CH 131

Chapter 131. [Immortality]

The world’s VTuber population had surpassed 100,000 individuals.

And the number of fans was even greater.

Now, it was the hottest industry.

That’s right…

[And so, I make my appearance as a VTuber! Please give me a warm welcome with your applause!]

Tremendous applause, resembling the sound of heavy rainfall, echoed through the air.

Amidst that, I was led up onto the stage.

<<U-um, thank you~>>

[Now, Iroha-san, please give us your greeting.]

<<Um, well, cough. Nice to meet you all. “Let my words reach you!” I am the Translator Girl, Iroha!>>

The voice of the announcer echoed through the venue via the loudspeaker.

Whistles sounded from somewhere in the crowd.

Is it okay to do something like that!?

I felt uneasy, but no one reprimanded me.

Perhaps this was because this occasion was exceptional.

Or maybe a large portion of those present were fans of Iroha.

[Ladies and gentlemen, please remain quiet. Furthermore, today’s event is held virtually to show our respect for the awarded Iroha-san.]

Why is something like this happening…

I was half on the verge of tears as I stood exposed to the audience.

This was Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Many people were in attendance at the venue, including individuals referred to as “Your Highness” or “Your Excellency”.

They have a screen set up behind this year’s stage, like in previous years.

I stood within that screen’s “center.”

[And now, it’s time for the Nobel Peace Prize presentation certificate and medal to Iroha-san!]

The announcer, as if understanding the humor, declared dramatically.

In an instant, thunderous applause erupted, and everyone rose in a standing ovation.

One year since that incident.

While they hadn’t made the peace declaration yet, there hadn’t been any fight between Ukraine and Russia.

Global conflicts had temporarily decreased, it seemed.

And apparently, I had been chosen as the central figure responsible for all this.

But seriously, becoming something like this.

I never signed up for it!

[Iroha-san, please deliver a speech to the world.]

<<U-um, alright.>>

I opened my mouth on the stage. I’m still harboring resentment toward the person who caused this situation.

<<Ladies and gentlemen. Today, as a representative of VTubers, I humbly accept this award!>>

I directed my gaze toward a section of the audience.

There sat the President of the United States, Angu Ogu’s mama.

She had a mischievous smile as if she found it amusing.

I won’t forgive you for this!

And so, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize became an exceptional event.

Two main reasons contributed to this.

First, the recipient wasn’t a real person, but a character.

And second, I had set a new record for the youngest recipient in history.

On this auspicious day, I found myself alone, regretting the words I had spoken a year ago.

Why did I have to ask for something like that, I wondered…

***

“Yahhoo~. I’ve come to hang out. But, Iroha-chan is dead~!?”

“Oh, what’s up? It’s just Mai.”

A few days later, I collapsed on the floor of my room.

Mai discovered me like that and let out a surprised voice.

Or rather, that Mai, it’s obvious, but she’s casually entering my room now.

It’s not a big deal, though.

“What on earth happened~!?”

“Nothing much. I can’t shake off the fatigue from the awards ceremony the other day.”

“Hmm~? But it’s unusual for Iroha-chan, isn’t it~? Normally, if you watch a stream, you’d recover right away~.”

Well, the fatigue from the award ceremony itself wasn’t a big deal… the problem is with the folks at school. They’re all fidgety! They want to ask, but they can’t, right? They’ve been having that kind of exchange going on non-stop!”

“Ah~ yeah, yeah. Anyway, let’s stand up first and change out of the uniform. It’ll get all wrinkled, you know.”

Mai slipped her hand under my arm and effortlessly helped me stand up.

Afterward, she stared at me intently.

“What, uh, what’s going on?”

I brushed Mai’s hand away and distanced myself as if hugging my body.

I couldn’t stand another instance of harassment.

But she’s looking at me so intensely.

Why?

Both Mai and I are already in our 2nd year of middle school.

“Seeing me in my school uniform now shouldn’t be unusual.”

Mai asked with a serious expression.

“Hey, Iroha-chan. Could it be, you’ve gotten smaller~?”

“You’ve grown bigger, haven’t you!?”

I couldn’t help but retort.

Seriously, kids grow up so fast.

Mai had shot up in height significantly.

And unlike flat-chested Ah-nee, her chest seemed to be growing at a steady pace too.

As for me, I felt a hint of, Nah, not really!

It didn’t matter either way.

Redesigning a VTuber’s appearance and getting new outfits was crucial.

But humans are always changing.

I couldn’t be bothered reacting every time.

“Even so, isn’t Iroha-chan not growing a bit too much?”

“Hahaha, that’s just silly. It’s probably just my imagination…”

As I said that, I recalled something.

With the recent height measurement, my height hadn’t increased by even a millimeter from last year.