Chapter 157

My humble greetings to you all. Have you been well?

I, Anastasia Valentine, who possesses an extraordinary record of experiences including dimensional transfer, reincarnation, and even near-time loops, would like to briefly discuss the dangers of inner intimacy today.

Are you aware of this?

In the case of public figures, especially modern-day streamers, when a significant audience or fan base develops, it often leads to consumers unilaterally projecting an intimate connection, causing problematic behavior. Such as invasion of privacy, including stalking, unlawful entry, theft, or even the appearance of tampered items. At its worst, misguided affection can even escalate to hate crimes.

Moreover, if one cannot adeptly conceal one’s emotions or lacks clear communication, it’s possible that the other party could misinterpret entirely innocent signals.

Even someone as careful as myself—just by casually glancing at my… uh, my nominal sister (and this is purely literal, not suggestive!)—it was misinterpreted as a sexual advance, and I ended up receiving an aggressive move. So, I believe there is no need for further elaboration.

In any case, if you understand that ‘one-sided affection’ can lead to unintended consequences, we can move on to the next topic.

…Considering the circumstances and special conditions, without much thought, it’s evident that the main player—being me, the user—usually encounters most issues due to a lack of emotional distance management. Though I don’t like admitting it, my own negligence had a significant part… cough, let’s admit it; it was quite substantial.

But if I feel closer, as if I need to care a little, or if my attention naturally falls on someone, doesn’t it mean the other party won’t reciprocate any significant affection toward me?

Naturally, affection builds in proportion to intense experiences, time, and shared histories.

My point is, even if I treat someone kindly based on personal memories, it’s illogical to expect that 100 units of ‘liking’ would turn into 1000 units of ‘love’.

…If you still can’t follow my explanation and need a more tangible example or clearer phrasing…

Yeah!! That’s exactly how I feel right now!!

I didn’t fervently hug or hand out tissues or anything! I simply offered the utmost courtesy in a casual pose, not even patting the shoulder as encouragement while slouched on the couch to avoid awkwardness…

Then why is this man out of his mind, acting like he’d pull out my liver and gallbladder?!?

Isn’t gratuitously receiving a check after helping an old man find his bag or falling in love at first sight after slapping a rich man’s face limited to drama events alone…?!

…Moreover, I didn’t even slap him! It was just… a fleeting touch!

“… Excuse me, Manager Edamatsu? Could you release my hand?”

“Please. There is no need for such formal titles. Just call me Edamatsu. Or, if you so wish, something casual like ‘Shou.’ Yes, though a bit awkward, it’s an old name, but using it as it used to be is fine too.”

‘This guy really…’

After internally sighing and gritting my teeth, I glared at the standing director of Enema Corporation, pretending I hadn’t heard anything.

What is this, selective auditory disorder? How can he hear me calling but then ignore my request to release the hand he caught?

The warmth from the contact is not particularly unpleasant.

Sharing warmth has been a time-honored psychological therapy method for creating trust and bonds, so I don’t actually dislike it.

But, no matter how pleasant he might be…

How can a random man treat my hands like sacred objects, clutching them to his cheek, and then go so far as to rub his face against them while gazing intensely with a smitten look? It’s beyond my tolerance limit.

Though I’ve acknowledged I truly turned into a woman after a rather unfair cycle of life and death, I’ve never consciously decided to reverse concepts or preferences about relationships!

I can tolerate male friendships, but this is far beyond that point. I’m confident about this.

Let alone acting like some boss harassing subordinates, lightly stroking the back of the hand and playing with it—how disgusting… Ah, what are you doing?!

“…”

“Hm?”

I twisted my arm, breaking free from the grip. Actually, considering the strength difference between Edamatsu and myself, it’s more accurate to say I allowed him to let go.

Come on, does he even know how easy it is to rent out sex clubs or brothels instead of molesting the researcher (and a fake one at that) right in front of him?

Although he can be overly emotional due to affection deficit and mood swings, I never thought him to be completely unreasonable. But seeing this behavior now, I’m no longer so sure.

Would I have been better off drawing the line at an immediate physical rejection—electrocuting him, for instance?

Besides, hitting him wouldn’t work, but subconsciously, I already pushed him, likely scratching his face with my nails.

What if it left a mark on his oh-so-perfect face?

I already saw at least five stalkers before entering the office. Is it possible they’ve noticed and are now aiming guns at the back of my head?

“…Ah.”

However, this Edamatsu goes beyond my expectations and commonsense. He didn’t even check the scratch on his cheek, focusing his attention back on me.

“…I’m very sorry. I seem to have startled you by being too self-indulgent. Such basic consideration was severely lacking from me. Are your hands alright, Anastasia?”

“Eh… They’re fine.”

My response was still tinged with confusion.

Why, after colliding faces, is he worried about my hands? It’s quite excessive care.

He must not be too exhausted or forget common sense due to heavy work. If he had lost control and just punched or slapped someone, he’d still care for the other first.

At this point, my brain finally began to analyze the fundamental cause.

Yeah, damn it, I did make a slightly creepy move!

After mocking the dramatic scenario, I directly wiped someone’s eye corner with my bare skin—a gesture ignoring all boundaries!

Still, Edamatsu Amagi is no naive person unused to women, so reacting like a hormone-driven teenager is ridiculous. Totally ridiculous.

Initially, the only thing this Mama’s boy could possibly obsess over would be the music box, which was a keepsake. But it now lies discarded on the sofa—so what’s happening here?

…Impossible…

No, it probably isn’t. Even if Enema’s advanced study about perfect lions is true, that would be an overwhelming delusion beyond mere affection deficiency.

…And does Enamatsu suffer from such a deficiency?

“Hold on a moment, Director Edamatsu!”

“Such formal titles are unnecessary in our relationship. They make me feel a bit melancholy, like wasting precious time. Couldn’t you just call me ‘Sho’ once?”

Ignoring his philosophical nonsense…

Realizing how inappropriate this situation was, I stopped his further advances immediately without figuring out exactly what to say.

I nervously swallowed and brushed my trembling arms.

The threat to my virtue from a potentially dangerous person in front of me became all too real.

Isn’t it trivial compared to the danger to my life? But anyone sitting here staring into his eyes would find it hard to dismiss that thought.

He’ll eat me. He’ll eat me alive.

Also, Sho was your childhood nickname! How dare you naturally force it upon me!

“What are you thinking about?…I have some clue, but it’s really a misunderstanding! Proof might be difficult to provide, but still!”

“…”

Persuading the madman while avoiding any incriminating words is pure torture.

Being careful not to fuel the flames with more accusations…

I subtly mixed truth and lies in my explanation to Edamatsu.

I! Was merely coincidentally hearing rumors while being part of the project.

Pretending to pry into the secrets of upper management, I sincerely apologize. If there is a separate punishment, I am willing to bear it. Just a simple firing would be preferable.

I don’t even know if there is severance pay, but feel free to confiscate it all. Please just let me leave safely.

With no facts established, if the reality becomes the truth he holds, we’re on an unusual negotiating table.

For a while, Edamatsu then listened quietly, then nodded as if understanding tenaciously, and spoke in a seemingly sympathetic tone.

“…You must be quite confused. Your coming here alone is already gratifying, and yet I keep indulging in selfishness. I apologize. Please go home and rest for today.”

“Ah, he had already concluded his monologue.”

In return for his bright smile, I could only offer a hollow smile in response.

The despair deepened. Dealing with a person who refuses to listen and only imagines scenarios is exhausting.

And my situation, being involved with such a person…

Ignoring the ominous thoughts of needing to make radical escape plans, I covered my face with my hands against the creeping fatigue.

Adding insult to injury, I reluctantly accepted Edamatsu’s command disguised as an offer to arrange a stay within the building.

…Damn it, Kaijun, where are you? Come take control of your boss. I’m about to lose my mind.

—

★★★

“…Hmm?”

An alert from the cyborg interface sounded.

Not only that, the tightly locked office door opened, and Kaijun frowned seeing a disheveled girl stumble out.

Both were awaiting signals. Since the mission involved finding a scapegoat and securing targets, it needed the approval of Director Edamatsu. He was already expecting a call.

But seeing his collaborator so visibly disappointed wasn’t a good sign.

Just in time, the secretary, Kakubari, was also standing to escort Anastasia. Deciding to preemptively intervene regardless of any subsequent complaints, Kaijun quickly entered the office.

Worried if she had made some mistake…

“Permanent Director, how did the meeting go? The researcher mentioned something about wanting to quit…”

Ending his sentence evasively but still inquiring without offending his superior, his demeanor was a fine example of professionalism.

However, the overly relaxed expression vanished from Edamatsu, who raised his eyebrows as if hearing an absurd falsehood.

“…Quit? That’s laughable. If someone says that, report it to me directly. I’ll send them to the Arctic observation station.”

“…”

Ah, he hadn’t uncovered our agreement but seemed overly charmed by Anastasia.

Even Kaijun, who handles hiring, would have made an exception and tried hard to retain someone as competent as her.

Judging Edamatsu’s mood to be good, Kaijun prepared to bring up the agenda…

“Of course… she won’t be with us for long. Soon she needs to be invited to the Chairman’s villa…”

“Villa?”

“…Correct. She will be invited to the villa…”

Suddenly, he fell silent, realizing something he had momentarily forgotten.

The euphoric emotions from earlier evaporated, replaced by a seething hatred and anger coloring his face.

This reaction was beyond mere dissatisfaction for Edamatsu.

Clearly, something more serious warranted cautious investigation.

Thus, Kaijun integrated their issue into his own agenda.

“There’s no need to rush regarding the researcher’s position, is there? Given the importance, we should first address internal threats step by step. Surely, the Chairman himself prefers a thorough resolution, won’t he?”

“…Are there still internal enemies?”

This was the moment.

Kaijun successfully redirected the rising anger by submitting the ambush plan he had meticulously prepared while Anastasia had been “entertained.”

“I’d like to propose Operation Downfall. The target… has records of collaboration with Heilong and is suspected to receive backing. It’s a certain senior executive.”

The neatly prepared documentation included enough circumstantial evidence to pin the blame, detailing investigation results.

Boldly, the hunting target named was Senior Kasane Amagi, the third daughter of the family and one of Edamatsu’s numerous sisters.