Chapter 174

Chapter Six: The Elegant Everyday Life of the Star Reader’s Staff

Episode 170: Solciera’s Graceful Night

I want a familiar tooooo…

Like a Dragon, that’d be soo cool!

Or like a Scorpion or a Snake, maybe a Wolf—something kind of dark and edgy would be nice too!

“Would you stop whining already? Be quiet. I’m checking something important right now. There mustn’t be any typos or missing words—it’s a product we’re selling here. We can’t betray our followers’ expectations.”

She’s got a strong will.

You’ve truly become a model for all writers.

“Is that so? Hahaha, I’m getting embarrassed. But wow, it’s exciting. Who would’ve thought that I, a Demons Gear, would find meaning in such trivial matters… I’m genuinely grateful.”

Hehe, it’s all good!

I’m always being helped by you guys too!

“Partner♥”

Star Reader’s Staff ♥

“‘Let’s cheer together!’”

As always, I was feeling great today and was lying around on my bed doing nothing.

I was extremely satisfied with my Super Mysterious Beautiful Girl Time at Kroma.

Ryuko, I’ll unilaterally host a tea party at your place during the next new moon night!

…Hmm, I feel a slight chill coming on.

Maybe I turned the air conditioning up too high because it was summer and got too cocky?

“Don’t catch a cold now. Make sure to manage your health until the Cultural Festival?”

Of course I will!

I am the Mysterious Beautiful Girl who never neglects health management.

On days off, I strictly adhere to early sleeping and waking routines, and I also eat balanced meals.

Naturally, I control snacking and don’t forget light workouts and skincare to tighten my waist.

Even massaging my legs during bathing is essential to maintain their beauty and allure.

Perfect.

I am the ultimate and perfect Mysterious Beautiful Girl.

“Hmm, based on what I’ve heard, sounds more like a high-consciousness idol…?”

Producer-san! I’m a Mysterious Beautiful Girl! Not an idol!

“Well then, stop calling me Producer.”

You’re such an annoying producer with all your reasonable arguments.

Now, there was something I wanted Producer-san to do today. Do you remember?

“I certainly do. And naturally, I’ve prepared accordingly.”

The Star Reader’s Staff who was crafting the new publication inside me emerged as Zero and floated out of me.

Then, as usual, they lounged beside me, intertwining their legs while smiling. Their face is beautiful…

“Here, what you wanted.”

“Thanks.”

The Star Reader’s Staff handed me a memory chip at close range where my breath could reach them.

This is the raw material we need for our next mysterious move.

“Keep in mind, all I can assemble are the basics. Neither the output nor the abilities meet our desired values.”

“That’s why from here on out, we’ll need her power.”

When I responded as Solciera, the Star Reader’s Staff smiled contentedly.

So, what’s contained in this memory chip? It’s the blueprint for a weapon.

A Mysterious Beautiful Girl should have more than just a scythe; she needs sub-weapons too.

To coolly handle various situations, weapons are necessary.

Unlike familiars, they aren’t that difficult to prepare.

Besides, we can’t let such premium weapon materials go to waste.

Yes, the plan to create weapons for angels officially begins here.

“Alright, let’s get going soon.”

I stood up and said that.

“Yeah, then I’ll return inside you.”

Saying that, the Star Reader’s Staff kissed my cheek, caressed my chin, and disappeared.

…Lately, there’s been way too much of this kind of physical contact, hasn’t there?

“We’re testing different things for the next manga since I want to incorporate them ^^”

I see.

“More importantly, let’s hurry. It’s unbearable to have that thing lingering in the expanded domain.”

That’s true.

I tried decorating my room with it, but it didn’t feel right, so let’s tidy it up quickly.

“Then, let’s head to the weapon artisan.”

Yeah.

Let’s go to Miuye’s place!

■

Miuye was troubled.

In the room lit only by the display screen, she sat alone, deep in thought.

It was already past midnight.

Unless it was her turn for breakfast duty, Miuye had recently been staying up late quite often.

She would dive into her bed-cum-sofa just before sunrise.

Every second, every moment, she tried hard to leave some results behind. Her goal was the resurrection of the dead.

“…Older Sister…”

It was implanted memory.

All the warm memories and gentle smiles were constructed data.

But she knew they weren’t counterfeit.

(Back then, I still haven’t managed to hold Older Sister’s hand…!)

Miuye hadn’t yet accepted the tragedy that followed the decisive battle.

Miuye, much like her sister, was very stubborn and unwilling to give up.

“Alright! Let’s work hard!”

She shouted, slapping her cheeks.

Forcing away sleepiness, Miuye reached out to the virtual console again.

And then, at that moment…

“…Hm?”

An unexpected sensation on her cheek.

Turning around, she saw the window open and the curtain fluttering.

“Huh? When did that happen?”

Tilting her head, Miuye stood up to close the window.

And then…

“―Good evening, lovely night, isn’t it?”

“…Eh?”

Miuye froze.

Slowly, she turned toward the source of the voice.

“S-s-s-Solciera!?”

There sat Solciera elegantly on the sofa that Miuye usually used as a bed.

The table in front of the sofa had been tidied up without her noticing, and two teacups filled with tea rested atop it.

“You’re making too much noise. Stars are meant to be enjoyed quietly.”

With that, Solciera picked up one of the teacups.

“Don’t overwork yourself. You’ll end up just like your sister if you keep this up.”

“…I know that.”

Miuye tried to retort but immediately realized it would be futile.

Miuye understood all too well how Kanon felt back then.

“Come here. The tea will get cold otherwise.”

“Well, since you’re here, I’ll have some then.”

Miuye hesitantly sat beside Solciera.

Even though it was her own room and her own sofa, she felt incredibly uncomfortable.

(What’s her purpose here? According to Mizuki, she’s not an enemy…)

No one knows the true identity of Solciera.

A mysterious S Rank, a powerful user of Demons Gear, and also Miuye’s savior.

Miuye took a sip of the tea.

The refreshing flavor and clean taste were clearly top-notch even to someone inexperienced like Miuye.

“…It’s delicious.”

“Fufu, I’m glad you like it.”

Solciera smiled faintly.

Looking at her like that made Miuye inexplicably relax.

Unbeknownst to herself, Miuye recognized Solciera as someone reliable.

Miuye was often relied upon as a genius.

Thus, opportunities to rely on someone better than herself rarely came around.

“…Thank you for that time.”

“For what? I don’t remember.”

“That’s fine…but I’ll never forget.”

Solciera smiled and gently stroked Miuye’s head.

Her tender touch, as if combing through hair, made her seem like another older sister.

“—Older Sister?”

Before she knew it, Miuye had spoken those words.

Startled, she quickly covered it up with a laugh.

“N-nothing! Just a joke, haha! What do you think of that joke!?”

“It’s fine, I don’t mind.”

“Eh?”

Surprisingly, Solciera continued to smile.

Not only that, she opened her arms in a welcoming gesture.

“The stars shine softly on everything. They’ll shine on you too. Sometimes, it’s okay to show your vulnerable side.”

“…Is it alright for someone like me?”

“Yes, it is. I know how hard you’ve worked.”

With that, Solciera gently embraced Miuye.

A sweet, mysterious scent wafted to Miuye’s nose, lulling her into a drowsy state.

It was a peculiar aroma that made her want to drift off to sleep.

Simultaneously, something tense within her began to loosen.

Before she realized it, Miuye had buried her face in Solciera’s embrace.

“…I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“I like obedient children.”

Saying that, Solciera cradled Miuye’s head and placed it on her knee.

She began to stroke it lovingly.

(…Wait, am I getting a lap from Solciera!?)

The remaining shred of rationality was shocked by this situation.

How would she explain this if someone saw her?

It was a question even a genius couldn’t answer.

“How about calling me ‘Older Sister’ once more?”

“No, to me, there’s only one Older Sister.”

Solciera’s tone sounded delighted.

Just as the words implied, for Miuye, there was only one figure to chase after as her sister.

Still…

“I just want to stay like this a little longer.”

“…It’s fine. As long as you wish.”

The calm night breeze entered through the window, mingling with the steam rising from the teacups.

A peaceful night unfolded there.

Meanwhile—

(Dammit…can’t bring myself to say “Let’s make weapons ♥”…!)

“Partner, this isn’t the right atmosphere. We should come back another time.”

(Can I just enjoy the headrest a bit longer? Also, the night wind is cold! I shouldn’t have opened the window!)

“Solciera acting like an older sister is a misinterpretation. The admin shouldn’t engage in misinterpreted actions!”

(Are we dealing with a troublesome fan? By the way, this Earl Grey is amazing. Star Reader’s Staff, you can do anything. Teach me how to brew it later!)

“Hahaha, absolutely. A Mysterious Beautiful Girl must at least know how to brew tea properly!”

Despite the noisy night, it existed simultaneously.

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