8
Reoccupying the park and setting up our tents and fire pits as our hideout (temporarily), we settle down to rest our tired bodies.
It’s the middle of the night, and everyone is fast asleep by the time I’m able to crawl out of my tent.
It all just started on a whim. Something I came up with by chance.
I just wanted to surprise her while she slept. But now it’s escalated, and I can’t figure out how to stop. I’m well aware of the consequences if I get caught. Everything I’ve worked to establish will come crumbling down overnight.
But I can’t afford to stop now.
Looking over at the tents where everyone is sleeping, I nod.
Off I go…
With the moon out tonight, the spot where I drove my stakes in last time is brightly lit.
I can’t use the same route this time.
But that’s where the Kisaragi power armor comes in.
Careful to avoid the guards, I get a running start and jump.
Thanks to the power armor’s assistance, I manage to grab hold of the top of the outer wall.
Ordinarily, I’d use my stake gun to climb the rest of the way, but adaptability is the name of the game for infiltration missions.
Dropping into the courtyard, I spray Tiger Man’s scent like last time…
“Have you heard the rumors? Evidently, someone in an animal suit is causing trouble in the city. There hasn’t been much damage yet, but I hear it’s a little different from the usual stuff.”
“Those scary stories are pretty common this time of year, though. Nothing particularly weird about a doll going on a rampage. But never mind that; did you hear? One of the cleaning girls mentioned it, but evidently they’ve noticed a man’s scent in the princess’s bedroom. Could it be that the princess is sneaking someone into her room…?”
Maids on the night shift exchange gossip as they make their way down the hall, while I duck under some bushes.
I’m tempted to follow the maids, but that’s not why I’m here tonight.
Of course, my destination is—
<Large Sum of Evil Points Acquired>
At the announcement of a massive point gain, I’m overcome with emotion.
She looks so innocent…
Her typically grown-up expression and smile have melted away, and the Tillis in front of me wears a youthful expression as she sleeps.
She is a young woman who bears the weight of this country on her shoulders with her political skill, a figure admired for taking on the burdens of running the country in her unreliable father’s stead.
Next to a national treasure, I strip my power armor off, and—
Careful not to make any noise, I begin assembling my Jenga set near the sleeping Tillis.
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