Chapter 43

If Neo Haven is a flatland rebuilt as a metropolis and the epicenter of civilization around a nuclear power plant and orbital elevator that might as well be a masterpiece from old America,

Harvest Planet, from its inception, was clearly influenced by Paradise Corporation’s tastes, featuring an odd multi-level structure as the hub for material production.

Having experienced both cities directly and indirectly in life, I’d evaluate that the turf here was tidier as the power struggles between Mega Cops were less intense.

But despite the fact that engineers and designers of note must surely have flocked here…

Whether by accident or design, I’m uncertain, but there were zones in the mid-levels where natural light was entirely blocked out despite the position of the sun, as if shadowed by the upper tiers all day.

The concentrated glare of neon elements pierces the retina almost painfully.

They race toward the eyes with assertiveness over consideration for potential patrons.

“Sister Helena? Didn’t you say you were going to the restaurant district?”

“? So that’s why you came here on purpose?”

… No matter what she claims, this alley gives off the distinct vibe that it’s not meant for dining at all.

It’s not that I don’t trust Helena, but I can’t help but cast a skeptical glance, unable to let go of my doubt. As I look at countless shop signs, I confirm one by one the advertisements and registered shop descriptions that pop up like additional explanations.

[ Mi Piace Carne. Awaken your carnivorous instincts at our synthetic and artificial meat specialty restaurant! ]

[ Manhwaru (Myriad Transformation Building). Did you know the taste of food is ultimately dictated by its aroma? Enjoy myriad happiness with myriad smells at our establishment. ]

[ Pleasure from Above. Tired of convenient meals? Our restaurant provides only the ancient delicacies (Great Dishes), recreated for you. Welcome! ]

“…Really?”

You’re telling me this isn’t an entertainment district? Unbelievable.

Whatever the reason, the introduction to these stores is far from what their names might hastily suggest, causing me to be genuinely dumbstruck.

On second glance, the people loitering on the street and smoking, or those walking about with a lazy demeanor, aren’t indulging in post-heist leisure—they’re simply enjoying the after-dinner stroll and a sense of fullness.

I doubted unnecessarily, and now I feel foolish.

“There aren’t many large restaurants, but many places have high-end cooking equipment, so feel free to look around. If you can’t decide, we can just go to our usual spot… Ah, with Anne here, we probably shouldn’t go for something like steak.”

“I’m sorry, Ahsa. Blood drippings are somewhat difficult for me in various ways….”

Anne trails off, while Helena beams at her as if to say the nickname is granted. To the former, I give a wave indicating it’s fine, and to the latter, I merely shrug.

…What else? She’s my only real friend, and I’m inevitably stuck with her at work—how am I supposed to keep calling Anastasia by her formal ‘Miss Anastasia’ every time? Better to just acquiesce and take the lower stance.

“In that case, please choose the restaurant. I don’t trust my palate with all this street food.”

After deciding I’d look for a restaurant serving foods I’d later miss on my own, I entirely handed the decision to the locals.

I cross the 22nd-century version of a food alley with her and her, amidst light-hearted discussion and laughter.

With the silvery lily and brown hibiscus beauties walking ahead, one could practically hear the sound of people’s eyeballs rolling to follow them.

Besides, thanks to that, the number of gazes directed downward at me significantly decreased, helping me grasp the importance of a ‘shield’ from such stares.

But… Does Anne suffer from hemaphobia (fear of blood) or necrophobia (a severe fear of corpses or their parts), or something else? I couldn’t help but marvel at how she managed to keep working in the police force for several years.

“Ahsa? Over here!”

“…Seems like we’re heading to our usual place in the end.”

I followed her as she was sucked into a building where it seemed like there was a familiar regular spot.

We continued down the corridor away from harsh neon lights, and suddenly scenery composed of a material that was familiar but rarely seen emerged.

“Ooooh…? Waaah…!”

A deep reddish-brown wall paneling, with a slightly glossy grain, appeared—wood. And, along with it, the bold hanging lanterns?

Examining further revealed that it wasn’t real wood but rather impeccably painted décor and accessories that were indistinguishable from the real thing, but my anticipation had already skyrocketed to its peak.

[ Izakaya Rimen. Take a little rest from your weary day! Why not experience a culture that is a root of Enema Corporation in this foreign land? ]

The sudden appearance of a Japanese restaurant was entirely unexpected, and even though the motivation for being drawn in wasn’t solely culinary, my heart began to race regardless. I had already been craving salty yet sweet flavors ever since having some stir-fried noodles not long ago.

Sssshhhhh…

– Welcome! Please come in! –

Approaching closer, an automatic door imitating a traditional Japanese curtain imagery that looked like it needed to be pushed open, opened up. Though the greeting was from a recording, it was delivered with considerable enthusiasm by a machine at the entrance.

And the staff? Unfortunately, it seems all of them have been cut back, as the two regular customers walked right in and headed to a free table in the corner without hesitation.

Or rather, they tried to.

“Is something wrong?”

“…”

Helena, who was seated at the furthest end, and Anne signaling me to come sit next to her, made me realize something odd. If three of us sat at a four-person table, one of us would have to sit opposite, yet why did it feel as if I’d end up squeezed between the two women if I sat there?

Though this was purely from an observational standpoint, I felt I should take the lead and set an example.

“…Ahsa is usually so commendable, but sometimes she seems too unfeeling.”

“…I don’t understand what you mean.”

I slipped under the arm that was waved at me and successfully claimed the seat opposite Helena, ensuring she couldn’t intrude, securing the outer seat.

Given her physical abilities, I should say I was let rather than allowed to do so.

I watched silently as each ordered food by expertly manipulating the touchscreens embedded on either side of the table.

I know I clearly made a mistake somewhere that led to misunderstanding, but the fiery confession that crossed my mind about Helena resurfaced.

Reflecting on her speech, which didn’t reject a biasless impulse, it dawned on me that even if Anne and she were involved in something beyond friendship, it felt strange they weren’t a couple.

But then again, I don’t really know Anne’s inner thoughts… There’s no guarantee that her earnest feelings are unrequited… Above all, I worry about what challenges and conclusion this relationship might face that could turn Helena, this playful and graceful superpolice into a lone wolf.

Perhaps humans are by nature afraid of even minor changes, clinging to their reasons to stay in the comfort of the status quo…

“…Ugh.”

Ah…!! Without a clear answer to these dilemmas, I feel like I might go insane. I should get her drunk quickly and try to find out something.

“Dinner… we’ll just go for a bowl of ramen each, with some gyoza on the side. Anne, beer, right? Ahsa, what about you? Do you even drink alcohol?”

“Well, of course…”

I barely caught myself from responding. Here, if I say I can’t drink at all – no, if I claim I’m not completely inept, they might abstain for me. Pretending to be weak will legally allow me to stay sober.

Truly devilish thinking.

“…I’ll have the lighter option, please, Sister Helena.”

“Hmm… then let’s go with a Chuhai.”

Bzzt!

Helena lightly tapped the screen.

Thus, the order progressed without a hitch, and the food was delivered even faster by wheel-based transport robots.

As the steam rose from our ramen bowls, we raised our cups first.

Helena delivered her toast with heartfelt sincerity, as if holding back everything she wanted to say up until now.

“To Ahsa! Welcome aboard this line of work… Well, it’s awkward to talk about it openly, and it’s not like we’re always thrilled about what we do, but it still feels like we’re serving justice, at least in some small way. Hopefully, you’ll believe in it too!”

“Lena….”

“…Understood.”

Clang!

We clinked our glasses and enjoyed the fizzy, synthetic flavor that lingered on our tongues.

Fitting a moral compass into a warped frame distorts its shape but not its essence.

Helena Valentine was merely following what she believed was right.

“Hnnn…”

But what is this pleasant buoyancy and warmth?

…Ah, that’s right. The ramen and gyoza are still waiting to be eaten! And I need to quickly refill my glass… probe Anne’s intentions… and…

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

“…Oh my?”

“A?!”

Except for non-alcoholic beverages, the drink with the lowest alcohol content in the store probably just touched the lips of the dark-skinned girl and slipped down her throat.

…Not even a few seconds had passed before the skin from her collarbone started to redden and spread rapidly up her neck and across her entire face in no time.

If there had been a sound to her rush of blood, there would’ve been a ‘Pong!’ effect reverberating through the restaurant.

Helena, seeing her younger companion almost on the verge of passing out, immediately tried to search for the nearest field hospital.

However…

Anastasia Valentine did not collapse.

Because she still had an incomplete mission.

Slurp! Sluuuup—!

“…”

Following up with a spry slurp of noodles and a tactical gyoza indulgence. The consecutive movements were as clean as her sister’s swordplay, and upon finishing her caloric quota, Anastasia stood up from her seat.

Then quietly, she moved to Helena’s side and nestled her head on Helena’s shoulder.

“…Helena. The best. Always glowing, thank you.”

“…What?”

After thanking Helena for her goodwill and cooperation in both the game and reality, her weary body now sought sleep.

Extracting nothing but pouring out her soul, Anastasia took a final glance at Anne before lowering her head deeply to slumber soundly… her even breathing tickling the ears of the other two.

A brief silence reigned, and then Anne, who’d gone through similar cases before, spoke up.

“It seems… her drinking behavior also resembles Lena.”

“…Did I act like this?”

“The honest talking and getting clingy part…?”

After finishing her sentence, Anne placed her chopsticks on the slightly cooled noodles.

Meanwhile, Helena was busy rummaging through her memories.

At first, she was captivated by the girl’s outward appeal matching her tastes, learning she had even risked her life for her only remaining family member, and sought proximity. Still, however hard she thought, she couldn’t fathom Anastasia’s unwavering trust in her.

Regardless of whether the food got cold or not, Helena cradled her sleeping sister’s head and continued pondering.

…Of course, to an impartial observer, the two looked exactly like siblings without any suspicion.

Because of this, it was easy for them to pass it off casually while Anne’s thoughts deepened too.

First comes awareness. Then a fitting opportunity, the flow of emotions, and a rosy future.

“Perhaps… Ahsa might really understand me.”

…