"……Hey, what do you think this is all about?"
"Don't look at me, Yugo. I'm just as confused as you are."
In another part of the building, Yugo and his partner were pulling security duty at a post far removed from the group Fee was in. After receiving a request for backup via their communication devices, they had rushed to the scene... only to be met with a sight that left them wearing expressions of utter bewilderment.
In their line of sight, a man and a woman were creating a scene with an intensity that defied explanation. The two of them were shouting to one another as they moved from one exhibit to the next, their faces practically glued to the glass as they peered at the insects on display.
They had heard reports of two suspicious persons causing a disturbance, but as Yugo and his companion wore wry smiles at a sight so different from what they had imagined, the pair continued their conversation in a state of high excitement.
"Behold, Sister! Look upon the charm of this curled-up pill bug! Is its glossy carapace not the very definition of beauty?!"
"It truly is, Brother! Insects are the absolute best! They're a testament to the wonders of evolution and biological diversity!!"
Based on their conversation, the two appeared to be siblings.
Yugo felt they were perhaps a bit old for such behavior, and while he thought it was a good thing for siblings to get along so well, their conduct was clearly bothering the other guests. Since the museum's actual guards were nowhere to be found, Yugo and his companion stepped in to address the situation.
"Excuse me, could you please keep it down a little? You're inside a museum."
"Hmm?! Are you speaking to us?! Are you actually suggesting that we suppress the sheer awe we feel while witnessing the mysteries of the insect world?!"
"How boorish! To dare interrupt our moment of supreme bliss is the height of rudeness! You should follow the example of the insects!!"
"No, it’s not that. I’m just saying I want you to lower your volume so you don't bother the other visitors—"
"We are not being a nuisance! If anything, it is the other humans who are strange! Everyone should be moved by these mysteries! They should let their hearts tremble just as we do! There is no reason to appreciate insects in silence! We are the ones in the right!!"
"That’s right, that’s right! It’s just as Brother says!"
These two are more unhinged than I thought, everyone in Yugo's group concluded simultaneously.
They were clearly just massive fans of bugs, but that didn't justify ignoring the rules or bothering everyone else. As the team mentally criticized their behavior, the older brother began a passionate lecture.
"Insects are magnificent creatures! Some build sprawling underground fortresses, some rule the skies as hunters, and others thrive beneath the waves! Some wield venom and stingers as weapons, while others possess impenetrable shells or abilities beyond human comprehension! This is the miracle of life! Insects are the ultimate lifeforms, providing us with endless lessons!!"
"Ah... I think I get what you're saying," Yugo said, trying to find common ground. "People always say that if an insect were scaled up to human size, it would be the strongest thing on the planet. And honestly, the insect monsters that actually are that big are a nightmare to deal with."
"Oh! So you do understand! They're amazing, aren't they?! Absolutely magnificent!!"
The brother suddenly closed the distance, getting right in Yugo’s personal space. It was a headache, but Yugo figured that as long as the man's obsession was focused on him, the other guests were safe. He nodded along noncommittally as the man continued his heated tirade.
"Insects are the condensed essence of life's brilliance! Take ants, for instance—even within the same genus, their appearances and abilities diverge wildly depending on their environment! It's evolution! Pure evolution! They learn whether it's better to be large or small, or what specific powers they need to thrive, and then they manifest those changes! Evolution is the elevation of one's status as a living being! People need to realize that insects, having achieved such vast and varied evolution, are higher-order beings that far transcend humanity!!"
"Oh, I wish I could become an insect myself...!" Rielle sighed, a dreamy look on her face. "Strong, beautiful, and magnificent... I want to leave my humanity behind and become one with them!"
"Abandoning humanity, huh...?" Ryuga muttered under his breath. "I really can't see the appeal in that."
Fortunately, Ryuga's skepticism didn't reach the siblings, who remained completely absorbed in their own world. They continued talking at Yugo and his team without any sign of stopping.
"Forgive me! I’ve been dreadfully late with introductions!" the man barked, continuing his one-sided conversation. "I am Trill, a mere insect maniac! And this is my sister, Rielle. While she hasn't quite reached my level of expertise, her passion for the insect world is second to none! Now, since we find ourselves in conversation, allow me to ask you a question—"
Trill looked at them with eyes full of curiosity. He stared at Yugo and his companions, who had barely managed to get a word in edgewise, and posed a single query.
"What's your favorite kind of bug?"