by Kamiya Yuu
She affirmed the their steps, and the sources of their technology and information, that they were contribution to the safety of the country. They planned countermeasures, preventing repeats–
That was the initial thought she had as she went along with their plans, but…
“–”
Houko narrowed her eyes sharply,
The answer was that–what was the talent of this plain, ordinary looking boy?
How could one counter this one person who could understand the structure of the ‘Heaven’s Pillar’ just by listening?
If that was the truth, this boy in front of her–
“He ‘can’t exist’–he is a grievous ‘disaster’ threatening our security.”
Upon hearing Houko’s words, Marie sighed, saying,
“Relax–this isn’t something I can say though. I do think there’s something to this guy’s hearing and senses, but I don’t understand the theory behind it.”
In other words, nobody could replicate it.
If he was gone, there would never be–
Once Houko considered this fact, Marie lowered her voice, telling her,
“I’ll warn you. Given your personality, you might be thinking of killing him once everything is over, but–”
There was no need for the following warning.
Unknowingly, there was a black scythe placed at Houko’s neck. Of course, that scythe–belonged to a black dress automata.
“If you wish to kill yourself, do take ‘a little step’ towards me, no? I can assure you the most painless death in the world.”
The topaz eyes belonged to the real automata, devoid of any emotion.
The girl in red and white beside him stared emotionlessly at Houko,
“…If you dare do anything to papa…I won’t hold back, you know?”
“Hm? Eh, wh-what’s going on?”
The boy appeared to be the only one who did not understand what was going on, looking perplexed.
Houko sighed. It was foolish to die in such a situation.
“My apologies. You may back down.”
Having said that, Houko took a step back, and the black dress automata silently retracted her scythe.
“…Do you understand now?”
Marie said. Houko sighed, nodding.
“Yes. Unfortunately, I seem to be out of ideas…I shall leave this aside and think of countermeasures later on.”
–Looks like Houko gave up on that idea for now.
Right when marie was grateful that her friend managed to keep her life, Houko suddenly took out a little machine from her pocket–it was something like a necklace.
And right when Marie was feeling skeptical, Houko put that thing on her neck, smiling,
“Now then–it has been a while, Marie.”
Houko’s voice was far different from before–it was a voice changer.
It appeared that she had prepared this beforehand, something meant to prevent records of a terrorist cell making contact with the Princess.
So well-prepared–Marie thought as she beamed.
“Yeah. It has been a while, Houko.”
“I’m really happy to be able to meet you again. The last time we met, it was your funeral, right?”
“That coffin is empty, and I was in another country.”
“I already knew that you were alive. I thought that we never had a chance to meet again though.”
There was a chance they could have met if it was the Princess of Japan and her classmate, the Princess of the Breguets.
However, Marie, now known as Maribel Halter, did not have the chance and reason to meet Houko.
For Houko was unlike her fellow technicians, on with a public standing.
Having realized this fact at this point, Marie sighed, feeling dejected, saying,
“–Yeah, glad to see you too.”
Marie then lowered her eyes.
“You’re still wearing that watch?”
“Of course. This is a work of my good friend, an important gift. This child has been with me ever since we went our separate ways.”
Houko touched her left wrist, saying,
“I was so mortified when I heard of your death in Grid Kyoto. It was in my country…and it is late, but I do have to give my apologies.”
“You don’t have to. It’s my decision after all.”
Sounds of rapid-fire typing could be heard on the simulator next to Marie.
The metal belt had numerous holes in it–and the punch card glided down the console.
“But I’m doing this not because this is your country. No matter which country it is, I will do the same thing. I am a clockwork technician after all.”
Having said that, Marie reached her right hand out, her fingers gliding down the metal belt. She was typing the commands into the punchcard, as though she was writing in a torrent like manner.
“…Yeah, you are always the type to seek justice.”
Houko noted a little forlornly as she watched Marie work without stopping.
And at this moment–
“Just to ask, why is Marie friends with the Princess of Japan?”
Naoto, still resting on RyuZU’s thighs, raised his voice to ask. He was as nonchalant as ever, just voicing whatever doubt he had on his mind.
Marie clicked her tongue unhappily, slapping the control panel.
“I say, Naoto, it’s rude to interrupt when someone else is talking.”
“Oh, so that’s rude–anyway, why?”
“To summarize, I was classmates with her.”
Houko answered.
“I was studying in a European university when I met her. However, she graduated with all credits in a single month.”
“A month!?”
Naoto widened his eyes, and Marie shrugged,
“Without Houko around to play with me, I would have left in a week.”
“Oh! It sounds like I was getting in your way, no?”
“That is it, isn’t it? You were always dragging me around.”
“Now that is funny, Marie. You are the one who played the most, right? That incident back then still has people in that university talking now.”
Marie and Houko continued to bicker as they revisited the past.
But Naoto merely looked back at forth between the duo, saying,
“I don’t really understand, but logically, a Princess studying overseas will have bodyguards or something like that, right? Why is it that she only made friends with Marie?”
“…Seriously, the Breguets is one of the 5 Enterprises of the world. They’re French nobility, and I’m the Princess there, you know? Is there a problem for me to get along with the Princess of Japan?”
Marie raised her eyebrow as she answered.
Naoto looked as though he never thought of it, saying,
“Then, uncle Halter calling you ‘Milady’ is…”
“…? That’s a fact. Is there a problem?”
“I thought it was sarcasm.”
“Impossible. Of course he’s praising me for my intellect, precious bloodline and elegance.”
At that instant, Naoto gave a serious look,
“Sorry, I don’t get you. Are you joking?”
“…what do you mean? Hold it right there, I’m going to get you to explain that later.”
Marie growled as she narrowed her eyes to glare at Naoto.
Seeing that, Houko giggled,
“You have changed a little, Marie. No, perhaps that is how you always were…I am a little envious.”
“…Houko?”
Marie titled her head in skepticism.
Houko did not answer, instead speaking with a stern tone,
“Speaking of which, I suppose it is about time for you to tell me now, no? What are you actually planning to do with the ‘Heaven’s Pillar’?”
“Erm–yeah, I should have informed you beforehand.”
Marie, who was speechless, continued on,
“Houko, how much do you know about the massive weapon in Akiha
bara?”
“There was no definite proof, but looking at the situation, it is obviously an electromagnetic type. As far as I can see from the reports of the Intelligence branch, they are from the old Shiga ‘military’, wanting to launch a coup d’etat on the government.”
“–As expected of you.”
Marie nodded, looking impressed.
“So, anyway?”
“Yeah, that electromagnetic weapon magnetized Akihabara. If this kept up, even after eliminating the massive weapon,, I don’t know whether we can repair it.”
So…
“We intend to follow this idiot’s idea–throw that massive weapon down into a pot to cook it. The pot is Akihabara, and the heat–probably 2,000 degrees.”
Upon hearing Marie’s words, Houko widened her eyes.
As expected of her smarts, Marie thought.
A mere few words alone allowed to understand their plans.
–They would heat Grid Akihabara until the magnetism faded.
Naoto’s plan was to wipe out the massive weapon and remove the magnetism from Grid Akihabara.
“–”
Marie suddenly recalled.
Back then, at Grid Akihabara, Naoto, who probably did not have any knowledge of electromagnetism back then, said the first words when he talked about how to deal with those people.
–“I’m going to throw those people into a pot and cook them alive’.
Back then, Naoto probably did not realize that heating could remove magnetism.
Throughout it all, this guy has been–
Marie diverted her stare towards Naoto.
Did he realize it–or did he not care about it in the first place?
Naoto was lying down, relaxing–and RyuZU, caressing his hair, suddenly mentioned,
“Master Naoto…I really do apologize.”
–She apologized?
That RyuZU actually apologized so sincerely?
Marie was dumbfounded, her fingers nearly typing the wrong controls.
Naoto too was dumbfounded, his eyes widened as he said,
“RyuZU?”
“It is because I was unable to remove the magnetism by myself–that your hand and shoulder bear the fate of the planet, Master Naoto…”
The catkin-like hands were quietly touching Naoto’s hand and shoulder.
Those were the scalded parts on Naoto when he carried the sizzling hot RyuZU.
It was thanks to nanomachines that the wound did not become pus. However, it was still so swollen, and one would feel heartbroken just looking at him.
Marie too was worried about Naoto’s burn.
It would probably take about another week before there was no more of that stinging pain, but whether the nervous system and delicate touch most important to a technician could recover…
Without looking at the healing process of the wound, it would be impossible to comment on that aspect alone.
In fact–Marie did not grumble even though Naoto was lazing away in such a situation, for Naoto did do a lot on his part–she had to let him rest.
“–”
Feeling what felt like setbacks over the past few days, Marie was sighing as she thought about it.
She recalled the first time when she met Naoto.
That boy, just an ordinary person–full of nonsense.
While that weapon’s electromagnetic weapon caused Marie to be almost, completely dejected, that boy never once stopped in his tracks, always doing the most suitable thing.
–Yes, the most suitable action.
And he never seemed to be bothered about the price he had to pay for his actions.
Even though the city was magnetized, and all technology was rendered ineffective; for Marie–the one most trustworthy to her was Halter–but for Naoto, it was RyuZU, so much more important than his own life, who broke down.
In such a peril, he continued with his instincts of ‘doing this’, creating RyuZU while she was so hot the heat could melt the floor.
Without any rest, he escaped Akihabara, leaving behind Marie, who was dejected, thinking of herself to be at her wits end.
In such a pain, where he felt suicide was a sweet temptation, he encouraged AnchoR too, and went to the streets, looking for a clue to improve the situation–
Was that truly–an ordinary person? An amateur?
What kind of sarcasm was that–Marie gritted her teeth.
–How much am I relying on that ordinary person, amateur’s willpower and strength? And anyway, what have I been doing? Without Naoto dragging me along, I’ll probably be drifting in Akihabara, unable to move.
And moresoever–
“It’s alright knowing that you’re alright, RyuZU. This is a man’s medal now, isn’t it? Haha.”
–Naoto still had his headphones removed at this point.
It was so that he could respond in sudden cases of emergency. His forehead was sweating as he showed a tender smile back at RyuZU.
–Is that a normal person?
You got to be kidding. That’s…that is, the one I’ve always–always–been aiming–
“But since you say so, RyuZU, I’ll help myself and make sure that you praise me for my hard work, RyuZU! Basically, I want a reward! More accurately, it’s–”
“Yes, Master naoto, you want me to relieve yourself of all the possible twisted sexual desires you have. I understand.”
“Wait, that’s not it–no, that’s not it, oh, yeah…no, now’s not the, erm…I-I’ll talk about that next time…”
–Upon seeing Naoto gleefully say such lecherous words, Marie hastily stopped her inner monologue.
And Naoto, unable to understand Marie’s inner heart, continued on,
“Ahhh! ‘Now’s not it! Listen to it me, it’s about my date with AnchoR–”
“Master Naoto, you certain are an amazing masochist to actually mention such a topic at this moment. I understand. Since you wish to so for some spanking–which part shall it be?”
“Let me finish here, okay!? I-I didn’t go out strolling with the intention of leaving my bride behind, so I bought a gift for you~”
“Papa…bought this for me♪”
AnchoR cut off Naoto’s words, showing an angelic smile as she said this,
At the same, she opened her palms in front of RyuZu.
Her finger was wearing something shiny–a ring.
“–Master Naoto? I am a little bewildered as to the kind of masochistic play you wish to play, that this is why you are treating me so cruelly, no?”
“Please keep those scythes back, I beg of you! Look, that’s the right middle finger!”
Upon hearing Naoto shriek, RyuZU stared at the ring.
With a treasuring attitude, AnchoR stared at the ring cheerfully.
“…It’s something I bought out of my own will…a little spell..papa…made this for me.”
“I think it also has the meaning of avoiding evil, something like a talisman. This is something I bought to commerate going out with AnchoR when I wanted to buy something for you, RyuZU. That’s what the shop attendant said when I asked—but I thought I should personally make one—so…”
RyuZU looked perplexed as she tilted her head.
Naoto beamed as he took out a little box from his pocket, opening it in front of her.
Inside the box was a ring gittering silver.
“Since it’s a reward…don’t ask the meaning of that, and show me your ring finger, okay?”
“…”
“It doesn’t mean anything until I put it on too. So don’t mind–is that alright?”
RyuZU did not answer, and her expression did not change.
She merely nodded, reaching her left hand out.
Naoto smiled happily. Perhaps he heard some miniscule change within RyuZU’s body which Marie’s ears could not hear.
“Thank you, RyuZU.”
Naoto slipped a ring on the girl’s left ring finger.
“If it is this level of service, I do intend to repay your
excessive concern for me, Master Naoto…though I am unwilling.”
It was opposite of RyuZU’s own words, and she embraced the ring that was slipped onto her finger.
Got to add on, Marie thought.
Till this point, everything Naoto did, and beyond–probably during the time Marie spent repairing RyuZU, replacing parts for Vermouth, preparing installation work of Halter.
Even during that time, when he had nothing to do–he made a ring.
Marie lowered her eyes, and her lips inadvertently let slip.
“–What kind of an ordinary person is that? How is there possibly an ordinary person like you–really.”
Houko heard the conversation between the boy and the automata.
It was a confirmation of love, something that had been repeated billions of times on this planet.
Houko did not know what it meant to truly love an automata.
All she knew was that this boy was serious, and that this automata knew how to reciprocate those feelings.
Those were the only two things she understood.
…However, it was insufficient. She had to know more about this boy.
And while driven by those thoughts, Houko quietly spoke up,
“–Excuse me, but may I talk to you?”
“Eh? Ah, okay…”
The boy lifted his face in shock. He was rude, but it was obvious that he was tense. It seemed that he was not used to the idea of others speaking to him.
Houko smiled.
“My name is Houko. Master Naoto Miura, I suppose? May I call you Master Naoto?”
“–Ah, yes, please go ahead.”
“Thank you very much. Pardon my rudeness, but may you answer two questions of mine?”
“E-eh, what’s the questions about?”
“Master Naoto, your treasured automata were damaged–and you wanted to deal with that weapon for revenge, no?”
Upon hearing that, the boy–Naoto was taken aback.
“Eh, revenge?–…no, that’s not it. They did something infuriatingly shitty to AnchoR, and even hurt RyuZU, so I want them to pay. I guess that’s it?”
“Pay…is that not what they call revenge?”
Houko reaffirmed, and Naoto gave a conflicted expression.
“No, I’ll say that it’s just to put an end to it…no, that’s not it, I don’t like it. As for what I don’t like, it’s complicated to say–whatever, that’s bascially it, simply–”