Beta's Day on the Job

CID

Summer mornings were always so refreshing.

I took a long, deep stretch while gazing out at the blue sky spanning the horizon beyond my window. Then, I went right back to lying on my bed, idling the time away by doing absolutely nothing.

Summer vacation was almost over. The Bushin Festival Main Tournament was slated to kick off next week, so I really needed to get some mental imaging practice in. Then again, I firmly believe that humans need time to just zone out and exist.

Actually, that might be a lie. But at the very least, I needed it.

"Hey, Cid! Open up! I’ve got some big news!"

Hyoro started pounding on my door, screaming his head off.

As long as people associate with one another, hassle is inevitable. Why do we humans seek out the company of others even while resenting the bother they bring? The quiet morning of a dying summer vacation really made me ponder the deep questions.

I liked this vibe. I felt like one of those "Good Grief" type powerhouses who keeps everyone at arm's length.

"Yeah, yeah, I’m coming."

I unlocked the door and let Hyoro in.

"Check it out. It’s a wanted poster for Student Council President Rose," he said, shoving a paper in my face. "Ten million Zeny if we bring her in alive. Even just solid info starts at five hundred thousand."

"Hmm." I took the poster and scanned it.

"Let’s go catch her ourselves!"

"Pass. Why would we do that?"

"Because I’m flat broke," Hyoro said, his face a mask of pure desperation.

"Didn't you say you had a match coming up that was a 'sure thing'?"

"Don't bring that up."

"Didn't you bet all your money and win?"

"Shut up! Quiet! Look, I’m not going to explain the details, but I have no money. Therefore, I need money. It’s simple math."

"I see."

"So, help me out!"

"No way. Do it yourself."

"Wait, think about this logically! Two people searching is better than one. It literally doubles our probability of finding her!"

"Wow, fascinating."

As Hyoro grabbed my shoulders, all I could think about was what a massive pain this was.

To be honest, I actually admired Rose’s rebellious spirit. Stabbing your own fiancé? That’s the kind of energy I can get behind. If I had to pick a side, I was definitely rooting for her to get away.

"Please! I’m begging you!"

Hyoro actually bowed his head, which was a rare sight.

"I dunno..."

Right then, there was a knock at the door.

"Cid-kun, your sister is here to see you." The Dormitory Manager peeked her head into the room.

"My sister?"

"Claire-san. She’s waiting in front of the dormitory, so don't keep her waiting."

The manager left as quickly as she’d appeared.

Claire... she’s back already?

I immediately had a very bad feeling. I did a quick mental calculation to determine which option was the lesser of two evils.

"Alright, Hyoro. Operation Rose Capture is a go."

"Cid! I knew I could count on you! That’s what best friends are for!"

I grabbed Hyoro by the scruff of his neck and threw the window open.

"Whoa, Cid, what are you doing?"

"No time. We’re taking the window."

"Huh? What are you—wait, hold on—!"

"Hup!"

And just like that, I leaped into the air.

---

BETA

"Princess Iris sends her thanks for the intel you provided. She hopes you’ll continue to cooperate with us in the future," Alexia said.

"I am honored," I replied, maintaining a respectful tone as I watched her back.

Alexia held a magic lamp aloft as we descended a dark, spiral staircase. We had been going down for quite some time. The cold, damp air was a constant reminder of just how deep underground we were.

"As I suspected, we have to assume Doem Ketsuhat is in bed with the Cult," Alexia noted.

"I agree."

"The problem is the lack of evidence."

"True. Since this involves both the state and the religion, ordinary evidence won't cut it."

"I know. My father was very firm about that. He said if we want to link the Cult of Diabolos to the Holy Church, we need a justification that will satisfy both the citizens and the neighboring nations."

"Indeed. If you're branded as heretics, it's game over."

"It's not like every member of the Holy Church is involved with the Cult of Diabolos anyway. It’s likely just a small faction within the upper echelon."

"Which is exactly why it’s so troublesome."

"You’re telling me."

The rhythm of our footsteps echoed against the stone walls. Click. Clack.

"My father refuses to budge on his 'don't provoke the Holy Church' stance. But if we do that, what happens to the Cult of Diabolos?"

"I imagine he intends to leave them alone, just as he has until now."

"Just as he has...?"

Alexia’s pace faltered for a fraction of a second.

"That was merely my own speculation," I added quickly. "Please, forget I said anything."

"...Well, whatever. My sister mentioned something concerning. She said the King of Oriana has seemed a bit 'vacant' lately."

"Vacant, you say?"

"I didn't notice it since this was my first time meeting him, but I did catch a slightly sweet scent."

A sweet scent. I already had a drug in mind that fit that description perfectly.

"It might already be too late for him..."

"The Cult is moving. If my father keeps playing it safe, eventually this country will..."

We finished the rest of the descent in silence.

"We’re here," Alexia said, coming to a halt. Before us lay a deep vertical shaft equipped with a ladder. "This is one of the entrances to the Royal Capital Underground Passage. You know about this place, don't you?"

"Y-Yes. The passage that spans the entire Royal Capital. It was built ages ago as an escape route for the royal family, right?"

"Correct. Though the maps, keys, and passcodes have all been lost over time. Now it’s just a giant labyrinth."

"And... why are we here, exactly?"

"To get rid of you." She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword... and smirked. "I’m joking. You didn’t even flinch."

"Eek! Please don't kill me!" I squealed, turning on the waterworks.

"There's a chance Rose-senpai fled into these tunnels."

I felt a twinge of irritation when she completely ignored my Oscar-worthy performance.

"We’re going in to look for her," Alexia declared, already reaching for the ladder.

"Um, wait a moment."

"What?"

"Did you tell anyone else about this?"

"Of course not. They’d just try to stop me."

"I heard this place is a maze. Are you sure we can get back out?"

"It’s simple. We just go back the way we came."

"Look, this is difficult for me to say, but could you please stop dragging me into things on a whim?"

"No."

We glared at each other for a long moment.

"If you have a problem with it, go home," Alexia snapped, leaving me behind as she started down the ladder.

For a second, I seriously considered just leaving her to her fate, but I couldn't afford to let her die just yet.

"Babysitting is part of the job too, Beta," I whispered to myself, then followed her down into the dark.