NOVEL NEXT Chapter 105: The Talk?
In The Cradle's Oshawa Branch, Commander Takeshi and Ino remained in the same office-style room where they had previously held a mini-meeting with Commander Isak and his squad. However, instead of focusing on the discussions regarding the ongoing threat in Oshawa, the Board of Directors and the important figures of the branch were engaged in a troubling conversation. This concern stemmed from the two girls who bore a striking resemblance to the creatures that Cradle had been designed to eliminate in school or college, living their lives as ordinary individuals. One of the directors stood up, seemingly frustrated that this situation persisted.
"Commander! I believe we should get rid of them. According to our data, they look exactly like the two Alberlines, Ice-breaker and Dominance!" He said, narrowing his eyes at Takeshi. Very few people could afford such arrogance and tone when addressing Takeshi, but the higher-ups who funded and directed this branch could compel even the powerful commander to listen like any other soldier. The room erupted into a murmur; Takeshi and Ino could catch snippets of agreement and disagreement regarding this point. Nevertheless, they knew they couldn't take action against the girls.
At least, not in public, for civilians across the world remained unaware of the Alberlines. The reasons for this were simple: mass hysteria. Society would collapse at the knowledge that such powerful beings existed. Cradle had managed to cover up incidents like fracture blooms effectively enough that most people believed the narratives without a second thought.
Takeshi narrowed his eyes and prepared to speak. "Indeed, you are correct; the two girls look exactly like them. However, as you are very well aware, we cannot attack or do anything to them while under the scrutiny of the public and the media, especially after the whole Tokyo incident. You know this, yet you still sit here and shout. Unless you have an idea that could satisfy our needs, please be my guest and share it." His voice was stern, and the room fell quiet. The murmurs ceased, acknowledging the truth in his words, which compelled the rebellious director to sit down in silence.
Ino smiled slightly, appreciating that Takeshi had promptly shut him down. She then began to speak. "For the time being, we have soldiers keeping a close eye on them. If anything happens or an opportunity arises, we won't hesitate to capture or, if necessary, kill them. However-"
She paused for a brief moment, letting the tension seep in further.
"We need more evidence of their abilities. For now, we're sending more soldiers to their location. If we receive an Alberline signal confirming their true nature, we will act. If not, we must leave them be and continue observing them from a distance. Is that clear?" She stated, her voice just as stern as Takeshi's.
No one answered verbally, but they all nodded in agreement. It was the best approach to handle such a tricky situation, and just like that, their meeting came to a slow conclusion.
*
"Class, there will be a college festival, and I must stress that we want everyone to participate in something. It can be big or small, but we do want everyone to join in and help out," Mr Tachibana announced.
"WHAT?!" The entire classroom erupted in surprise. Kentaro looked at Tenka, then at the front of the class, noticing that Tenka's friends weren't there. The usual girls who would likely have bombarded Aria with hugs and compliments weren't at the gate, so they must have decided to skip class today.
Mr Tachibana smiled as he continued. "Yes, please! I understand it's a bit early, but we have more things planned for the school year.. So, make sure you guys are ready, as there will be a lot of things to do, including a competition!"
Everyone simultaneously tilted their heads in confusion. "A competition?" they muttered.
"Yes, yes indeed! One where you can earn money, a trip, and also a big trophy! But the details haven't been finalised just yet, so I'll get back to you on that tomorrow," he replied.
"Aww, sir, but just tell us what it is!" A girl shouted.
Mr Tachibana let out a small giggle before apologising with his hands.
"Omg, Kentaro, I think we should do something like a maid café!" Serica exclaimed, looking over at Kentaro. He smiled back, but to be honest, he didn't want to do anything. Being the introverted guy he was, he typically avoided activities like this, but something told him this year might be different, especially with the girls around.
"Yura, you could be our cook/maid! You're cute, plus, you can cook! Just imagine how many people we could attract and the money we could make!" Serica shouted, this time looking at Yura.
Yura blushed slightly. "Well, I guess, but I'm not that good..." She muttered.
Tenka's eyes widened for a moment as she came up with an idea. "How about Kentaro and I could be the maids instead of Yura? Or we could have a setup where people can watch their food being cooked by a cute maid like Yura!" She said with a smirk.
"HEY!" Kentaro shouted.
Yura looked at Tenka with a confused expression. "Excuse me, Tenka, but have you seen yourself? If we don't see you in a maid costume, we'll drag you out!" she said with a pout.
Tenka blushed slightly but kept her composed demeanour. "Hmph, try me! I'll handle the logistics and everything else but serving. Plus, we have Aria and Sumire, and we already have enough people," she said, closing her eyes and folding her arms.
Kentaro smiled but also agreed with Yura. "I think you should, Tenka. You'd look cute in a maid uniform. Honestly, you don't really wear many girly clothes, do you?"
KICK.
"OWW!" Kentaro yelped, grabbing his shin where Tenka had kicked him. "Jackass! I don't need to wear clothing like that to be cute," she pouted.
As Kentaro finally got up from his moment of pain, he noticed Tenka was acting more like her normal self and less like the commanding figure she often presented, especially during the Tokyo trip. He wanted to know what had caused this change, but couldn't find an opportunity to ask.
"Hey, Tenka, when college is over, do you mind if we talk for a bit?" he asked.
Tenka looked at him with one eye before nodding. "Sure."
After the announcement, the class returned to their typical session. Eventually, Serica, Yura, and Aria went to grab lunch since they were still hungry, while Kentaro and Tenka headed upstairs to the forbidden section where no students were supposed to go without supervision.