NOVEL NEXT Chapter 59: How about starting by taking off that outfit?
The cicadas sang, filling the air with their relentless sound, as Ryan and Rika observed Takano. She seemed anxious, almost terrified, her fingers clutching her own arm in a nervous gesture. Unable to contain her unease, she finally asked:
"Did we… really go back in time?"
Ryan smirked, resting a hand on his hip. His relaxed posture contrasted sharply with the tension in the air.
"Yes, we did. But that's not the most important thing right now…"
Takano blinked, confused, struggling to maintain her composure.
"How is that not important?! I just found out time travel is real!"
Ryan raised a hand in dismissal, his voice laced with provocation.
"Calm down, blondie. It's not that simple. I can go back in time because, you see, I'm a deity. Got it?"
His words made Takano shudder from head to toe. Her expression filled with disbelief as she repeated:
"A deity!?"
Sighing, Ryan shifted his gaze to Rika, who held his hand with a serene smile. He returned the gesture before refocusing on Takano.
"Yeah, that's right. But that doesn't change what I need from you: cure the Hinamizawa Syndrome and help Satoko's brother. Actually, not just him… It seems everyone in this village is a bit unhinged."
He shot Rika an ironic smile, adding with a teasing tone:
"No offense, Mini Miku."
Rika chuckled softly, understanding the mocking tone, unfazed.
Takano, still full of questions, stepped forward, her curiosity taking over.
"But… how do you plan to control the system? That involves politicians, corporations, and—"
Before she could finish, Ryan gently placed a finger over her lips, silencing her.
"I already said: that's the least of our problems."
With that, he pulled his phone from his pocket, took a deep breath, and dialed a number. It was yet another call to his grandfather, who answered with the same surprised and intrigued tone as before.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to call…" the man's voice carried a mix of malice and paternal warmth.
Ryan got straight to the point, no detours. He once again asked his grandfather to clear Rena's name, help Satoko with her abusive uncle, and this time, he added one more request.
"I need you to fund a research project of great interest to me." His voice was firm, marked with seriousness.
On the other end of the line, his grandfather let out a low, ironic laugh.
"A research project that caught your attention? What's so special about it?"
"It's about a syndrome that's been plaguing the village where I am now," Ryan replied, casting a glance at Takano, who remained tense, as if her very life depended on that call.
The response came with the usual mocking tone.
"You're asking for all these things, thinking I'll help just because you're my grandson?"
Ryan laughed, equally ironic.
"Oh, I know you'll have to pull some strings… But don't worry. I'll pay with something I know you want very much."
There was a long pause on the other end, the silence almost tangible. Then, his grandfather's voice returned, filled with intensity.
"I see… But the price will be high. And this time, I won't accept you shirking your responsibilities."
Ryan didn't hesitate, his voice firm and resolute.
"I keep my word, Grandpa."
The silence was broken only by the sound of the cicadas as Takano and Rika watched Ryan. The strength of his determination was almost palpable amidst the tension hanging over the moment.
His grandfather's grave, malicious tone echoed once more through the phone:
"I'll investigate this syndrome and assess if it's worth the investment."
Ryan, with an eccentric smile, replied without hesitation:
"You know, impressing me isn't easy, and this research managed it. But I think you're misunderstanding, Grandpa. I'm not asking if you want or can fund it. I'm offering a deal."
He paused deliberately, his tone taking on an almost theatrical air.
"I'm trading these favors for my freedom. I'll take the lead of the Suou family, which, of course, includes relieving Yuki of the burdens you keep placing on her shoulders."
The silence on the other end suggested reflection, exactly what Ryan expected. Then, his grandfather's voice returned, cold and calculating.
"The Hinamizawa Syndrome… A rather unpromising research project currently funded by politicians in Tokyo. Why are you interested in it?"
Ryan smirked, responding with the calm of someone who held all the cards.
"Oh, so you already know about it. That makes things much easier."
Meanwhile, Takano and Rika watched in silence, their tension evident as they followed the conversation.
"The government wants to sweep everything under the rug, pushing the researcher beyond her limits. I believe you understand what that means, don't you?"
The response came in a meticulous, calculated tone.
"I understand. I'll contact the higher-ups and transfer the research's responsibility under the Suou family's name. I believe that will suffice."
Ryan, not losing his smug tone, teased:
"I imagine you've realized this research might not be as useless as it seemed. You're thinking it could be useful in the future, aren't you?"
His grandfather let out a low chuckle before responding:
"You've always been perceptive, my grandson. That's exactly why I insist on you as my successor. I'll handle your requests, but I expect to see you at the Suou residence in four days, ready to fulfill your role."
Before Ryan could reply, the call ended. He stood still for a few seconds, thoughtful, before turning to Takano with a sarcastic smile.
"All set, blondie."
Takano tilted her head, skeptical.
"All set? But—"
Ryan interrupted her, shrugging with even more sarcasm in his voice.
"Yeah, I said it's done. But, in the end, I'm the one who lost out. Don't know if you noticed, but I just sold my peace because of you. So, I think we'll need to resolve this another way. How about starting by taking off that outfit? You'll have to pay me back somehow."
Takano's face turned red as a chili pepper as she stammered, trying to cover herself with her hands.
"W-WHAT?!"
Ryan burst into laughter, tilting his head back and clutching his chest.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Though, I'll admit, you've have a nice body…" He gave an ironic smile. "But damn, you're annoying."
Rika, watching the scene from behind him, averted her eyes and commented in a drawling tone:
"So… you like developed bodies?"
Ryan turned, confused, frowning.
"What did you say, Mini Miku?"
Rika simply looked away again, feigning innocence.
"Nothing. Nipaaaa~! >⩊< ♡"
Ryan huffed, ignoring the comment, and turned his attention back to Takano, who still seemed flustered.
"Anyway, this will take a while, so give me your number."
Still shaken, Takano reached into her bag, pulling out a card with slightly trembling fingers.
"M-My number? Oh, yes… Here it is."
He took the card with a carefree smile and turned to Rika, who eagerly pulled him toward the shrine.
"Ryan!" Takano called, her voice firmer though her face was still flushed.
He glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow.
"What is it, blondie?"
She hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"You… You're very strange."
Ryan chuckled softly, his usual mocking tone.
"Look who's talking."
Rika tugged him into the shrine, but before disappearing entirely, Ryan looked back at Takano once more, with a mischievous grin.
"I recommend you be satisfied with what you got today, Takano. Because honestly, I don't know if I'd go back in time just to revive you if you died around here…"
Takano froze, her hesitant smile turning nervous, like that of a child caught in the middle of mischief.
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