Chapter 84: Communication Among Relatives (Including Ex-Relatives)

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“So that’s why the Spring Festival is dangerous. I don’t want you to get caught up in it, Ange. It’d be best if you stayed away.”

“No way.”

I tried to persuade my cute little sister over the phone to avoid getting caught up in the chaos, but she flatly refused.

“Come on, can’t you just stay home this time?”

“No way, no way, no way.”

“Please. You never know when some maniac might do something crazy.”

“No way, no way, no way! No matter what, I’m coming to see you, Onii-chan! I even got special pumpkin pants for the occasion.”

“…Sigh.”

I couldn’t help but sigh. Besides the whole mess with Jones-san kidnapping that cheat, there was also the potential for someone who sent KYOKO that insane fan letter to sneak into the festival and cause trouble. I wanted to keep Ange safe and avoid exposing her pumpkin pants to any danger. Plus, she's somewhat involved with Kojima-san's brother-in-law.

“Forget the pants. Why do you want to come to the festival so badly? You're coming here for Disneyland during summer break anyway, right? Can't you just wait a bit?”

“I want to see you every day, Onii-chan. I'm lonely. I want to say good morning, eat together, play together, take baths together, and sleep together.”

“Hey, wait a minute. We haven't bathed together in ages. Don't fabricate sibling memories like that.”

“Oops, sorry. Maybe I included some future plans.”

“Which alternate dimension is that from? Even if it were possible, don't drag me into it.”

“In an alternate dimension, siblings can do anything. Let's make it happen and smile together.”

“Not a chance!”

Not everyone in this world is an angel from another dimension.

“Besides, there’s no way I’d get hard over seeing you naked. Don't underestimate your brother.”

“…Get hard?”

“Just a figure of speech. Forget it.”

It's unclear if Ange was trying to be mature or just naive, but she didn’t fully grasp my words. It’s better to stop here before she starts understanding things she shouldn't.

“Anyway, the Spring Festival is full of dangers. Even the super creepy KYOKO is coming.”

“But, isn't KYOKO your type? At least her looks?”

Despite my attempts to persuade her, Ange sounded a bit jealous. Ha, as if she didn’t know KYOKO's real personality. It’s time to turn the tables.

“Not at all. You're my type, Ange.”

“…Really? Well, in that case, I guess I have no choice. Since I'm your type, I’ll come to see you at the Spring Festival. You must be lonely too.”

“Ah, crap!”

I'd dig my own grave. Trying to appease my sister only made things worse. Now I'd have to make sure she stayed safe and close to me during the festival. Oh, wait.

“Alright, Ange, if you're coming, could you bring something from my room?”

—

Giving up on persuading Ange, I headed to a certain cafe near Ninomiya Station to tie up loose ends.

“Yo, yo.”

“… It’s you again. What do you want this time?”

Azusa, the soapland hostess, showed up with dark circles under her eyes, looking as exhausted as ever.

“Jones-san should've contacted you. Please make sure to come to the Spring Festival.”

“I don’t need you reminding me. I’ll be there; I even got the day off. This event is important for my future.”

“Right, right.”

It seems Jones-san has already spoken with her boss. He asked me to confirm it, but he should’ve done it himself. Maybe he just didn't want to face Azusa.

By the way, I've always wondered if places like soaplands have ties to certain shady groups. It seems like they would.

… But that’s none of my business. I'd rather not poke the hornet’s nest. It’s better to leave things be.

“By the way, Azusa-san, are you free right now? You came right away without an appointment.”

“Do you think you can talk to me for free? Pay a service fee first. Besides, today was my day off. I was just helping train new recruits to earn a little extra. I was in the middle of that when you called.”

Oh, Azusa is actually being a responsible adult. If she had been this serious in life, she might not have ended up working here. Quite admirable, really.

“You’re giving off serious drill instructor vibes.”

“There are a lot of young people who don't think before they work. It's my job to whip them into shape.”

“Your words carry weight, considering what's at stake.”

“Of course. I'll see how well these newbies can handle my training.”

“Coming from a soapland hostess, ‘training' sounds pretty suggestive.”

When Azusa talks about “training,” it's easy to misinterpret.

I'm convinced Kojima-san wouldn't survive in this world. Not physically, but mentally. She'd break down quickly.

It's better for her to stay on the straight and narrow, using Azusa as a cautionary tale.

There's no easy way to make money in this world, even with blackmail—I mean, even if you try to scam someone.

… Anyway, that's settled. The final confirmations are done.

I wonder what will happen on the day of the Spring Festival. Despite the uncertainties, I'm looking forward to it.