Chapter 3[edit]
Part 1[edit]
They met at the water fountain plaza as the sun was going down and, having heard what happened, Kuro Usagi's rabbit ears were standing on end as usual in her anger. Storm-like preaching and questioning flew about in response to the sudden development.
"H-How did you come into contact with the leader of 'Fores Garo' and even manage to pick a fight in that short amount of time!?" "Moreover, the Game's appointed date is tomorrow!?" "And to be battling in the enemy's territory!" "We don't have the time or money to prepare!" "Just what were you thinking!" "Are you listening, you three!!"
"""We pissed him off. We're currently reflecting on our actions."""
"Silence!!!"
Kuro Usagi raged at the excuse that seemed to have been coordinated beforehand, possibly under somebody's suggestion.
Izayoi who was watching that with a smirk, delivered the finisher.
"It should be fine. It's not like they were indiscriminately picking a fight, so forgive them."
"Y-You may be thinking it's fine as long as it's interesting but the only thing we get from this Game is self-satisfaction, you know? Look at this [Geass Roll]."
The [Geass Roll] Kuro Usagi showed was a Gift necessary for those without a [Host Master] to become a [Host] and begin a Game.
The Game's details, rules, wagers and prizes were written on it and it was sealed with the signature of the leader of the [Host]'s community. The contents of the prize section that Kuro Usagi was pointing at went like this.
"[Should the Players win, the Host shall admit to all the crimes referred to by the Players and, after abiding by the judgment of Little Garden's laws, the Community will be dissolved.] --- Well, it certainly is self-satisfying. Since if we let time pass, we'll be deliberately taking on the risk that we'll lose the proof to substantiate our claims."
As a side note, Asuka's group's wager was [Toleration of the Crime]. It wasn't just related to this time; they would need to continue keeping their silence.
"But as long as time passes, then their crime will definitely be exposed. After all, the crucial children are.........well,"
Kuro Usagi faltered. She had also heard about [Fores Garo]'s bad reputation but had not thought the situation would have deteriorated to such terrible conditions.
"That's right. The hostages are no longer of this world. If we push that point, the evidence will surely come up. But it's also true that that would take a little bit of time. We don't want to have that lag before we pass judgment on that scum."
The laws of Little Garden were, in the end, only applicable within the bounds of Little Garden City. Outside that was a lawless region where various races' communities lived under their respective laws and rules.
If he escaped there, he could no longer be judged under Little Garden's laws. But with the compulsory fulfillment afforded by the [Geass Roll], they would be able to chase Galdo no matter how far he ran using the powerful [Geass].
"There's more, Kuro Usagi. I can't allow scum like that to be so close to my daily life because of my morals and such. If we let him run away now, he'll definitely come gunning for us again."
"W, well.........It may be troublesome if we were to let him run."
"I also don't want to let Galdo run. A villain like him must not be allowed to roam free."
Jin showed that he shared the same opinion, and Kuro Usagi nodded, having conceded.
"Haa~...... You all just can't be helped. Well, fine. I also agree that he's irritating. For something of [Fores Garo]'s level, just Izayoi-san alone guarantees an easy win."
That was Kuro Usagi's honest appraisal. However, Izayoi and Asuka put on puzzled expressions and,
"What are you saying? I won't be going, you know?"
"Of course. I won't let you participate."
The two snorted. Kuro Usagi flared up at them in a fluster.
"Th-That's no good! You're comrades from the same Community, so you have to cooperate with each other."
"It's not that, Kuro Usagi."
Izayoi had a serious face on as he stopped Kuro Usagi with his right hand.
"Listen well. They were the ones that picked this fight and the other guys accepted it. It would be bad mannered from me to interfere."
"Oh my, you understand it quite well."
".........Ahh, jeez, do as you wish."
Having been toyed around with the entire day, Kuro Usagi was already exhausted and lacked the energy for a retort.
It's just a Game where we won't lose anything so it's fine whatever happens, she muttered with drooping shoulders.