Case 174: The crown princess and the misunderstanding.
''Tell more about the God Dragon, Chloe.''
''Hm? Sure. Co here.''
After kicking Sierra out of the room, I decide to use the ti to familiarize myself with future enemies. With Efil constantly monitoring us, there aren't many opportunities for to talk to Chloe freely.
So, I also sit on the edge of the bed, but... Chloe's smiling eyes tell that I'm missing sothing. As I tilt my head, she begins to pat the space right beside her,
''...''
Ah, so it's like that.
Considering that Chloe hasn't been able to act comfortably these days, my will to not spoil her disappears entirely. Still, the mont I itch just a bit close to her, she abruptly springs at , wrapping her entire body around mine like a Koala.
''Ah! Not fair! I want to cuddle, too!''
Before I can even react, another weight, another warmth is felt on my back. A few locks of pink hair fall onto my shoulders, brushing against my cheeks.
''This is so cumberso...''
Despite my complaint, neither of them moves. At this point, it might be better just to give up.
So, that's what I do, and although she's grumbling at Luxia, Chloe still gives the information I need.
''I said this before, but the God Dragon Yggdrasil is one of the final bosses in the ga. While we, as a regular player, only know that they are imnsely strong thanks to [Deception], if you happen to co across certain threads on the ga's forum, you can gain access to Yggdrasil's full status screen.''
''How co?''
''Datamining, of course. Nothing gets past the nerdy programrs.''
Almost proudly, Chloe looks up at . At this kind of distance, I can really feel the vibrancy of her expression... as well as her apparent enthusiasm for carved in those azure eyes.
It isn't as if I haven't seen that look before. Just... I am used to seeing a pair of violet eyes, not azure ones.
Nonetheless, she continues, ''According to many charts, Yggdrasil is at level 87, and their skills are so extensive and broken that it's almost ridiculous to think about.''
''87...''
That's indeed absurdly high. Not even a single person has reached level 80 yet, let alone a sub-ninety. If so, we would need to plan the fight carefully...
''Wait. Now that I think about it,'' I shot Chloe an uncertain gaze. ''Is it a demon or not?''
''You're fast to notice. Unfortunately... it's not. Yggdrasil is just a really, really old dragon.''
''...So that's why you said it was hard to beat.''
Knowing the original ga, there must be so sort of chanism for the player to utilize so that they can get past this enemy. Upon inquiring, though, Chloe simply shakes her head, smiling awkwardly.
''It'll be fine, I'm sure. Let's just... focus on Efil for now.'' She says.
''But isn't that kind of risky?'' Luxia intervenes. ''Wouldn't it be better to prepare sothing, at least?''
''What do you know about the ga, huh? Be nice and be quiet.''
''Ah! She's treating like a dog! Help , boss!''
''I'd rather have a dog here.''
''Grr...''
''Stop touching my wings.''
...They're bickering again. Why do I have to deal with this...
Right when I am about to kick both of these fools out of the room, a few hesitant knocks sound beyond the entrance. Now that I have found an excuse, I quickly shake off the two and open the door.
''You're back?''
''...I am.''
Sierra, with an utterly flabbergasted face, greets . 'Flabbergasted' might be too strong of a word, but she seems amazed, at least.
''How was it?'' I ask, leaning against the fra.
''...''
''Did you find anything you like?''
''It was...''
''Hm?''
''It was amazing!''
Suddenly, the crown princess lunges toward , clasping both of my hands. Under the flickering light of the Backrooms' hallway, her eyes sparkle as though the night sky's stars I see in the sky.
Taken aback, I try to take a step in reserve, but her grip is so firm that I probably need to use mana to even move.
''How co there was this wonderful structure that I never knew about?! Tell , where are we now? So sort of cave underneath Zircon? Silarob really did put a lot of effort into this...!''
No, it was just the system.
''What are these strange creatures roaming around these hallways? How co they don't have a status screen? Cultivating such an enormous force ought to take a long ti!''
No, really. It was just the system.
In any case, this is the first ti I've seen Sierra being this expressive. Although the way her mouth is constantly itching on smiling uncontrollably—to the point of trembling—worries a bit, she doesn't seem put off.
''...''
It's a different kind of madness, I suppose. If I have to worry about Luxia stirring up chaos constantly, then I'll have to sleep with one eye open when it cos to Sierra. She looks like soone who would do unspeakable things to when I'm asleep.
Still, we need her power right now.
But how do I tell her...
''Ah! Aurora~!''
At that mont, a kind voice calls from afar. Coming toward us from the end of the hallway is Ariel, the banshee who used to be a saintess.
''Ariel.''
''Greetings, Your Holiness.''
Surprisingly, Sierra shows proper respect toward my friend as she bows politely, which is sothing I don't see often. Yet, it doesn't look as though Ariel likes that very much.
''Agh... I told you not to call that!''
''What's the matter, Ariel?''
''Oh, I was worried for this fellow since she appeared so innocent. It's a relief that she is all fine!''
Like the kind saintess that she is, Ariel naturally extends her goodwill toward just about anybody. Sotis, that can be a good thing, I suppose.
''What can happen when I'm here?'' I let out a sigh.
''You're right, actually. No one has the power over this place other than you, after all.''
''Of course.''
''Anyway, I want to ask about this—''
Before Ariel can even finish her sentence, the crown princess once again itches toward , ''Are you the manager of this place?!''
''...You could say that,'' I reply. ''More importantly, do you want to join us or not? If you want to, I can briefly go over our objectives—''
''I will.''
''You will?''
''Is that such a surprise? I like this place a thousand tis more than being in the palace all day with those cunning old n.''
That's a bit unexpected. I thought she might like playing mind gas, but I guess not. The more unexpected thing, though, is that she still doesn't seem to know who I am.
I an, I am concealing my mana, but... well, it doesn't matter either way. Besides... this is a good ti to test her compliance.
''Sierra Alaina Astra. I will give you a quest before we officially accept you.'' I say, making myself proper on the spot.
Despite the road ahead seeming complicated, Sierra poses a relaxed smile, ''Co.''
''Enthusiasm is welco. For this assignnt, gather for us several groups of elite soldiers. And before you ask, yes, we do need them for sothing urgent.''
''...That's a hard one. Sure. I can do it.''
Yeah, you are the crown princess—
''Even if I'm not the crown princess anymore, I will make it just for you to see.''
''...Excuse ? Not the crown princess anymore...?''
Reviews
All reviews (0)