Zoe-kun was feigning tears, and I finally started to grasp the situation. I have my own side of the story on that matter.
“Of course, I’d never intentionally withhold anything from Zoe-kun. But the summary video will be released the day after tomorrow, right? I thought it might be better to watch that first. I wanted to avoid spoilers.”
With that, he stopped crying immediately. He seemed satisfied for the moment.
That makes sense. If this were a date with someone other than Vivia-san, I’d hate spoilers. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about seeing some jerk and Ciel Shanta-sama in a three-shot. But wait! I’m not going to hide it—I’m a member of the CielVivi… party, specifically the Shanta faction, Zoebel. This means that Vivia-san is one of my favorites. Getting spoilers about a date from my favorite is like hearing travel stories from someone you like… It’s a reward! Therefore, there’s absolutely no problem. Here, please, please.”
“Ah, yes.”
I decided not to delve deeper into this and quietly handed over the requested items. His ideology was dangerous—that was my judgment.
After glancing at the massive stream of images and videos filling the chat screen, Zoe closed the app with a satisfied look. He didn’t seem to plan on watching them right away.
“Well now, I certainly can’t very well expose myself to your eyes like that. I’ll go home and lose my mind in private. It’s a hobby of mine as an extreme otaku.”
The term “unsightly figur” apparently had more breadth than I’d imagined. Zoe-san right now? In my personal history, it’s pretty much top-tier unsightly, grumble grumble…
Anyway, if he watches it alone, it’s a relief for me too. For that reason, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.
I tried to end the conversation as naturally as possible, but Zoe-san didn’t move to leave for some reason. He tilted his head slightly, as if peering deep into my eyes.
“…Did something happen on your date, Vivia-san?”
Gulp.
“Wh-why would you think that?”
“You seem rather subdued for someone just off a date. If this were your usual self, beneath the calm facade, your uncontrollable excitement and pleasure, your sense of superiority and pity toward the common folk who couldn’t land a date, and your overflowing pride would be glaringly obvious—shining in your eyes, in the pitch of your voice, in the lift of your nose.”
“Wait, I looked like that!? I didn’t, right!? I didn’t, did I!?”
“What do you mean by that? Today, Vivia-san, I sense a shadow of unease in the depths of your eyes, a kind of hesitation or guilt… It could even be pity towards me… Vivia-san, you’re hiding something from me, aren’t you!?”
Stop accurately reading my mind like that. Stop it, because you might even get the previous observation about me right.
However, facing him, who showed no sign of backing down, I couldn’t muster the will to resist further. I raised both hands in surrender.
“Actually, I’ve got some thoughts about this date event. The content itself was fun, and I got tons of cute screenshots and videos, so I’m satisfied… but something just left me feeling unsettled.”
“So the problem was with the omakase scenario?”
“To put it plainly, yes. But since this is basically a full spoiler, I thought it’d be better if Zoe-kun watched the summary version first and then shared my thoughts.”
“Hmm…”
He grunted, seemingly deep in thought. But soon he lifted his face, his eyes lit with resolve as he fixed his gaze on me.
“No, if this were some random jerk, it’d be the same story. But since Vivia-san is one of my favorites, hearing about the lingering regret from your date right after the spoiler ban is lifted—well, that’s essentially like having someone you like confide their romantic troubles to you. It’s not without its conflicts, but turning away now would be unmanly. Let’s hear it, your story.”
“Ah, yes.”
Refusing to delve deeper, I proceeded as before. And so, I told Zoe about what happened on the date and how I felt.
How, as a noble Ciel and Shanta, perceive their position, yet at the same time wielding authority to do as they please, standing at odds with Lilsten like a villainous young lady…
“In a way, it all made sense. There’s no contradiction with Sieshan’s past words and actions, and I thought, ‘Ah, so that’s the kind of role she was meant to play.’ I think it actually gives her character depth. But somehow, I’m starting to feel uneasy about whether it’s okay for me to keep being a fan of Ciel-chan. Because personally, I don’t normally get to root for the villain.”
“Hmm… I see…”
“And kimakura’s gameplay can be pretty unforgiving to users, right?”
“Yeah, absolutely.”
Zoe nodded emphatically.
“So honestly, I can totally imagine the twins just continuing down this path to becoming fully fallen heroines. I don’t want to think about it, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they just met their doom without any salvation offered. Thinking about that kinda gets me down.”
“It’s like when a scandal breaks about an idol you were cheering for, huh?”
“Exactly.”
Well, it’s not like it matters much right now. I lowered my gaze and started fidgeting with my hands, and silence fell for a moment.
******
[Kimakura Utopia. Talk Room (Official)・Merchant Room Discussions]
[Potato]
Nothing-to-do-utopia.
[Bell]
I went against your advice and switched to merchant, but seriously, this is a different game lol
If I had to categorize it, what would this even be?
Feels closer to deduction or escape games
[Bourbon]
It’s called an adventure game
[arare]|
Know-it-alls: RPG
Casual Players: Adventure
Momotarou: Simulation
[Rain]
>>Bell
If you’re serious about it, I want you to stream it.
And I want you to prove firsthand that it’s a shitty game.
[LOGI-ESCQ]
I’m playing Merchant seriously, and it’s fun.
[Usagin]
Shut up, you enjoy-it-for-fun types.
[Alex]
If you say you’re playing seriously, you must max out your level, acquire all job skills, and then challenge Momomaru’s gold, right? (Furious)
[Olivia]
I think Momotarou is the reason merchants are turning into shitty games, not the management or system.
[Vienna]
Other areas, like event ranks or date ranks, are fun because they’re often overturned,
But this one spot is just an unshakable top dog.
[Haine]
>>Olivia
No, it’s the problem with the management and system that’s letting Momotarou monopolize the market.
[Rena]
This community is weirdly realistic, lol.
[Arouzu]
Kimakura is a classic example of prioritizing freedom and diversity in gameplay at the expense of fairness
[Iris]
What’s up with that in the entertainment industry?
[LOGI-ESCQ]
>>Haine
I’ve never felt like it was monopolized, though.
[Flower]
Well, that’s because you’ve only ever moved money that’s barely noticeable to Momo.
[arare]
After all, novices don’t even realize they’re being played like puppets on someone’s palm.