《Iroha-chan. Look, out the window.》
When I followed the gaze of the female Secret Service agent, I saw all the soldiers saluting us as we departed. I was compelled to return the salute.
The plane took off, rapidly gaining speed.
Since it's a light aircraft, it seems it picks up speed quickly.
The aircraft pushed off the ground and lifted into the sky.
And so, we left America behind, slightly behind schedule.
***
《Miss Iroha》
A flight attendant approached and informed us that we had reached cruising altitude.
I unfastened my seatbelt and stretched my arms wide.
《I'll bring you a drink. Do you have a preference?》
《Umm...》
I always struggle with these situations since I don’t have a favorite drink.
Answering with “water” feels too boring... Ah!
《Then I'll have Dedecamin.》
Right now, they’re doing a VTuber collaboration, and if I collect the stickers, I can get some exclusive merchandise.
Though, after I said it, I realized—there’s no way they’d have that...
《Understood.》
《They do!?》
《We researched your preferences beforehand.》
The attendant showed me the label, as if it were a fine wine, and poured the drink into a glass.
Then, the bottle—complete with the sticker I needed—was placed on the table.
It felt embarrassingly out of place.
But the flight attendant seemed unfazed as she asked,
《We also have a meal prepared. Shall I bring it now?》
Just then, my stomach growled.
I guess it's about time for lunch.
《Ah, yes, please.》
《Understood. Do you have any allergies?》
Such impeccable service. The table was quickly set with dishes.
...This feels more like a high-end restaurant than a flight. Do they have a kitchen onboard or something?
If the president is involved, it must carry significant diplomatic weight.
《Well, I have my own reasons for going too, so I don’t mind.》
It just so happens that the country we’re visiting is the hometown of the person involved in the recent convenience store robbery.
I made a promise, after all.
《How much longer until we arrive?》
《Let’s see. Around this time... we’ll be flying over the Amazon.》
After confirming the flight details, I started watching my favorite VTuber's videos.
Time flew by as I watched.
Ah, the theory of relativity in action.
On the other hand, if I watched videos while keeping my hand on a hot stove, would time feel infinite?
These thoughts ran through my mind as drowsiness began to take over.
Following the Secret Service agent’s advice, I didn’t resist and let my eyelids close...
***
――BOOOOM!
I woke up to a loud noise and violent shaking.
My body was floating.
Gravity had vanished.
Defying the law of universal gravitation, cups and people were spinning through the cabin.
《W-What...!?》
My mind couldn’t process what was happening.
I couldn’t tell which way was up or down.
[Mayday! Mayday!]
I heard the pilot's voice.
I caught a glimpse of the view outside the window.
Smoke was trailing from the wing of the plane.
And... the front part was gone.
《Iroha-chan!》
The female Secret Service agent threw herself over me.
That was the last thing I remembered.
A sharp thud to my head.
A ringing noise filled my ears, and my consciousness faded to black.