Chapter 3: The Killer’s First Deed?!

In his mind, he saw the face of his friend Cecil, who wasn’t even supposed to be here.

“Ugh, no fair! This is the worst! I was supposed to be spending more time with you, Cecilia!” cried a fully recovered Lean the next morning in Cecilia’s room. She was already dressed and ready, her packed bags at her feet. “Seriously, the Killer needs to pay for that! Getting in the way of me and my fun means a pretty heavy sentence!”

“I think those charges are going to come from assault.”

“That too! But what I resent the most is that the thing I was looking forward to got taken away from me!” Lean fumed, stomping her foot.

Although a wan smile tugged at Cecilia’s lips as she observed her friend’s behavior, she also felt deeply relieved. As everyone else had predicted, Lean hadn’t been able to recall her assailant’s face once she woke up. In fact, her memories of the entire experience were hazy. According to Mordred, he couldn’t tell if her memory loss was due to shock or from the poison.

“Oh right, how did the event go?” Lean asked.

“The event?”

“You know, the one from the anime episode!”

Cecilia was confused, but she did vaguely recall Lean talking about something like that earlier.

“What, you still don’t remember it? It’s the one from the recap episode that happens out on the porch of the cottage between Oscar and the main character…”

“Ahhhh!” Cecilia yelped, pointing at Lean accusatively in her surprise.

There’s a side plot at the very end of the recap episode. After spending the day reminiscing with everyone else about what had happened in the show thus far, the main character and Oscar go out onto the balcony that night, just the two of them.

And the minute things start getting interesting, Gil calls for her…

The main character trips as she tries to run to Gilbert, but Oscar is the one to steady her.

“Be more careful. We’d all be sad to learn you’d gotten hurt.”

The way Oscar had murmured that in reality sounded exactly like how he delivers that line in the anime.

Which meant that her exchange with him last night counted as an event. Cecilia massaged her temples, which were now twinging with pain.

Why did I take over the heroine’s role instead of Lean?!

“What? So did something happen like I predicted?” Lean asked, leaning in with avid interest. She was clearly enjoying this thoroughly, so Cecilia scowled at her.

As she shot Lean her meanest glare, Huey called out, “Lean! Let’s go!” from downstairs. He was so concerned about her that he planned to escort her all the way to the baron’s door.

“Coming!” she responded sweetly. Then she turned back to Cecilia with an air of finality. “Listen up. I’m going to be careful myself, but you need to be extremely cautious from now on. The Killer’s probably targeting you!”

“Oh yeah—I will! But I don’t think it’ll be me they’re after, right?”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because no one knows I’m a potential Holy Maiden yet…”

The Killer exclusively targeted Holy Maiden candidates. They wouldn’t go after the knights, either, unless one of them got in the way, nor would they murder innocent citizens. They avoided taking lives when it wasn’t necessary. On that point alone, they could be trusted.

“We don’t know that for sure! We’re talking about the Killer here! There’s no telling where or how they get their info. One slipup and you’re finished! Dead meat!” Lean exhorted, making a throat-slitting gesture as she spoke.

“Y-you’re scaring me,” Cecilia responded, her voice quivering.

“I’m not trying to. I’m just stating facts! In the game, the Killer attacks you way more often than me, so I really want you to be on your guard!”

“O-okay.”

“Lock your doors and windows. And don’t forget to post lots of security, got it?”

“Okay. And you’ll do the same?”

“Of course I will. I don’t plan on dying somewhere like this!” Lean proclaimed. Based on game events, the Killer shouldn’t attack her in her own home, so she was probably safe. And yet, their anxiety from the events of the day before still lingered.

“And besides, I think Huey’s going to stick with me for a while longer.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t know if my parents will agree to let him stay with us quite yet, but he said if they won’t, he’s going to check in to an inn nearby and come to see me every day!” she enthused, cheeks flushed with excitement and happiness.

“Wow…he really loves you.”

“Doesn’t he? It’s mutual romance! I love him, and he loves me!” Lean flashed a shy smile as she wiggled gleefully.

Huey was originally an assassin attached to Heimat. Compared to Dante, he was still an apprentice, but he had certifiable skills. Guarding Lean and keeping her safe should be no problem for him.

Feeling slightly reassured by that, Cecilia walked her friend out to the foyer so she could see her off. Jade and the others were also there, ready to go. Off to the side, Oscar and Gilbert were having what seemed like a serious conversation.

Wonder what those two are talking about…

Both of them were whispering so as not to be overheard. After Cecilia observed them for a bit, Oscar noticed her gaze and glanced at her. Then, after appearing downright rattled, he very obviously averted his eyes.

What was that? she wondered, blinking in confusion.

Oscar joined the rest of the group without making eye contact with her. Evidently, the conversation was over.

“We’ll be on our way now. Thank you so much for having us!”

“See you around.”

“Bye.”

Lean, Dante, and Huey bade their good-byes and turned to go. Oscar also muttered, “Thanks,” and turned to leave as well.

Did I do something?

Cecilia stood there for a while, baffled as to why he hadn’t looked at her once on his way out.