Case 62: West Zircon Expedition – Curtain falls.

Name:Mistress Of The Evil Forest Author:
Case 62: West Zircon Expedition – Curtain falls.

*****

''...''

''...''

Sitting face-to-face with Chloe, the only thing both of us can do is occasionally sigh while keeping our silence.

It has been a few days since the incident with Sierra. Contrary to our initial belief, she didn't announce her findings to the world as soon as she got out, and her private army, according to Chloe's intelligence team, hasn't made a move since then.

At the same time, through some spying, I found out about Sierra's newly developed interest in Zircon Forest and creepy stories in general, which were evident in the books she read at the library.

Now, we should be relieved at this stage because Sierra seems to want to keep the secrets for herself, but we actually can't. The real problem is, once again, Luxia, the pinkhead.

Through Sierra, Luxia would definitely find out about Ariel's existence, and that's not ideal. Ariel, together with Skely and 049, are our trump cards in dealing with the following scenario, and Luxia, of all people, shouldn't be the one to discover her.

A mistake. This is a genuine mistake on my part. I should've thought about it better.

As if seeing my frustrated state, Chloe reaches her hand across the table and strokes my cheek gently.

''Don't worry, it'll be fine.'' She says. ''If we tread this carefully, we will definitely win. Believe me.''

''...Alright.''

''But of course, we should be even more careful in the future, both you and I.''

''Mhm.''

Chloe and I nod at each other, refreshing our determination to reach the end and overcome whatever is waiting there for us.

''Hah... But this is quite hard on our resources, huh.'' Chloe leans back and lets out a sigh. ''Those goddamn lunatic priests.''

''Didn't you say we should be able to take control of them after the next scenario?'' I reply. ''High risk, high reward.''

''I suppose...''

Chloe, or at least Amelia Luminous, is the undisputed heiress of a powerful duchy, but even her authority has a limit. Considering we will have to fight against half of the holy country of Neveah, our resources are definitely not enough.

''...''

While deep in thought, it seems the pinkhead herself has gotten this close without me noticing her. She is wearing a rather... Fluffy set of outfits, making her look exceptionally small and probably cute.

''We met again, Miss Maid.'' She says with the usual grin. ''What a coincidence.''

''...Indeed. Good day to you, saintess.'' I reply.

''Should we have a little chat?''

''Sure.''

So Luxia and I go over to the bench nearby and sit down.

''Will you go on this trip, Miss Maid?''

''If you are talking about the upcoming school trip, then yes.''

''I see, that's a relief.''

''May I ask why?''

Luxia turns to me, and we look at each other in the eyes. Gradually, Luxia's grin turns into a full smile, and a rosy tint appears on her cheeks.

''Upon receiving the teachings of goddess Neveah, you will definitely confess everything to me, Miss Maid...!''

''...I don't understand what you mean.''

Ignoring my dismissal, Luxia gets closer and closer to me until there is only a distance of around thirty centimeters between us.

''Hey, just tell me.'' She whispers. ''Tell me, what are you hiding? I'm dying of curiosity, so please.''

As Luxia keeps pleading like that, the stars in her eyes get brighter and brighter while her flushed cheeks show no sign of calming down. With every whisper, I can almost feel the heavy obsession behind her gentle demeanor.

''Ah...''

When her ugly desire seems to have reached a breaking point, Luxia lets out a sticky, frustrated moan.

Looking at this crazy girl before me, I have to admit that she's... Quite enchanting.