Chapter 498: Durandal, Yet Great Wisdom Appeared Foolish (cont.)

Otto had no desire to distinguish between such "unimportant" matters.

"Whether as a victor bathed in glory or a pathetic loser on the verge of death, all I wanted to do... was mock the gods out loud."

At that moment, flames seemed to burn in Otto's eyes.

"...Mm, that really is quite an impressive idea."

Yet Imaginary Archive unexpectedly failed to play along. Her expression even carried the awkwardness of watching someone indulge in chuunibyou antics.

"Actually, Otto, you think pretty highly of him too, don't you?"

"...I cannot deny it."

Otto considered it for a moment and nodded. Although Imaginary Archive's attitude had thoroughly dampened the mood, he remained entirely unmoved.

"I do not think he is wrong—I trust Kallen's judgment. But at the same time, I do not think I am wrong either."

"...So you're sulking? Because someone stole your woman?"

"...My attachment to Kallen was not physical. You are clearly an extraordinary artificial intelligence, so why can't you understand the complexity of 'love'?"

After a moment of speechlessness, Otto shook his head. It was only because this was Imaginary Archive. If it had been anyone else, even Kallen, he would not have said so much.

"Ah, then I suppose I've fallen in love with that god I've never met."

Imaginary Archive sighed.

This man really was... well, always like this.

No, it would be more accurate to say he had become even worse.

"You merely calculated that my chances of winning are practically zero, didn't you?"

Otto exposed her.

Imaginary Archive merely rolled her eyes.

But Otto was not angered. He was not surprised by Imaginary Archive's attitude.

"But I understand that as well. I should even thank him for 'taking' Kallen away."

A trace of madness, entirely contrary to his usual rationality, seeped into Otto's tone.