The time on the Ferris wheel flew by in a flash. The conversation was mostly Aru taking the lead with Hifumi enthusiastically playing along, but neither I nor Haruka had any complaints.
As we descended from the summit, the setting sun cast a beautiful glow over the amusement park.
But to be honest, my mind was only half-present.
It wasn't that I disliked the company. With two people who were destined to become friends sharing a space, the conversation flowed naturally, and it was entertaining enough just to listen.
However, while there's a certain fun in being with a large group, I couldn't deny that there was someone else I wished I could share this view with.
No, "deny" isn't the right word.
I just… I want to make time later to ride this Ferris wheel alone with Nagisa, just the two of us, chatting about little things while looking down at the shimmering red sunset or the park at night.
Speaking of which, I hope Nagisa managed to handle Azusa and Mutsuki properly.
"...So that's how it is."
That thought vanished the moment Azusa stepped off the Ferris wheel and immediately attached herself to my side, with Nagisa making no move to stop her.
It was a small mercy that Mutsuki went over to Aru instead of clinging to me too, but when Nagisa mentioned that that particular issue wasn't completely resolved either, I couldn't help but wonder what on earth happened in that cabin.
I glanced at Kayoko, hoping for answers, but she was busy tidying her earphones. It seemed she'd genuinely been listening to music the whole time and had no clue what had transpired. I gave up.
Looks like I'll just have to talk to Nagisa about it later.
Perhaps because we'd spent a good amount of time on the Ferris wheel, by the time we finished dinner, it was almost time for the parade to start.
We found a decent spot and were waiting for the procession to begin when…
BOOOOM—!!!
An inexplicable explosion echoed through the park. All around us, startled people began to murmur, but somehow, I had a feeling I knew exactly what had just happened.
"...Mutsuki?"
"Ah, hmm? This Mutsuki is completely innocent!"
Even as she said it, Mutsuki knew it was her fault. She brought her hands together in a prayer-like gesture and stuck out her tongue. I know this is just another day in Kivotos, but seeing it happen in person never fails to give me a headache. I wish I'd been reincarnated as someone who could just let go and enjoy this chaos.
A sense of foreboding washed over me. I prayed it wasn't anything serious, but I had a sinking feeling it was.
And, of course, I was right.
[Attention, guests. We have an important announcement. Due to an accident, today's Momo Friends parade has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. We repeat, due to an accident—]
"W-Whaaat?! The parade is canceled? You've got to be kidding… Aww… This has to be a mean prank. It has to be…!"
"C-Calm down, Hifumi. It's a shame we can't see it today, but we can just come back in a few days."
Hifumi had been looking forward to today's parade more than anyone, and her sense of loss was palpable. To make matters worse, given the collaboration event's schedule, Azusa's comforting words were likely wrong. The Momo Friends parade was probably done for good, and for Hifumi, it must have felt like the sky was falling.
"Mmm…"
Even Azusa, who was trying to console Hifumi, looked visibly disappointed. Mutsuki, the culprit, looked uncharacteristically guilty.
"Mutsuki, just to be sure… no, never mind. What's the point of asking about something that's already happened?"
She must have forgotten to clear out one of her landmines or explosives. And it just so happened to be on the route the parade floats took before the main event, causing the accident.
"Since it's come to this, let's just head back for—"
Seeing Hifumi's state, I didn't think we were in any mood to wander around anymore. I was about to suggest we call it a day when a familiar figure caught my eye.
There, in the dark shadows untouched by the park's bright lights, a figure stood watching us. It then turned, and with a creaking, mechanical gait, began to walk away, as if beckoning me to follow.
It was, without a doubt, Maestro, one of the members of Gematria.
"...Hey, you guys? Just wait here for a second."
Leaving them with those words, I quickly wove through the crowd, chasing after Maestro.
Despite his creaking movements, his pace wasn't slow. I finally caught up to him near an abandoned, non-operational ride. In fact, it wasn't just sparse with people; there was no one around at all. It was an unnervingly strange scene, but considering Gematria was involved, I wasn't all that surprised.
"It seems you have found yourself in a predicament, my muse."
"Ugh, not with the 'muse' thing again… More importantly, Maestro, what are you doing here? I really don't get it."
"Hmm? To an artist, a muse is a source of inspiration. And an artist is one who is prepared to sacrifice much for that inspiration. Yes. In this case, the thing I have sacrificed is, shall we say, time."
...Sacrificed time? Wait, you've got to be kidding me.
"Hey, doesn't that just mean you've been stalking me?"
"The word 'stalking' gives off a rather inappropriate impression. There are no such sordid intentions here. I merely wish to observe you, to create the most perfect work of art—"
"No, that's exactly what we call stalking!"
"..."
I don't know why, but I could feel my face flush with heat. This whole situation was just embarrassing. I mean, who wouldn't be embarrassed to hear someone seriously say they've been observing their daily life for artistic inspiration?
"Sigh. Look, whatever, just please respect my privacy. I know you're not the type to stop just because I ask you to."
"A needless worry, my muse. While love is indeed one of art's most primal subjects, it does not tempt me enough to risk your ire. To be short-sighted is to lose sight of the forest for the trees, and no one so foolish can dare call themselves an artist."
"Well, that's a relief… wait, no. This is not something I should be relieved about…"
Seriously, what did I ever do to Beatrice to deserve this? If it weren't for her, I never would have gotten tangled up with Gematria. Just when I thought things had quieted down, it turns out they've been stalking me this whole time.
"So, about the predicament you mentioned… are you talking about the parade being canceled?"
"Indeed. Your companions, and you yourself, had certain expectations for this parade, did you not?"
"Um, I really didn't have any…?"
"My muse, I wish to propose a deal."
Wow, he just straight-up ignored me.
I mean, I'll admit I was a little curious about the Wavecat float, but I never said that out loud. How would Maestro know…?
"This amusement park is filled with the joy of countless people, a joy that continues to accumulate even as we speak. I call this 'rapture.'"
His words felt strangely familiar, so it wasn't hard to grasp his meaning. This was directly related to the birth of Shiro & Kuro, one of the Total Assault bosses from the original Blue Archive—a boss Maestro created by using his 'mimesis' ability on the 'Amuse Doll' in the abandoned Slumpia amusement park.
"And I possess the ability to replicate this rapture. With this power, I can restore the broken parade floats to their former state. Perhaps even make them more magnificent. It is well within my capabilities to resurrect the entire parade, making it more complete and artistic than before."
"...Hey, is that safe?"
"Of course. My muse, with my power, I shall make the canceled parade proceed as scheduled. This offer stems purely from my goodwill towards you, so you may cast aside your trivial concerns."
"Ahaha! Well, that sounds like a great offer. But whether I accept it or not really depends on what you want from me, doesn't it? As much as this is for my precious junior, I can't agree to any more strange demands."
In response, Maestro moved his creaking joints and clapped once. Despite the weak movement, the sound was surprisingly solid.
"Correct. You may consider this my pure goodwill. While it is true I desire something from you, my offer to revive the parade stands even if you refuse to pay the price. Normally, I would not conduct an experiment in such a public place, but for my muse…"
Ugh, I'm going crazy. I can't stand hearing him call me his muse anymore. If I had a gun in my hand, I would've pulled the trigger by now. It's that grating.
Not that I would actually attack a member of Gematria, especially Maestro, who's being so friendly. How could I attack the generous souls who print Total Assault bosses to shower players with resources?
I just… wish he would stop with the 'muse' thing.
"First off, I'll gratefully accept that goodwill. Thank you, Maestro."
It's partly for the disappointed Hifumi and Azusa, but I'll admit I'm a little interested in the Wavecat float. And how could I pass up a parade revived by Maestro using mimesis to replicate rapture instead of turning it into horror?
"So, what is it you want, exactly? Gratitude aside, you should know that if your request is something I can't or shouldn't grant, I will refuse."
"Originally, the price I desired for this deal was the opportunity to explore all the possibilities held within your Mystery. For the most perfect and ideal work of art I envision—"
"Yeah, I refuse."
"—it would not require much. I simply ask that you provide a single point of your Mystery, a mere fragment. Yes, one of those small clusters of stars you so casually wield would be more than enough for this transaction."
"Hmm… so you want to take this and study it?"
"Correct. It would not be a permanent loss for you, so it should be a deal well within the realm of possibility."
As a small star bloomed at my fingertip, Maestro's voice became急ly eager. No matter how I look at it, giving this to him will lead to a Total Assault battle against a mimesis-replicated version of my Mystery…
"Hmmm… this is still a tough one."
It wouldn't be hard to grant his request. But giving Maestro the opportunity to study my Mystery feels like a lopsided trade. That must be why he framed reviving the parade as 'goodwill.'
I could do it, but the obvious answer is to refuse. So…
"In that case, I shall add another offer."
"Huh? So suddenly?"
"In exchange for a point of your Mystery, I will lend my hand to the business venture you wish to pursue."
The business venture I wish to pursue…?
No, don't tell me.
"Wait, you don't mean the idol business, do you?"
"What else could there be? My muse… I myself! I will give you my all and produce you, so you may shine brighter than anyone on that stage!"
"..."
Wow. Just… wow.
"...Pfft. Ahah! Ahahahaha!"
I couldn't hold back my laughter. A creature that looks like that seriously saying, "I'll be your producer!" is just too much.
Seriously, I think I might die from laughing. For someone like me who can't be seriously hurt by normal attacks, this might be the most effective form of offense.
"Hah, hah… phew… Are you being serious? Do you even have any experience in this field?"
"As they say, all roads lead to Rome, my muse. All branches of art eventually flow into the great sea that is Art."
"So that's a no."
"...I guarantee a result far superior to what the half-wits of this world can produce. You will not be disappointed."
To be honest, the offer is tempting in many ways.
I especially want to see Maestro say something like, "This is the choreography. Watch and learn," and then perform a creaky, awkward dance.
It's still a paltry offer compared to what Maestro would gain from my Mystery, but…
"Fine, take it. I'll accept your offer. Consider this my way of returning the goodwill you've shown me."
I flicked my fingers, sending a cluster of stars, shining brilliantly even in this dark place, toward Maestro. They drifted slowly like dandelion seeds in the wind, and Maestro, through some method, trapped them in a transparent cube.
"Ooh… this is it, the sublime aspect of the 'Greatest of Archangels'…! Even as I made the offer, I did not expect you to actually provide this. Are you certain I may accept this…?"
"Yes. But it's not without conditions."
With that, I presented Maestro with three conditions. Though they were only verbal, I trust Gematria on this. There are no more immature adults in Gematria who would break a promise.
"...My muse, I will adhere to the conditions you have set."
"Ahaha, then it's a deal."
"One day, I shall present to you a great work, completed with all that I am. When that day comes, I hope you will grant me your applause."
"I'll think about it ☆."
After carefully placing the fragment of my Mystery inside his coat, Maestro bowed his head with the same creaky movements.
"The show must go on. Do you not agree?"
With those words, Maestro turned and began to walk away.
"It is time for you to return to your companions, my muse."
My second contact with Gematria. Unlike the first, it was a surprisingly pleasant encounter.
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