Chapter 54
At a Hidden Restaurant
Driven by the momentum of having my hand pulled, I stumbled and came to
a stop. It seemed the girl right in front of me was the culprit who had dragged
me inside. I didn't particularly sense any malice, I guess. The girl quickly
closed the door and then let go of the hand she had been gripping.
「I figured
you were in trouble. Was I meddling where I shouldn't have?」
She was an outrageously beautiful girl, even the faint smile on her face
being gorgeous. Her face and fashion sense were a bit different from ordinary
people, and on top of that, even her voice was lovely. This girl was no
ordinary person. There's no way an ordinary-joe airhead could pull off a
pricey-looking red dress like that. It suited her damn well.
「Ah, well,
you saved me, though.」
So, who are you? Why did you help me? I was this close to sending
someone flying.
「It'll calm
down outside in a bit. Have you eaten?」
「Eh? Wait,
where is this?」
「This is a
hidden restaurant with no sign. It's a real hidden gem.」
Well, I didn't know that. Kagurazaka really does have stylish places,
huh.
「Heh, that's
amazing.」
「Won't you
sit down? I'm just about to order. Care to join me if you'd like?」
Why am I being invited by someone like this? By such a gorgeous girl. Oh
well, I'm hungry anyway.
「Well then,
since you're offering.」
「This way.」
I took a seat at a semi-private table near the entrance, but I couldn't
settle down. Right when I thought to say something, a waiter came by to take
orders, and without having the leisure to choose carefully, I had them make
mine the same as the girl's. I have no clue what was ordered.
「Are you
nervous, by any chance?」
「Nervous, or
rather... Um, though it's a bit late to ask, who might you be? Ah, I'm Nagakura
Aoi. Despite how I look, I'm a Dungeon Hunter.」
I'm actually pretty strong, you know? Underestimate me and I'll send you
flying!
「I know.
That's why I helped you.」
「Oh, is that
so. Does that mean you're a Hunter too?」
「Aoi, you
don't know who I am?」
Well, we've just met. No matter how gorgeous she is, there's no way I'd
know her. Ah, could she be someone famous?
「Umm...」
「Judging by
that expression, it seems you don't.」
「Yep, no
idea.」
Honesty is truly the best policy for a human. It makes things so much
easier.
「My name is
Kujo Madoka. I'm a moderately popular idol and Dungeon Hunter... or at least, I
was.」
Hoho, an idol, huh. No wonder she's crazy-level cute. Though doing
Hunter work on the side makes zero sense.
「‘Was’ in the
past tense? Sounds like there's a story there.」
「Well,
various things happened. Would you listen to my story after we eat?」
「As long as
it's an interesting story.」
「What's with
that reaction? Isn't that a bit harsh?」
「Well, I
mean, I'd be at a loss if someone dumped a heavy story on me the first time we
meet.」
「Then I'll
just have to make sure to spice it up. So, Aoi—」
A probing, not particularly pleasant time ticked away between us. Just
as I was feeling uncomfortable, the waiter finally showed up at what felt like
the right moment.
「Ah, here it
comes... Oh.」
What on earth is this? I was a bit startled when a large plate was
slammed right in front of me. It seemed like a massive, super-American-style
steak—completely unfitting for the European antique vibe of the restaurant—was
resting on top of a doria-like dish. Aside from the main dish, several side
plates lined the table, giving the whole thing an incredible sense of volume.
「Looks
delicious! Itadakimasu.」
Without caring that I was overwhelmed even before eating, the idol-sama
happily picked up her fork and knife. Her fingertips were so lovely I couldn't
help staring. How adorable is an idol stuffing her cheeks with meat while
flashing a radiant smile. I can't lose to this. Time to dig in!
Without any particular conversation, we just ate the food with all our
might. The awkward atmosphere of our probing conversation vanished, and
instead, it somehow turned into an enjoyable time. Sipping iced coffee
leisurely after such a meal is also a fantastic way to spend time.
「Phew... I
might not be able to tell an entertaining story, but would you mind listening
for just a bit? Oh, and since I'm the one who invited you, don't worry about
paying here.」
「Oh, really?
If you're treating me, I'll listen to as many stories as you want.」
Come on, you should've said so from the start. If free food is on the
line, of course I'll listen! Just as I was thinking about getting carried away
and ordering some sweets, the beautiful girl straightened her posture, changing
the atmosphere. For some reason, it made even me brace myself. If it's a heavy
story, I'd really rather she didn't.
「I mentioned
I used to be an idol and a Hunter, right? I formed a party consisting only of
idols, doing Dungeon Hunter work for the sake of publicity.」
Can't be helped. Better listen properly.
「Hee? That
sounds like it'd get people talking.」
「My agency's
strategy was a massive hit. But you see, it didn't last long.」
「Why?」
「Because I
was betrayed. A scandal fatal to an idol broke out.」
That sounds straight out of the entertainment world.
「Did someone
screw up? Was it getting caught with a boyfriend? Or maybe underground gigs?」
「Of all
things, I was framed as having a man. And a pretty rough-looking guy at that.」
「Huh? Framed
as having one, what's that supposed to mean?」
The beautiful girl in front of me continued expressionlessly.
「Just as it
sounds. The people in the same party who I thought were my fellow idols set me
up. The guy was in on it too.」
「Ew,
seriously?」
「No matter
how much I pleaded, proving my innocence is difficult. There were people who
believed me, but my position as an idol became grim. Above all, there was no
way I could stay in the original party that betrayed me. I quit, and I lost my
place at the agency too.」
Meaning that for an idol, image is everything. It's a terrible story
where lies and rumors end up feeling more like truth than actual facts.
「Man, that's
terrifying. But just fading away like that would really grind my gears.」
「You
understand? That's right, I want a comeback. By making a name for myself as a
Hunter. So, won't you team up with me?」
Oh, so that's where this conversation was heading.
「A comeback
meaning eventually going back to being an idol? Nah, I mean I'm cute sure, but
being an idol is impossible for me.」
「I'm done
with idols. As a Hunter, I want you to team up with me. I want to outshine
those guys. That way, we can steal the spotlight right away from that
idol-hunter group, right?」
If gorgeous girls like us form a party and hunt, we might look like
rivals. If we make it big, that idol-hunter group might lose some of their
stock, huh.
「Well, I
suppose so. But I'm solo, you know? Since you used to be an idol, couldn't you
join a famous clan or something? That sounds way more talked-about and
promising.」
「What are you
talking about? The one drawing the most attention right now is obviously the
mysterious Hunter who suddenly broke into the rankings. There's no buzz greater
than teaming up with Aoi anywhere else. Besides, I've got my own circumstances,
so it's hard for me to enter a clan. In fact, until recently I was temporarily
let into a party, but I left due to some circumstances.」
At this, the idol-sama placed a black card on the table for some reason.
It was her ID card. An atmosphere full of resolve and a bit of tension. What on
earth is this?
「I can't
force Aoi to keep my secret. But since you'll be teaming up with me, you need
to know. And this is also the reason why it's hard for me to enter a clan or
party. Take a look.」
On the flipped-over ID card, stats and other details were visible.
Yuuka-san had said that since this is important personal information, you
shouldn't show it to others lightly. She must have had that much resolve doing
this. While I had a subtle reluctance to look, backing down after being shown
this much would ruin my pride as a woman. Oh well, I guess I'll just take a
peek.
Now, what kind of secret... Before I could even finish thinking that, I
realized. This—this woman is my comrade.
■ Memories of the Star Soul
Name: Kujo Madoka
Level: 10
Class: Rock-Bottom Fallen Idol
If Hunters want to form a party or join a clan, disclosing their level
and class is indispensable. But this class is not something that can be easily
revealed.
An absurd class obtained against one's will. I understand that feeling. I understand you, comrade!
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