday life» over me!"

Aren't you the one still talking nonsense?

I should be the one to say that!

I take a step forward and touch the monitor while being watched suspiciously by Maria. A message appears on the monitor.

«Do you want to kill [Koudai Kamiuchi] by using [Deathblow]?»

I'll show her, then.

I'll show Maria that I have changed. That's the one and only reason I postponed killing him for a day.

And then I'll have her trust the changed me.

I'll have her understand that she doesn't need to die.

For that purpose, I reach out for the letters «KILL?» that cover Koudai Kamiuchi's eyes.

"S-Stop!!"

Maria rushes to me with wide-open eyes and grabs my arm.

"......Why?"

Honestly, I didn't expect her to panic so hard.

"...What do you mean?"

Maria asks back, her eyes slightly averted.

"Why do you dislike the thought of me changing so much? Sure enough, it's not good at all to do this. But is it really something you need to stop on any account? Both of us may be saved by doing that, you know?"

I recall our [Secret Meeting] yesterday.

«You look exactly like Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no, and that makes you --- scary.»

"Why do you fear my change so much?"

"......"

Maria can't answer this question.

"Just in case: it's no use if you stop me from pressing the b.u.t.ton! Even if you hold me back right now, I will just press the b.u.t.ton when you're gone."

"...I know."

But contrary to her words, she puts in more strength.

"I've become emotional, that's why I'm stopping you. Yeah, I admit it. I absolutely don't want you to change."

"...But it's too late."

Maria gazes at me as I murmur this.

"...It seems so."

And lets go of my arm.

"I can't stop you anymore, can I?"

I keep looking at her, not understanding why she grieves over something like that. As if to answer my glance, Maria opens her mouth.

"Tell me, Kazuki. What's my goal?"

She asks with a voice that sounds tragic in a way.

"Obtaining a 'box', right?"

"Exactly. I am trying to obtain a 'box'. I seek after the 'box' in order to make my 'wish' complete. I'm only together with you because 'O' seems to be interested in you. That's a just cause."

"......Yeah."

"But I'm a 'box'. A being that's not allowed to be part of anyone's everyday life. Therefore, I'm naturally not supposed to be at someone's side. I mustn't a.s.sociate with anyone too deeply because I would destroy his everyday life. I can only be with you because there's a just cause."

"......"

"You started to change. I can't even guess your thoughts by your expression anymore. Bit by bit, that certain special connection between us has disappeared. ...well, our relations.h.i.+p was just a byproduct brought forth by Mogi's feelings, so it might only be natural that this would happen."

"That's---"

When I'm about to deny it reflexively, Maria stops me by covering my mouth.

"I don't need a tender lie. You should feel that we stopped being special, too."

"......Uh..."

"You're about to kill Koudai Kamiuchi. I know that your values won't return to how they were once you kill someone, even if it's an NPC. You're going to change even more. Your abnormal attachment to your everyday life will decrease and you'll become unable to master the 'box', like everyone else. And do you know what happens then?"

Maria says,

"'O' loses interest."

Her hands aren't covering my mouth anymore, but I'm still unable to open it.

"You ought to welcome that 'O' will leave you. In fact, I should be happy for you, too. But I can't delight from the bottom of my heart. Not because I'll lose the clue to obtaining a 'box'. But because, when 'O' loses interest in you, I---"

"I lose the just cause that lets me be with you, Kazuki."

Saying that, Maria presses her head against my shoulder.

"As soon 'O' doesn't shadow you anymore, I'll have to leave your side. Well, of course. I'm not able to achieve my goal otherwise."

Aah, so that was it.

The thing Maria was afraid of for all the time since yesterday. No, even before then.

It's---

It's --- farewell.

"Kazuki, I won't stop you anymore."

Maria removes her head from my shoulder.

"I wasn't allowed to stop you, really. I don't have the right to, nor do I need to. But still, I should have known."

Maria speaks with a resigned, gentle smile.

"That being able to be by your side is just a pipe dream."

"------"

Unable to look at her anymore, I turn towards the monitor.

To the message «Do you want to kill [Koudai Kamiuchi] by using [Deathblow]?», in my imagination, I add the following line: «Will you accept the farewell with [Maria Otonas.h.i.+]?».

"...There's,"

...no way I could accept that.

What is that! As soon I try to protect Maria, I have to bid her farewell?! Even though I know that she's going to keep crying all alone once we've parted?!

«I can't bear your death. It breaks my heart. I don't want that. I want to be with you.»

Why can I never do anything?

Why can't I do anything while knowing of Maria Otonas.h.i.+'s feelings for me...!

...There must be a way. Being the «Knight», I should be able to free the captured Maria by killing someone.

Who is the one that tries to compel Maria into being all alone?

I think. Think, think, thinkthinkthinkthinkthink---

"------Ah."

......I see.

"---Haa!"

I got it. I finally know who my enemy is!

Why didn't I notice earlier? The enemy was always close to me. We even met! And I even perceived that certain person as my enemy in the very beginning!

Freed from my doubt, I reach out for the b.u.t.ton once again. «Do you want to kill [Koudai Kamiuchi] by using [Deathblow]?» I read the message and decide without any hesitation.

Yeah, I'll kill him!

I press the b.u.t.ton that's displayed on Koudai Kamiuchi's picture.

"------Aah,"

Maria lets out a long sigh.

"The pipe dream just ended, huh."

"No!"

Indeed, I've just officially become a murderer and changed.

What I define as the «everyday life» I want to protect has changed.

I guess 'O' is going to leave me, as well is Maria as soon she realizes.

But---

"The person that's standing here right now is Maria without the 'Flawed Bliss'."

If everything goes as planned, Maria will be able to get out of the 'Game of Idleness' without having a [vicarious experience].

She won't remember this conversation.

She will still be in the dark about my change.

"You aren't a 'box' when you don't have the 'Flawed Bliss'."

Maria seems to have trouble getting my point and looks at me with wide eyes.

"I told you in the second round that «It's my job to protect you when you have lost your 'box'». I will maintain this determination. Therefore, I will keep protecting you from the devils' clutches."

"...devils' clutches? Like Kamiuchi and Oomine?"

"From them, too, but the greatest enemy is someone else."

My goal has become saving Maria.

So, who has been hindering me the most from achieving that in the 'Game of Idleness'... no, even before that?

Who is the detestable enemy that makes Maria think she had to throw her own life away?

What has to be done that Maria doesn't have to die?

Originally, she shouldn't have even needed my support to survive. With her skills, it shouldn't be too hard to win [Kingdom Royale] when she's the player.

But Maria can absolutely not kill anyone. She would rather neglect her own life.

That's why she can definitely not win the 'Game of Idleness'.

So, what has to be done that she's able to win in [Kingdom Royale]?

I, the «Knight», have once pledged:

I'll save her, even if it means to betray everyone and make everyone my enemy.

Maria answered to that,

She has been waiting for me, it being her only strength.

Be it consciously or not, Maria is aware that she's being captured. And also that she can't do anything about it on her own.

By whom is she captured? Who's trying to make her the «king»? Who do I have to kill in order to free her?

I've finally got it.

"It's «Aya Otonas.h.i.+»."

This is the name of my enemy.

The enemy I'm going to oppose from now on, and whom I've been opposing for a lifetime.

"I will defeat «Aya Otonas.h.i.+». I'll teach her that there's no despair that can't be solved by one's everyday life and that there's no need to use a 'box'."

There will be no farewell then.

Geez... «Aya Otonas.h.i.+», how dare you involve «Maria Otonas.h.i.+»! You're the only one that can't be together with me!

"------What's that supposed to mean?"

Maria's eyes are wide open.

Fair enough. In those repeating days, Maria was able to finally form the ideal self, «Aya Otonas.h.i.+», she's been longing for. And yet I'm telling her that I'm going to destroy that.

"Is that a --- proclamation of war?"

I answer with a smile.

"It's not!"

It might be a proclamation of war if I told it to the Maria in the real world. And after getting to know how I think, she would leave me.

But we're in [Kingdom Royale] here. It won't remain in Maria's memory.

"I know the Maria of the first 'school transfer'."

Maria's eyes are still wide open - apparently she doesn't understand why I've suddenly told her that.

"I can remember almost nothing of that time! But I know that there was a Maria who hadn't completely changed into «Aya Otonas.h.i.+» yet. And I also remember that she said this:"

I repeat.

I repeat the words Maria has said when she stood on the podium that time.

"I want someone to be by my side."

She clamps her lips and gazes fixedly at me.

"Maria. You aren't a 'box' right now. So, please tell me. Please tell me your, «Maria Otonas.h.i.+'s» feelings, and not those from «Aya Otonas.h.i.+'s» point of view."

"......Kazuki."

A tender smile flashes on her face for a second, but her expression changes immediately to a stern one. She strains her lips and turns her back to me.

"I understood what you want me to say. But I can't say it. No matter how much you say I'm not «Aya Otonas.h.i.+» right now, that doesn't mean that I can return to how I once was. I always wanted to be a 'box' and I still want to be one, even now. Saying what you want me to say is equal to denying my own intentions. Therefore---"

She clenches her fists.

"Therefore, I can't possibly say it."

Maria says,

"I can't possibly say that I want you to save the lonely «Maria Otonas.h.i.+»."

Aah.

That's more than enough.

Maria's feelings have reached me.

Now I have the resolve to defeat «Aya Otonas.h.i.+» without holding back.

"I won't leave you alone!"

Suddenly, a new thought strikes me.

I know the Maria from the first 'school transfer'. But even then, she may have not completely turned into «Aya Otonas.h.i.+» yet, but she was already an 'owner'. She already had a will of iron at that time.

But was she really how «Maria Otonas.h.i.+» was originally?

I don't think so. Originally she should have been more like an ordinary girl.

So, I don't know Maria Otonas.h.i.+ from when she was just a girl one year below me.

I don't know the Maria from the 0th time, that hadn't done a single 'school transfer' yet.

I'm sure that girl's inside Maria even now, crying. She's crying at the ground of that sea inside Maria's chest.

She's crying, all alone.

I will go meet her, then.

"I will go meet the Zero no Mariazeroth Maria."

I'll go meet her, take her with me, embrace her and stay by her side.

I believe that that this is how Maria can truly become happy, therefore I will do it.

Maria had stopped clenching her fists at some point. I can't read her emotions from her rather downcast, gloomy face.

With purposely erased expression, Maria totters to me and presses her head against my chest.

"...I'm going to become a 'box'. I'm going to live for the sake of others. ...so, please stop. Please don't try to protect me anymore."

She says these silly things with a frail voice I've never heard from her before.

Therefore, I'll answer her.

"Got it. I'll definitely go meet her!"

"...hey... you haven't got it at all. I don't want to let you suffer. I don't want you to become unhappy by a.s.sociating too deeply with me. You're supposed to get away from me as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, I'll stay by your side!"

"Please go... please, part with me......"

There's no way I'd obey.

I mean, these are the words of my enemy, aren't they?

Therefore, I defy this request by embracing Maria.

Her body is so slender--it can definitely not be called strong--that, although I've already embraced her several times, I can't help but be surprised again at this helplessness of hers.

But I won't be surprised the next time.

Because I'm sure that this is the right impression. «Maria Otonas.h.i.+» is just a young girl, so this helpless impression has to be correct.

"Maria."

Maria doesn't answer to my calls anymore. She only tries to hide her expression by pressing her head against my chest.

I'm confident that she has an expression right now she wouldn't ever show in reality. An expression she banned when she vowed to never depend on anyone.

I guess she can have this expression only because she has no 'box' right now. Just because we're in [Kingdom Royale], she's slightly showing me a part of her true self, something she would never ever show me in reality.

If it's now, my words may reach «Maria Otonas.h.i.+».

They may reach her in all honesty without being repelled by «Aya Otonas.h.i.+».

I'm about to open my mouth, when---

"Kazuki."

She tells me. The girl that embraces me with her trembling arms tells me,

"Even so, this is still a pipe dream."

I know.

Sixth Day [Secret Meeting] with [Koudai Kamiuchi], [Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no]'s room[]

Even so, Maria won't become «Aya Otonas.h.i.+» anymore in this game. Therefore, she won't die on her own accord.

I've done everything that had to be done.

This [Secret Meeting] is nothing but a diversion.

«The decIded [Deathblow] - will be exEcuted - even when the - [Knight] diEs!»

According to the rules, [Deathblow] gets executed five minutes before the end of the -block. Thus, Koudai Kamiuchi does still live for now.

But he has no means to survive.

After getting that confirmation from Noitan, Koudai Kamiuchi throws his knife on the table, smiling wryly.

"No use killing you, huh. Uwaa... Looks like I'm finished."

He says lightheartedly as if it was about someone else, scratching his head.

Koudai Kamiuchi doesn't voice a single grudge even though the person that initiated his death stands before his very eyes. He doesn't even get emotional. Probably, he only thinks it was a failure to follow Daiya.

Even though he's going to die.

I gaze at the knife he has thrown away.

The 'Game of Idleness', purely made to ward off boredom, huh.

Until now, I was unable to understand his extremely momentary way of thinking. That hasn't changed. But when it became clear that he's the 'owner' of the 'Game of Idleness' and I realized that this atmosphere belongs to Koudai Kamiuchi, there were some things I could figure out.

Koudai Kamiuchi can't acquire the feeling of living in reality.

Everything that happens in his surroundings seems to him like being in a game; he doesn't feel directly affected. Since he's like that, I don't think [Kingdom Royale] is so special for him. That's also why his 'wish' could become an external 'box' while being so unrealistic.

Because of this nature, he also feels no sense of danger from being killed. Neither does he have feelings of guilt; it doesn't feel real to him even when he kills people, after all. I can understand that he would start to live for the moment and seek pleasure, then.

That's not so special, although it seldom gets this extreme. Even I can't claim that it felt real to me when I knew that I would die when losing this game.

That's where I stop thinking.

I mean, understanding him is pointless.

I take the knife on the table.

"Oh? What're you up to? Ah, perhaps you're angry that I killed Kaichou, so you want to kill me with your own hands?"

I shake my head.

"Not at all! I don't intend to have a dialogue with you. It's someone else who will, as it seems."

Koudai Kamiuchi looks puzzled at me.

"Noitan."

«What iS - it?»

The green bear, who's still being displayed on the screen, answers.

"I think you are the symbolic figure for the 'Game of Idleness', Noitan. I think that if we took the nature of people that have only interest in killing time and made a mascot out of it, it would turn out like you."

«Mhh?»

"There's something I've always wanted to tell you."

Then I swing my knife towards the monitor and thrust it into it with all my might.

The knife's stuck in the green center.

"You're disgusting."

A crack appears in the middle of Noitan's forehead.

«------A?»

The disgusting green bear disperses on the monitor. He turns into hundreds of pieces like a uncompleted puzzle. Noitan still curses at me «What're ya doing, b.a.s.t.a.r.d!» but his usual widely opened eyes aren't displayed on the broken monitor anymore. Only red fragments of those bloodshot eyes and his open mouth are still flickering.

It almost looks like he's bleeding.

But Noitan keeps cursing, unable to feel any pain from this disastrous scene. As if he hasn't realized the situation he is in.

It's pitiful.

Not noticing that, is pitiful.

Noitan then becomes even unable to maintain being just a hundreds of flickering green and red dots. He slowly stops flickering, loses the light and eventually disappears.

"...was there a meaning in doing that? You just destroyed the monitor, that's all."

Koudai Kamiuchi says coldly.

"So, what do you consider a meaningful action?"

"Hah...?"

Koudai Kamiuchi opens his mouth like a fool.

"Aah, well, maybe that doesn't exist, huh. After all, everybody dies eventually."

He gives me the answer I expected.

"Koudai Kamiuchi. Let's a.s.sume there was a person who couldn't find any meaning in things other than killing time."

"What's with that, all of a sudden? And hey, didn't you omit the «-kun» just now?"

I continue, ignoring him.

"How can one win against such a person?"

"Jeez... what are you talking about? And anyway, that example's me, right? I gather that much! But in that case, I guess it's impossible to win against that guy, heh?"

"Why?"

"To make him lose, you see, he would have to come into the ring you're in, right? If you throw things at a spectator outside the ring, then that's just brute violence."

I see. Indeed, he's right.

"I see."

I speak.

"So I just have to make you realize that you are in the ring."

When I say this, Koudai Kamiuchi's jaw drops open.

But he still hasn't realized. He has not realized that every one of us is in this ring, all the time.

And he has doubtlessly lost now, being destined to die.

A bad excuse like «I don't remember having fought, so I haven't lost» won't hold now.

But I didn't feel like making him admit that now. I just keep saying what I think.

"You said that there are no meaningful things, right?"

"...yeah."

"I don't know what has a meaning and what doesn't. Therefore, I think like this: I'll find a meaning then. I'll even find a meaning in this pastime of someone's."

I figured out my goal in the 'Game of Idleness'.

I think that is very meaningful.

I found a meaning in this 'box', in the 'Game of Idleness' that's supposed to be meaningless.

I wonder if I can say the following then?

---I have denied the 'Game of Idleness'.

But he was unable to do that, therefore he kept losing, averting his eyes from reality, and he's going to keep losing, until he eventually breaks into pieces like Noitan.

But as I said, it's not me who will teach him that.

The one that will defeat Koudai Kamiuchi is Daiya Oomine.

However---

Tenth Day [Big Room][]

However, a certain thought persists in me.

"I would have done better."

The food portions of Yuuri-san and the others have run out; only two portions are left in total. I have handed those to Daiya and Maria, so I'm already out of food.

It's finally time for the «real Daiya» to get started.

I suddenly think:

Daiya was only able to pull off all that secret maneuvering because his turn came before mine. If I had been first, it would be me that's confronting Koudai Kamiuchi.

In that case, I wouldn't have needed to have such a hard fight.

At best, we wouldn't even have had to play [Kingdom Royale].

Yuuri-san and Iroha-san wouldn't have had to suffer so much, at least, and I'm sure there wouldn't have been the need to kill Koudai Kamiuchi.

I think, while gazing at the blue watch Daiya has returned to me.

I guess Daiya was wis.h.i.+ng for this awful outcome. So he is my enemy, after all.

But he shouldn't truly be wis.h.i.+ng for all that. He may not be aware of it, but he should have wanted to see an outcome where everyone can smile.

"That's what you get when you think of the 'box' as hope!"

Daiya doesn't react to my words and just keeps touching his right piercing.

Alright, I'll leave the rest to you, Daiya.

And also, goodbye!

I don't want to meet you anymore.

I mean, if we meet again, you will have used the 'box'. Even though you can't master it anyway.

When that time comes, I will try to destroy your 'box' for certain.

And that's when we're going to become enemies for real.

Therefore, I don't want to meet you anymore.

During middle school I went out with some boring girl.

Well, sure enough, for a middle schooler she was pretty stylish and her slender legs that looked out from her shortened school skirt were attractive enough to arouse me.

But her tremendous lack of intelligence and dignity blanked that attractiveness out. She spoke ill of others all the time and she wasn't even able to make it sound funny in the least. She was boring. Annoying. Therefore, I learned how to reflexively give her empty answers and simultaneously solved some equations in my head instead.

Since I would never approach someone like her, I think she was the one that confessed, but I wonder why I accepted going out with her, of all the people that confessed to me? Because of s.e.xual desire?

Actually, I have a preference for obedient girls. Come to think of it, there was a girl I was attracted to who fit that image perfectly. She was the archetype of a dark girl, having her gaze lowered, with long hair that looked like the hair of a and wearing bulky gla.s.ses. But her face hidden by that long hair was, if you looked close enough, very pretty and charming. I had the illusion of being the only one who noticed that and felt an odd sense of excitement, like it was my own personal secret.

...ohh, that's right. When I learned that she already had a boyfriend, I was so shocked that I accidentally accepted the confession of the boring girl, «Rino».

But while she may have bored me, she seemed to be rather popular.

Shortly after I started going out with her, I was called to the back of the gym. By a fair-haired cla.s.smate who the teachers had already given up on.

"Hey, a.s.shole. Are you looking for trouble?"

is what that simpleton said, even though there's no way I'd look for that since I had never really talked with him. Then, after listening to him for a while, I finally noticed that going out with her was the reason for his sudden abuse.

"Split up with Rino, you cheeky p.r.i.c.k!"

Eventually, my fair-haired cla.s.smate pocketed his strange pride when I kept not understanding him, grabbed me by the collar and urged me like that.

Since I wasn't particularly attached to her, I could have just said "Aah, okay, I don't mind," but well, I was still a brat back then and felt offended by his unreasonable demand. Consequentially I responded «Why should I obey such an order?». I think I also added a most correct statement along the lines of «Don't hold a grudge against me just because you're unable to get a girlfriend! What a wimp.»

Well, and that's how I started being the victim of violence.

If he hadn't come pick a quarrel with me, I would have split up with that boring girl long before, but because I was p.i.s.sed off by that, I kept going out with her. You know what, blondie? You just shot yourself in the leg.

By the way, to proceed to another subject, I love my mother. She's young, I think she's pretty and most of all she brought me up all on her own. I heard my dad was an awful person who had tried to force my 17-year old, pregnant mother to abort me through violence when he got wind of it. Because of that, my mother's been telling me "Never use violence" all the time. "Violence can't solve anything!"

It may not sound real, but I still think that's right. Her saying has properly taken root in me.

Thus, I didn't fight back when the fair head kept abusing me.

But when you're being abused, traces remain. Because of my unceasing bruises, my mother started to suspect that I was picking quarrels all the time, in other words, that I used violence. "How did you get that bruise?", "Didn't you ignore my instructions?", "Haven't you started to resemble that man I hate more than anyone?"

I disappointed my beloved mother because I've been obeying her instructions. Just how unreasonable is that? I had to bring that to an end.

So I thought it was okay to use violence once for that purpose since it couldn't be helped.

I called blondie to the back of the gym. Well, there was no way I'd lose to such a inferior fair-haired monkey. I hit him. I kicked him. After a few punches and kicks, the fair-haired monkey was already unable to stand anymore. Since I couldn't allow him to spread around that I used violence, I decided to seal his mouth by threatening him. That fair-haired monkey was quite stubborn. I used force on him until he lost consciousness. Until then, I did things like plucking off his hair, tearing off his fingernails, p.i.s.sing on him or making him eat a centipede. In the end I took all his clothes and left him behind in the gym where some girls were doing club activities. By now I think I went too far but I may have had bottled up more anger than expected.

Before that fair-haired monkey lost consciousness, he said, "You a.s.shole, you don't even love Rino. You're just using her as a subst.i.tute for your j.e.r.k.-.o.f.f. material. That's why I won't permit it." Maybe he loved that boring girl, quite honestly.

I didn't give a s.h.i.+t.

Monkeys have no human rights.

It was rather the opposite; after that human-to-rag incident I got even more irritated because of him. Wasn't he just a small fry, really? And such a small fry had been hurting me all this time? He even made me break the taboo of using violence?! Such an inferior monkey has?

Don't mess around with me. Because of you, I tasted it!

The enjoyment of control through violence.

Until then, I had been unable to defend myself against that sc.u.m, that acted tough just because they had enough guts to pick fights with others...although they actually were vastly inferior to me. I mean, they only care about who's strong and who's not. For them, other abilities like intelligence, sportiness, and such don't even matter. I can't stand such values. They are only trash for relying solely on violence that can't solve anything. They're an inferior bunch. Their lives are worthless, just like my father who tried to kill me before my birth.

But then again, they submit to violence.

There's no meaning in that. It's pointless to compel such a bunch of inferior monkeys into submission. At most, you can feel pleasure. But that's reason enough to use violence.

Violence is alright, if it's for pleasure.

My ethics sure are outstandingly right, if I may say so myself.

I called that fair head again. He had been frantically fleeing from me since that incident, but when I told him that I would gang-rape Rino in a hotel if he didn't appear, he turned up readily. I took with me some of my cla.s.smates, apparently blondie's ex-buddies, and Rino with her friends and lead the fair head to a ditch. It was an unhygienic knee-deep river in which one could see things like the corpse of a dog quite often.

"Hey monkey! You're in the swimming club, right?" I asked. "It may sound surprising, but I'm rather bad at swimming, you know?" I said while looking at Rino who was giggling.

"Can you demonstrate to me here how to swim?"

Of course, I didn't let him reject. When I pointed out, "Whoa, don't tell me you want to swim with your clothes on! Do you have no common sense?" he voluntarily undressed with the exception of his shorts. Naturally, I didn't allow that and made him take off his underpants as well. "Iih!" Rino and her friends exclaimed with brainless voices.

The fair head started to swim. One could see that he frantically tried to look expressionless. When I ordered him to do a b.u.t.terfly, he showed us a dynamic b.u.t.terfly inside the ditch. That scene looked so funny that I kicked him while laughing out loud. Half of the present students were turned off by his appearance, drinking muddy water, but Rino was laughing and clapping her hands together.

I started to talk with Rino so that the blond head could hear. "Rino, let's go to a hotel afterwards." "Eh? D-Don't talk about that in front of everyone, Kou-chan! It's embarra.s.sing!" "You don't want to?" "It's... not like I don't want to, of course." "Let's go then." "...Okay." "Please do something like you did the other day, that was so hot!" "Well, I don't mind... hey, don't talk about that in front of everyone, seriously! Ooh, you silly～"

The fair head threw up into the ditch.

As promised, I led Rino to a hotel afterwards. A group of men were already waiting there. I received some money from the unknown men and went home, leaving Rino behind in the hotel.

Of course I told the fair head about that.

I didn't see him ever since.

Oh dear, violence sure solves nothing. It only brings forth new hatred. You had to go through all that trouble because you carelessly used violence, you know?

But also, I had to compensate for using violence.

That ditch incident became a quite serious matter, so in the end, my mother got wind of it. Having learned about the details, she started to fear me and treat me like a stranger. By now, there's almost no conversation between us anymore. Although... I still love her so much.

However, I kept betraying her. I continued using violence. I couldn't endure not feeling the pleasure of using violence regularly.

I still think you can't solve anything by using violence. But you destroy absolutely anything and everything. Everyone can get ruined by someone's violence, no matter how high his social status is, no matter how greatly renowned he is, no matter how much money he has. When I use violence while making myself aware that it is destroying the victim's life, a white light runs from my head through my entire body and tickles my heart as if to melt it. And that feels so good, I can't stop.

I bet even I will be destroyed by someone one day.

When I imagine my insides melting in sulphuric acid, I feel really at ease for some reason. I can acquire an unbelievable sense of relief just by picturing how I liquefy myself.

I don't care why that is.

I just wonder if that liquid appearance would be my correct form...if it would have been better not to come out in human shape after having been totally damaged by my father's violence.

"Do you have a wish?"

So, how should I answer such a question?

What wish could I have when I'm going to be ruined some day?

I --- no, not just me. Everyone will lose everything in the end anyway. So is there really something that has a meaning? If there is, by all means, let me know.

When I understood that nothing had a meaning, everything became oh so boring. «Boredom» is, like Daiya Oomine said, a beast and tries to devour me.

So I'm satisfied as long as I just can ward off this boredom.

Thus, I created the 'Game of Idleness' and started [Kingdom Royale].

✵

First Round of [Kingdom Royale]

Everything was so fresh, it really was enjoyable. The killing and deceiving was exactly as I had expected, so I was moved by how much this was the game I wished for.

Mh, but now that I think of it, maybe it lacked some tension because Daiya Oomine as [Revolutionary] was too strong. That guy plus [Revolutionary]? Talk about overpowered!

Second Round of [Kingdom Royale]

Awesome. There was also plenty of fan service, so it was great to watch. When Yuuri-chan begged me to kill Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no right after seducing me, I really had to laugh my heart out.

But seriously, Yuuri-chan's just too scary. Right at the end when she killed my NPC, she made me unwary by acting a psychologically disturbed expressionless character with tears all over her face and stabbed me when I drew closer to comfort her! She sure is a fiend. A devil, indeed. How can I trust women any longer?

Third Round of [Kingdom Royale]

It all happened so fast, I had to laugh. Kaichou's face was just too scary when she killed Yuuri-chan first. Well, such a development is also quite enjoyable once in a while, I guess.

And at last, Fourth Round of [Kingdom Royale]

Because I started getting tired of the game and Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no tried to prevent everyone from killing on top of that, there weren't as many enjoyable scenes. He sure doesn't know what's good. Let them kill more, seriously! Let them deceive each other! Just drop that friends.h.i.+p and reconciliation stuff. I don't need such drama.

Well, and hence I lacked concentration while watching the fourth round of [Kingdom Royale]. I didn't watch the scenes that had no interesting events like someone dying seriously. That's also why I wasn't all that focused when I watched the [Secret Meeting] between Daiya Oomine and Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no.

«You haven't won against me at all.»

Until I heard that conceited line from Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no.

What's that idiot who's mistaking the 'owner' saying? - I smiled wryly with these thoughts at first, but after watching their exchange and expressions thereafter, I suddenly felt like this:

Has he noticed that I'm the 'owner', perhaps?

Because I hadn't really been concentrating, I couldn't really tell. But that's what it looks like, to me at least. Well, I don't think Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no would be able to do anything even if he knew.

But as I further watched them after that, I got that same hunch again.

Are those two secretly conspiring?

It's possible that Daiya Oomine's scheming something. Rather, it's better to a.s.sume he's scheming something.

But I doubt that Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no knows the details of his plan. I didn't see Daiya Oomine telling him about it directly, either. To begin with, is it really possible to cooperate in that situation?

Or rather than cooperating, did Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no comprehend his plan and approve of it silently?

I peek into the game machine. Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no, who's going to turn into a mummy shortly, is murmuring something to the Daiya Oomine in the game.

He is saying this.

«I would have done better.»

What on earth is he talking about?

Suddenly, I notice that Daiya Oomine, who has been watching the screen as serious as if he was praying, has raised his head and is gazing at me.

But still, I think I've seen his face sometime in the past... Unless I am mistaken, Oomine-senpai was in the same middle school as me? But I don't remember having seen that guy's pretty face amongst the older students that pierced themselves, ignoring the school rules.

"Hey you. You had a girlfriend during middle school, right?"

Daiya Oomine suddenly asks such a weird question.

"I had several, so I don't know which one you mean... but I guess it's Rino you're talking about?"

"...Right, her."

"You're acquainted?"

Come to think of it, what was Rino's full name again? «Rino» was just a pet name derived from her surname if memory serves me right.

"I've known her since childhood, you know. Therefore, I'm also informed of what you did to her."

Oomine-senpai says plainly.

He was expressionless while speaking. But this lack of expression felt kinda creepy, too, so I get a certain thought.

"Perhaps, are you out for revenge?"

But he doesn't move a muscle.

"Do you plot revenge on me because you can't forgive me for leaving your cherished Rino behind in that hotel? And that's why you did that introductory role for [Kingdom Royale], in order to--- um, no, I have no idea why you would bother to do that?"

I say while scratching my head.

"Revenge? Not at all. I'm merely doing this for my goal. I did those introductions simply because I realized that observing the game would act as a step to achieve my goal."

"Your goal, hmmm... Oh? Weren't you an 'owner', Senpai? Couldn't you achieve your goal easily by using your 'box'?"

"Yeah, indeed."

I raise an eyebrow when he agrees.

"So, why don't you just use it? Do you want to play pretentious or something?"

"Hmpf, don't think everyone's like you. Not everyone can easily believe that their 'wish' would be granted! I'm a realist!"

Now that he mentions it, the 'boxes' also grant feelings of resignation like «that can't come true» along with the 'wish', as far as I know.

"I understood right away that I couldn't master the 'box' when I heard the details from 'O'. Well, that's why I didn't use it after obtaining it, and started searching instead."

Daiya Oomine flashed a slight grin.

"For a way to master the 'box'."

When he said that, he seemed a little creepy to me again. Although he speaks like always, his words are somehow heavy, and sharp.

"...How do you search for a way to master something like that?"

"Sure, it's not something you can search for. But I was lucky in a sense. During the conversation with 'O', I found out that Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no was holding the hint I needed. On top of that, I was accidentally involved in this 'box', and able to meet another person beside Kazu who could master the 'box'."

"...Me?"

"Exactly."

I finally get what he meant by «step» for achieving his goal.

Daiya Oomine had to become able to master the 'box' for his goal. Therefore, he didn't try to slip out of this 'box'.

Right---

"To discover the means to master the 'box' by observing the two of you."

That's the step.

Daiya Oomine exploited the 'Game of Idleness' in order to observe us. In order to discover the means he needs to master his 'box'.

"...But how can observation help you there? I mean, we can master the 'box' because, well, we're humans that just can. And I think it's impossible to imitate someone's human nature."

"I guess so. No one can change his nature. For instance, I can't imitate your human nature of hating boredom. But more than because of your human nature, you could master the 'box' because your 'wish' was within your scope. I could find the answer to mastering the 'box' in that fact."

"...? What do you mean by 'wish' within my scope?"

"In the first place, the 'wish' you put into the 'box' wasn't anything grand, right?"

"Well... yeah. I only wanted to stave off boredom."

"Right. Everyone would think that a simple diversion can come true. But if it's something like [Kingdom Royale], I'm sure even you don't think it's possible in reality, right? But you didn't care about the details of the game. You were satisfied as long as [Kingdom Royale] would be fun for you. Therefore, it didn't even matter whether you could believe the game system or not."

"...I think you lost me there... but well, yeah, if it had been a 'wish' like «redoing it no matter how often one dies», even I would have been unable to believe."

"That's exactly what I mean. It didn't only look like you mastered the 'box' because of your human nature, but also because you tried to grant your 'wish' indirectly."

Oomine-senpai chuckles and continues.

"Thanks to you, I figured out my way to master the 'box'. For example, let's say that I want to destroy the world."

"Quite an aggressive 'wish', huh."

"However, if I put in the 'wish' to destroy the world, I could still not help but have doubts in the depths of my mind. But in fact, it's possible to destroy the world with objects that already exist in it. Nuclear weapons and such. Of course I can believe the existence of nuclear weapons. And by now I'm also able to imagine obtaining them."

"Why?"

"Because, by diving into the 'Game of Idleness', I experienced the miracles of the 'boxes' firsthand. I experienced this much power, so I can believe as much as that the 'box' can make anything come true."

"...Aah, so watching the power of the 'box' was also part of the reason for your observation?"

"Right."

Geez, just in how many layers does that guy think...

"If it's a 'wish' of the level of obtaining a «tool» to destroy the world, I could already make it come true, despite being a realist."

I'm still a bit unsure whether I have understood his reasoning or not, but in short it's like this:

Daiya Oomine can already use the 'box'.

"------"

The instant I realize that, I get the chills.

I have a really bad presentiment.

Probably because of that presentiment, I unknowingly ask him.

I ask in the flow of the conversation, although I'm supposed to be disinterested even if he really wanted to destroy the world.

"So, what is your 'wish'?"

Then, at once.

Daiya Oomine's atmosphere changed completely.

Although I noticed his slight creepiness, I have just given him the last push.

"You know, there are kinds of people I can't stand."

He touches his right piercing expressionlessly.

"It's about those people that have stopped thinking for themselves. They act like they would be thinking, but they really just accept others' opinions and get manipulated. They have no self, so to speak. There's no worth in their lives. I can't stand that depraved sc.u.m that has barely enough brains to follow others' opinions, has no target and clings to the feed that's before their eyes like a bunch of hogs. It makes me sick just to breathe the same air as them."

"...aren't you getting a bit carried away?"

Daiya Oomine scowls with cold eyes at me.

"Because they devour."

"What---"

"At times they even devour virtuous people."

Seized by his cold gaze, I can't move.

"You should already be able to guess my 'wish', and my goal, right?"

He flashes an odd smile, with only the right side raised, and says,

"My 'wish' is --- to exterminate all that sc.u.m."

Daiya Oomine doesn't hide his hostility anymore. He turns his eyes to me. While they look calm at first glance, they seem to have become darker and darker after a long succession of years, until eventually a light of insanity has started to dwell in them.

"Hey, are you listening, Koudai Kamiuchi? Or should I rather address you like this?"

Then, he declares it.

"You hog that has stopped thinking, sunk in boredom."

That he's my enemy and will exterminate me.

"------Haha,"

A dry laugh leaks from me.

Exterminate me?

That's a bad joke. Or it should be. Right now he has no weapon, so he can't possibly win against me as I'm used to the world of empty-handed violence. That's for sure.

And yet, why on earth do I feel like that?

What's that cold s.h.i.+ver that's running down my spine? What's that fear that arises from the depths of my heart?

"Kamiuchi, what do you think will happen to Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no now?"

He suddenly changes the subject.

"......he's going to die by turning into a mummy, right?"

Daiya Oomine chuckles.

"The heck? Are you making light of him? Do you seriously believe that he didn't do anything although he was aware of his approaching death?"

"...yeah, well, I mean, what should he do?"

"As expected from a brainless hog. Don't think he's like you! That cheeky fellow has merely understood what I'm up to."

Daiya Oomine says with a wry smile.

"Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no won't die. Because I will destroy this rotten 'box' called 'Game of Idleness' before that can happen. He understood that."

He disinterestedly looks at me as if he's looking at the broken lead of a pencil.

"It's evident how I will do it, right?"

He says,

"I'll crush the 'Game of Idleness' by killing you."

Like the Grim Reaper announcing my death.

"......Uh..."

No, I can't stay calm. I'm drenched in cold sweat as if my body senses the truth behind his words.

What on earth is this sensation? I shouldn't have to fear him so much; in [Kingdom Royale], Kaichou and me killed his NPC after all.

But where does this self-confidence of his come from?

And why do I feel so cornered?

"......You think you can win against me with force?"

I manage to squeeze out this sentence somehow.

Daiya Oomine contorts the shape of his mouth and says in an absolutely composed manner,

"Not at all."

"Hah?"

What's that guy babbling? So what's with that att.i.tude?

"Why so surprised? There's no way I could win against you in a direct fight. Leaving aside my physical condition, I was an honor student and almost never involved in a quarrel, you see. I have no experiences in martial arts, either. Well, I guess it would work out somehow if I was prepared to go for a simultaneous KO."

"...why are you so confident, then?"

"That goes without saying," he begins to speak. "Because it has already ended."

"Hah?"

Right when I let out such an idiotic sound again, my body gets seized.

"?!"

Not by Daiya Oomine. He's still standing before my eyes, even crossing his arms.

His a.s.sociate...? No, that can't be. This is a s.p.a.ce created by the 'Game of Idleness'.

But I'm being seized by something. The head of the person that's holding me down touches me.

I turn my head around. I can only see the top of his head.

Long hair... a woman?

She's much smaller than me and doesn't seem very robust.

"------gh!"

But for some reason I can't free my arm from her grip, due to whatever kind of trick she uses.

The long-haired girl in a pajama raises her head that she has pressed against my back.

When I see her face---

«You haven't won against me at all.»

That phrase flashes through my mind for some reason.

The basis for Daiya Oomine's self-confidence was that he knew that she would appear and save him by restraining me.

And I'm sure Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no realized that, too, in that [Secret Meeting]. I don't have the foggiest idea how he would be able to conclude so much, but he realized.

And he tried to make sure I would not notice outside the game machine that Daiya Oomine's planning to kill me. Because he knew that, in the worst case, I would kill Daiya Oomine if I got wind of it.

Wait? Why didn't she save him right away? Perhaps, did she only help him because certain conditions have been met?

What are those conditions, then?

Why does that woman need to help Daiya Oomine? Would his death bother her?

a.s.suming Daiya Oomine died here - what would happen? Daiya Oomine would fail to realize his intentions. The 'Game of Idleness' would not be destroyed. [Kingdom Royale] would be continued. Then---

---Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no would turn into a mummy and die.

"......"

«You can survive if n.o.body kills anyone during those eight days.»

Daiya Oomine told him this lie. But, something felt strange. Why did he tell such a crude lie even though he didn't tell any when it would have been useful?

...I try to construct a hypothesis.

A hypothesis, according to which his lie was, in fact, the truth.

If everyone was alive, they would all become mummies on the eighth day because of their food running out, and die. Of course, Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no would die as well. Just like it's about to happen to him right now.

«You asked him in detail about that week, didn't you?»

I don't know what he means by 'that week'. I couldn't know.

But probably, they could acquire this information from that week:

Right, those two---

---knew that this woman will appear when Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no is about to die and prevent it. Therefore, they also knew that, consequentially, he can survive if no one dies for --- no, as long Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no is about to turn into a mummy.

"---hehe..."

The girl whose face is completely unknown to me raises the corners of her mouth.

"......Who are you?"

She answers.

"Nana Yanagi."

"......Nana Yanagi?"

"Aah, maybe this name makes more sense to you."

The girl says with a mysterious smile.

"I'm 'O'!"

Daiya Oomine flashes a scornful smile.

"Hmpf, so you chose to turn into Kazu's first crush. What's your point by using Nana Yanagi's appearance?"

"There's no deep meaning, really. I merely supposed that it would be the most interesting to meet him in this appearance! Well, but it seems like I won't have occasion to show him, thanks to you."

"But strictly speaking, Kazu has seen you right when he came here, hasn't he?"

"Well, yes. But he was so cruel and stepped on me. On top of that, he didn't even recognize me. Boy, at least you should be able to recognize your first crush at a glance!"

"Anyhow, it surprises me that Nana Yanagi looked like this. I thought it would be another beauty because our picky Kazu was in love with her, but that visage is really nothing special, huh."

"That's rude to her!"

While listening to their strange exchange of words, I think:

'O'?

'O' he said?

Aah, certainly. Only 'O' is capable of such a mysterious smile. 'O' is about the only one that could ignore the rules and intervene. Therefore, I can understand it.

But why should this inhuman being, 'O', who could even be called a G.o.d, help Daiya Oomine? Why should he need to save Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no's life?

Why were they able to predict 'O' 's behavior?

Daiya Oomine laughs at me while I'm confused thinking about these matters.

"You look like you're wondering why 'O' saved us. I'll tell you, no problem!"

Then he says,

"'O' loves Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no. Didn't you know?"

"......that doesn't explain anything."

"You sure are slow on the uptake. It's natural to save a guy you love when he's about to die!"

"So you predicted that?"

"Not predicted. I knew. Well, because I asked in detail about what happened during the 'Sevennight in Mud'."

There's no way I could understand from such an unfriendly explanation. In the first place, what is that 'Sevennight in Mud'? ...But well, I guess 'O' saved Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no in that week... or tried to. Thus, he knew that 'O' would come.

Because he knew that, he took advantage. In order to dispose of me and my 'Game of Idleness' after figuring out how to use the 'box', he utilized 'O'.

He utilized a G.o.dlike being.

"------"

What the f.u.c.k?

How did he come up with the thought of utilizing such a being in the first place? That's something I'd never, ever be able to think of.

Someone that arrives at that thought---

---cannot be human.

Aah, now I've got it... why I'm so frightened.

I have never met a person who's more skillful than me, so to speak. Or at least I haven't perceived anyone that way. I always thought I was stronger, no matter who I was looking at.

But now I know better. Compared to that guy, I'm---

---overwhelmingly inferior.

"------Ah."

My body sways.

It feels like a sensation of giddiness, but it doesn't stop. My legs have sunk deep into the ground of this dark room that smells like dissolvent. ...no, that's not really happening. Probably, it just seems this way to me.

What, what is happening to me?

Someone's laughing at me. "Ahahahaha," he ridicules me. It's neither Daiya Oomine nor 'O' who does this. That black shadow is trying to kick me, to take me over.

---Who are you?

I had a hunch that it was my father of whom I had not even seen a photo. With the desire to throw grudges at him, I scowl at the appearing shadow. But as soon I focus on him, my father dissolves and becomes another person.

Aah, I know that one.

---It's... me.

"Geez... ridiculous how it is exactly as expected."

Daiya Oomine complains.

Yeah, I bet.

I'm going to be destroyed now, as expected. Just like I have done with other people for all the time until now.

So, maybe I can finally go to the place I've always sought. Maybe I can finally become what I've wanted to.

'O' lets go of me.

I slump down and land on all fours.

My hands touch the ground of this s.p.a.ce. It feels like touching rotten meat. It's strangely warm, yet it's rough and crumbles in my hands.

That makes me finally realize.

This s.p.a.ce is --- disgusting.

"Yes, as expected, I suppose."

'O' repeats Daiya Oomine's words.

"Well, but I guess it's also as Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun has expected."

"...what do you want to say by that?"

"There's no hidden meaning! By the way, Daiya Oomine-kun. I would also like to ask you something."

'O' looks at Daiya Oomine as if I have already disappeared from his sight.

"It's a question concerning your contradicting actions. I had trouble understanding why someone like you would do something that's not beneficial, you see."

"...what do you mean?"

"Hehe, you don't have to hide it! Your plan took advantage of my fondness for Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun. Which means that it wouldn't have worked if I hadn't come to the rescue. So why---"

"It's not like it wouldn't work without you."

Daiya Oomine interrupts 'O' and starts to explain.

"To begin with, I don't have to destroy the 'box' because I already won [Kingdom Royale] and survived. And while I was confident you would come, I didn't have proof. This rescue measure was out of pity because Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no tried his best although he ultimately lost. If he had won our little match, I would have done something about it even without you... after all, I promised! With the preparedness for a simultaneous defeat, in that case."

"Pity, huh... But I think you should know which one of you was really pitied? Anyhow, I didn't ask for that explanation."

'O' calmly tears Daiya Oomine's words into pieces.

"Please don't evade my question. Let me formulate my concern once more. Even though you need me to come---"

'O' asks.

"You tried to change Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun to make me lose interest."

"------"

"Kazuki-kun should have been able to let everyone survive for eight days. But in order to change him, you tricked Koudai Kamiuchi's NPC into killing Iroha s.h.i.+ndou and made it impossible for him to win. Why did you do that when you only needed me to come?"

Daiya Oomine scowls at 'O'.

"You sure are kind. You wanted to save your friend, Kazuki-kun, right? You wanted to free him from me, right? Well, naturally I have not lost my interest due to such a slight change yet."

'O' continues with a smile.

"But it's certain that it reduced the probability that I would come! It's nothing like you to reduce your own likelihood of winning."

"...indeed, I took some actions that could be taken like that. But it's my NPC who did. My NPC merely misunderstood my intentions and acted on his own accord - that's all. In fact, my NPC didn't know that Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no would die if you didn't come to the rescue. Even I make such slight mistakes."

"But even if it was a misunderstanding of your NPC, would he really have done that without wanting to change Kazuki-kun, being an exact copy of you? Besides, that's definitely a lie. Didn't you just say that everything was as expected?"

"That was a figure of speech."

"I don't think so. It was exactly as you expected. Also, I think you wouldn't have let Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no just die if I didn't appear. I'm sure you would have tried to kill Koudai Kamiuchi - with the preparedness for a simultaneous defeat, in that case."

"Don't talk nonsense. Why should I sacrifice myself for Kazu?"

"Because you were the one pitied."

Daiya Oomine is bereft of speech.

"Letting the person who pitied you and silently approved of your plan die because your plan failed? That's definitely not something your pride would allow you."

"......what makes you so sure?"

"That's what Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no thinks like, not me."

"What?"

"Kazuki-kun doesn't put confidence in my whims, sadly. Therefore, he didn't think your plan would work for certain. And yet he entrusted you with his life. You should know the reason by now, with your wits, right?"

Daiya Oomine widens his eyes and bites on his lips.

"He was convinced that you would save him even if your plan failed."

Daiya Oomine seems mortified for some reason, but 'O' continues,

"Indeed, as Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun has expected."

"---Just how much is he messing around with me!"

"Hehe, he's not messing around with you. He just understands you, doesn't he?"

"Shut up. ...I got it already. All right, I'll admit it! I tried to break you and Kazu apart. You're blaming me because you're bothered by that, right?"

"That's also true, right."

"Don't worry. I won't do that anymore. If he stands in my way from now on, I will take advantage of him and fight against him, that's all."

"I see."

"But sure enough, I think a light-minded smile fits him best. I don't want him to have anything to do with those 'boxes'. It's the best if he has his everyday life."

"Oh? Why did you try to change his goal into protecting Maria Otonas.h.i.+, then? Isn't a.s.sociating with her also something that keeps him away from an everyday life, I wonder?"

Daiya Oomine bites on his lips.

"......that's the only thing my NPC could think of to dissociate him from you."

"Indeed, that could be possible. But judging from your expression, that's not all there is to it."

'O' says and claps his hands artificially as if he had suddenly understood something.

"Right. Let me tell you something good, that may even put you in the right way. Maybe I should also tell Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun and Maria Otonas.h.i.+."

'O' says joyfully while Daiya Oomine raises an eyebrow,

"This girl --- Nana Yanagi --- is alive! Ah, incidentally, her boyfriend Touji Kijima is, as well."

Raising his eyebrow even more, Daiya Oomine asks,

"...if they still live, then where are they?"

'O' nods contentedly to his reaction and answers,

"In Maria Otonas.h.i.+'s 'box'!"

Daiya Oomine stands still with widened eyes.

"Did you understand now that Maria Otonas.h.i.+ is someone that disconnects him from his everyday life? So if you really want to achieve your goal, you ought to ignore your own feelings and just hook them up!"

"...what are you talking about."

"You want to hook Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no-kun up, don't you?"

Then, 'O' says it.

"With Kokone Kirino."

He says --- this nostalgic, dear name.

"You always thought that Kokone Kirino and Kazuki-kun would be a good match. You a.s.sumed that it would be the best if love would sprout between them, to bring her happiness. Because Kazuki-kun would not reject her whatever he learned about her. And yet you used violence against Kazuki-kun when it was about to happen because of Riko Asami. And also this time, you tried to make protecting Maria Otonas.h.i.+ his goal. To me, it seems like your actions are not consistent with your goal."

"......Shut up."

"You want to dedicate your own life to your goal, right? But at the present time, you can't match Maria Otonas.h.i.+ or Iroha s.h.i.+ndou by far. As long you don't let go of Kokone Kirino, that is."

"Shut the f.u.c.k up!"

I watch Daiya Oomine roar, clenching his fists.

Why does that name come out of 'O's mouth...?

Why does Daiya Oomine react like this to that name?

Why does the name of my admired, docile Senpai make him suffer?

"------Aah."

I see. I remembered.

I remembered who Daiya Oomine was in the past.

"Do you really think you can achieve your goal? «No matter what you do, no matter where you go, you can't get away from your nature» - these are your very own words. Even if you put on piercings that symbolize your resolve, even if you could sever your feelings for her - your human kindness, cowardice and foolishness don't change."

Daiya Oomine scowls at 'O' with a look that bears so much enmity, it could almost kill.

It's only natural that I couldn't remember. His impression back then was completely different. During middle school, he didn't have any piercings and had no silver hair yet. He was a softly smiling Senpai that was admired as the «prince» by the girls because of his coolness and refinement.

He was the perfect boyfriend --- of the docile girl I admired.

That's why I gave up on her right away. I didn't know Daiya Oomine well. It's just that I was convinced that Kirino-senpai would definitely be happier together with him. I was disabused that I wasn't the only one who had discovered her charm. And I also realized that I wouldn't be the one to draw out that charm. My illusion that she was something special only for me crumbled down just like that.

I see.

So Daiya Oomine was the one who created the occasion that made me go out with «Rino» --- «Miyuki Karino».

"......Heh."

Daiya Oomine stopped scowling, relaxed his fists and contorted the shape of his mouth.

The smile that has appeared now that he has regained his composure doesn't have a bit of his former softness and looks only fearless.

"You may be right. But it doesn't matter."

"Doesn't matter, huh? Even though you're going to suffer?"

"Yeah, I will achieve my goal no matter how much I need to suffer. I'm able to bear up against feelings of that level."

'O' asks, seeming deeply interested,

"Why do you think so?"

"Because an even greater feeling than pain is driving me. My nature, as you call it, is painted over by that. That's how strong it is --- my hatred."

He says, strongly.

"Since that time, boku«I» hate the everyday life."

I don't have the slightest idea to what time he refers by 'that time'.

"You delight me!"

But 'O' smiles contently after hearing Daiya Oomine's words.

"By letting me listen to your creaking heart like this. By letting me listen to it as easily as playing on an instrument where you only have to touch a single string."

"Well, I guess that's why you gave me the 'box'. I won't be unwilling, I'll let you hear as much of it as you want! No matter how much my heart may creak, I will achieve my goal. Thus, I'm very grateful to you!"

"I'm delighted to hear that! Although I distribute 'boxes' that can grant any wish for free and give the receivers a proper explanation, there are many amongst them who seem to have a misplaced grudge against me."

Having said this, 'O' lifts me up and restrains me again.

"Alright, Kazuki-kun is about to become a mummy. We have to hurry up."

"That goes without saying."

Daiya Oomine spits that out and rushes to me.

"Koudai Kamiuchi."

He smiles coldly.

"Amongst all the people I know, you're top-level trash. You're the trash amongst trash, living a meaningless life, driven by boredom and hurting others. I don't expect that you'll change your mind, nor do I think that you will hand over the 'box'."

He reaches out for my neck.

"Like Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no has changed, I will change, too. For that sake, I have to get rid of my weakness. So, let me use you for that."

He puts force into his hands and strangles me.

"I'll cut my retreat by killing you."

Then, the person who once was the «prince», says,

"And then I will become the «king»."

Man, don't bother yourself telling me that! If you do, it sounds almost as if you say it to yourself.

......Oh, or is he really saying that to himself?

Why did Daiya Oomine leave the 'Game of Idleness' unharmed for so long? Why didn't he kill me right away? - There were several reasons. To understand the usage of the 'box'. To wait for 'O'. To change Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no.

But if you look at it from the other side, doesn't that just mean that he searched for so many reasons to postpone the determination to become a murderer?

Of course, that may be my misunderstanding. But I think it's certain that he wanted to make himself believe that it's alright to kill me. After all he's still a «prince», not the «king».

My sight flickers.

I'm going to die.

I see, I've lost to him. ...no, I guess I've been losing the whole time already, before this incident. I've not only lost to Daiya Oomine, but to everyone and everything. I've been losing because I wasn't even in the ring, ever since I started escaping.

My feet sink into this room that seems like the solidification of desire. Probably, I will melt and vanish if I keep sinking.

I unconsciously thought that such a thing might be Eden to me.

Am I an idiot?

What a lack of imagination. It seems to me like this only because I've never met with death before! Even without knowing what my desire ultimately is, I don't want to end like this!

Though I have no choice anymore but to accept.

So, I'll do at least one counterattack at the very end.

"Eh......ph...e..."

I try to say one last sentence, but my strangled vocal cords don't form the words correctly anymore. But it doesn't matter. As long they reach him, they don't need to be exact.

Even if it's all as he expected, I'll at least pester him.

I look into his eyes.

I can see slight indecision in them.

Aah, looks like it reached him a bit.

«Help me.»

The intention of these words.

Of course that won't change the outcome.

But there's one thing I know. Having seen him laugh at Kirino-senpai's side when he still was a «prince», I know one thing.

You are the one who's going to lose from now on --- Daiya Oomine!

Or --- did you seriously think you were geared for becoming the «king»!

I feel that my body has been completely engulfed by the darkness. My sight has turned black as well, so I can't see anything. I can hear the echo of his voice in my head.

"......Kazu, do you really think you could have done better?"

He says with a trembling voice, apparently thinking that I've already lost consciousness.

"Even if I hadn't wanted to use Kamiuchi's death like this, I probably would have found no other way to stop the 'Game of Idleness'. But you would have found one?"

Of course I can't see his face anymore.

I feel something on my head. What is this? I can smell something sour.

Aah, I see... it's vomit.

Hey now, Daiya Oomine, you're overdoing it!

Well, I guess I'm the pot calling the kettle black. After all, I also scattered vomit all over the street on my way home after leaving Rino behind in that hotel. I really can't explain why I did that. But what's beyond doubt is that I was still suffering then.

And yet, when did violence start to become a pleasure?

I don't know. I don't know, so that means I'll likely never know.

I fall into the darkness.

But it's almost the same as the place I was in until now.

So, since when have I been engulfed by this darkness? Well, it's understandable that I was incredibly bored then, in such a place. I've been running around, raising my voice, reaching my hands out, but still I didn't find anyone and was exposed to fear.

But, if I had continued searching a bit, maybe I would have been able to come into contact with someone?

---heh.

Nope.

After all, even my mother left me.

✵

For some reason, Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no is the last thing I think of.

I ask one last question.

Hey, if you had been the one here---

---would you have told me what my true 'wish' is?

1. Boku: Daiya uses a different word here for "I;" typically he uses "ore" which is much more rude than "boku."

Because it had rained the day before, Koudai Kamiuchi's funeral was held under humid and uncomfortable circ.u.mstances.

It was so hot and humid that even the attendees were visibly affected, and seemed more uncomfortable than mournful. They almost seemed to have forgotten that they were there to mourn for the deceased.

There were still many attendees who shed tears at the funeral. From my conversations with them, I got a sense of Kamiuchi-kun's popularity. I only knew his ruthless side, so I was surprised at first. After taking into account his outwardly friendly behavior, I felt a little less surprised.

One young woman, apparently his mother, cried so hard that every last tear in her body seemed to be coming out.

Seeing her was heart-wrenching.

Somewhere deep within my own heart, I wanted to ignore the mourners and ease my own suffering. I wanted to justify his death by telling myself he was a hopeless cause anyway.

But naturally, even a man like Kamiuchi-kun remained dear to some people.

What Daiya and I had done was terrible, and I shared the responsibility for this terrible result as well.

Of course.

Daiya may have strangled him, but I also killed Koudai Kamiuchi.

Kamiuchi-kun's mother kept whispering that it was her fault, though she was clearly not the culprit who had strangled him. She seemed to be trying to curse herself to unhappiness through her frantic claims.

In his funerary portrait, Kamiuchi-kun had slightly narrowed eyes and the corners of his mouth were raised. Regardless, the smile in his photo just didn't seem like a true smile.

Standing next to me, Maria saw the look on my face and asked, "...did you know him?" Without hesitation, I shook my head and answered, "not at all." Maria was very silent and mourned for him sincerely, though she’d barely ever spoken with him. When we went to a café afterwards, she didn't even finish her strawberry tart.

I'm happy that Maria doesn't remember the 'Game of Idleness'. If she did, she would surely feel responsible for his death and blame herself.

--- the 'Game of Idleness', huh.

One could almost think Kamiuchi-kun had mastered his 'box'. But that wasn't the case. Just like Mogi-san and Asami-san, who thought their 'wish' could never come true and hence couldn't truly fulfill their 'wish', he had also failed to truly master his 'box'. One might even say that his was the greatest failure.

After all, the 'wish' behind the 'Game of Idleness' consisted of nothing but resignation.

So, I wonder, what was his true 'wish'?

I've been pondering and pondering... but nothing comes to mind.

I didn't get the chance to truly understand him, so I’ll never know.

But after seeing his funeral portrait, I came to a conclusion.

Probably, Kamiuchi-kun was---

Lonely.

✵

The day before summer vacation arrived with Daiya still MIA.

The new murder incident caused another school-wide uproar, but I guess that will cool down by the end of vacation.

This bad aftertaste will probably recur forever in my own mind. I’ve come to accept it; I gave my tacit approval to this outcome, after all.

Anyway, summer vacation starts tomorrow.

"......alright!"

Let's shake off this melancholic mood!

I ignore the unpleasant feeling of my sweaty skin sticking to my s.h.i.+rt, smile, and enter the cla.s.sroom.

"......Mh?"

For some reason Kokone is cowering in a corner. She's sitting there embracing her knees and squirms.

...what is she doing there?

"'Morning, Hos.h.i.+!"

"Good morning, Haruaki. ...hey, do you know what's up with Kokone?"

"Aah, that's Kiri's usual 'play with me'-illness, so just ignore her! But these annoying vibes you get from seeing her cling to herself in the corner of the room make her seem entirely like that certain black living thing!Let's call her Kirino c.o.c.kroane from now on!"

"Who's a c.o.c.kroach!?"

Ah, she heard everything.

She turns around and scowls at us. Her hairstyle of the day has been involves a hair clip, exposing the nape of her neck. And also---

"Ah, gla.s.ses."

She is wearing gla.s.ses with a blue frame.

For some reason, Kokone winces at this word and curls up again.

"Usually I use disposable contacts... but I forgot to buy new ones. Hah... gla.s.ses don't suit me at all, so I feel so down..."

"...and you're sitting in the corner because of that?"

"Yeah. I don't want to show anyone my face. Uguu."

I think doing that just makes her stand out even more, though.

Well, judging from her expression she seems to be quite serious about not wanting to be seen wearing gla.s.ses. Personally, I think that from time to time a pair of gla.s.ses is fine too, but I guess that's just the way a woman's heart works?

"Don't worry, they suit you!"

"They don't! Have your eyes rotted?! If your vision’s gotten that bad, you should put on some gla.s.ses right now, Kazu-kun! Ah, or are your eyes blind with love for me?! Good grief, you little deredere rascal!"

"...no, not at all..."

"How dare you say 'not at all,' you crossdresser! You'd better take an interest in me!"

Isn't that a bit too cruel?! I mean, it’s her own fault that she’s so depressed in the first place...

"Come on Hos.h.i.+, tell her what you’re actually thinking straight-out! Tell her that «Not only me, but the entire world population has no interest in you»!"

Haruaki says such unnecessary things...

"Mh! What did you just say, Haru!"

"I stated that neither Hos.h.i.+ nor anyone else has interest in you."

"Ah, so it was just a roundabout confession."

"......how in the world did you arrive at that kind of conclusion?”

"You just wish it were like that, don't you? The translation of your Tsundere-confession goes like this: «The oh-so popular Kokone-sama must be the center of attention of the entire world... I wish I was the only one that had an interest in her...». Well, it can't be helped. Because of your love, let me present you with a used oil-absorbent paper afterwards! Be sure to treasure it."

"I'll burn that thing with a lighter right away! It’ll burn like crazy, after all. Jeez... your self-love sure knows no bounds. I bet even the sound of an opening door sounds like a confession to you, right, Kiri?"

"Well, I can't say you're wrong. Since I'm loved by the entire world, it's not a lie to say that every sound in this world is an expression of love for me! ......Aah, but I'm not loved by the entire world while I’m wearing gla.s.ses... at most, I’ll only be loved throughout j.a.pan..."

That's more than enough!

"Uuh... why do I have to wear such ugly gla.s.ses on the day of Kasumi's visit...?"

"Eh?"

Did she just say something that I wasn’t supposed to overhear...?

"Kasumi...? You mean Mogi-san? Is she coming to school today?"

When I ask her this, Kokone makes a face that obviously says «s.h.i.+t!» and immediately shuts up. She looks away and puts on a wry smile.

"...Ahaah, I would never leak something Kasumi told me to keep quiet about! I wasn't told that «It's going to be a surprise, so please don't tell anyone, Koko-chan»! Err... Kasumi is... Ah, right! Kasumi no Tamoto---in other words it's about a hermit!"

I've never heard of that word before...

"Your vocabulary is quite extensive, isn't it, Kokone? ...by the way, what kind of hermit is that?"

"E-err... a hermit that puts quail eggs on his hand and breaks them with a nunchaku."

What's scary is that such a hermit could even exist...

...anyway. Looks like I have to practice looking surprised.

Still... I'm really happy that I'll see Mogi-san at school today.

✵

Even after the closing ceremony there's still no sign of Mogi-san.

Maybe she’ll come right at the end of school so we can hang out afterwards?

While thinking about Mogi-san and idly watching my cla.s.smates – noisily jabbering about their plans for the holidays and their grades -- my name was called.

"Kazuki-san."

The call came from Yuuri-san, who was peeking in from the corridor.

When our eyes meet, she smiled broadly. Her cheeks are slightly red, probably because she rushed right over as soon as her homeroom ended.

...I wonder what's up?

As I stand up, that question still floating around in my mind, someone put his hand on my shoulder.

"...Mh? What's wrong, Haruaki? Umm, Yuuri-san is calling me, so I have to go..."

Haruaki nods and smiles.

"Mh mh, I see. You call her «Yuuri-san»."

"...eh?"

"You know... I know that you talk with her from time to time, but how should I put it? This is a critical point."

"Aah... but, listen, Yuuri-san is---"

"As the representative for all the guys in our cla.s.s, let me state our consensus."

The hand on my shoulder grips me even more tightly.

"Get bent."

He crushes my family jewels between my legs with his left hand.

"GYAAAAH!"

It-It's going to be crushed!

Though I haven't done anything bad!

But then I notice that the cold gazes of my cla.s.smates have softened a bit.

...Honestly, I have mixed feelings about what just happened, but I am a little bit relieved. Since that confession incident with Kokone, this kind of topic is pretty dangerous for me. The rest of the cla.s.s doesn't mind Maria because they recognize that she lives in another dimension, but Yuuri-san... isn’t so far out of reach.

Maybe Haruaki did this on purpose to protect me from the envy and hatred of the guys in my cla.s.s? ...Nahhh, probably not. I mean, it's Haruaki. And he didn't restrain himself. And it really hurts. And it's seriously cruel to do that!

I stagger to the corridor while holding my crotch.

"A-Are you alright?"

Yuuri-san worriedly looks back and forth between my face and my crotch.

"M-Maybe... probably... surely... I should be alright... Err... I'm happy about your concern for my crotch, but what's up?"

Yuuri-san turns red like a tomato.

"'C-Concern for your crotch'... don't say such strange things!"

I didn't!

"U-Umm... there's something I want to discuss with you. Can you accompany me for a moment?"

"Mh... I don't mind, but can't we do it here?"

"No."

A serious subject, I guess....

"Okay. I'll come with you."

"Thank you. Please follow me."

She starts to walk, but because my pain is still intense, I stagger after her. Yuuri-san notices my strange walk right away and stops.

"A-Are you really alright?"

Saying that, she bends down a little and looks at my crotch. No... I don't think you can do anything just by looking...

Then, I notice.

"HII!"

Maria is right there.

Maria probably headed to cla.s.sroom 2-3 right after homeroom as well.

And now Maria is, fixedly, watching Yuuri-san scrutinize my crotch.

Then, she turns her half-opened eyes to me.

...Oh. Maybe this is quite bad after all...

"D-Don't get it wrong, Maria! Yuuri-san simply worried for me, so..."

"Why are you trying to come up with a strange excuse? I know you well. Most likely you got attacked by Usui because he got jealous after seeing her come to your cla.s.sroom, right?"

She hit the nail on the head perfectly, almost as if she witnessed it herself, so I nod repeatedly.

"But, with that in mind, let me tell you this..."

Maria says,

"Get unmanned."

WHY!?

Escaping from Maria's cold gaze, we walked to the stairway landing between the third floor and the rooftop.

After confirming that we're alone, Yuuri-san bows deeply.

"Thank you so much."

"Err...?"

What is she thanking me for?

Yuuri-san seems to have noticed my confusion and adds,

"For helping to reconcile me and Iroha."

Aah... that. Well, yeah.

✵

[Kingdom Royale] ended abruptly, like a paper balloon trampled by an elephant. Right afterwards, I found myself in my pajamas on my bed.

The first thing I did was check the time and date. Even though we had spent so much time in the game, only a few hours had pa.s.sed.

Without wallowing in my complex mix of feelings, I called Maria. I wanted to confirm as soon as possible that she really had no memory of the 'Game of Idleness'.

I immediately realized that she didn't remember anything when she answered the phone with "What is it?" in an unusually deep voice.

I was so relieved that I couldn't respond. Then Maria got angry with me because of my sudden, wordless phone call in the wee hours of the morning. I had to laugh because this was such typical Maria-like behavior, and she got even angrier, again saying, "Why are you laughing on top of making me angry!"

And as soon I confirmed that she had no memories of the ‘Game of Idleness’, I immediately thought of Yuuri-san and Iroha-san.

I couldn’t sleep that night, and looked for them at school the next morning. But I couldn't find them. Both of them had skipped school.

---Maybe they wouldn't come to school anymore.

Because of my concerns, I begged their teachers for their addresses while incurring their suspicions, and was able to visit them.

Their conditions were horrible.

Yuuri-san suddenly started crying in response to the tiniest of matters. Iroha-san punched holes in the walls of her room and randomly started shouting from time to time.

But I somehow managed to a.s.sess their current state anyway.

They had forgotten about the existence of the 'box', but they could clearly remember what they had done. They hadn't had a [vicarious experience] of the last game when I was the player, so they couldn't remember. That seemed to be their current state.

Yuuri-san only had memories up until the second game when she deceived everyone. Iroha-san only had memories up until the third game when she killed everyone. Neither of them remembered their reconciliation.

My appearance seemed to make them even more unstable. Well, that was probably inevitable since I must have reminded them of that game.

I also thought that it might be best for me to keep away from them entirely and allow them to recover naturally.

But in the end, that didn't seem right to me either.

I was the only one they could talk to about that incident. Sure, their condition would improve if time pa.s.sed. But they wouldn't be able to truly recover that way.

I had to make them understand that their actions were inevitable. It was true that they had exposed the ugly sides of their personalities in that game. I could understand why they had trouble forgiving themselves.

But at least I forgave them.

That's for sure.

I kept visiting them for a week. One time, I was about to be chased away by Iroha-san's family, but Iroha-san herself stopped them. Yuuri-san's mother welcomed me, although she didn't understand what was going on.

It was almost completely one-sided, but I kept talking to them. I kept telling them about the last game when I was the player.

I could vaguely feel it:

That as soon their relations.h.i.+p recovered, they would have freed themselves of the 'Game of Idleness'. They would have won against the 'box'.

Therefore, I wanted them to completely rebuild that friends.h.i.+p they had shown me in the last game.

I don't know how much my frequent visits that week helped them, if at all. But they've started to come to school again.

Iroha-san just greets me cursorily when we meet, but Yuuri-san has started to visit me frequently during breaks to chat.

Neither of them believes that they reconciled in the last round.

Fair enough. Unlike the situation in the last round, their relations.h.i.+p was completely destroyed. It's not easy to repair something starting from that point.

But I believe in them nonetheless.

I believe that they can once again trust each other.

After all, I know how dear they are to each other.

✵

"...have you talked to Iroha-san already?"

Yuuri-san shakes her head slowly and bluntly answers, "No."

"...Yeah, I guess it's not easy."

She just smiles at my words.

"I sure envy Otonas.h.i.+-san."

"...right, because she doesn't remember the game."

"But that's not all," Yuuri-san says with a smile.

"I'm a little jealous because you appreciate her the most, Kazuki-san."

Yuuri-san suddenly starts to cry. It’s really sudden, and she can’t seem to control her tears either, which further confuses her. Since the end of [Kingdom Royale], Yuuri-san randomly sheds tears as if some internal faucet has been broken. There are no traces left of the girl who used to be a pro at controlling her own tears.

Since I've gotten used to her constant crying jags, I no longer lose my composure in response.

Even as she smiles, Yuuri-san tells me:

"Uhehe, I'm crying again already..."

But there's nothing dark in her expression.

"I really do envy her. Because Otonas.h.i.+-san is so dear to you, that’s also why she has no memories of the game, isn't it? Because you gave your all to protecting Otonas.h.i.+-san, she didn't have to become a player and get hurt in the process."

"......Maybe."

I guess my efforts weren't futile after all.

"She really is..."

She whispers and flashes a smile while wiping her tears away with a tissue.

I smile as well, relieved by her expression.

"Ah, you're smiling!"

"Mh? ...Well, yeah."

"Because you saw my tears? Umm, you can lick them if you want to, you know?"

...Huh? Did she just say something weird?

"You have a tear-fetish, don't you?"

"......did I ever tell you about that?"

"You did. You said you get s.e.xually aroused by licking people’s tears or something like that."

I definitely haven't said anything like that! And where does she get off suddenly talking about s.e.xual arousal?! And what happened to her innocent personality?!

"Tear-fetish, huh. You're quite a pervert, aren't you?♥"

"W-Why are you teasing me even now!?"

"Eh? Don't you have a preference for girls that do with you as they please? Like Otonas.h.i.+-san."

"That's a terrible misunderstanding! That reputation is always bothering me!"

"So you even have to act like you don't really want it in order to get aroused... this is getting serious..."

"W-What are you talking about?! Your personality wasn't like this before!"

"Mh! I... I know! But what should I do?! I have to practice teasing you!"

Now she's even firing back!

"But it's quite funny to tease you..."

This conversation is definitely going downhill.

"Ahaha. Well, let's move on to the matter I called on you about."

"Eh? Didn't you just want to say thanks?"

Yuuri-san shakes her head charmingly.

"I have a request."

"A request?"

"Yes. I'm still unstable and haven't completely recovered, so I'll be troubled if you stop visiting me from time to time. It would be problematic if you didn't visit anymore once summer vacation starts, so I wanted to request this from you in advance.”

"...aah... okay, I'll come visit!"

"Please come alone because we'll talk about that game. You can't bring Otonas.h.i.+-san with you, okay?"

".........Mh?"

This conversation is somehow moving in a strange direction.

"Ah, one more thing. Yesterday, my mom asked me about you, «Is that boy who visits you all the time your boyfriend?»!"

"......How did you answer?"

"I just giggled embarra.s.sedly «Uhehe»."

"So she's misunderstood for sure!"

"I know?"

"Eeeeeh! What's with that «Please don't state the obvious»-ish answer?!"

Her character has changed too much... or, maybe she just became so frank with me because I've seen her true self in the game...

"...you're quite bold, aren't you, Yuuri-san?"

"Uhehe, did you only now notice? I won't give up so easily, you know? No matter how strongly your feelings are inclined towards Otonas.h.i.+-san."

"...Umm, I was repeatedly deceived by you, you know? It won't be that easy to mess with me anymore."

"Ahaha, you reap what you sow, I suppose. But there are still ways for me to get what I want, even though you know about my calculating nature. Right now it seems like all my actions are intended to attract you, right?"

Yuuri-san softly touches my hand.

My heart automatically skips a beat from a girl's touch.

"Your heart beats faster although you know of my schemes, doesn't it?"

I hate to admit it, but she's right.

"I will try hard to win you over like this!"

She then brings her mouth to my ear and whispers,

"I'll make you think that my frantic efforts look cute."

As planned by Yuuri-san, my face turns red. Uah... why am I so easy to manipulate...

But I smile wryly.

Looks like she's going to be all right.

Yuuri-san walks away from me and starts to embarra.s.sedly climb down the stairs.

"By the way, it seems that Iroha and that boy have been getting on well together recently! The boy she's always been in love with, that is," Yuuri-san says as she descends.

"...eh? Even though Iroha-san has a lot of other problems on her mind right now?"

"Because of them, actually. Since she's gotten weaker, she doesn't seem so perfect anymore! And that's cute."

Come to think of it, Kamiuchi-kun also said that self-reliant girls aren't cute.

Yuuri-san arrives at the bottom of the staircase and turns around.

"Um, it may have sounded like a joke, but really, come to my house, please. I'll be waiting."

"Okay. Honestly speaking, you've just frightened me a little, but I'll come. After all, I really am worried about you."

"Uhehe... Ah, I'll clear my schedule anytime if you just give me a call, but today I have an important appointment. Sorry."

"Hmm, what kind of appointment?"

Still smiling, Yuuri-san turns her back to me.

"I told you earlier that I haven't talked with Iroha yet, right?"

"Yeah."

"That's true, but actually we sent each other email. Right before I called on you."

I’m surprised.

Does that mean---

Yuuri-san turns around again and says,

"Today I have an appointment with my dear friend."

With a bright smile, she speaks the words I have longed for.

Aah... indeed, she was telling the truth when she said that they haven't talked yet.

✵

By the time I returned to the cla.s.sroom, covering my grin with my hand, a crowd has formed inside.

Some of them have sparkling eyes, some of them wet eyes, but they are all smiling.

What's up? - I only wonder about that for a second.

---Ah, I see.

I immediately recognize the person in the center.

...geez, if Kokone hadn't said unnecessary things, I would have been able to be deeply moved...

While blaming her in my mind, I make my way through the crowd. An unfamiliar metallic frame and tire tubes come into view. And---

"------"

I take that back.

I'm glad I knew beforehand.

If I had seen her without knowing anything, I might have broken out in tears.

"Mogi-san..."

Mogi-san, in her uniform, is in the cla.s.sroom.

My voice shakes just by that, even though I've been occasionally visiting her in the hospital.

"Hos.h.i.+no-kun."

Mogi-san notices and smiles at me.

"Were you discharged already?"

"No, no. I merely got permission to go out. I can't live on my own yet. I was allowed to come after school and was brought to the cla.s.sroom by my mom. Well, I can't do anything on my own, I guess."

She says that with a smile so that it doesn't sound too depressive.

"But I wanted to meet you even if I had to put myself to some bother."

Kokone grins and asks, "Who does this «you» refer to~?" upon which the fl.u.s.tered Mogi-san raises her voice, "T-To everyone!"

The surrounding students start to laugh just by that.

"What's tha~t, everyone, teasing me although it's been a while. ...ah, Hos.h.i.+no-kun, let's talk a bit closer."

"While telling us not to tease you, you don't even try to hide your affection, huh."

"S-Shut up, Koko-chan!"

I approach Mogi-san as she told me. I open my mouth, thinking that I have to say something.

"...looks cool."

"Eh?"

"Your wheelchair."

"Why on earth do you tell me your impressions of my wheelchair with that timing? If it's about looks, there's something else you should praise!"

I was rebuked by Mogi-san...

Looks, huh... I look at Mogi-san a bit closer. Apparently she's a bit embarra.s.sed being watched like that, because she blushes slightly.

Come to think of it, her physique has mostly returned to how it used to be.

"You gained weight, didn't you?"

"......I know what you mean, but no girl would be happy about those words, Hos.h.i.+no-kun!"

The surroundings laugh again.

"Eh, err, what should I say, then...?"

"You ask me... not that I mind... umm, look, how about addressing my clothes?"

"Ah, yeah. Don't worry - I noticed."

"No, that's not what I mean. I was wondering how you like it, seeing it after a long time..."

Her school uniform seems to be brand new. It also looks like the length of her skirt became quite a bit longer. Probably because one could... umm... see it otherwise when she's on the wheelchair.

But what should I say? I can't praise that she's taking care that no one can see her panties, after all.

Mh, well, I'll dodge the question.

"Looks cute!"

"...Eh?"

Mogi-san widens her eyes. ...Huh? That's a different reaction from what I expected. I'll try again, just in case.

"You look cute in uniform!"

Mogi-san blushes to the roots of her hair.

She even averts her gaze and punches me softly.

Uuh...? I guess Maria would just say "So what?", Kokone would throw out her (E-cup) chest pridefully, "Of course!", and my big sis Luu-chan would act like she wouldn't want to know though she asked for it herself. So what is this reaction? That's a new pattern.

Suddenly, Haruaki puts his hand on my shoulder.

"I see. So that's how you do it."

"Huh?"

"Did you hear, my ladies? The trick of this man is to say such things without being embarra.s.sed! Many females, starting with Miss Maria, have fallen for this natural philanderer due to this trick!"

What's with that way of talking.

But for some reason, the male students of my cla.s.s nod deeply to Haruaki's performance and send me cold glances. What's with you guys, you're scary!

"The philanderer Kazuki Hos.h.i.+no has to be punished with the maximum penalty! We shall punish you by thrusting socks in your mouth that have been worn by Kiri for a whole three days! This is truly the maximum penalty!"

"How is that a penalty!" Kokone objects. "That's rather a reward!"

"I heard they're deadly, really. And I also heard the theory that the poisonous substance called «trikokonethylene» emerges in the process."

"T-That's not possible. NPO requested my support because they can produce actin with my socks that saves the children in Africa!"

Wow, where is this going?

But my mouth relaxes unintentionally.

Although Mogi-san's sitting in a wheelchair right now, nothing has changed from the time when she used to be here. She's still popular while Kokone and Haruaki still fool around.

It's like I've returned to the past.

"......"

---Like I've returned to the past?

I reflexively look around in the cla.s.sroom.

Return to the past? Why is that possible?

Something like that shouldn't be possible.

In a cla.s.sroom without Daiya Oomine, that shouldn't be possible.

I look at Kokone. She is laughing joyfully.

I notice something.

Right.

Maria isn't here, either.

"...Mh? What's wrong, Hos.h.i.+no-kun?"

...I wonder what this uneasy feeling is.

Unlike Daiya, Maria's merely not here right now. I guess she considered it hard to join our nostalgic conversation and either went back to her own cla.s.sroom or just went home ahead of us.

That's all. It should be.

And yet I can't get rid of this uneasy feeling. It even gets worse. My chest feels almost as if something seized my heart.

"......Mogi-san."

"Mh?"

"Sorry, but I need to go out for a bit."

"Eh?"

Mogi-san widens her eyes.

"What's up Hos.h.i.+, going to take a dump?"

"No! It's just that Maria---"

---I have the feeling that I have to go meet Maria.

But I don't finish my sentence.

Because of Mogi-san.

Because Mogi-san's happy expression has changed into another one.

"...I'm sorry, Mogi-san."

"......Eh? Why do you apologize? Umm... it's not like you're leaving... right?"

"I'm sorry."

"......You know... I'll have to go back to the hospital shortly, so I have no time, you know? Let's be together until then? Please?"

"...I'll come back if possible."

When she hears these words she didn't wish for, her eyes become wet.

"Why?"

She asks in a shaking voice.

"Can't you stay here? You can meet Otonas.h.i.+-san anytime, can't you? Do you not even see me off, although I went through all this trouble to meet you?"

It's not like I don't feel bad, accused by her sad voice and her expression.

Maria's just not here right now. I just have to hold down my urge to rush to her. There's no need to randomly hurt Mogi-san's feelings.

So can't I just stay here for her?

"------"

But I have decided.

To protect Maria above everything else.

Therefore---

"Sorry!"

I rush out of the cla.s.sroom.

Ignoring the voice that tries to stop me.

✵

I couldn't reach Maria over the phone.

Maria ignores the school rules and usually comes to school on a motorcycle which she parks somewhere in the vicinity of the school. But her bike was already not there anymore.

Even though she usually waits for me.

After confirming that the bike wasn't there anymore, I immediately proceeded to the station.

While being irritated at the slowness of the train, I realize the origin of my uneasiness.

I'm deceiving Maria. I haven't told her about the 'Game of Idleness' and act as if I didn't know Koudai Kamiuchi.

And I haven't told her that 'O' may have lost his interest in me, either.

Therefore I'm always, unconsciously, thinking this:

Maria might suddenly disappear one day.

Probably, I became unable to suppress this uneasiness when I saw Mogi-san in her uniform.

Back then when Mogi-san was normally in our cla.s.sroom, Maria wasn't here yet. She wasn't part of my everyday life yet. And that's not all. Just like I have changed due to Koudai Kamiuchi's 'box', Maria has changed due to Kasumi Mogi's 'box'.

Mogi-san and Maria form a set, like the two sides of a coin.

That's why I think like this, without any basis:

By the time Mogi-san returns, Maria might already be gone.

"......"

I s.h.i.+ft my thoughts to Daiya and Kokone.

Daiya has disappeared. And yet, Kokone's not worrying about it at all. Daiya should be quite an important person for Kokone, but she just got a bit angry because he suddenly disappeared. That's all.

Why is that?

I try constructing a hypothesis.

---Perhaps, Kokone had a presentiment that Daiya would disappear one day?

Of course I don't think she expected him to disappear like that. She shouldn't know about the 'boxes'.

But maybe she did know that he would remove himself from her?

Maybe she did know Daiya's goal?

Hence, she gave up the thought that he could return so soon.

Because she was already prepared for Daiya to disappear.

I don't know what happened between them. Therefore, it's wrong to think that Kokone's cold for apparently accepting Daiya's disappearance.

But I'm not like Kokone. While knowing Maria's goal, while knowing that she's going to disappear, I won't give up.

I will definitely not let Maria go for her selfish reasons.

I arrive at the apartment complex Maria lives in.

When I try to enter, I immediately remember that one doesn't even get through the entrance as long as the occupant of the room's not here. I can't even arrive at the elevator like this.

What should I do?

I nervously walk about. I exert all the proper reason that's still left in me and take out my mobile phone.

I type in her number by heart and initiate the call. The signal tone sounds. Each time I hear this sound, I pray, «Please answer!»

Then---

«What is it?»

Maria's voice.

"------"

Aah---

Even though I heard her voice just a short while ago, even though it's her usual frank tone, I haven't even the composure to answer her.

«Hey? What's wrong? Are you trying to make a silent phone call though you haven't even hidden your number?»

"T-That's not it!"

I finally manage to speak.

"I'm in front of your apartment complex right now. Can you open the door?"

«What? Well, I don't mind... but why didn't you tell me in adva--- aah, you did. I'm sorry. I didn't notice because I was riding my bike.»

"No problem. Anyway, I'll come up, so please open the door."

«Aah.»

The call gets terminated and the door opens.

I head towards the elevator, almost breaking into a run. I can't calm down even while I'm waiting for the elevator and riding in it.

When I arrive at the fourth floor, I rush to the room with the number «403» even though it's not that far.

I ring the chime upon which the door opens.

Maria's face appears in the gap of the opening door.

Just that is enough.

I rush toward her into the room, already before the door's fully opened.

"...what's wrong, Kazuki?"

Maria is surprised by my strange behavior.

"Maria... why did you go home ahead of me without notice?"

"...I went home early because I feel uneasy around Mogi, of course. Why are you so beside yourself? And why are you so early? Are you alright with not talking a bit longer with Mogi?"

"Yeah, I'm alright with that!"

I say.

"You're the most important to me, Maria."

Maria widens her eyes even more---

But then they become soft again.

"I see."

Then, she gently brushes my head.

"Geez... you've been acting strange recently!"

Maria has noticed my change just a little.

"That's just you."

Therefore, I falsify.

I softly stroke her long hair in return.

1. deredere means "being all lovey dovey about someone."
2. Tsundere (ツンデレ) is a j.a.panese character development process that describes someone who is initially cold or even hostile towards another individual, before gradually warming to that individual over time. See Wikipedia for more details.

Author's Notes[]

h.e.l.lo, I'm Eiji Mikage.

This is the fourth volume of «Hakomari!» (I like the way that sounds) and the final arc of the 'Game of Idleness'.

If you read those two volumes, I hope you can understand why I didn't call them «3(1)» and «3(2)»?

Aah, and let me apologize. I wrote «the next volume should come out in Spring» in the third volume, but it's already become June. I'm really sorry... I'll try to improve!

Alright, I want to talk a little about the story this time.

While writing the fourth volume, there was something that surprised me as author.

All the [cla.s.ses] of the last round were the best matches for the images of the corresponding characters.

To tell the truth, I didn’t do it on purpose. I mainly allotted the [cla.s.ses] to maximize the drama, so it wasn't all that important to me whether the [cla.s.ses] matched their images or not.

But in the end it happened automatically.

I think this wasn’t a coincidence. I think that this part became only visible in the final product as a result of thoroughly elaborating the story.

It feels good to work out a story that exceeds superficial understanding.