A Place to Rest
*Sigh...*
Hey.
How much further are you going to follow me?
I attended all the trainings on schedule and finished every mission, didn't I?
...Why keep up that silly attitude when all you get is ridicule?
Are you actually a pervert?
...
That doesn't mean you should latch on after training like a leech—
But there's nothing more effective than this.
*...Sigh*
Feels like you won't listen no matter what I say.
*Sigh...* You're... relentlessly persistent.
Agh. Fine. I'll admit it. I lost.
I won't tell you to go back anymore, so please behave?
I'm behaving now, aren't I?
...Do you have no shame?
You've been rifling through my bookcase since earlier...!
Why are you so intent on prying into my personal life?
Is that what gets you off?
I thought I could find clues from what she keeps in her room.
I told you. There's nothing I like.
You like flowers though.
...
I just don't dislike them.
That's...!
D-don't open that drawer...!
That's where I keep my underwear!
Perv. Idiot. Lust-soaked animal. Disgusting insect. Trash!
Sorry about that...
Ugh...
Do you enjoy being insulted?
Wait, what's that noise outside?
Don't change the subject—
There you are...! A-are you the Vice President of the Morrel Ocean Traders?
...?
Sir! You can't just barge in like that...!
My apologies for barging in, but please invest!
*Sigh...* We also roll surplus profits into investment funds.
And I do final screenings.
But... there's a formal channel for that.
The clerks at the window are all fools!
My invention will revolutionize urban transit...!
Those idiots don't recognize its value!
But you, Vice President, will see its true worth!
Well... I'll see who the idiot is myself.
He confidently set metal models on the desk.
Is that... a train?
It's not just a train!
Behold, my life's masterpiece! An urban tram with a compact magitech engine!
This will redefine the entirety of NOA's transportation system!
Platina Express's engine is powerful, but it's unwieldy and inefficient. But this...
...
Haydee half-listened to the man while fidgeting with the model.
Do you like trains?
...What?
Haydee tried to remain cool, but her eyes betrayed her excitement.
Hmph. Hardly...
I recognize the utilitarian value of trains, but that doesn't mean I like them.
And what kind of question was that? Do I like trains?
This isn't picking out toys.
I don't see what's to be embarrassed about.
Huh? Who said I was embarrassed...?!
...As a result! I was able to complete the prototype in my workshop!
If it's hard to decide whether you should invest in my newest venture, why not find out its profitability yourself?
...You want... me to ride it?
Exactly! But it only loops a short section, however, given its prototype nature.
...I don't have time for—
Let's give it a spin.
Who said YOU could decide?
I'm not interested. And if it overlaps with Platina's business scope, it'll be a headache to—
You're interested, aren't you?
I pointed at Haydee's hand that held on to the miniature train.
...Ngh?! That's... I mean...
*Sigh...*
This is strictly a site visit for an investment decision, so don't get any wrong ideas.
All right, starting it up right now!
Metal parts clunked as the little train trundled along the rails.
Being only a prototype, it was barely faster than a person running.
Still, Haydee, who took a seat next to me, looked oddly satisfied.
She examined the interior, then leaned outside to watch the train's wheels run along the track.
I knew you liked trains, Haydee.
...Let's just say I have some interest.
But beside that... I feel stupid.
It just loops a designated route.
In the end, we're still stuck in the same place. Nothing changes.
Sometimes, it's okay to feel a little stupid.
There you go again—
I don't have my memories either.
...What?
Don't... joke... about that.
Or I'll get seriously mad.
I wasn't joking.
I can't recall my hometown, or even a few years back.
I don't know where I started or where I'm headed...
I'm just running on a track that only stretches forward.
Haydee and I have something in common.
...Even if that's true, you still can't understand me.
That monster took everything from me and destroyed it.
Don't act like you get it just because you lost memories—
...
Haydee was like a runaway train—she only charged forward.
A train that barreled down the line, toward the destination that she called revenge, not knowing when she would arrive.
But it's too late to slam on the brakes to try and stop the train.
But the least I could do is...
I can run alongside you.
What...?
*Sigh...* I wondered what nonsense you'd say.
The revenge I'm after isn't something you do while goofing arou—
I'm not telling you to give up. What I'm trying to say is...
Let's at least take a breather every now and then.
...You're so carefree.
...
*Sigh* I feel like I'm in for something I'll regret, but I'll play along just this once.
Okay. Do what you want.
...And by the way.
Hmm?
You said you also can't remember, right?
Don't you sometimes... feel lonely?
Do you ever wonder who you were?
Do you miss people you don't even have memories of?
How do you... make yourself feel better?
...!
Haydee, who rarely shared her vulnerabilities, was asking for real advice.
Was she finally opening up to me?
Maybe being a bit bolder would help...!
*...Sigh*
I'm an idiot for expecting a serious answer from you.
So, what did you think of my invention?
Judging by your face, you enjoyed it. How about that investment—
Not yet.
The output is unstable, and ride quality tanks during accelerations and decelerations.
Bring technical fixes and a business plan. Then I'll consider it.
H-huh...?! Kgh...
Did you truly think I would let sentiment get the better of my financial judgment?
It will serve you better in the future not to underestimate the Vice President of the Morrel Ocean Traders.
Haydee was always strict about distinguishing work from personal matters.