Chapter 110: Siloque—Maybe Quite Scheming?

“That woman… she’s the one my brother admired during the teleportation, the woman who wants to become Hill’s sister-in-law—Beiren? Hill absolutely won’t allow such a thing to happen… Damn it, I can’t hear clearly!”

Siloque was chatting happily with that mature woman with gray hair, while Hill tried to activate her Lv15 Explorer’s hearing.

However, there were already too many people in the plaza, with all kinds of noises intertwining in a cacophony—there was no way to hear anything clearly.

Hill had noticed her brother posing in front of the mirror or fidgeting around in the kitchen these past few days, and it turned out he was meeting a girl!

At least there was no need to worry about Lei, since they’d already matched stories.

If anyone asked, she’d just say she played badminton with her that day.

The adults wouldn’t get it.

“Ah!”

It seemed the two had decided on a destination and were walking her way.

Hill adjusted her sunglasses, lifted the newspaper to cover her upper body, crossed her legs like an adult, and pretended to be composed.

It shouldn’t be that easy to notice her.

Today, she wore a black T-shirt with cropped pants, a white baseball cap with light golden hair tied into a low ponytail—looking quite different from usual.

Footsteps passed in front of her, but no one lifted the newspaper.

Hill slowly let out a breath.

Good, she hadn’t been discovered…

She continued tailing the pair.

Wow—

As expected of brother. Is there something wrong with his head?

Hill didn’t mind, but would a normal person take a girlfriend to such a place for a date?

Watching Siloque lead that woman to a date spot, Hill marveled at his cluelessness.

She knew her brother liked games and manga, but this was just too much…

Even from a distance, she could see the stiffness on the woman’s face.

However…

Looking on the bright side, maybe the woman’s affection for her brother would drop, and she’d be unable to take it and leave on her own?

Thinking this, Hill felt Siloque’s choice wasn’t so bad after all.

***

“Siloque. Although this is my first date, wouldn’t most people pick somewhere else? Normally, they’d choose places like aquariums, amusement parks, or museums.”

Beiren had originally looked forward to it this way.

“This is an art exhibition. That’s okay too, right?”

“I don’t really think it’s okay. It’s kind of creepy. Why would you pick this place?”

“Because I wanted you to see what I like, Beiren. Don’t worry, after you get used to it, it’ll feel pretty nice!”

Inside a small personal art exhibition, the LED Display marked the theme—

Ito Junji Art Exhibition

To say she had no impression would be a lie.

Her childhood friend Luna had collected works from this manga artist, and she’d only ever seen the covers.

Mainly because the artist’s works were eerie and oppressive—so much so that Beiren couldn’t help but remember them.

Beiren’s expression was subtle as she followed the enthusiastic Siloque into the exhibit.

“What… is this?”

She was greeted by several floating balloon heads.

Of course, they weren’t actual human heads but balloons with faces drawn on them.

“These are merchandise from a short story collection called ‘The Balloon Heads’. They’re made to look very real. The story is about an idol who dies, and her head turns into a balloon and floats into the sky.”

“When people see her head, they can’t help but hang themselves, and then their heads also turn into balloons and float away. That’s how it goes.”

Beiren frowned.

“Is this really something a normal person would come up with?”

“That’s exactly why it’s interesting—because it’s not normal.”

Siloque, in the appearance of a pure black-haired girl, explained with a mix of pride and delight, making Beiren feel both exasperated and amused.

She was irritated that their first date was in such a strange place.

But it was funny that Siloque actually dared to bring her here.

Looking around, there were also quite a few young men and women in the gallery.

Maybe her taste was just different?

The two of them went on appreciating the bizarre and terrifying artworks—well, Siloque was appreciating; Beiren was simply accompanying him.

“Wow, I didn’t expect to see Ito-sensei’s works here too. This one, ‘The Spiral’, look at how the human face is twisted into a circle, and all those painstakingly drawn lines—such a terrifying and powerful effect.”

“Oh… So ‘terrifying’ and ‘powerful’ can be used together, huh.”

While listening to Siloque’s enthusiastic explanations, Beiren observed the artwork.

Indeed, as he said, every stroke showed careful craftsmanship, giving the pieces a strong impact.

She found herself getting a little interested in them.

However, most of the time, her gaze lingered on Siloque.

Standing under the lights, Siloque’s shining expression as he introduced the art, and his evident passion, drew Beiren in without her even noticing.

Rather than appreciating the art, she was more like appreciating Siloque introducing the art.

The fact that he could share what he loved showed he truly wanted her to see his real self…

“What you like is pretty weird. If I were an ordinary girl, I’d probably be furious going on a date in a place without a hint of romance.”

“Luckily, Beiren, you’re not an ordinary girl. You’re a super girl.”

“What nonsense are you spouting now.”

Seeing his unyielding expression, Beiren couldn’t help but smile.

***

Why did it end up like this?

Watching from afar, Hill felt a strange bitterness in her heart.

Should she say, as expected of a woman chosen by her brother?

She adapted so quickly, and even looked like she was enjoying it.

Or was she just staring at her brother the whole time…

She’s probably thinking about how to devour him completely. Wicked woman.

After finishing the art exhibition, they headed to a cat café, with Hill keeping her distance and continuing to tail them.

That woman turned away looking reluctant, but wasn’t she having a great time petting the cats?

Also, her brother’s cat-petting skills were too professional.

Those two damn cats (double meaning)!

Hill wanted to trade places with them!

Could it be that her brother purposely took a girl to see scary things first, then something cute to create the suspension bridge effect?

That was quite possible.

After all, her brother could clear Minesweeper in 35 seconds.

Ah, they’re moving again.

It appeared—her brother’s homemade bento.

Hill really wanted to eat it…

Damn it, that woman was even helping him eat, and was she going to smear whipped cream on his face and lick it clean?

Pervert.

Lewd!

Secretly watching, Hill bit fiercely into the temporary bread she’d bought, which now tasted dry and bland.

***

“By the way, Siloque, since you know so much, do you also know why I steal things?”

On the second floor of an outdoor café, after finishing a delicious Seaweed Pork Cutlet Bento, Beiren took a sip of Caramel Macchiato, savoring the oily flavor.

“I don’t know.”

“Hah, there you go again…”

A smile formed at the corner of Siloque’s mouth, and he narrowed his eyes.

Beiren knew he wasn’t lying.

“I’m not that omniscient, Beiren. I only happen to know what I know. Sometimes, the way things develop doesn’t go the way I want, either.”

Siloque gazed at the ripples in his cup, looking troubled.

Looking so melancholic was cheating.

Beiren’s heart tightened, and she almost wanted to hug him and offer comfort.

“So, Beiren, do you want to tell me your secret? I’d love to listen.”

The melancholy vanished instantly, and Siloque asked cheerfully.

Beiren knew he didn’t want to press, and a nostalgic smile flickered on her lips.

“It’s nothing special, really. When I was a kid in the countryside—probably about eight years old—the first thing I ever stole was my grandma’s seal. I just thought it was fun. When grandma found out, she spanked me so hard I couldn’t sit all day.”

“Does it still hurt now?”

“How could it?”

Beiren poked Siloque’s face.

She looked out at the crowd passing by, all enjoying the sunny plaza and a harmonious atmosphere.

“Later, I started thinking. If you get punished for stealing from ordinary people, what about stealing from bad guys? It’s harder, and more fun. Usually, they wouldn’t even report it.”

“So you actually did it? And never got caught?”

Beiren thought for a moment.

“Yeah.”

Siloque let out a long “ohhh”, even showing some admiration in his eyes.

“No one would expect a model student like you to do such things.”

“To graduate normally from Medical School, you really are a model student.”

“I admit I’m a bit strange. Normally, after being scolded by grandma, you’d never touch ‘stealing’ again. But after moving to the city for college, I didn’t do it for a long time. There are too many cameras in big cities. After coming here, I pretty much quit.”

“It’s fine. I’m a lot stranger for falling in love with you. Your quirks don’t even count as a problem.”

Siloque looked at her with lively, gentle eyes.

A surge of warmth spread in Beiren’s chest, making her heart tingle.

He quietly reached out, about to touch Beiren’s hand—

With a light “pa”, Beiren slapped it away.

Siloque, you’re not normal either.

Most people would scold me for telling such things.

But you just accept it all.

No, I understand.

He accepted it long ago.

It’s just that I can hardly believe in such kindness.

…Having someone who acknowledges you—it really is quite nice.

“Don’t get carried away. Just because you say you like me doesn’t mean you can do as you please.”

“Haha, caught… ah.”

As if declaring her territory, Beiren’s slender, pale hand suddenly covered Siloque’s.

Siloque’s face showed surprise.

Beiren smiled radiantly, revealing her white teeth.

“Don’t misunderstand. I just happen to feel like holding hands now, so you’re allowed.”

Her fingertips interlaced with his, gripping tightly—warm and smooth to the touch.

Their first time holding hands wasn’t as heart-pounding as she’d imagined.

Instead, it felt strangely peaceful.

***

Under a tree across the street from the café’s first floor, Hill gazed at the two with a gloomy expression.

She took out her phone, planning to make a disruptive call—

“Hello… Are you Siloque’s sister?”

A girl with light blue hair approached her.

She wore a light doll-style top with shorts, an outfit that seemed tailored to her figure and suited her perfectly.

Light blue hair, striking features, and that noble air disguised as an ordinary citizen…

Hill stared at the girl, her cold gaze through her sunglasses making the blue-haired girl uneasy.

She felt like she’d seen her somewhere before.

“Enmmm……”

She closed her eyes, hugged her head, and tried hard to remember.