V3: Chapter 24: Sometimes Things Just Don't Get Across Unless You Put Them Into Words, Right?

Chapter 24: Sometimes Things Just Don't Get Across Unless You Put Them Into Words, Right?

The next day. She didn't wake up to the morning sun this time.

After all, there was the aftermath of the incident. For her, the head of the Magical Girl Association, this was where the real work began. She had planned to be relieved there, so she hadn't thought about the future at all, and she ran her fingers through Satellite's long hair with a troubled expression.

In the room, which had become quite hot from the combined body heat of the two of them, the doll-like girl took a good look at the scent of the bed before unlocking her handcuffs and becoming lost in thought.

The current problem was...

"What should I do...?"

"Oh, I'm sorry ♡ I'm sorry ♡"

Satellite was almost tripping. 

I couldn't possibly leave her in this state and go back to work.

I'm worried about dehydration from sweat and other things... I need to bring her back to her senses first, or it'll be bad if someone visits the room.

I think it's okay because I was watching her while I did it so that her mind wouldn't break...

"Satellite? I have to take the captured Kaminagi to the police."

"Forgive me, please forgive me...♡"

"......Did I push her limits a little too much?"

I think it wouldn't be so bad to keep her all to myself and stay with her forever. But the other three will probably come looking for her. Besides, I have those girls I need to protect too.

"Shizuku. Wake up and look at me?"

"Huh... huh? Ah, Squire..."

She seems to unconsciously separate her Magical Girl persona "Satellite" from her middle school girl persona "Hoshino Shizuku." 

Even when she's having naughty fantasies, the one in her imagination is always Satellite in a pink costume.

I think that's how she switches between her everyday attitude towards friends and everything else. That's why calling her by name like this seems to lift her consciousness.

Seeing Satellite's face flushed and shoulders trembling, the urge to continue wells up inside me... but I don't want her to hate me, and time is running out, so I'll just imprint it in my memory.

I don't think I've ever been so glad to have photographic memory in my life.

"Here's some water for now."

"Mm, thanks..."

Seeing Satellite struggling to move, the urge to continue... no, my thoughts are just going in circles. For now, I'll just enjoy the lingering feelings of shame and the act that are swirling inside her.

I don't think I've ever been so glad to have mind-reading Magic in my life. 

Ah, it's no good. Something I'd given up on is right in front of me, and I can't sort out my emotions.

My magic can't understand my own feelings, I just can't understand them. Therefore, I don't know how to deal with it.

Probably, surely, I'm happy... but....

To be troubled by being too happy, I really don't understand human emotions.

★★★

Drinking water and sitting up makes my head spin.

My self-esteem is even more unstable.

Despite what happened, Squire seems the same as always... no, she even seems a little better in mood.

"It's already dark outside... isn't it?"

"We have to go to the police station, should I give you a ride?"

"Can you move?"

"Well, I'm the type of Magical Girl who can stand up in the face of adversity for the sake of my friends..."

"That sounds cool, but the reality is pathetic, isn't it?"

I can't possibly tell her that the reason I can't stand is because of that affair.

And I mustn't forget to contact Gracia on LINE (I've already failed once).

Also, although it's my own fault, Kaminagi... who was that again?

"Kaminagi Souichiro, right?"

That's right, I left Kaminagi So-something tied up. 

To that place where the lingering scent of what seems to be pollen-infused aromatherapy remains. I hope he hasn't suffered from dehydration or anything else, but he is a valuable witness to the incident after all.

"Because he's learned confidential information. I guess I'll have to... erase his memory first."

I didn't know that was possible. It's probably the Magic of the Magical Girl belongs to the association.

"For her safety reasons, I can't tell you. But if you absolutely insist, then I can make an exception for you, Satellite..."

"No, I don't want to know that much, so don't try to break the rules."

What a terrible abuse of power, isn't it? It's too late now, isn't it?

Public opinion still strongly discriminates against Magic like brainwashing and memory manipulation. I think the Association, with its immense power to protect them, is truly great.

After making a call somewhere, I headed to Squire's office... and there, bound and twitching, was someone named Kaminagi So—... what was it again?

He seemed like a handsome young man from a wealthy family, but now that he's ended up like this, he's lost all his glory.....

★

In the end, the dazed Kaminagi.... whatever his name was, didn't say a word until he was led away in the police car, shaking his head unsteadily and wearing a creepy smile.

He must have been having a wonderful dream, but when he comes back to his senses, he'll be in prison, so the contrast will probably be terrible. I hope he doesn't die from the shock, at least not until the trial is over.

Looking at social media and the news, it seems that this incident has shifted not only the status and position of Magical Girls, but also public opinion in a favorable direction. Perhaps the plight of these girls made people realize that they are human beings too.

However, one question remains. If she knew that Kaminagi was the mastermind from his press conference, why didn't she just let us storm the headquarters from the beginning?

Even if she claims there's no evidence, just mind-reading, the plan would still involve storming in anyway.

"But there was evidence the first time, right? The police and the media got involved, didn't they?"

"So your goal was to involve the police and the media? Just to win over public opinion?"

So, you had this whole plan in mind from the moment you saw that news press conference? If so... that's incredible.

"Protecting and guiding Magical Girls is the job of the Magical Girl Association... and my job."

And looking at the scene, it appears that Squire was 'assassinated' by Kaminagi.

"For that to happen, it's more convenient if the Magical Girls hold all the power."

Kaminagi, who advocated against Magical Girls, assassinated the head of the Magical Girl Association.

If something like that happened, how would public opinion shift?

"This was the most rational and beautiful conclusion, wasn't it?"

Public opinion could easily become excessively entrenched in Magical Girl ideology. If someone were to argue against it, they might be perceived as having dangerous ideas like Kaminagi.

And the next most likely candidate to be the head of the association is... me?

"It would be a lie to say I didn't think I'd become a President. But..."

Is the drooping of her eyes due to guilt?

Certainly, the bigger my position before my fall, the brighter I will burn... but if I become too big, retaliation from those who defeated me will surely follow.

"I really wanted you to find happiness, you know?"

I don't know how serious she was when she said that.

Only Squire, the association president, can read people's minds.

★

After dealing with the incident, Squire began cleaning her room without even turning herself in, as if claiming to be above the law.

The police, too, couldn't force her due to various vested interests and legal considerations. Simply questioning her would only result in information being extracted by her.

So, after thoroughly ventilating the room, I returned to Squire's room. I was too scared to leave Squire alone, so I decided to stay the night.

By the time everything else was finished, it was past midnight, and I didn't feel like walking home either.

As I sat down on the bed, I felt a strong gaze from the side... Thinking about it, it might seem like I'm rushing her or that I have something to tell her. But I'm not in a hurry, and there's no need to rush.

"Uh, yeah. At times like this... now that you mention it... I should give you something, right?"

"No, it's not that..."

It's true that up until now, I had been given me all sorts of things like Lust Mark, choker, and earrings. Though, a Lust Mark is a bit questionable as a gift.

But, just because we spent the night together doesn't mean she has to give me something.

As I was thinking this, her eyes were darting around, seemingly at a loss.

"...I want to give you something, so I will."

"So, so cute..."

Even after everything that's happened... it's cute how she wants to give me a present, but can't be completely honest and is searching for a reason. It really tickles my protective instincts.

"...!? Don't do that so suddenly."

"Yeah, yeah, you're right. Let's go shopping together next time."

"...Satellite, you're being mean."

She shyly offered me the familiar eye mask she always used.

"This is about the only personal item I have to give you..."

The eye mask is an essential item for her, as thoughts flow into her mind whenever she sees someone.

"Isn't this eye mask important to you?"

"I've decided to try and see the world a little more. So, I don't need it anymore."

There must be a feeling of wanting to give it as a gift, and a determination in her own way to change from now on. I thought it would be wrong for me to hesitate, so I decided to accept it.

"It doesn't have to be like the other girls, that can last forever."

Squire touched the choker around my neck, then gently stroked the earrings near my ears. 

"So, please wear it only when you sleep... I want you to remember me."　

How... so endearing...!

I unexpectedly felt a pang in my heart. Is this what they call maternal instinct?　 　

"For you, I'd even become a baby, you know?"

"I appreciate your devotion, but that might be a bit of a special kind of play..."　　

We'd finished our baths, and all that was left was to sleep... but in the end, we ended up sleeping in the same bed. I wouldn't mind sleeping in a chair, but Squire wouldn't budge.

Well, neither of us are particularly big, so it's not really a problem. 　

Right, I think I'll try using the eye mask right away.

"Wash it before you use it, okay?"

"I don't mind, though?"

"I... do mind."　　

Since I was given it, I tried it on, and the size was just right.

It's not completely odorless, but I barely detect any body odor. It's a refreshing, herbal scent, probably from shampoo or conditioner. Squire herself doesn't seem to have a very high metabolism.

"Um, maybe it's my fault for being able to see, but please don't forget that I'm watching..."

The mind-reading, expressionless loli desperately reached out to remove the eye mask, perhaps as a protest, but unfortunately, since I received it, it's mine. There's no way I'd lose to her physically, given her unhealthy lifestyle.

She seemed to give up, giving me a disapproving look, and I leaned my body against the wall.

"A mind-reading, expressionless loli... would you normally... think that in front of me?"

"Isn't it accurate?"

"That's not the point..."

After everything that's happened since morning, I was incredibly sleepy.

Being in a warm bed, drowsiness quickly overwhelmed me. She clings to my back, looking a little timid... but I don't mind, and she doesn't need to be so reserved. While I'm thinking this, she wraps her arms around me as if I were a body pillow.

"I have a request..."

"What is it?"

A little while later, she whispers in my ear, as if she's made a decision, and I get a shiver. She's small, and doesn't seem to be very talkative... but her voice is quite nice.

"I won't say 'don't throw me away,' so... when you no longer need me, please, end me with your own hands, okay?"

I never expected the content of that request to send shivers down my spine. At least, it's far too much for a request before bed.

You know, sometimes all sorts of thoughts pop into your head before you go to sleep.

"I won't throw you away, so sleep peacefully?"

"...Mm. Goodnight."

The night deepens, and it's not like I can't sleep because she's reading my mind.

I don't know if it's something I've gotten used to or something psychological, but I'll just note here that I slept very soundly.