Chapter 24: It’s so different

“Yes! I’m looking forward to it too! I think it’ll be nice to see you often as a fellow member.”

The moment I heard her voice, I paused for a moment. It felt completely different from the voice I had been waiting for.

The voice in my memory was much more mysterious and calm. She chose each word carefully and spoke as if modulating the atmosphere while suppressing her emotions. She felt like someone who harbored a deep secret.

But this voice now… was too bright and cheerful. The texture of the sound was completely different, and her emotions were clearly revealed in her tone. It didn’t have that mysterious feeling at all.

The difference was so great that I couldn’t even think that it was the person I was expecting.

I smiled lightly but sighed inwardly. Since the voice was different, she was obviously a different person.

“Then I’ll briefly introduce the company facilities. And let’s go eat together. The CEO said he made a reservation at a special place.”

Feeling down, I followed the general manager, Sera.

Even if the competition rate was the same as the last 2nd generation, only four out of a thousand could be selected. I knew that the possibility was slim. But accepting it intellectually and confirming the fact were completely different things.

Sera led the way, and I followed her silently. She was explaining with a bright smile, but even that sound seemed to be heard faintly from afar.

“The 2nd and 3rd floors are where the management and operations teams work. If you need to meet with the CEO or me, come to the 3rd floor.”

“The 4th floor is the content production team and the studio. You’ll be doing recording work here in the future, and if you need to practice or record individually, you can use it freely.”

“The 5th floor is the technology team and VR/AR development space. 3D collaborations and group concerts take place here, so you’ll use this area then.”

“Wow, a group concert! I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve always wanted to do it after watching Blooming Core’s concerts.”

Karen’s voice reminded me of reality again. Unless Sarubi returned to broadcasting, there was no way to meet her or find her anymore…

“I guess my explanation was a bit long. I’m worried because Leah-ssi is so quiet.”

“No. I was just listening intently, so I was momentarily silent.”

I wasn’t really listening, but… there was no need to make the other person feel awkward. All high-class elves spoke like this.

“Then let’s just stop here and go eat? The CEO said he’s going straight to the restaurant.”

***

The place we arrived at in Sera’s car was a high-end Korean beef restaurant. The rooms were divided in a traditional Korean house style. There were oriental paintings on the wall, and a small garden could be seen through the window.

“Our new recruits! Did the manager show you around the company well?”

“Yes. She explained it kindly, so I think I’ll be able to get used to the company quickly.”

Karen answered, and I quietly nodded.

“Just get a rough idea. You won’t have much to do at the company once you debut anyway.”

Karen and I sat across from the CEO and Sera.

“Of course, you can just come and hang out if you’re bored! Even though I say that, none of your seniors come when they don’t have work.”

The CEO, seen again, had a more informal and relaxed atmosphere.

“Ah, right, I’ll speak casually from now on. I need to be comfortable with you guys on stream. Think of it as getting used to it in advance. Is that okay?”

“I think it’s natural. You’ve lived many years.”

The CEO, who was tearing open a wet wipe, paused.

“Ahaha… Leah-ya. Many years is a bit much, isn’t it? I’m still in my twenties in international age. You can only say that on stream! No, only accept it very occasionally even on stream!”

“Yes… I understand.”

Saying many years was just an expression of respect, but I was a little surprised that she reacted so strongly.

A thought suddenly occurred to me, that women are sensitive about their age.

“CEO. I’m sorry. I think I was thinking and speaking from the perspective of a long-lived elf.”

“You should call me ‘President,’ not ‘CEO.’ And relax and be yourself. There’s no chance of being disqualified! You can stop acting now.”

The president chuckled, but I didn’t smile back.

“As I said before… this is my most natural self.”

“Right. Like you usually are… no, isn’t it not much different?”

“There’s no reason for it to change. Now, when I speak like an elf, I feel comfortable and familiar.”

“Wait, wait, wait a minute.”

The president’s hand, rubbing the wet wipe, sped up.

“Okay. Let’s organize this. Leah-ya. You’re acting out your RP right now, right?”

“No.”

“No? Leah-ya, you have the same atmosphere as when you were in the interview. You’re exactly in your RP.”

“Yes.”

While the president was making a dumbfounded expression, a neatly dressed waiter came in and set down the side dishes. It was a salad with fresh seasonal vegetables and Korean-style side dishes.

“Oh, CEO, it’s been a while. I haven’t seen these people before. Are they the new recruits?”

I exchanged a light greeting with the waiter who bowed his head.

After the waiters left, the president, who had emptied a glass of barley tea, put down the cup.

“This is a popular restaurant that even celebrities frequent. I’ve brought the kids here a few times, so they seem to think I’m a representative of some entertainment agency… Anyway.”

The president looked directly at me.

“Leah-ya. Don’t do that outside.”

“Could you tell me in detail what you mean?”

“I’m saying don’t act like that… No, you said it wasn’t acting. Then let’s think of it this way. From now on, if it’s not on stream, act as a ‘not elf-like person.’ A ‘very normal, ordinary person.’ Even if it’s a bit awkward and uncomfortable, can you do that?”

My way of speaking… was the result of my efforts to blend into elf society and maintain dignity as a hero. I didn’t particularly want to change it.

But, to achieve my goal, I needed to communicate with as many people as possible… and it was Blooming Core that gave me that opportunity.

If it was a request from the company, I had to accept it to some extent. I agreed to shorten my name in a strange way like ‘Esmée Leah’ for that reason.

And for now, it was enough to show my true self only on stream.

“I understand, President.”

“Good, I knew you would, Leah-ya!”

The president clapped his hands in delight. Shortly after, the main dish, the meat, arrived.

They explained that it was all Korean beef, 1++ grade sirloin, tenderloin, and striploin, and that it boasted a soft texture and rich flavor thanks to the best aging process.

Sizzle.

Under the grill, there was charcoal that emitted a subtle scent, and the waiter cut and flipped the meat at the exact right timing.

Light conversation continued with the meal. Perhaps intentionally, there weren’t many stories about VTubers.

“So, you two didn’t even know you were the same age?”

At the president’s question, I tilted my head slightly.

“I heard that Karen-ssi is 23 years old.”

“Ah, Leah-ssi lived abroad, so she’s probably more familiar with international age. You’re the same age in Korean age. 08, Year of the Rat!”

The story of the meat was also indispensable. In particular, Karen expressed her impressions every time she ate a different cut.

“Wow… It’s really like ice cream. It just melts in your mouth. This is the most delicious meat I’ve ever had!”

“I’m glad it suits your taste. How about you, Leah? Is it edible?”

“A sweet flavor fills my mouth. Like the dew of the dawn forest…”

“…It’s delicious.”

After the meal, seasonal fruits and cinnamon punch were served.

The president, who looked down at his cell phone, stood up from his seat.

“You guys keep eating. Something came up. General Manager, just a moment.”

So the two of them left, and only Karen and I were left in the room.

***

In the hallway of the Korean beef restaurant, where people don’t usually pass by.

“General Manager, did Leah act like that at the company before she came here too? Her tone and attitude.”

“Hmm… I think so.”

“Sigh… This will require a bit more attention.”

“She seems completely 4D, right?”

“Or maybe it’s really hard for her to get out of the immersion, to the point where it interferes with her daily life.”

In either case, it was necessary to correct her tone outside.

In the former case, she might have difficulty forming relationships with her fellow members or company staff. People might think she’s too strange, or that she’s not interested in forming serious relationships.

In the latter case, it was even worse if she was overly immersed. Her work and life would become indistinguishable, and eventually, she might not be able to control her emotions properly, become depressed… or have mental issues.

Of course, these shortcomings wouldn’t be very apparent on stream.

On stream, being 4D, ADHD, or crazy… these expressions are close to praise. It means she provided unexpected fun.

Being overly immersed in RP? This could also be accepted as individuality or fun.

The slight worry was that there were signs that such elements might become excessive. Even on stream, it gave the feeling that she might go off the rails at any moment.

“The general manager should focus on education and care until her debut. Even after her debut, pay a lot more attention to monitoring…”

“Yes, I will.”

Sera answered, sighing inwardly. I knew it would be like this from the interview…

***

Alone in the room, I was staring at Karen.

“Is there… something you want to say?”

Yeah, I’m sure of it.

At first, I didn’t know, but as I kept listening, I realized.

The regular pattern of breathing. The rhythm of the sound. The characteristic subtle tremor when emotions are revealed. The way she ends her sentences.

The more I listened, the more familiarity gradually filled in the other parts of the voice in my memory.

And now, I realized that I was listening to Sarubi’s voice, just with a different tone.

I had guessed it when I heard that she would be reincarnating with a changed RP. I thought I should let go of my expectations and welcome her as a close friend.

But, my honest feelings couldn’t have been like that.

That’s right. Actually…

When I met her again, I thought it would be a special moment.

What I had been waiting for was a more special, more mysterious, more perfect version of her.

I observe Karen, no, Sarubi, in front of me from every angle.

Especially her face, which felt like that of a lively puppy rather than the nobility I admired, and her modest chest, which seemed to have no way of understanding the discomfort I had experienced. I look at them intently.

“Is it that different?”

At my lament, Sarubi blinked with a stupid expression.

“Huh?”