Ace in the Hole

(Cleaning duty today is at the dangerous criminal area, huh… I’ll want to get it over and done with.)

(So, about the guy who called himself the King yesterday…)

Raito Kitakata. … According to the data collected, he is presently the most influential presence on the island.

The Metaverse community founder, an entrepreneur, and an investor. He ranked #1 in Japan as “the person you’d most want as your lover” for nine consecutive years.

Oh, you’re well informed.

Biometric scan data shows height, 182 centimeters; weight…

H-hey. That’s a bit too personal.

Haha, what an interesting newbie.

Number 17, as you touched on, I’ve formed a group… Or rather, a faction in this prison.

Other factions exist as well, though…

If you wish to protect yourself from people like those who bothered you earlier, it might be better to join one. I’d welcome you both if you wish to join mine.

A faction… you say.

Yes. My faction’s the largest, however there’s another group opposing us.

I can’t say I recommend that group, though… The one in charge is quite problematic.

From the looks of it, you’re both model prisoners, so I doubt you’d have much in common with them anyways.

I refuse the invitation to join your faction.

I see. May I ask why?

The chain of command has already been established with the prison guards. Having multiple chains of command increases the risk of lag when processing commands.

Processing commands…?

Then, Number 10, what about you? By the way, may I at least have your names?

Kinari Azekawa.

(! As I thought, it’s Kinari… The same name.)

I-I’m Tao Kinouchi.

Kinari and Tao. In numerology, you’re 8 and 1, respectively. Those are good numbers.

(Numero… wha?)

Well, there’s no need to rush your reply. My motto may be to make quick decisions, but you both have time, right?

Huh?

(To say that we have time… Is it not the same for Raito-san?)

Just to let you know, the opposing faction’s leader is…

Let me see, if I’m the King, he’d be similar to a Jack in Euchre.

He’s a dangerous person, so it’s best to be cautious.

(Euchre is that game played with a deck of playing cards.)

(As for the Jack in Euchre… It’s similar to a trump card, which can change the course of the game in an instant… Is that what he meant?)

(Raito-san seems nice, but I’m hesitant to join any faction…)

(Since I came here, I’ve been trying not to get too involved with other people…)

Sigh… This is troublesome.

Hey, raven-haired fiú¹ over there, why are you sighing?

! Eh, it’s nothing.

(What the—? It’s a solitary cell, but the door’s wide open!?)

Fufufu, it’s okay, you can sneak a peek. Marvel at the wonders of my castle, fiú.

(What the heck is feeu?)

Um, excuse me, I’m just cleaning over here…

Cleaning? Cease that fruitless endeavor. How about a discourse with me instead?

Ah… You’re the new kid, Number 500010. An exquisite number you’ve got yourself there. Shall we dance a waltz to celebrate?

(W-what’s with this guy? And there’s a guard inside the cell, too… But why’s the guard massaging him!?)

Ah, has this fellow piqued your interest?

A pitiful soul. Tasked with guarding from outside the cell, he’d become a prisoner inside the cage before he could even register what had transpired. This creature they once called a prison guard…

As consolation, I have given him the honor and permission to touch my beautiful body.

Thank you so much, Kuguri-san…!

Good, what a clever boy. Would you like to join him, fiú?

No, no, I’m good…

(Hmm? Could this person be…)

You’re the boy King invited to join him yesterday. I’m well aware. You still haven’t accepted his invitation, right?

I am Kuguri Domeki. The emperor of this island. The man who is one step above the King.

(! Kuguri Domeki! That’s right! He’s the dangerous person the King… Raito-san told us about yesterday.)

Um… Sorry, I’m not really interested in joining any faction.

Fiú, melancholy is reflected in your eyes. Should you join me, I believe that sweet despair will shine.

Haha… Well, anyone who comes here is sure to carry at least some despair…

…

Anyways, I’m still in the middle of cleaning… Please excuse me!

Hmm… So, he’s a maci².

Seems like a good way to kill some time.