After a while of explaining quantum mechanics and its concepts, Hanako suddenly stopped talking, blinked her eyes, and let out a gasp as if realizing something.
“Come to think of it, there was no need to explain this to you, senpai. Quantum mechanics is merely a theory resembling the ability to interpret multiple dimensions and the concept of superposition in parallel worlds; it doesn’t directly relate to any theory.”
“Huh…? Then what about the explanation I just heard?”
“You can forget about it. Well, unless you plan on transferring to the Millennium Academy soon—”
“Haha, that’s definitely not happening. No way I could survive there with my level of understanding. Plus, I’d say I’m not a fan of the sciences in general.”
“You seemed to be taking it in surprisingly well. After all, your grades are quite good, and there’s no way you wouldn’t keep up with Millennium’s curriculum…”
“That would be nothing more than a bubble that pops quickly.”
Lately, I’ve been feeling strange. It seems that these exceptionally talented kids want to elevate me too much. I’m merely an ordinary person compared to them, and my good test scores are just a product of rote learning.
“Then I’ll take your word for it… In simple terms, this ability to interpret multiple dimensions means that the universe where I first met Mika-senpai, and the parallel universe where I might not have met you that day, both exist simultaneously.”
“…Heueng.”
I have no idea why the example is about the possibility of not meeting me…
“In the end, this ability to interpret multiple dimensions suggests that there are countless real universes—so I’d say it’s a theory that elevates the unprovable concept of parallel universes into a manageable one. Hmm, it might not be the best expression, but perhaps color is the one singular concept that exists entirely within countless parallel universes, independent of probabilistic branching.”
“…So, the color in the universe that descended upon Kivotos last year and the one where it didn’t is essentially… or completely the same entity?”
“The validity of this research is crucial, but I definitely see that possibility. If there exists a universe where a color descended and Kivotos was destroyed, then in another simultaneously real universe, that same color might descend upon Kivotos at any time. It wouldn’t be strange to theorize that…”
“So, under the premise that the theory is true, it means that no matter what I did back then, the descent of color was inevitable?”
“That’s merely a hypothesis, so I might prefer if the students who conducted this research in the past were wrong.”
“No, Hanako-chan. That’s not it. In a situation where such hypotheses are established, hoping for a positive twist is out of the question. At minimum, this research needs to hold up as a foundation for us to prepare for something.”
If I didn’t know, it would be fine. But now that I do, the story changes. I must gather as much information as possible about the color and prepare for it.
The most I can do is to compile all this information and hypotheses and prepare through the Special Phenomenon Affairs Department; that’s my best chance of knowing the future and preventing the descent of color.
I’d say that’s a much better outcome than being caught off guard, thinking I’ve prevented the descent. If the hypothesis itself is wrong and color doesn’t descend, even if I’ve prepared for it, that would still be the best-case scenario.
“Hmm… well, I think it’s not really a situation where you should be hoping for such luck. To wield the ability to interpret multiple dimensions alongside the overlapping of countless real parallel worlds, I don’t think current Kivotos’ technology can respond to that at all. We haven’t validated anything conclusively yet, so it would actually be strange if we could respond.”
“Haha… it’s a mountain over a mountain. First, let’s cross-check this data with Millennium and also get their opinion on the hypotheses you’ve proposed, Hanako-chan. By the way, if I remember correctly, there should also be stained glass representing color in the Arius Basilica. Since it’s managed by the Sisterhood taking care of the Arius Autonomous District, check if there’s any chance to get related information from them.”
“Understood, Mika-senpai. Then shall we finish today by moving these ancient texts to the T-party and leaving copies of the important parts?”
“Hanako-chan, why are you acting like you’ll do it alone? That’s obviously something we should be doing together. And hey, my head feels like it’s going to burst right now, so let’s take a break and think for a moment.”
By the way, I’m pondering whether it would be a good idea to open all these hypotheses to Gematria.
No, that’s not right. From what I remember, those guys used to stalk me regularly. So, even if I don’t convey this first, they might already have wrapped up their understanding of this situation.
If they’ve already grasped the situation, I’ll probably need to discuss it with them. If they haven’t… I think I need to think a bit more.
It’s said that with current Kivotos technology, responding is impossible since it comes from the advanced civilization of the past. In other words, it’s similar to the idea that there might be a reasonable method held by the Black Suit researching the Nameless Priests.
“…Ah, Mika-senpai.”
“Yes?”
“Do you perhaps remember the promise you made to me before?”
“The promise… a promise…?”
“It seems you don’t remember, huh? That’s truly heartbreaking. Hoo.”
Hanako, with a melancholic expression, put her hand on the front of her school uniform and sighed. Seeing her hand resting on that perverted pouch akin to Rio’s embezzlement pouch made her lifestyle seem quite impressive. I wonder if she won’t get too worn out from it?
No, more than that, how could she not really remember? My head has had its share of tortures lately, especially concerning idol businesses and Aris, Rion…
…Idol?
“Um, the autograph?”
“Ufufu… You remembered? I’m so happy, senpai ♡”
“Ah, haha. You’ve been keeping that in mind all this time…”
“Of course, I’m your number one fan. I ended up finding myself involved in the T-party, which I didn’t even think about… or rather, I even despised. That’s how important you are to me, senpai.”
“I can give you an autograph anytime…”
“Great! Then… after we return to the office, I’d like your autograph, please.”
“Sure, that’s no problem.”
Anyway, Hanako really is something else, bringing up the autograph promise after half a year.
She probably thought to gain leverage now that the idol business is in sight…
*
After making sure to tell Uei not to let the ancient texts be damaged, I returned to my office.
Fundamentally, this is my office at this point, but it’s still more often used by several people than just me. In fact, I hardly ever use the desk unless it’s just for myself.
Having already noted where the color was mentioned in the ancient texts, the work itself was wrapped up quickly.
“I think having wings is a wonderful thing, Mika-senpai. Don’t you think so?”
“Um… I’m not sure…? I don’t know.”
I wondered where that question had come from, but thinking back, it was clear that the quill pen in my hand was the cause.
Of course, handling these tasks digitally is much more convenient. Having lived in the 2020s, I’d know that it’s far more comfortable.
Still, I chose to write everything out by hand using the quill pen. If you ask me why, it’s simply because using this quill pen makes me feel good. It’s like a drug, a drug.
“Ufufu… I want to have a quill pen too, Mika-senpai. I should have changed my affiliation to the T-party last year if that was the case.”
“Huh? What does having a quill pen have to do with joining the T-party…?”
“If I had started working as Mika-senpai’s secretary from then… I could have boldly asked for a quill pen as a birthday present. I feel so regretful about that.”
“If you just want a quill pen, you could’ve asked for one without it being your birthday—”
Hanako’s gaze, contrasting her pure laughter, abruptly halted my words. It was an uncomfortably sticky gaze. If I wasn’t someone who read emotions very well, I might have never noticed that subtle look.
Putting Hanako’s statements together, the conclusion became surprisingly simple. The quill pen she was referring to was likely one made with my wing feathers, just like the one Nagisa sent me.
“That… might be a bit difficult. If that happens, I really might get killed by Nagisa-chan?”
“You need to give Nagisa-senpai a separate gift. That way, at least you won’t die, Mika-senpai. If you’re a senpai who cares for your junior, you could do that, right?”
Hanako replied nonchalantly, and as if she had prepared in advance, she took out a file and handed me two sheets of paper.
One was for the signature, and the other had various writings on it… As I was reading through it, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“A contract for hiring a personal secretary? The hiring period is until the employer expresses the intent to terminate the contract?”
“Ufufu… I want to work with you for a long time, senpai. You’ll continue to need my help, won’t you?”
“Is this… something like making me so dependent on your help that I can’t live without you, and then suddenly terminating the contract to make me cling to you?”
“Oh my. Just hearing that idea really makes my heart flutter… Mika-senpai, depending on me… fufufu.”
Hanako gently placed her hand on her cheek and smiled.
I’m scared this might genuinely lead me to be gaslit into not knowing how I’m being controlled by you…
“I hate to say it, but you won’t regret this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the most capable junior in the world.”
That was an irresistible temptation. How could I let such a competent junior slip away? Shaking the hiring contract in front of me.
The contract required me to sign for work purposes, while the signature paper would capture my glamorous autograph for idol activities—Hanako’s bright smile illuminated the room.
It truly was the brightest smile I’d seen since meeting her, but how on earth should I tell Nagisa that she isn’t my number one fan?
Should I just brace for a punch? Though there’s nothing I can do if I just forgot about it…
