Since she could unlock characters, she needed to get even closer to them.
Hoshino did not get up right away. Instead, she maintained that ambiguous restraining position and softly said something to Schwarz. To Schwarz, the shrine maiden still held an advantage that would let her kill her without resistance. Schwarz did not move, instead pondering how she could escape.
Against someone like this, she truly could not think about counterattacking. Just figuring out how to flee was enough to give her a headache.
She thought and thought...
But she could not come up with anything.
No matter how she moved, that sharp blade would slice open her throat in the next instant and lightly take her life.
"You care so much about your young lady, but Miss Ceylon doesn't seem very appreciative."
"That has nothing to do with you."
Schwarz's retort earned her a teasing smile from Hoshino. Whether it was provocation or kindness, Hoshino extended her free hand and lightly scratched Schwarz beneath the chin.
This was a volcanic activity research institute in the outskirts, a place rarely visited by anyone.
Schwarz had been pinned to the ground. If Hoshino had no shame, she could have kept her pinned for twenty minutes straight. But sudden changes often happened in an instant. Hoshino sensed someone approaching, and Schwarz had clearly seen that person, falling into a silent stillness.
After a long while, she finally spoke her first words.
"Miss..."
It was Ceylon, who had returned after leaving.
Pinning Schwarz down in front of Ceylon—just thinking about it was thrilling enough, let alone doing it herself.
Just as Hoshino was about to let go, Miss Ceylon turned her umbrella handle and brushed away the snow that had fallen on its surface. She did not seem impatient, merely silently watching everything