As soon as Nishino received the information from the front desk, he immediately informed Francisca, Rose, and Shimizu. The most prominent reaction came from the class rep, who had no immunity to such events. Her face turned pale, and she looked as if she might collapse at any moment.

"I-Is that true!? Risa-chan and the others were kidnapped?!"

She let out a screaming voice with a terribly upset look.

The reason Shimizu mentioned 'Risa-chan' instead of 'Takeuchi-kun' was that she was the type of person who prioritized friendship over love, only to regret it afterward.  She was quite a passionate individual. In fact, it all started in the early years of middle school when she became aware of her sexuality, and it has continued to the present day.

"What's happening with Risa-chan and the others right now!?"

"Class rep, calm down. Everyone is safe."

"But..."

"Their target is Rose. Well, the other party is almost certainly that woman we're familiar with."

While politely admonishing the fierce Shimizu at his side, Nishino continued to explain the situation.

Some complaints naturally filtered out of Rose's mouth.

"This is so annoying. This trip is completely ruined."

"I agree with you on that point."

Francisca concur with her statement.

By the way, they got out of the pool and changed into their regular clothes.

Right now, they are sitting on the sofa in the living room, gathered around the low table for a strategy meeting.

Nishino, Shimizu, Francisca, and Rose line up on the spacious sofa, facing each other across the table.

"Can't you do something through your connections, Francisca?"

"I'm not kidding, okay? Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered to summon you."

"...That's true."

"If we further reduce staff due to this incident, not only my superiors be at risk, but even my own position will be in jeopardy."

"Is responsibility a concern for a little assistant like you?"

"There's no real concern when it comes to you, right? You could simply clear it up quickly, couldn't you?"

"They've instructed her to come alone, surely, it may not be appropriate to openly offer help. In these situations, if safety is the priority, it's your side that's typically more experienced at organizing things covertly."

"But that doesn't mean wishing for something that isn't there will change anything, you know?"

"I know."

Well then, what should I do? The futsumen begins to reflect on what to do.

If the opponent was an organization of the same level as Tarousuke's assailant, Nishino would not have hesitated either. He would have set out with a brisk pace, resolved everything in less than an hour, and then spent the remaining time on vacation.

However, this time, the opponent is an exception—a formidable enemy. The fact revealed after just a brief skirmish is that the Gothic Lolita girl is an opponent who must not be underestimated. Only Nishino, who directly exchanged blows with her, understands this.

Moreover, he's not acting like his usual self at the moment.

"This isn't typical of you, you know? I wonder if you've caught in a cowardly trend?"

Rose finally asked in a casual tone.

"The hostages are classmates. It's only natural to be cautious, right?"

"Ara? Is that all? Well, actually I'm kind of a classmate too."

"You're free to die anywhere you wish, for all I care."

"...Isn't that too cruel? Shimizu-san is watching too, you know?"

"......"

When Rose point that out, Nishino's gaze reflexively turned to the Class rep.

It seems that he had forgotten about her existence. Or perhaps, he was distracted when Rose stirred up his usual rebelliousness. Either way, the spit he had just expelled ended up splattering back onto his own face.

"...I don't really know or care about the relationship between Nishino-kun and Rose-san. But if Risa and the others are not safe, I think this trip will probably become the worst trip."

Naturally, everyone's eyes were drawn to hers.

In response, the Class rep appealed to them.

"S-So, if there is anything I can help with, I will help with anything. I want to help everyone. Please, right now we shouldn't be fighting, right? At least, Nishino-kun, please try to read the atmosphere!"

It was a sincere request. She's about to cry the next moment.

"Fine, leave it to me..."

Because of that, the futsumen's mouth reflexively moved.

He is a virgin with zero dating experience who is also weak against the tears of the opposite sex. That's one of his good points. After all, he's an idiot who has been deceived by the same situation many times, even before coming to this place.

However, this dramatic moment was interrupted by Rose's words.

"I don't want to."

The blonde lolita shows off her own pace as usual.

Receiving a dignified and resonant voice, the futsumen spoke with a question.

"...Why?"

"I wonder if there's any benefit to me if I ever cooperate?"

That was very cruel and cold of her. It's more colder than usual.

"We are saving the lives of fellow classmates. What more benefits do you want?"

"Instead, I will be kidnapped by that woman and made me into her sex slave?"

"That's not what they said."

"Or perhaps, will you escort me until the end, my prince?"

"......"

Rose was more optimistic than ever since they met at noon.

Even now, she's looking at Nishino with a grin, obviously enjoying herself. Her intentions are too difficult for futsumen, who are not familiar with the subtleties of the opposite sex, to grasp. However, she doesn't seem to be in a bad mood; nevertheless, it's still hard for him to measure her true intentions.

"I will come with you as a backup. I want you to enter at the entrance, as the other party wants. Francisca is not going to be useful, so she's going to stay here. I want you to stay here and take care of the Class rep."

"If it's just that much, then it's fine."

Francisca nodded as she tilted a bottle of sparkling mineral water in her hand. She couldn't find some in the refrigerator, so she had to ask the hotel staff to order it for her. Perhaps she was in a good mood because of this, and didn't seem to show any disapproval.

On the other hand, it is still Rose who did not despond obediently.

"I will demand another kind of compensation."

"Fine. I will give you what you ask for in return."

"You think I'm going to ask you for that little thing called money?"

"...What do you want, then?"

"Let's see."

The blonde lolita who puts her hand on her chin and pretends to be worried about something.

Her long blond hair which was still wet with water was tied up in a ponytail, and on the side of the tail that hung down from a high position, you could see the neatly arranged nape of her hairline. Not from the bath but from the pool.

"Should I take Nishino-kun's virginity?"

"A classmate's life is at stake. If it's something I have, I'm willing to give it to you. So I'll ask you again, what do you want?"

"It's so boring when you're so direct about it."

"We're running out of time, stop messing around and say it quick."

Rose truly wanted Nishino's virginity, to a certain degree. Despite her outward appearance, she had a strong belief in the importance of virginity. This belief primarily arose from her innate obsession with cleanliness. However, understanding that she was entirely disregarded, she reluctantly changed her request.

She raised five fingers of her right hand, then said this to him.

"Then I will demand this much."

"Fifty million? All right."

"Ara, no?"

"Five hundred million? No problem. I have that amount of savings."

"No?"

"...How much is it?"

"Five billion, I want you to prepare it in cash."

"......."

You think I'm joking? Rose's expression shifted from a smile to a serious look. It didn't seem like she was joking at all. Her gaze was extremely intense and focused, as if she had forgotten to blink, she continued to stare at Nishino.

This made Nishino hesitate to follow up.

Although he was successful in his line of work, he doesn't have that much savings either. Even if he gathers all the funds he has entrusted to Marquis for investment, it may take several years of hard work just to reach it. Depending on the market conditions, it may even take longer.

"Isn't it obvious? My life is at stake here. If I make a mistake, I could be forever tied to that woman. I am not a cheap woman who would be swayed by a measly five hundred million."

"Sometimes I forget, but you're in the same line of work, too."

If the income is from someone working in the same neighborhood, such as Nishino, then there will be some sort of comparison and understanding.

It is not an amount that can easily earn by someone working on a normal company.

"Do you get it?"

"Cash payment is not possible. Naturally, the same applies to lump sum payment."

"In that case, if you agree, you can pay for what you have on hand, and the rest can be paid with the use of your body. Is that acceptable to you? If you find it impossible, then I will have to prioritize myself."

Rose refrains from smiling and tells him directly.

By her behavior, she must have understood the words she just said as her real intentions.

Nishino nodded honestly and responded.

"All right. I'll become your pawn. So let's work together this time."

"......"

Until now, the futsumen didn't fall down no matter how much she pushed, but the sight of him falling down on his own accord after following his classmate's back was a great frustration for her and dissatisfying for the crazy woman who wanted to capture his heart. She wondered how much he disliked her.

"What's wrong? Still not enough?"

"...No."

Gritting her teeth, the blonde lolita who harbors a not-so-small amount of regret in her heart.

But that was only for a few moments. She quickly regains her composure, and she begins to ponder her thoughts on how to proceed.

At this moment, the debt Nishino owed to her was significant.

"Now that the negotiation is settled, you can ask me anything. From now on, I will obey all your words unconditionally."

The beautiful girl responded reverently with a genuine expression.

Her behavior as a diligent and obedient girl is a complete contrast to her previous attitude. If Nishino were to instruct her to lick his shoes, she would start doing so without hesitation. Of course, deep down inside, she always welcomes the opportunity to lick it.

"...Alright."

It seems that even Nishino, who is known for his composure, was somewhat surprised by this. At the same time, he can't help but assume that she also has a certain level of pride when it comes to her work, just like himself. It's what you might call a professional mindset.

Her eyes with long eyelashes, which still stare at Nishino, does not move even a twitch. Nishino's good impression of Rose increased, though only slightly, as he watched the dignified expression in front of him. It seemed that her behavior at that moment was highly regarded within his aesthetic standards.

The difference between the two was overwhelming, since everything up to now was according Rose's plan.

"As I said before, I will be a backup here. You should approach that woman from the front and engage her alone. Once I have successfully rescued Takeuchi-kun and the others, we will retrieve you and leave the scene."

"Ara? That's surprising."

"What is?"

"I think using 'escape as a last resort' strategy in battles is not 『Normal』's approach. From what I've heard, in the past, you have always managed to eliminate all enemies in every situation, leaving nothing behind. As a result, only few people actually know what you look like."

"The safety of the hostages and you is the top priority."

"Fufufu, words can be deceiving."

"Say whatever you want."

Seeing the unusually cautious Nishino, Rose gasped.

She didn't know there was another reason.

"Thank you very much. Nishino-kun."

"...You have no reason to thank me."

Before and after the contract, Rose suddenly changed her attitude.

The only reason the gap between the two is not small is because Nishino is a virgin.

He had expected a playful retort as usual, so receiving genuine gratitude caught him off guard and it hit him in the side. Normally, a stream of witty remarks would naturally flow out, but as an inexperienced virgin, Nishino couldn't come up with a clever response.

And in this series of exchanges, it is clear that Rose is the strong one because it is all part of her strategy to sell herself. However, there are moments when she also expresses her genuine feelings and enjoys the conversation. Perhaps, This will lead to a very good relationship.

"U-Um, me too!"

After the conversation between the futsumen and the blonde Lolita had come to a pause, a voice suddenly emerged from beside them. And that voice belonged to none other than the Class rep.

With an overwhelmed expression and a piercing gaze, she stared at the two with great seriousness.

"I want to go with you too!"

The people taken hostage were her dearest friends. One of them was a male student who she was in love with. She wants to take them back with her own hands.

The title of Class rep and class organizer weren't given to her without reason.

Right now, she wanted to retort: Nishino-kun you look gross right now, she's keeping any such comments to herself and maintains an extremely serious expression. In fact, after being subjected to a series of cynical talks, she's getting a goosebumps around her upper arms. Nevertheless, Class rep is also a capable woman who can read the atmosphere.

"No, Class rep. You will have to stay here."

"W-Why!?"

"You will become a hindrance."

"Huh!? Why are you acting all high and mighty? If I'm a burden, then Nishino-kun is no different, right!? Plus, weren't you in the go-home club? If that's the case, I think someone like me who trains in the sports club is much better, don't you think?!"

The Class rep's complaint was justified.

At least the Nishino that she always saw in school campus is that kind of creature.

Thanks to that, explaining the situation is a big obstacle.

"I already told you I had some experience with this kind of trouble."

"So I ask you why is that!?"

He's just a futsumen who can't afford to reveal his identity to acquaintances at school. If one is not directly involved, it is understandable that an uncertain future awaits after explaining the situation.

"I understand Class rep's concern. But, I want you to leave this to me."

"I can't leave it to you! First of all, why are you going to save Takeuchi-kun? I hate to say this, but you two don't get along well, do you?!"

"That's just Class rep's misconception. I don't resent him."

"And why is that!? It's so blatantly obvious that you're being bullied! Isn't it strange?!"

"It's true that Takeuchi-kun has a very picky personality, but he's by no means a bad person."

"N-Now you're talking down to me again...!"

Class rep who steadily accumulates frustration after receiving repeated troubles, finally reaching the limit of her patience. Ironically, it is Nishino who is being treated badly, but she values her friends so much that she cannot see what is happening around her.

In response to this, Rose made a move.

The blond-haired lolita stood up from the sofa, bypassed the table in front of her, and stood in front of Shimizu. Nishino and Class rep naturally brace themselves when she suddenly started moving. From her expression, which was like a Noh mask and had been there since earlier, no discernible emotions could be read.

"Hey, Shimizu-san."

"W-What?"

The next moment, Rose's fist caught Shimizu's jaw.

A good tapping sound echoes in the living room.

"Gya...!"

With an unfeminine scream, the Class rep collapsed onto the sofa. She rested her head on the back and threw his hands and feet in the gutter. Now, she looks like a drunk middle-aged man who passed out at a cabaret club. And from that point on, she didn't move a muscle.

A precise blow to the chin had left her unconscious.

She had gone completely blank.

"...Oi, there must been other ways to do it."

Nishino said with a reluctant look.

Undisturbed by this, Rose responded.

"It's going to get dark soon, If I leave it to you."

"It's already night. No problem."

Ahead of Nishino's line of sight, there is a night view through the window.

It's true that the sun has set and the stars can be seen twinkling in the sky.

"I love how you have this twisted sense of humor, you know? I get wet every time you talk like that. Did you have any problems with your family history as a child?"

"I don't care about my childhood or how wet your crotch is. Let's go."

Nishino stood up, responding to the expected unfiltered complaint.

Following his back, Rose also went out at a fast pace.

"Try not to take too many hits, okay?"

Behind her back, orders fly from Francisca.

"It will be done right."

"Also, I have another request."

"...What is it?"

"It's about that girl. Can you please capture her alive?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"There is a reason. That child has quite a troublesome background."

Just as they were about to depart, Nishino came to a sudden halt upon receiving strange information blurted out by Francisca. Rose, too, stood by and waited. Nishino, being an impatient futsumen who always wanted to move forward, felt extremely frustrated.

"Explain in detail."

The tone of the questioning became naturally strong.

In response, Francisca continued in a low voice.

"I don't really want to disclose this if possible, so I want you to promise me that you won’t tell anyone what I've said here. If you leak it to anyone, we will both suffer significant losses."

"...Fine."

The futsumen also nodded in a serious tone to the murmurs of the beautiful woman, who appeared to be growing increasingly serious.

Confirming that, Francisca continues.

"She is the only daughter of a certain billionaire, and not just any billionaire, but one of the wealthiest in the world. When I first saw her, I couldn't believe it, but I had the opportunity to confirm it up close, so there's no mistake."

"Why do you know that?"

"I had a small issue, which led to an opportunity to get closer. If I verify those distinctive physical attributes, there's no evidence to contradict it at all. I'm sure of it. While I haven't had direct conversations myself, I have the experience of being present at their meetings."

"...Continue."

"It's a story you can find anywhere: 'The daughter of a wealthy family is kidnapped and ends up being cast as the lead in a wonderful movie. She is rescued just in time, right before being placed on the operating table to undergo surgery for her final performance.' Something similar to that."

"......"

The expression of the futsumen became tense after receiving unexpected information.

"I wonder when that was? There was a rumor going around that she disappeared from the hospital room where she was admitted. People from her household are still in the midst of quite a commotion, wondering if she has been kidnapped again. But it's surprising, isn't it? Whatever happened, she seems to have found her way and is now skilled at what she does."

"Is this information accurate?"

"Yeah. She seemed to be an extremely quiet and sheltered girl who didn't even know what a 'penis' was like, but I guess people can change. That sensation of her tongue slithering around... Ahh mou, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

"...I understand."

"So, while it's impossible for this operation to be perfect, I just want it to be resolved peacefully."

"Can I consider it as a separate case?"

"You're not exactly a wealthy person, are you? This incident is particularly exceptional compared to the others, isn't it?"

"I got it."

"But if you can't do it, then don't leave any evidence behind. If you handle this poorly, you might lose your place in this world. I don't want to get caught in the aftermath, so please be very careful about that."

"I understand that. I'll do my best."

"Yes, please do."

Seeing that Francisca nods, Nishino walks away once more.

Rose remains silent after this.

With a flurry of steps, they left the hotel.

* * *

On the other hand, here is a group of tough looking men led by a Gothic Lolita girl.

They are in the hotel room next door to where Takeuchi-kun and his friends were abducted.

The men, consisting of more than a dozen men, divided into two groups and discussed the future of the group. The division is based on whether or not they will follow the Gothic Lolita girl from now on.

As for the scale, they consisted of twenty-odd people, but they were roughly split in half.

"That's why I say we should obediently follow for now."

It's the main in the suit with sunglasses individual who had spoken to the girl a moment ago said.

He stood at the head of the group saying that they should follow the girl's wishes.

It seems that he has witnessed quite a terrifying sight, and his tone of speech suggests a conservative choice prioritizing their lives. Even though the girl's presence cannot be seen now, there are glimpses of fear in his words.

On the other hand, there is a group that argues they should leave the girl's side.

"Don't be ridiculous! The boss was killed in front of us, you know!? Why should we follow someone like that? I've had enough. You can keep doing this on your own if you want!"

The one barking is a man wearing an aloha shirt who looks like a thug.

Only the boss himself can speak about righteousness and legitimacy. Nevertheless, this opinion also appears to contain some fear toward the girl. However, the level of fear is somewhat less than the side advocating obedience. It's more like an escape plan.

And it seemed that these two, the 'The man in the suit with sunglasses.' and 'the man in the aloha shirt', were two heads above the rest. The others sides were uniformly silent, watching them argue. They were afraid that if they did too much noise, the Gothic Lolita girl in the next room could hear them.

"What will you do if if we get dragged into your venting after you ran away?"

"Like hell I care! When that happens, you guys should run away too!"

"I don't think you'll get away that easily, that's why I'm persuading you like this."

"You're persuading me? You look like you're crying because you're afraid of her!"

It must have been after many arguments already. Both sides showed no sign of exchanging ideas. Instead of arguing, they were throwing accusations at each other. The narrative seemed to feel, in large part, that it was impossible to reconcile with the other.

Or perhaps they are resentful in this way to escape their fear of that mysterious girl?

"Aren't you afraid of that woman? I don't want to witness a person being degraded right in front of me any longer. If you want to hurl insults, go ahead and do so as much as you want. However, please refrain from any behavior that could further provoke that woman. We want to live in peace."

"Ha, you've got to be kidding me. If word gets out to the locals that I'm scared of some kid and can't even move, I'll never be able to do business again. I can't allow that. I won't let myself fall down to this pathetic place!"

Behind the confrontational pair, there were supporters of the two representatives, each subtly advocating for their arguments as if engaging in a battle without words. Everyone appeared to wear a desperate expression, as their own futures were at stake.

"Everything exists because of life. Do you want to end up like what happened to the boss?"

"I'm saying that there won't be any problems if you escape before it happens."

"That woman's obsession is unbelievable. I would be very afraid if she ever came after me."

"Oi oi, you really are scared? That's a serious injury!"

The aloha man makes fun of the suit man.

The man in the suit ignored his mockery and continued calmly.

"Call it what you want. We just need to survive. And as long as we get through this crisis, we can do whatever we want. That woman isn't even a member of the organization, the boss just hired her somewhere. It's just a matter of listening to what she says for a while until she's satisfied."

"That's what you've been saying, and I’m sick of hearing it!"

"Diego, do you even listening to what I'm saying?"

"Listen up, Daniel. I don't know if you're second in command or whatever, but the organization right now is a mess, and it doesn't matter who's in charge. We're gonna do things our own way. As for you guys, you better kiss up to that little shit and do whatever it takes to keep her happy."

He decided that more of this was a waste of time.

Continuing to argue for too long may attract the attention of a girl who might come over to complain about the commotion. It would be a disaster if she overhears this entire exchange. Although separated by walls, the rooms are in close proximity, just a dozen meters apart in a straight line.

"Do you think we can deal with a monster that bullets won't work on? We're getting out of here."

"O-Oi, wait!"

"I will not wait!"

Diego, who is wearing an aloha shirt, leaves the room, while Daniel, the man in a suit, attempts to stop him.

The former, regardless of the latter, left the room with fellow supporters in tow. The loud and overlapping footsteps gradually receded within a few minutes and soon became inaudible. Only a few men in suits remained behind.

The room became silent instantly.

"D-Daniel-san, what do we do now?"

As the man in sunglasses and a suit stood nearby, a young man who appeared slightly younger than him asked a question.

"We have no choice but to report this to her honestly."

In response to this, the man referred to as Daniel had sweat forming on his forehead. Even from the perspective of the observer, beads of sweat were already glistening on their foreheads, dripping steadily down from their chins. This was happening despite the air conditioning operating at an adequate temperature setting.

"I'll go. You guys stay here."

"W-We're sorry."

"If I don't come back, then you decide. Goodbye."

Then he, the sunglasses man in suit, left the room.

No more words were exchanged between the remaining men.

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