At night, they settled for a five-star hotel in Sainan Town.
Ryoko did not stay there. Instead, she went back to pack all her belongings and submit her resignation. Although she wasn't from this planet and could leave on a whim, many students genuinely liked her, so she decided to say goodbye properly.
She was sure that many students would cry over her departure tomorrow.
Both boys and girls, it would be the same.
She had also made several good female colleagues at this school; leaving without a word would be such a betrayal of those hard-won friendships.
Back at the hotel.
After getting a top-tier suite, Kaito continued to quietly observe Mea's behavior.
Confirming that she wasn't causing trouble, was peacefully accompanying Eve, and seemed to have become a friendly sister, Kaito felt a little more at ease.
Even though he had modified her subconscious, Mea's personality remained unchanged.
"Momo, I'll leave Mea in your care. Her emotions might be a bit unstable for a while."
"Okay, dear husband."
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After saying a word to Tearju, Kaito went to the Jade Chamber.
Nemesis showed no reaction.
It wasn't until Kaito stood before her that she slowly woke up, rubbing her eyes with both hands before opening her golden pupils.
"Oh? The Emperor came here personally... I wonder if Your Majesty plans to punish me now, or extract information about my organization through me?"
"I suppose you've also captured Mea, haven't you?"
With an attitude of a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, Nemesis didn't flinch. Instead, she deliberately swayed her body on the wooden bed, making her black dress look like it was about to fall off, but never actually did.
When it came to being alluring, Nemesis was quite skilled.
"Indeed, I have captured Mea, and she has pledged allegiance to me. For now, she'll live as Eve's younger sister."
"I see. So Mea became Eve's sister? How utterly ridiculous."
Just an artificial weapon, born for combat, yet destined to live as an ordinary person from now on?
Even Nemesis found this hard to accept.
Herself included.
Accustomed to living a life of combat and assassination in the dark side of the world, she could never adapt to such a life.
Her organization wouldn't allow it, either.
"I presume... you've also removed Mea's restraints, haven't you? Your Majesty is truly omnipotent!"
"Heh, would you like to leave your current identity and live a peaceful life in the sun?"
"No need. Having grown accustomed to the darkness, even if there's light ahead, it will eventually be overshadowed by darkness again. In just a few short years, there are far too many people who want me dead."
Her implication was clear: she had many enemies. The moment she appeared openly in public, countless people would come after her, even assassinate her.
That made sense. Having helped the organization eliminate so many rivals, it would be strange if those people didn't hate her.
"That's a shame. I wanted to let you have a normal life. As for your problem, wouldn't it help if I personally vouched for you?"
"Hahaha, of course that would help! Your Majesty is the strongest overlord in the universe! Who wouldn't tremble at the sight of you? Look at those rebel forces; more than half of them surrendered early just because of you!"
"In that case, why are you still unwilling?"
"Hehe, I'm used to that free and easy life. Why would I want to change?"
Nemesis stopped pretending. With a swift motion, she stood up, her entire body beginning to transform into weapons.
Her meaning was clear.
Either fight, or she dies.
Well...
She couldn't win against Kaito, so ultimately, she would die.
As for why she resisted, it was because she didn't want to become the kind of person Kaito liked.
She was who she was, and that was the only version of herself she could accept.
It was precisely because of her own choices that she was the person she was today!
Only she knew what was in her heart; no one else could fathom her thoughts.
Free and unrestrained, occasionally playing tricks on others, and if upset, killing them.
If she agreed to Kaito, that would be the true loss of freedom. She might even have to obediently stay by Eve's side, playing house with her.
"...I see your resolve. But before we fight, tell me about your organization."
"Sure, of course! Without them, I'll be even more free!"
"Alright. Don't cry later!"
1 minute later.
Nemesis, who had tried everything to land a single hit on Kaito, was on the verge of tears.
She had used every trick she knew, even slicing the entire Jade Chamber building in half, yet she couldn't harm Kaito in any way.
Moreover, the Jade Chamber repaired itself completely the next second!
This involved Kaito's time abilities.
"Stop! I give up! I surrender! Punish me!"
She quickly reverted to her normal form and raised her hands in surrender.
"Oh? So that means you're willing to become an obedient child?"
"Impossible! I will never obey, especially not that! I, Nemesis, would rather jump off this place and die than become an obedient child!"
"Hahahaha, really?"
"Really!"
Nemesis responded loudly with an extremely serious expression.
"Very well, I'll agree to your request, however..."
"Wait, what are you doing? Hey! I'm still just a child!!"
"Hehehe... You offend me and still think you can run? Hah! You fiend, I suggest you reveal your true form quickly!"
"D-Don't come any closer!!"
"What are you afraid of? I'm just curious about you, formed from dark matter, a thought-form born without anyone knowing. Just what exactly are you..."
Three hours later.
All of Nemesis's restraints were removed.
Likewise, Kaito gained an in-depth understanding of Nemesis's body composed of dark matter.
He had to admit, the end of science is theology.
Even Kaito couldn't explain this situation clearly. He could only sigh...