While I was holding a solitary brooding session to reflect on my failures, Cecil stood up.
Wait, did she just stop playing the Game of her own volition...?
"Shall we go, then? To House Albert."
"…What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said before. We won't figure anything out just by sitting here and imagining things. If we actually meet him and talk, we might learn something, right?"
"But we don't even know where their house is, or—"
"It’s a villa in the suburbs. I’ve already secured an appointment in my name. I told them I had matters to discuss regarding the slaves. Of course, I didn’t mention that Fansent-kun would be coming along, but it’ll be fine, won't it? Well? Are you coming or not?"
Good grief, she was terrifyingly competent.
I slowly pushed myself to my feet.
"Of course I'm going. Though, what am I in this scenario? Your attendant?"
"Hehe, that sounds lovely. Make sure you protect me if anything happens, okay?"
"Hah, I can handle at least that much."
"Oh? I’ve got your word now."
"Naturally."
She was right; just sitting around and over-analyzing everything wasn't like me at all. My movements had grown sluggish because the impressions from the Original Story were weighing too heavily on my mind.
Take the initiative. That was Teacher Milk’s teaching.
And that didn't just apply to combat. It was time for me to return to my roots and remember my initial intentions.
"…But can we actually get back today? Even if it's in the 'suburbs,' isn't it still a long way off?"
"In that case, we can just stay the night. We could even camp out somewhere."
"You're joking, right?"
"Oh, I wonder. I’ve already gotten proper permission from Cynthia-san. I told her, 'I’ll be borrowing him for a bit.'"
"When did you even find the time to...?"
"Now, come on, let's go."
"Yeah, yeah."
It was all thanks to Cecil, but at least we were finally taking the initiative. I was going to see for myself exactly what kind of man Neil Albert really was.
As we walked toward the station for the shared carriage, we passed a Game Shop along the way. Cecil’s stride visibly slowed to a crawl.
"…What time is the meeting scheduled for, Cecil?"
"There's still some time. Though, I would like to arrive a little early if possible."
"…In that case, do you mind if we stop by that Game Shop for a second? There's something I’ve been wanting to see."
"I don't… particularly mind, I suppose?"
"Thanks."
It went without saying that, a moment later, Cecil proceeded to hum a cheerful tune as she skipped into the store with a light spring in her step.