Loyalty Test(1)

With the Queen Bee subdued, the situation calmed down a little.

It's a rookie mistake to challenge an enemy who clearly outmatches you; doing so only paints a portrait of your own foolishness.

Thus, with the majority now attentive to my words, I continued giving advice. Pausing strategically to allow my guidance to sink in, I found amusement once again when the Queen Bee herself directed questions my way.

"...Can I...ask you, what was your first time like on stage?"

Instead of replying, a tinge of mischief urged me to tease her a bit.

Drawing nearer, a hint of a smile playing on my lips, I anticipated her typical reaction to the approach—children often shy away at this moment, and indeed, she was still a child.

She instinctively raised a defensive hand, as if expecting me to slap her.

Closing the gap completely, I let out an exaggerated sigh and shook my head.

Did she really think I'd resort to hitting her? What a dimwit.

I gently patted and stroked her head. She flinched at the unexpected contact before glancing up at me.

"My first time on stage made me feel just as scared as you were a moment ago. Trying not to fixate on the sea of eyes staring at you is a formidable task. Back then, as an unfamiliar face, every action of mine was scrutinized to the fullest. Even the slightest misstep wouldn't go unnoticed..."

I kept stroking her head as I stared deeply into her blue eyes. After another pause, I continued unperturbed by her flushed face.

"The secret lies in delivering your best performance during those initial appearances. Cement an impression of flawlessness in their minds. Once that perception solidifies, it's remarkably challenging to alter. Of course, your reputation also plays an important role in shaping public opinion. Even if you act brilliantly, a tarnished reputation suggests you're in it solely for financial gain—definitely not the image you wish to project, even if it bears a grain of truth."

I glanced at everyone present as I made it clear that was perfectly fine as well. It's not like you didn't have to be greedy, but appearances do matter a lot.

"People should perceive your dedication and passion; that's what paves the path to success. Understand? Also, if stage fright plagues you, it's best to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Maintaining amicable relations, even if you harbor personal disdain, is a shrewd approach..."

Ceasing the rhythmic patting on her head, I offered another smile as the atmosphere grew more heated. I saw the Queen Bee wanted to say something, her lips trembling. Before she could, though, another child chimed in.

"I... I'll heed your advice! Thank you..."

He displayed noticeable shyness, but his gratitude was palpable. In response, I nodded, preparing to wrap up as my presence here had served its purpose—though truthfully, I was just wasting time. My intended target was present, and the need to initiate the plan to destroy him socially loomed. However, before I could proceed, another kid expressed appreciation, followed by yet another.

In a matter of seconds, an outpouring of gratitude engulfed me, as if I were a deity descending upon them. Even the Queen Bee bowed her head, genuine gratitude etched across her flushed face.

A fleeting glance at Instructor Kei and a subtle thumbs-up conveyed an understanding between us. Although children can sometimes mirror their parents' toxicity, at this tender age, it's relatively easy to reorient their mindset. I inadvertently contributed to that, and who knows how this would change the future.

I had fun, and I also accomplished everything I had to do, so I just asked if anyone else had questions after asking them to stop clapping, as we were making quite the ruckus.

After replying to a few others, I called it a day as I exchanged a few pleasantries with the Instructor before leaving...

---

"Welcome back, Ren-sama. May I ask how did it go? I overheard some commotion prior to your arrival..."

I swiftly reassured her that there was no cause for concern. However, that wasn't my focus at this moment. With the need to initiate my plan as soon as possible, I had to... evaluate this assistant of mine properly.

What I didn't tell that bunch of kids is that your assistant is not always the one you should trust the most, but you should think of them as your exclusive pawn that you will use the most in your life.

If that pawn is a defect, then it's only natural to get rid of it and get another.

"...Shiina, how about we head out for dinner tonight? My treat. I'm in good spirits after assisting some of my peers."

The time had come to gauge whether I could place my trust in her or if it was necessary to sever ties moving forward.

Her response conveyed contemplation before she eventually nodded.

And so, we directed ourselves to a nearby restaurant. It was something I never did, what I was about to do, yet an air of tranquility enveloped me.

The potential crumbling of a pawn didn't stir any particular emotion within me. With a surplus of alternatives ready to be loyal to me, even if one strand frayed, I remained unfazed.

There existed no rational justification for me to invest much sentiment.

I was doing this in the first place only to give her that chance.

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Author's note:

Tomorrow I won't be home until late, so I will probably not be able to write anything. This chapter is in advance of tomorrow :).

I also wish to dedicate some time to my Danmachi fic.