Approaching Hope

“…Is this the place?”

“Yes. This is it.”

Stella and her friends glanced around before confirming the address written on paper once more.

This must be it.

A dark night. Unlike other stores with lights off and doors tightly shut, this place emitted a faint glow as if just beginning its day.

This was undoubtedly where Teacher Ophelia and Grandma first met.

“Hmm…”

“A-are we really allowed inside?”

“Not sure.”

Though they’d come to find traces of Teacher Ophelia, doubt spread among the students about whether they should enter.

None had ever visited such a late-night establishment before.

Except one.

“Why hesitate? Let’s go in.”

“W-wait…!”

“Hello.”

While unfamiliar to others, Orca knew midnight establishments well – safe havens to kill time through storms and cold nights.

…Not that it was always peaceful, but they served their purpose. She’d trespassed in entertainment venues like they were her own home, silencing complaints through intimidation.

A clear bell chime announced their arrival, followed by a surprised voice.

“Oh my. Students?”

“Good evening.”

Stella facepalmed at the soft-featured bartender’s reaction. Who barges into a bar without explanation? Underage kids would just get thrown out.

“Hmm… Could I see some ID? Adults only here.”

“…Pardon?”

Contrary to expectations, the bartender calmly requested identification instead of ejecting them.

“You’re not kicking us out?”

“Ah… I know someone quite old but very short. Thought you might be similar cases.”

Grandma. As a regular, the staff’s policy of checking IDs regardless of appearance made sense – especially for someone who looked youngest but was oldest inside.

“That reaction suggests you’re not. …Why are you here? We don’t serve alcohol to students.”

“We’re not here to drink. We’re looking for someone.”

“Someone?”

“Yes. Do you know someone named Ophelia?”

Thump, thump.

Hearts pounded. This was their only lead. What if “Ophelia” was an alias? What if they drew blanks?

“Ophelia? Why her?”

“Y-you know her?! Do you know Teacher?!”

“Teacher? …Ah, are you Academy students?”

“Yes, yes!”

Smiles bloomed as they sensed confirmation. They’d found her! But their joy shattered when the bartender frowned and shook her head.

“…Sorry. Can’t tell you.”

“Wh-why not?!”

“She left the school voluntarily. Don’t know why you’re searching, so I can’t carelessly share information.”

In that instant, Orca snapped. She grabbed the bartender’s collar.

“Tell us now! You know where she is! If you don’t…!”

“Or what?”

“Orca! What are you doing? Let go!”

“What?! But…!”

“Release her! She’ll never talk if you do this!”

Stella and Anastasia urgently separated them. They instantly knew – this avenue was closed.

The bartender dusted off her suit with a scowl.

“…Get out.”

“W-we’re sorry! We didn’t mean…!”

“No more talking. Please leave.”

Only after the expulsion order did Orca realize her mistake. Tears welled as she understood – they’d lost their only lead because she couldn’t control her temper, just like that day.

“…I’m sorry. I got too excited wanting to ask Teacher something.”

“…”

“Just wanted to know if she truly liked us… I was wrong. Please tell us.”

As students’ faces darkened with despair, the bartender sighed.

“Sigh… I don’t know.”

“Huh?”

“Where she is now – I don’t know. Worked here briefly after leaving the Academy, then moved on.”

Perhaps Orca’s apology and their desperate expressions softened her suspicion. She shared what little she knew, worsening their despair.

“…Anything else? We really need to meet her.”

“Hmm… Ah, someone took her away.”

“Someone?”

“Yeah. Used unusual speech patterns. -sumda? Something like that.”

“…Eh?”

“That’s all. Sorry.”

“No, thank you. This helps.”

Trudging out with minimal gains, the group confronted Orca outside.

“Are you insane?! She was our only hope! We barely got anything because you…!”

“Don’t be too harsh, Eileen.”

“But…!”

“Result would’ve been same. Bartender didn’t know anyway.”

“Ugh.”

“…Expected this. Someone with hypnosis abilities wouldn’t leave traces.”

As Stella approached the despondent Orca, she mumbled something startling.

“…Seen it.”

“What?”

“Seen before…”

Contrary to expectations, Orca wasn’t wallowing – she was remembering.

“I’ve… seen someone using -sumda speech…”

“W-what?! Really?!”

“When Leo got kidnapped… Teacher came to rescue him. Saw her then… Jane was her name. Looked close with Teacher.”

Memories flooded back – Jane saying “Take care of Teacher” while Orca ignored her.

“…The organization. We need to find the organization.”

“Organization?”

“She said it clearly – came to protect us in exchange for tribute money.”

“!”

“Leo, remember that location?”

“Y-yes! Clearly!”

“We’ll go ask who’s protecting them there.”

If Jane took Teacher Ophelia, visiting that organization was their best shot.

***

“…Boss, shouldn’t you sleep?”

“Just finishing this level.”

“How many times have you said that now…?”

“Dunno.”

“Fifteenth time…”

I avoided Jane’s exasperated gaze. Couldn’t help it – the game was unexpectedly engaging, each chapter ending with perfect cliffhangers.

“Told you to go ahead.”

“Can’t leave Boss unguarded.”

“…Fine. I’ll sleep. Can play tomorrow.”

Though wanting to pull an all-nighter, I surrendered to Jane’s stubbornness. Exhausted from today’s activities yet keeping vigil – if I stayed up, she would too, jeopardizing her patrols to protect the children.

“Sleeping now, so you should too.”

“Ah! Then pet me please!”

“…Are you a dog?”

“Hehe, call me your loyal hound!”

Sigh. Why did this grown woman crave physical affection so much? I ruffled Jane’s hair, earning a satisfied smile as soft strands brushed my palm.