Regardless of the fact that her facial muscles were clearly on strike, Jane Doe possessed such a bright and bubbly personality that our conversation flowed effortlessly. It created a comfortable atmosphere that made it hard to believe we had only just met.
"My, my, Kaito-sama, you’re quite the talker! I found myself getting carried away before I even realized it. You’ve got the looks, the personality, the wealth, and an incredible social circle... Hmmm, I see, I see. So you’re one of those 'high-spec' guys—a true communication powerhouse!"
"I think you’re exaggerating a bit... If anything, it’s your stories that are so lighthearted and fun, Jane-san. In that sense, I’d say you’re the communication powerhouse here. Though, I have to admit, your face really doesn't twitch in the slightest..."
"Taha! My apologies! This is just how I'm built. Should I spill the beans? Give you 'The Sad Past of Jane Doe'? ...Actually, that would take way too long, so maybe next time. Even if my expression is totally dead, my heart is overflowing with love and peace, so please don't think of me as a boring woman, okay? I’m aiming for the 'Interesting Woman Route' here!"
She really was an incredibly entertaining person. The contrast of her being so emotionally expressive while remaining completely expressionless was amusing in itself once I got past the initial shock. It was a genuine mystery how she produced such a voice without moving her mouth or changing her expression, but that was just part of what made Jane so fascinating. I would have loved to stay and talk longer, but the greeting rounds wouldn't wait for themselves.
"No, you’re really interesting, Jane-san. I’ve had a great time talking to you, so I’d love to chat more if I could."
"Oho, those are some positive vibes! Taha! Is it finally happening? The 'marry into wealth' route! Of course, I’d be more than happy to welcome it!"
"Ahaha, well, putting the marriage route aside, it’s true that I’d like to talk more... but I really have to finish my rounds."
"Ah, that’s right. Goodness, I’m sorry for keeping you. You’re a busy man, Kaito-sama, so please don't mind me. Head off to your next stop!"
"Thank you. Well then, I’ll be going. Let's definitely have a proper chat again if we get the chance."
"Same here! Thank you very much!"
After thanking Jane, who saw me off with a pleasant attitude, I gave a short bow and began walking toward my next destination. However, after I had walked a short distance, her voice called out to me one more time.
"Oh, by the way, Kaito-sama!"
"Yes?"
I turned back, only to see Jane pointing her index fingers at me with both hands.
"...May happiness be with you."
Her voice resonated with a strange, warm authority. For a fleeting moment—perhaps it was just a trick of the light—I thought I saw a glimmer of life kindle in those hollow eyes.
"Just kidding! Taha! Did I let it slip? My mystical and mysterious side... Well then, until we meet again!"
After bowing once more to Jane, who continued waving with that same expressionless face, I turned my gaze forward and resumed my walk.
Jane Doe watched Kaito’s receding back with unblinking eyes and a face as still as a stone mask.
"...Thank you... little hero," she whispered, her voice too soft for anyone else to hear.
She turned on her heel and glided toward the entrance. She passed several Six Kings’ Executives on her way, yet none of them seemed to notice her presence at all. She opened the doors to the venue and stepped out into the hallway.
As she prepared to leave the area, a voice that carried a sharp edge reached her.
"I didn't sense any ill intent toward Kaito-san, so I didn't interrupt your chat... but I am curious. That bizarre presence concealment of yours... even I might lose track of you if I wasn't paying close attention."
"Taha! A scary guard has arrived. I’m a bit of a coward, so I’d really appreciate it if you skipped the interrogation."
"Interrogation is a bit dramatic. I just have a few simple questions. If you’re honest, you’re free to go. Now then... you, who possesses at least Almighty Class power—who exactly are you?"
Hearing the words of Alice, who questioned her with a watchful, sharp gaze, Jane turned her lightless eyes toward her, her expression as unchanging as ever.
"...I'm nobody. What stands before you is a mere shell of a nonentity—the remnants of someone who was once a God, a ghost wandering through countless worlds. Taha! Sorry for being so cryptic!"
"As expected, there's just too little information to work with. I can't deduce your identity from that alone... In that case, let me ask the most important thing. Do you harbor any hostility toward Kaito-san?"
"There's no way I could. I have more gratitude and debt toward him than words could ever express... Anyway, let's leave it at that. I'll be taking my leave! If fate allows, perhaps we'll meet again!"
With those final words, Jane vanished like mist. Alice, who had been watching the space where she stood, placed a hand on her chin with a puzzled look.
(Pursuing her is impossible. There probably isn't a massive gap, but she seemed to be ranked higher than me... More importantly, it’ll be faster to just ask Shallow Vernal-sama. There's no way an entity of that class could sneak in here unless Shallow Vernal-sama permitted it...)
Giving up on the idea of chasing Jane and deciding to seek answers from Shallow Vernal instead, Alice let out a light sigh and vanished from the hallway.
The one who was once a God, who had ceased to be a God. The one who had escaped the End at the cost of the one she held most dear. From that day forward, her face had ceased to move. Having become a nonentity, she left her recreated world to others and became a wandering phantom among the stars.
She could not stop, nor could she fade away... for to cease being herself would be a profanation of the one she adored. She held no hatred for the one who brought about the End, for such an act would stain the pride of her beloved, who had stood against that End with noble resolve.
And yet, she had no purpose and no reason to live, possessing only the reason why she could not disappear... until she heard the tale of the little hero who defeated the End. It was then she realized that the story which had once been closed had been opened once again.