The Item in Question

Autumn came to a close, and the season shifted into winter.

I spent my time at the academy watching over the daily lives of the mobs while waiting for the Counterfeit Notes to be finished. While my peers spent their tedious days in blissful ignorance, I was busy treading the path toward becoming the Boss of the Great Secret Organization that Rules the World's Commerce.

Ah, even these boring, everyday scenes looked brilliant to me now.

Nobody would ever imagine that a member of the Mob Trio—formed by me, Hyoro, and Jaga—was actually a man of such immense power. I made sure to enjoy my Mob Life, occasionally muttering profound-sounding words to give them a few "hints."

"The wind is noisy... A great change is upon us..."

No one understood the meaning behind those words. But that was fine. Perhaps one day, a select few among them would learn the truth and remember.

They would remember my—words.

"You. Come with me."

"Ow!"

I was currently in the middle of my Meaningful Mode when someone grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and began dragging me away. It was Alexia, her Silver Hair and red eyes flashing with irritation.

"Did you need something from a man as busy as myself?" I asked. I was too lazy to actually resist, so I just let myself be hauled along.

"I wanted you to see something, since you clearly have nothing but time."

"See what?"

"My sword."

And just like that, we arrived at a deserted dojo. It was a small, private practice hall tucked away at the edge of the academy grounds. I took a seat on the floor, and Alexia took a stance with a practice sword.

Well, I guess I can just zone out and watch, I thought, keeping my eyes on her as she began to swing.

Then, it hit me.

Wait, has she always been this strong?

Come to think of it, it had been quite a while since I’d last seen Alexia handle a blade. I’d always liked her swordplay. Well, only her swordplay. Whether she’d had a change of heart or simply finally "clicked" with her style, she was improving fast. That was usually how it went with these sudden growth spurts.

"I think it’s good," I told her as she swung the blade.

"I see." She stopped her movements.

"It’ll probably keep improving from here. Just an amateur’s opinion, though."

"Right. Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Alexia looked away and wiped her sweat. "You told me once before that you liked my swordplay."

"Did I?"

"You did. So, I figured I’d show you where I’m at."

"I see."

"But it’s still not enough. I need more... I need power."

"Huh. Neat."

"Ask me 'Why?' already!" Alexia barked, glaring at me.

"I don't particularly want to kn—"

"I couldn't protect Senior Rose. The Oriana Kingdom is in chaos right now, and I’m sure she’s suffering. That’s why I need strength..."

"...I see."

Now that she mentions it, I wonder if Senior Rose actually managed to get away in the end? I hope she’s doing okay.

"Lately, even my sister has been depressed... things aren't going well. Behind the scenes of our daily lives, the world is constantly moving. If you stand still, you’ll be left behind in an instant..."

Indeed, I thought. Behind the scenes of this daily life, I am moving quite a lot.

"I don't want to be an outsider anymore. It’s strange... ever since I started moving of my own volition, it feels like time is passing so much faster."

"That’s just how it goes."

"Must be nice being as carefree as you. Well, thanks for today. I hope you get to stay carefree forever."

She let out a sigh as she spoke, and I made my exit from the dojo.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

By the time I left the dojo, the sun had already set.

Winter nights were getting cold. I hurried back to the Dormitory, disguised myself as John Smith, and headed for a deserted location. There, I found a brown-eared Cat-kin. Her name was Natsu, and she was one of Yukime’s Executives.

"So, what's the business?" I asked, appearing suddenly behind her.

Natsu jumped, spinning around in a panic to stare at me with those feline eyes.

"J-John-sama! Please, don't scare me like that."

"I had no intention of scaring you..."

I just wanted to pull off that 'appearing out of nowhere' aesthetic, honestly.

"So? Your report?" I prompted.

Natsu’s smile deepened, as if she had been waiting for me to ask. Yukime had two executives: Natsu and Kana. They were sisters, but they didn't actually look much alike. Natsu was a mature woman with brown ears, while Kana was a girl with black ears.

Natsu’s brown ears twitched as she spoke.

"The item in question is complete."

"Is that so...?"

It’s finally here!

My heart hammered with excitement for the John Smith storyline that was about to truly begin.