Stay Tonight

Bringing along the still somewhat frightened Nilu, we followed Kefir down from the carriage, and the scenery around us was nothing like the prosperous beauty we had seen in the capital city of the Great Ying Empire, London.

As the infamous conman Euclid, who once fled across all the nations of the continent, I know very well because of the script I carry that the countries on the continent only maintain peace on the surface.

The moment they have a chance to “flex their muscles,” they will never let it go.

This so-called “Goddess Ruins” that appeared in the neutral zone this time is no exception: compared to calling this an exploration of the ruins, it’s actually a way to flaunt each nation’s “talents.”

In other words, the people I’m about to encounter will probably all have roles in the script.

Which means, for me, the outcome is only one thing…

“What are you still spacing out for? The people from the Rossiya Empire are already here—go say hello.”

Snapping out of my daze, I realized Kefir had already brought us to the checkpoint, meeting the gaze of the other group.

“I am Kefir, the candidate from the Great Ying Empire here to explore the ruins. These are my personal cleric and maid.”

In my line of sight, I ignored two shifty-eyed lackeys who were clearly disposable extras.

Compared to them, the glasses-wearing girl in the lead caught my attention: her pale long hair was tied into a braid, she wore a monocle, and from her looks, she seemed like a “civil officer.”

If only that were true.

But I know all too well: women who dress like this are never “background characters.”

Have you ever seen a background character with such a unique and complicated design?

“I am the candidate sent by order of the Tsar of the Rossiya Empire—Rasputin. Miss Kefir, I’ve heard so much about you…”

【Rasputin will later scheme to kill Euclid.】

Sure enough, the moment she revealed her name, her script included the part where she plans to “get rid of me.”

But that’s not even the end of it!

Because the script keeps going!

【Nilu will soon unleash her hidden power!】

【Kefir will be injured!】

Trouble!

I’m already used to having someone target me for death, but this time this four-eyed lady is after all of us!

This is exactly like one of those “kill and loot” plots!

And my dear “thigh” Kefir seems to have sensed something off with me, because she had no intention of even shaking hands with the other side.

“Since the candidates are confirmed, this time it seems the Great Ying Empire and Rossiya Empire are on opposite sides. From tomorrow onward, let’s each enter the ruins as agreed.”

“An unknown ruin—I think it’s better if we cooperate…”

“No need.”

Coldly cutting her off, Kefir, the true protagonist, turned around and left without giving the other side a chance to reply.

Then, after putting enough distance between us and the Rossiya Empire and returning to the Great Ying Empire’s checkpoint, we entered the camp Louise had arranged for us.

Only when there was no one else around did Kefir look over at me with some concern.

“Euclid, you seemed really scared of her—does she know you?”

If only that were the case.

I can’t reveal the secret of the script lightly, but since this involves Kefir’s “dungeon,” I can’t just keep quiet either.

“The prophecy says… that Rasputin will bring us trouble.”

I can’t just tell Kefir she’s up to no good—knowing Kefir’s proud personality, she’d probably go cut her down right now.

Kefir let out a small sigh. This time, my prophecy didn’t surprise her much.

“I figured as much. The Rossiya Empire is a martial nation—they couldn’t possibly have peaceful intentions. That’s why we’re not all going in together, but instead verifying tomorrow that no one sneaks in early, then each entering separately for a fair competition. As long as we avoid them deliberately, there shouldn’t be much contact.”

After saying that, Kefir looked at me with a mix of amusement and exasperation:

“I thought you were nervous about something serious, but it was just this. Didn’t I tell you? As long as you don’t run off and stay by my side, no one can so much as touch a single hair on your head.”

Look at that—such a fragrant thigh, right in front of me!

Of course I’m not worried about Kefir’s “protagonist aura” protecting me—I’m way more worried about Nilu!

If this “vengeful-bloodline” protagonist explodes with her hidden power, won’t killing me later be a piece of cake?

And since she’s on such good terms with Kefir, I might not even get to hug Kefir’s thigh when the time comes!

If I want to hold onto Kefir’s thigh without accidents, there’s no helping it—I’ll have to use that move!

“Kefir, are you serious about what you said?”

I put on a stern face, full of righteousness, making Kefir blink in confusion.

“Of… of course.”

If I can watch both your scripts at all times, I can at least guard against surprises, right?!

So from now on, I’ll hug that thigh from every angle, no blind spots!

“Then let’s sleep together tonight…”

【Smack】

I’m serious, Kefir!