Ch.159

He caused too much trouble at that bar. Although it's not his style, it's difficult to linger even to hand over the USB memory entrusted to him by Mustang just like that.

Even the discerning Moore could sense the silent pleas and atmosphere from the owner and customers, "Please leave quickly."

With a sigh, he silently placed more than half of the operating expenses allowance given by Mustang on the counter and had no choice but to leave the shop. Probably, it would be enough to cover the repair costs, including the cost of drinks.

He tried to greet the leaders of the three major organizations in the underworld, the Underworld Queens, again, but Rosanna, Moran, and Sakura pointed out the shabbiness of his attire.

Naturally, it was covered in blood. By the way, human blood is not easy to wipe off.

"Well then, shall we change the location?"

Rosanna informed me that there is a meeting place owned by the nearby Heddonia organization. She urged everyone to settle the details and introduce themselves there.

He agreed, and although he tried to move on foot--

"Mister, use my car."

Rosanna, in a somewhat forceful manner, had Moore sit across from her in the back seat of the car.

During the journey, her narrowed eyes and smiling face--he couldn't get used to it because he couldn't understand what she was thinking.

When they arrived at the facility surrounded by a high fence, Rosanna stepped forward, and many members welcomed her as she entered. Sakura, Moran, and finally, he followed her.

First, a young female member, who was recommended by Rosanna to clean up, stepped forward and offered guidance to the bathroom.

Perhaps still unable to let go of their guard, sensing the narrowed eyes behind the sunglasses, Rosanna sighed.

"Mister, it's natural to be cautious, but could you be a little more flexible? Do you think I would do something harmful?"

"..."

"Even though I undertook the burial of that girl Anna, it's a bit lonely not to be trusted, don't you think?"

---Fuhh...she's right.

Unable to let go of their guard was understandable, but Moore, realizing that there was currently no benefit for them to harm him, nodded after a moment.

-----

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"─What do you think?"

"─Hmm? What do I think about?"

Sakura and Moran, heads of the Seimeikai and Botankai organizations, were ushered into the reception room and took a seat on the sofa.

While not in a completely welcoming atmosphere, Rosanna, in a good mood today, threw a long-furred white fur over the backrest of the sofa. Humming, she began to search the shelf along the wall where dozens of bottles of liquor were placed.

Sakura asked her if she was looking for a drink that matched her mood today, but Rosanna seemed unaware of what she was being asked. Or perhaps she understood but was deliberately letting the question linger.

Sakura, not in a wild mood as she usually is when engaging in wordplay, sighed.

Moran, sitting beside her, wearing round sunglasses and crossing her arms under his chest in a sleeveless jacket, spoke to Rosanna.

"─Sakura wants to know if that guy is really the messenger from Mustang."

"Yeah, that's right. My, your instincts are sharp today."

"Well, even I─wait a moment. Are you saying I'm usually stupid and slow!?"

"...Didn't you notice?"

As the head of the Seimeikai, who never breaks polite language with anyone, if it is excessively courteous though, then it's the same as cursing that person.

Veins bulged on Moran's forehead, and just as she was about to inquire about the true meaning of the words, Rosanna, who had finally made her choice, placed bottles of liquor and glasses for everyone on the low table.

"If you plan to start a brawl here, could you do it outside? Just so you know, this is my territory."

Well, there aren't many opportunities to use this gathering place, but without saying it out loud, she broke the seal of an unopened bottle of liquor.

The rich amber scent of alcohol poured two fingers into the glass and was placed in front of them.

"...Do you have Peach liquor?"

"...Do you think I would drink such a childish and sweet liquor?"

If you don't like it, don't drink it. Sakura, while sighing, reluctantly picked up the glass, receiving the unspoken message.

There was no need for a toast with this group of people. Everyone could drink on their own terms.

Rosanna also sat on the sofa, crossing her long legs wrapped in thigh-high boots, lifted the glass to her mouth, and took a sip.

"So, what was it again? Oh, whether that Mister is really the messenger from Mustang?"

"You were listening carefully, weren't you, troublemaker-san?"

"I can't help but hear the voice of a young lady clearly."

"...Hey, hey. Let's not fight here, okay?"

Are they already drunk? Moran sweatdropped at the scene. But it was undoubtedly an ordinary alcoholic beverage, not the one for Nikke.

Between Sakura and Rosanna, who were sitting face to face, a tense atmosphere began to pervade, but both responded with mere greetings.

"...Pfft..."

Suddenly, a faint chuckle. Soon, laughter echoed in the room.

"Ahahaha! The head of the Seimeikai asking such a silly question! That's hilarious!"

Facing Rosanna, who burst into laughter with her mouth wide open, Sakura and Moran stared at her in bewilderment.

Sakura, unable to gauge her true intentions, was puzzled. On the other hand, Moran suspected that she might really be drunk.

Seemingly having laughed a bit too much, Rosanna wiped a small tear from the corner of her eye, tilted the glass again, and──drank the high-proof liquor in one go. She then poured another round of drinks using a hand-pour method.

"The identity of Mister is that Shaw Moore."

"──What?!"

"──...Who?"

The moment Rosanna uttered his name, tension flashed across Sakura's expression.

However, Moran tilted her head as if she had no recollection. This left both of the women unable to hide their exasperation.

"...Moran, are you neglecting your information gathering?"

"Don't make fun of me! I'm definitely gathering information properly!"

"...Yet, you don't know his name?"

"If I don't know, I don't know, right!? So, who's that...Shaw Moare--ah, whatever, guy?"

"──It's Moore."

Whether intentionally or accidentally, getting someone's name wrong is disrespectful. Sakura promptly corrected her.

"Alright, alright. So, who is this Moore guy?"

"He's a military officer belonging to the Central Government Nikke Management Department. His rank was... Captain, I think? He's a promising commander who has successfully completed several low-success rate missions for ground reclamation. Apparently, he was promoted to Major at some point."

"The reason for his demotion is not clear, but there were conflicts with the Central Government forces around that time. He engaged in combat with Central Government forces and members of Heavenly Ascension at an outpost base, resulting in a massacre. Of course, the Central Government is hiding this information."

"...Huh? He was a military guy!? I didn't notice!"

"...You didn't realize?"

"Well, I mean... he seemed like a shady guy, but..."

Clearly, he's someone trained, giving off an aura similar to a professional soldier or military personnel, Sakura cast a disbelieving glance at Moran, who was seated next to her.

"...Hm? Wait a moment. The outpost base... Wasn't that... the one closest to the surface? he has Nikkes as personnel there, right? Even with limiters, how did he fight?"

"...Mister single-handedly massacred everyone. Central Government soldiers heavily armed to the teeth and members of Heavenly Ascension... from what I heard, it was over a hundred people."

"...Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"...A person like that being Mustang's messenger... I don't understand."

A military person boasting such prowess would willingly act as a messenger. Even if ordered by the CEOs of the three major corporations, it seemed more likely that his pride and integrity would lead to refusal.

"And... that appearance..."

While murmuring, Sakura finally grabbed the glass. It wasn't her preferred brand, but after lightly kissing the rim of the glass, she tasted the strong-smelling alcohol, wetting her lips.

...Like a wolf hungry for blood.

She recalled the tragedy at the bar.

His eyes were shining brightly, and from his behavior, he didn't see the men as people. In essence, he was merely hunting prey.

Normally, humans hesitate to kill other humans. Even Sakura, leading the Seimeikai, had experienced numerous conflicts, but whether it was her own organization or an opposing one, everyone, regardless of their bold words, hesitated for an instant when the moment came.

However, he──showed no hesitation whatsoever.

Sakura involuntarily furrowed her brow. At that moment, an unexpected knock on the door to the reception room echoed.

"──Excuse me."

A moment of whether the door would open or not. A calm, low voice was heard.

"──Ah, Mister. That was quick. How's the fit?"

"...A bit tight, but it's fine."

Upon the recommendation from a Heddonia member for cleaning, Moore, who had appeared, was wearing a borrowed off-the-rack suit.

He must have taken a thorough shower. Faintly, there was the scent of freshly bathed air from him and a rose fragrance that didn't quite match his physique and features.

Moore's eyes, once the sunglasses were removed. Finally, the women noticed that his irises were a deep brown.

"Heh... That performance earlier was admirable, like a chivalrous character, but seeing you again, what strapping lad."

"...Thank you."

His appearance, chivalrous as it may be----was that actually a compliment? Moran threw the comment at him, but Moore could only respond with an ambiguous answer.

"──Mister."

An amber-colored liquor poured into the empty glass. The glass, with two fingers' worth of the liquid, was placed next to Rosanna's glass, a clear signal for him to take a seat.

Without fuss, he let out a sigh and sat down beside her.

"──Salute (cheers)."

"...Salute."

The glasses lightly touched. Rosanna, taking the lead, raised her glass, and Moore simply tapped it, creating a high-pitched sound.

The alcohol, a dense amber color, naturally had a high alcohol content. However, he showed no particular concern, pressing the rim of the glass against his slightly dry lips and effortlessly downing it as if drinking water.

Upon seeing this, Rosanna whistled in a way that seemed like admiration.

"It's quite strong, but... how's the taste?"

"...Not bad."

"I was worried you might say it's awful. Glad it suits your palate. I'm relieved, Mister... Moore."

Now, let's get to the main topic, Rosanna subtly suggested. Despite his sharp gaze when addressed by his name, she shrugged indifferently and poured amber liquor into his dry glass.

"──Miss Rosanna. Where did you learn my name?"

"If we don't know, we'd be fools. It's an honor to meet a hero, Mister."

"Miss──"

"Rosanna."

"...Rosanna. I'm not a hero. Just a volunteer for suicide."

Whether it was humility or a genuine belief, it could be interpreted either way, but the latter seemed more pronounced, and Rosanna could feel it.

Grabbing the glass poured meticulously in front of him, Moore slowly tilted it this time, savoring the taste of the alcohol.

"Is that so? ──Well, putting that aside... Nice to meet you again. I'm Rosanna. The one sitting across is Sakura, and then there's Moran."

"I'm aware. It's an honor to meet the Underworld Queens."

"Yeah."

"──Likewise. ...But, just to be thorough, would you mind showing some identification?"

"Hey, Sakura──"

"No, it's okay."

To say something that would be extremely unsophisticated in this flow── Rosanna's gaze pierced Sakura across from her, but Moore, without any sign of being offended, placed the glass on the table.

Continuing, he slowly inserted his right hand into the inner pocket of the borrowed jacket. What he eventually pulled out was an ID card issued by the central government.

"...Confirmed. You've returned to the rank of Major."

"...Just recently."

It seems the women were aware of the incident of his demotion. Sensing this through their brief exchange, Moore nodded in acknowledgment and, while returning the ID card to the inner pocket, retrieved three USB drives that he had stashed away.

"...Received from President Mustang. I'll hand them over."

He placed all the USB drives on the table and slid them lightly towards the women. Each of their slender hands accepted them.

In essence, with this, the missions he undertook as a delegate from Mustang were all complete.

"...Well, let's check these carefully later. But I'm more interested in Mister here."

While he was free to leave, the atmosphere seemed to prevent him from doing so. Of course, he had left a full set of suits stained with backflow blood for cleaning. Until those were returned, he couldn't move even if he wanted to. Well, he couldn't move satisfactorily, to be more precise.

Rosanna, with her pale rose-colored eyes, sent a sidelong glance and provocatively readjusted her long legs wrapped in thigh-high boots.

"...I'm not much of a catch, but..."

"Really? ── A lover or someone you like?"

"Hey, Rosanna..."

Suddenly asking such impolite questions, show some restraint, Moran couldn't help but interject, but...

"...None. For now. I have no plans to make one."

"Oi, oi..."

He answered easily. Surprisingly, despite his appearance, he seemed to have a good sense of humor.

"Oh~. A man like Mister doesn't have a lover? The Ark folks must have bad judgment."

"...No extraordinary woman would date someone destined for an early death."

"Is that so? Maybe there's an exceptional woman nearby?"

If you search every nook and cranny of Ark, you might find one or two, at least in Moore's inner thoughts, he somewhat affirmed her words.

However, Moore might be genuinely oblivious to the true meaning behind Rosanna's words.

When you enjoy a drink that suits your taste, strangely, you may also crave a cigarette.

Moore's hand reached into the jacket's inner pocket. Seeing the soft pack and oil lighter that was pulled out, Rosanna, who observed this, pushed the glass ashtray placed on the center of the low table toward him.

"...Thank you."

Expressing his gratitude, he, as a precaution, looked at Sakura and Moran sitting across from him with a questioning gaze about smoking. Acknowledging their nods, Moore finally placed a cigarette between his lips.

In the moment he tried to ignite the flame with the oil lighter, a slender arm with a rose tattoo extended from the side. In the hand at the end of that arm was a turbo lighter, shaded.

"...Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Covering it with one hand, which used a mixed gas, a button was pressed, and a blue flame erupted.

The tip was charred, and a thin purple smoke rose.

Removing the hand that covered the slender hand holding the lighter, Rosanna also withdrew her arm.

"I feel like having one too."

Rosanna, who had taken out a thin cigarillo from somewhere, clenched it between her well-shaped lips. When the turbo lighter was used to char it, and purple smoke wafted, unintentionally, different fragrances from both sides sitting next to each other filled the air.

"Young lady, don't you smoke? Would you like to try?"

"No, thank you. It's too much of a hassle to prepare."

While Rosanna held the cigarillo in her mouth and gripped the glass, she inquired Sakura, who answered nonchalantly. Of course, the reason was as she mentioned.

"Why not try liquids or electronic cigarettes? Isn't it troublesome?"

"Enjoying that extra step is part of culture and manners. It's not bad to be able to smoke easily, but... taking the time for a smoke is exceptional."

"...Yes... as you say..."

It might have been an unexpected perspective. Sakura, who had her legs crossed in slacks in front of her, watched Moore, who was producing purple smoke from the cigarette, and sipping on the glass, with a slightly bewildered expression.

"...I appreciate your kind words."

She placed the glass on the table, and the slender hand disappeared into the sleeve of the kimono she was wearing.

Eventually, what she took out was a set of smoking tools.

The smoking pipe was a bit oversized for a regular one. Especially the part of the bowl where the chopped tobacco was packed looked like the bowl of a pipe.

Sakura filled the conspicuous bowl with chopped tobacco and used a gas lighter that sprayed the flame sideways, unlike a typical lighter, to char the surface of the packed tobacco.

She clamped the mouthpiece, took a few small puffs, gently exhaled the purple smoke, and pressed the tobacco ember with a slender metal tamper to stabilize it. She seemed very skilled.

Once the fire had stabilized, Sakura, leaning her upper body against the backrest of the sofa, began to leisurely let the purple smoke rise.

"...It's a nice fragrance."

"I appreciate it. ── The cigarettes Moore Major is smoking also have a nice fragrance."

"...I don't mind being called my given name."

"Understood. Then... Moore-kun..."

──That's a bit...

Suddenly feeling more childlike, when Sakura addressed him as "kun," Moore looked a bit complicated, as if he was having trouble reacting, and lightly scratched his cheek with his fingertips.

"...Wait, if I'm the only one not smoking in this situation, am I being left out?"

"Oh, Can you smoke?"

"You could partake?"

"...Are you guys making fun of me?"

Once again, a vein popped on Morann's forehead. As if to say, "Why not smoke?" she snorted displeasedly.

"...GODDESS, fine with you?"

"Oh, uh, sure. Thanks."

Moore leaned forward. He offered the cigarette's mouthpiece that protruded from the soft pack to Morann, who took it.

Not being very accustomed to smoking, she tried to bite the tip once, but it seemed the position was wrong. Searching for a comfortable position, she eventually readjusted it to the edge of her lips.

At that moment, he presented a uniquely high-pitched metallic sound as he opened the oil lighter with a cover. Using it like a windbreak, her slender hand was shaded. Sparks scattered from the friction between the wheel and flint, and the oil-soaked wick caught fire.

After confirming the purple smoke rising from the charred tip, Moran pulled away. Following suit, Moore closed the lid while retracting the oil lighter.

"...Not...bad... maybe a bit spicy."

"Then it's good---What's wrong?"

Supporting the lit cigarette with two fingers, Morann, with the mouthpiece clenched between her teeth, stared intently at Moore.

It seemed uncomfortable. he asked if something was stuck to him, but she didn't immediately offer an answer.

"I've been curious... You're a military officer, right?"

Finally, she posed a question. Moore nodded in response.

"The commanders I know are more... uh... "

"Authoritative, no?"

"Yeah, that's it. Doesn't it bother you in this situation?"

"...Situation?... You mean the situation where, if you wanted to, you could approach and kill me?"

"No, no! Why are you so grim about it!?"

The answer was so unconventional that it made one wonder about his usual thought process and perspective. If this was his genuine nature, life for him must be quite challenging.

"Geez... We're Nikke. You've heard of it from Mustang's envoy, right?"

"Yeah, I'm aware of that."

"So, doesn't that bother you? The usual... Nikke and the commander smoking together, even having a drink?"

"Is that so? In my outpost home, this is normal. Well... there's no staff around to accompany me with cigarettes, though."

"...Normal? This?"

The brownish, dark-colored eyes widened in surprise. The question in those eyes was loud and clear – what kind of joke was this about being normal?

"...I feel like the current definition of 'normal' in Nikke's relationship with humans is strange. Basically, I'm an anomaly."

"...Do you just call yourself an anomaly?"

"There's no other suitable expression or description. So, whether you're concerned or not, I don't care. It's more than fulfilling as a man to enjoy drinks and cigarettes with three beautiful ladies."

Moore shrugged lightly, holding the cigarette between his fingers while tilting the glass.

Whether it was flattery, seduction, or the truth – probably the latter – Moran could sense it from his nonchalant tone.

"Hahaha... You're an interesting guy."

"...Is that so?"

A good man, with above-average strength and a considerable sense of justice. In addition to that, quite open-minded.

This is a problem – a real problem. It seems he's the real deal.

"Alright... I've decided. Shaw. Be my little brother."

---

Author note: If you think there's a significant difference in tone compared to the previous passage...

...I thought the same.