Chapter 9

—Now then. While I’d love to indulge in getting a rise out of such cute rabbits…

That would be too cruel for my taste. So instead, let me first assuage your fears.

Assuage…?

You’re worried about where your friends—where the other two in Ra*bits might be, yes?

You’re so worried about them that you keep losing focus, no matter how much I explain things to you.

Y–yeah, you’re right… Eichi-onii-chan, do you know where Tomoya-kun and Nii~chan might be? That’s what it sounds like, right…?

I have a general idea, yes. Rather, I’m sure you two can figure it out yourselves, too—If you know the right method.

…?

Yuzuru. Please show Hajime-kun and Mitsuru-kun how to use the collier.

Gori…? Yeah sure, I like gorillas, but we’re not talking about them right now!

It’s collier, Tenma-sama, not gorilla. It’s pronounced ko-lyé.

It’s this device we’re wearing on our arms, similar to a wristwatch.

Ohh, what a waste! I’m disappointed in you, Yuzuru!

Even when Tenma-kun threw out such an obvious joke, you didn’t even try to follow up on it!

This isn’t exactly the place for a comedy routine, is it? Eichi-sama, are you sure you haven’t become a little too influenced by Trickstar?

Yes, I’m well aware that’s the case. I’m a big fan of theirs.

However, that’s exactly why I will not allow such an existence to end with only a single miracle—

…?

Fufu. I’m getting off-topic. Right now, there’s a large-scale event taking place in the Kanto region, and this collier was prepared for that purpose.

Losing this collier would cause all kinds of inconveniences, so take care not to remove it.

I–I had no idea this was so important. I thought it was just something to help us earn passive income by wearing it.

Nothing in the world is free, after all.

Fufu. But it won’t explode, so you don’t have to be too cautious about the collier.

Yes. The collier is similar to a smartphone, you could say.

It is simply a tool to help you pass the time comfortably while at SANCTUARY. It’s not dangerous at all.

Huh? Smartphones? I don’t like phones! They get in my way when I’m running!

Seriously, that’s all you talk about… Is that the only thing you care about?

Fufu. I think it’s pretty cool to be a simple, kind-hearted person who never wavers in his convictions ♪

Hehe ♪ I dunno what you’re saying, but you’re totally giving me a compliment! Gimme more!

Fufu. In any case, this collier has a sort of transmission device embedded in it—

The management at SANCTUARY will always know the location of any person wearing a collier.

Unless you disassemble the collier and remove the transmitter, that is.

And I happen to be in close contact with the management, so if you ask for it, I’m confident I can pinpoint Nito-kun and Mashiro-kun’s whereabouts.

Well actually, I let my suspicions get the better of me and looked into it earlier. It seems that both of them are nearby.

Huh? Where are they, where are they? Nii~chaaan! Tomo-chaaan!

Ahaha, they’re not in earshot, of course. Here, there’s an information board for SANCTUARY right here—Take a look at it, and I’ll explain things.

This is where we are right now, at the entrance of SANCTUARY.

Right. Umm, and this building is right where the board says it is… It’s a much bigger park than I thought it was.

Yes. It’s said to be one of the largest in Japan in terms of area alone.

By the way, Nito-kun is right here. It seems he’s in the castle in the very center of SANCTUARY.

Castle… castle… Whoa, there really is a castle right there! You can even see it from here, it’s huge!

I see it. Nii~chan, why are you in there? Are you a princess now…?

Uh? Whatcha talkin’ about? Why would he be a princess if he’s in a castle?

Oh, it’s just the image you get~ If you live in a castle, you must be a princess—you know?

Fufu. It’s not exactly that he’s living in the castle.

And look, this is where Mashiro-kun is. It looks like he’s in an area that’s still under development.

Him too? But why are they in a place like that…?

Who knows? But this place is a restricted area, so I’d like to transfer him to another area as soon as possible.

Y–yeah, me too. If it’s still in development—If it’s still under construction, then it’s probably dangerous.

Yes. That said, I’ve already sent someone to collect him, so he should be fine. As long as he doesn’t move around too much, we should be able to meet up soon.

I hope so… That’s good, I’m glad. I’m feeling a little better ♪

Yeah, but why are Nii~chan and Tomo-chan even in this park in the first place? We couldn’t get in touch with them at all, we were sooo worried!

Hmm. This is only a hypothesis, but it’s possible they were given an order.

If anyone behaves strangely during the SS Qualifying Rounds, it’s typically because of an order they received.

Oh… I guess it could be that?

These order things are so annoying! I’m stressed outta my mind~ I wanna dash!

Fufu. I’m sure that’s why you’re so on edge, Mitsuru-kun.

But I get it… Because of their orders, Tomoya-kun and Nii~chan left without telling us. If that’s the case, there’s nothing we can do about it.

If they go against their orders, they’ll be fined.

Which means we’d lose the SSL$ that we put so much effort into getting.

I’d hate if all our hard work went down the drain just like that.

We’re getting off-topic again, but yes. The leader of each unit is also given secret orders and are bound in several different ways.

And so if you see me acting strangely, please just let it be. I’d appreciate it if you don’t pry too much.

No matter how unjust my actions may be, it’s likely that they were not committed of my own free will.

……