Chapter 66: Volume 10 - CH 3

Charlotte Dimandius, the chief researcher of Little Garden, is in a small hotel room in the Empire of Weimar.

– Give me a break…. Why did I have to give a lecture in this country now, even though I’m completely busy…?

At the very same moment she enters the room.

Charlotte flops onto the bed and let out the tiresome feeling of now while looking up at the ceiling.

It’s her assistant who’s staying in the same room, Mei Mei——who’s hearing that.

– But it was nice that this finished with no issues, don’t you agree? A gratitude mail came from Judal-san too. Giving a lecture in the university where Dr. Charlotte comes from, this will be news not only in the Empire of Weimar, but also around the world, and the advance of mankind into space and the understanding of Lunaltia Base will deepen even more.

– I’d really be thankful if opposition movements decrease with this.

– … won’t that be great?

Mei Mei smiles sweetly at Charlotte.

– Charlotte-sama, your white robe——

– Ok, ok.

Charlotte got up looking bothered, took off her white robe and opened the refrigerator.

– What, there’s nothing in here?

– Do I order anything? There is room-service, correct?

– The truth is, even if you ask me, I don’t know. The Empire summoned me, this prodigious scientist, and had to have a hotel that matched me perfectly. But they should have prepared a suit of a luxury hotel, don’t you think?

– Now, now.

Mei Mei continued saying so to soothe Charlotte who is complaining again.

– If I’m not mistaken, there was a vending machine on the first floor, so Mei Mei will go and buy something from it.

– Yes, you are right. If so, I’d like a cola. Just to be sure, bring me 3——

– Okay!

Immediately after Mei Mei rushed out of the room vigorously.

She tried to link her PDA to the PC and connect to the computer of Little Garden, and at that moment.

– … hmm?

The shadow of a person was in front of her, Charlotte turned around.

– What, you’ve come back so soon? Ah——

Mei Mei wasn’t the one who stood behind her.

It’s a man who, except from his eyes, was completely concealed in black.

– ——wha!?

It was too late when she noticed that there was a syringe in the hand of the man.

The needle was very close to the neck, just a few millimeters away.

– Kuh…

The consciousness of Charlotte keeps fading away along with a stinging pain.

A few minutes later——.

Mei Mei came back, holding pet bottles of cola in her hands and noticed that Charlotte wasn’t in the room.

– Charlotte-sama? Charlotte-sama? Charlotte-sama!?

Despite looking around the room, the figure of Charlotte isn’t there.

She was going to get in touch with her with the PDA, but it was with the laptop on the table. Besides, the glasses that fell on the carpet and the white clothes that Mei Mei herself hung on the wall a little while ago remained in the room.

– Charlotte-sama? Where on earth have you gone, Claire-samaaaaaa!?

– … Come again!? You don’t know the whereabouts of Charlotte Dimandius!?

Claire received the news from Mei Mei and gave a loud voice, hitting the desk of her office.

With that, Chris and Erika who were in the room stared in wonder.

『That’s correct! Because there were no colas in the refrigerator of the hotel, she disappeared from the room while I was buying them… All that remains are her PDA, the laptop and the glasses that have fallen on the floor…』

– … that’s strange…

Claire instinctively bit her right thumb.

She’s not carrying her PDA, so that means that It’s impossible to follow the GPS data.

– Let’s calm down for the time being.

Those words weren’t directed to Mei Mei only, but also to herself.

– Judging from the situation, the possibility of kidnapping is high desuwa. For this, we will investigate in cooperation with the government of the Empire of Weimar as well as with the CIA of Liberia and the International Police Agency, INTERPOL masu. We will also dispatch Slayers of Little Garden as temporary employees to the Warslan branch within the Empire of Weimar, as well as to the hotel where they will join you. You will have to take care of yourself until then. Understood mashitawane?

『Y-yes! I-I will do exactly that!』

– … Claire-sama, what on earth has…

The same instant that the call with Mei Mei is over.

Erika had a consternated look and asks Claire who has a worried facial expression.

– There is nothing to say, except that the possibility of kidnapping is high masenwa. In any case, this must be because of Onii-sama’s movements, but still…

If it’s a kidnapping, then it’s an anti-Slayer organization, a group that opposes the advance of mankind into space——.

The possibility of countries or organizations that are rivals of Liberia and《Holy Church》 Puritaria, and other possibilities can’t be discarded.

That’s why Claire knew better than anyone else that the pushy way of doing things of Judal, her older brother, could have been resented in various places.

If Charlotte isn’t with him, all the plans will surely turn in chaos——

– The most important thing is the safety of Charlotte desuwa. Chris——

– Yes, Claire-sama!

– Please start investigating the whereabouts of Charlotte independently of the Intelligence Department of Little Garden. Since there is a possibility that a betrayer of some country or organization is involved in the kidnapping of Charlotte, we must resolve it flawlessly desuwa.

– Understood. Only those who can be trusted will get ready at once.

It’s been around half a day since the night when Charlotte disappeared that Little Garden grasped the situation.

– Claire-sama——. The uneasiness of Claire-sama seemed to be correct as expected.

It’s Chris Steinbelt, the main analyst of Little Garden, who appears in the Student Council Room and reports to Claire.

After obtaining and analyzing various kinds of information and images of surveillance cameras, he found out that the involvement of the government of the Empire of Weimar in the kidnapping is high.

– I see…

Claire, with her elbows on the desk, sighed in a great way.

– In the first place, there were a lot of things that are suspicious, such as letting Charlotte lodging in the hotel, even though she was saying that she wanted to return to Little Garden immediately after the lecture and choosing a low-grade hotel that was near the university desuwa. Despite this, my older brother approved everything and decided it in a forced——

– In other words, Judal-sama is also involved in the kidnapping?

– I don’t know masenwa. However, when I got in touch with him earlier, he didn’t seem to lose his cool. He just said that he will investigate it too——but that looked like he was going to do all by himself masenshine. After all, how much troubled will be Onii-sama if Charlotte disappeared? He shouldn’t do anything like erasing them——

– If it’s that, then it’s fine but…

– Good grief…

Claire sighed and murmured in her mind.

(What are you thinking, Onii-sama…?)

The basement of a refuge in Liberia.

In that office was Judal Harvey.

In the room is Judal and no one else.

The figure of Vitaly Tynyanov is on the huge monitor placed in front of him.

– In the end, it seems that the deeds of the government of the Empire of Weimar were to kidnap Charlotte Dimandius.

Judal began to talk.

Vitaly answers.

『Of course I know that. Little Garden concluded so, because I obtained the videos that were transmitted by the Intelligence Department of Warslan』

– You truly are helpful. However, I told you to use any kind of means to investigate for me, but not about the kidnapping of Charlotte Dimandius.

『But, is that really ok?』

– … what do you mean?

『Not that Charlotte Dimandius knows everything? There are some secrets she has been keeping in the dark for many years, even from me』

– A little more and my dream will come true. For that reason, I’m thinking that it’s fine to “throw out all and everything”*.

『No way, you used Charlotte for that purpose?』

Surprised, Vitaly said.

With an unchanging smile, Judal continues his words.

– As expected of you. You are correct. It becomes contrived when I do it myself, like an undeveloped old tale. It would be better to let others speak about it. Furthermore, Charlotte. She should be aware of it, of course.

『That means that you are going to make an appeal to the compassion of the other party?』

– Uh huh.

『But, what are you going to do if they refuse?』

– In that case, there’s no other choice but to subdue them with strength. We can use a satellite attack weapon on orbit to roast one of the terrorist bases. I will show them what happens if they raise against me.

『C’mon, if you do that kind of performance, there’s no mistake that the opposition movement will get extreme, you know』

– Hahaha, I know. It’s a joke. If it looks like they’ll reject it, then Pope-sama said that she will do it in one way or another.

『Pope Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III? I believe this was already told by Charlotte Dimandius but, I’m sure that Pope isn’t straightforward. I suppose you know that already, don’t you?』

– Of course. But, in the development of Lunaltia Base, the religious organization is collaborating with all sorts of their assets and power. I can place my trust on them on that point.

『That is to say, that you don’t mind handing over your seat of the next president to her?』

– If I have to say it in an abominable way, I truly think that I don’t care who will take the seat of the president. That’s the same for Warslan, even the Earth. In fact, I don’t have any issues if the earth is ruled by Puritaria rather than Lunaltia Base.

-『You really are a stupid man』

– You are helping that stupid man as well, so you are the same, aren’t you?

『Completely』

Vitaly smiled sadly.

『… as  you said before, I decided that I will interrupt my activities after you have died. I don’t feel that there’s a meaning living in a world where you don’t exist. We will die together. In a sense, that’s my revenge. You didn’t kill me when I came to you』

– It’s fine, do as you like. I really appreciate your cooperation in this way to make my dream come true. Thank you, Vitaly.

『… still, you really don’t mean that…』

Vitaly murmured in self-deprecation.

Looking at her, Vitaly abruptly showed a gentle smile on his face.

– … so, what do you want to ask me?

Charlotte is in the center of a dark little room.

She’s sitting on a chair, and she’s restrained.

There are men completely in black standing before her eyes.

Without her glasses, her visibility is poor, but she can distinguish them.

– … the disease of Judal Harvey, is it true?

One of the man standing in front of her asks a question.

He seems to be the leader of this completely black group.

That makes Charlotte a little surprised, who asks back.

– … that story, where did you get it from?

– You ain’t allowed to ask questions. Now answer.

– … that’s, true. His life expectancy is no more than a year. It’s a hard fact that the actual medical science can’t do anything about it.

Charlotte answered.

Then, the man asks another question again.

– If so, here’s another question. What’s the real objective of Judal Harvey?

– By advancing into space, the development and evolution of mankind will occur in an instant——and so, the realization of peace. That’s his dream from a young age, since he was born as the successor of Warslan Company, a large company representing Liberia——but that’s not the answer you are looking for, huh?

Smiling with a puff, Charlotte continues.

– So, you do know the story.

– What are you going to do if I don’t answer that question? Are you going to torture me to make me answer it?

– … you aren’t going to answer it?

– That’s not what I meant. Because I don’t want to be beaten up.

Charlotte said, looking at one of the completely black men holding a bar.

– I’m against pain. And without a doubt, losing my life.

– ——then answer. What’s the real objective of Judal? If you talk, we’ll release you.

– Alright. I understand. I’ll talk.

– … really?

– Yeah——Judal-kun will resent me for that but, he won’t be able to sever ties with me, don’t you agree?

Saying that full of herself, Charlotte continued.

– Or rather, it may be easier for him if I am the one who talked. It’s possible that he himself wished for it, it’s better to say that he’s pretending that it’s impossible for him to do it. Even if he wants to talk about his disease, that kind of conversation will never come from his mouth.

– … what do you mean?

– Here comes that. Although, won’t you please undo this binding first? I’m not a fan of being restrained.

The men started to discuss in secrecy.

Charlotte said, since she got tired of waiting.

– Come on, hurry up. After all you guys know that I don’t have any kind of weapon, right? Even melee arts aren’t my forte. I can’t do something like escaping.

Although the men seemed to show a “yareyare” expression, they removed the handcuffs worn on Charlotte’s arms and legs.

– Finally, I’m free.

Standing up from the chair, Charlotte began to move to loosen her neck and body.

– Now I understand the feelings of the in-patients. Just by being held for a couple of hours, the body gets so stiff like——

– I don’t give a thing about that, go straight to the point. Speak about the objective of Judal Harvey.

The man took out a gun from his pocket and turned it towards Charlotte.

– My my, with that attitude you ask people about things? To begin with, why don’t you lower it?

While thrusting her hands into her pockets, Charlotte squints her eyes and glances at the man, then continues her words.

– As a matter of fact, you know that I can’t hurt you and who I am too. Let’s do it peaceable for the time being.

While showing an irritated appearance against Charlotte who came out of that skillfully, the man lowered the gun.

– … now, shall I talk as I promised?

Saying that as an introduction, Charlotte begins to talk.

– First of all, why doesn’t he——Judal Harvey talks about his true feelings? That’s because, as you guys are staring at, almost all of what he says is simply public position. Nonetheless, that’s not limited to the present. He has been continuously working for the sake of that public position since that day. You can say that he built that public position to hide his true objective.

– … that day? The day when Judal Harvey became the company president of Warslan?

– No.

Immediately asserting that, Charlotte continued.

– The day when his beloved woman——Est Steinbelt, died.

Charlotte walks around the small room and keeps talking.

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– His mother——Linis Harvey was a genius like me——no, she was eccentric.

She was in line with her own interests, and she used any means to achieve them if possible——she was that kind of woman.

– With that much, she immersed herself in research. Her two daughters who are also her research subjects——the Queen of Little Garden, Claire Harvey and Liza Harvey were showing signs of being acceptable, but Judal, without having the ability as a Slayer, was given the cold shoulder by her. Of course, she loved him as a mother and that was admitted by Judal, but he himself could hardly feel it. Therefore, he sought motherhood somewhere else. And that was Est Steinbelt, who was hired as a maid of the Harvey family.

Slipping out a smile, charlotte continued.

– But before long, Judal began to harbor love towards Est. However, she died involved in a terrorist attack aimed at Judal’s father——Bill Harvey. And in the end, Judal-kun promised Est Steinbelt. That he will be the president of the moon.

– Judal Harvey has spent everything so far just to fulfill that promise?

– Yeah, exactly. After all, the position of company president of Warslan is just a way to make that objective come true. If there were other means he would have transferred to another position right away. To that extent, his feelings towards Est Steinbelt were strong. So, the women who have been with him up to now haven’t received true love. Vitaly Tynyanov and Neveah Grauss. They are, in all honesty, pitiable.

– … that’s not the same with you?

When hearing those words, Charlotte laughed in a big way.

– Hahahahaha, what are you talking about? Unfortunately, unlike those two and other women, I don’t love Judal-kun. Relationships between men and women aren’t my thing. I just used Judal-kun because it was convenient to secure a place where I belong. I’m sure that’s the same for Judal-kun. We are in a mutual win – win relationship. That’s why he chose me and not Vitaly as the person in charge of Little Garden. He knows that I’m not going to disappoint him. He knows that I’m not going to be affected by love emotions, family and other emotions, and that I’m not going to betray him if he gives me a place where I can research——

Spilling a smile with a puff, Charlotte said.

– I’m like his mother——Linis Harvey, I’m interested only in the truth of this world.

– … the truth of this world? What’s that…?

– It doesn’t mean that there’s only one. There are many mysteries in this world. I’m wondering how far the universe is spreading, whether there are human beings on other planets, whether there really is a God or not, I want to dispel all those doubts. Well, I think that such things are impossible unless I can live for 10 thousand years.

– Then that’s more important than family and love for you?

– Yes, it is.

Charlotte answered clearly.

– For example, there are people who like cars. I prefer cars rather than humans. Do you think that I’m just abnormal? However, there are people who will choose the car as if the car was their wife. And while it’s not a substitute for humans’ romantic love, there are also men who really love 2D beautiful girls*. Then, aren’t they the same?

The men looked at Charlotte as if they were looking at a monster.

However, Charlotte keeps talking without worrying about their gazes.

– Yes, I’m more interested in the truth of this world than real love or having sex. If it’s necessary to explain them, then I may search for love and sex, but thanks to Judal, I don’t need that now.

– You said just now that you can’t explain the truth of this world with your lifespan only, right? Don’t you think that you should leave the continuation of your research to your children?

It’s a straightforward question of the man who seems to be the leader.

– Please, don’t say something so absurd. If I do that, I won’t be having fun, don’t you think? Besides, my children, won’t necessarily be superior than me, hmm?

While laughing, Charlotte replied.

– Well, if there’s an equal next to me——no, if I find someone who has more talent than me, then I think that I can give them my knowledge and the know-how as much as possible.

That means that Charlotte can give them guidance as she had received it from Linis Harvey.

– ——and, aren’t we talking a little about something unrelated? The conversation was completely changed. Are you going to release me with this?

– Y-yeah…

The “leader” nods while being a little bewildered.

The place was completely dominated by Charlotte.

– That’s right.

Charlotte said, as she remembered.

– To end, tell this to your employers. You should be careful as there’s a person in Seleson who they should think is more dangerous than Judal-kun and I——

– … and who’s that?

– Even the genius that I am don’t have an idea of what to think about that person——no, I don’t even know if it’s a person or not. It’s the closest to God——

To the silent men, Charlotte said.

– Even you guys have your guesses now, don’t you? It’s Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III, the prophet and the Pope of《Holy Church》Puritaria,

Around 24 hours have passed since Charlotte’s whereabouts became dark.

A call from Charlotte entered Little Garden. She’s 25 kilometers East from the hotel she disappeared. It’s from a public phone in the rest area of Autobahn.

Mei Mei, who was instructed by Claire, rushed to the place with Slayers of Little Garden who were standing by with her.

– Charlotte-sama!

Mei Mei got down with the helicopter beside the rest area that was told by phone and rushed over Charlotte who was aware of her as she was approaching her.

– Yo! Mei Mei. It seems I caused you to worry, huh?

– Are you alright? They didn’t do anything to you?

– Nope, they didn’t do anything.

– I am glad!

Embracing the body of Charlotte, Mei Mei continued.

– I am really, really relieved!

Tears overflow from her eyes.

– Mei Mei, it hurts. Can you give me some space for now?

– Ah, I am sorry. Please get in the car. What should we do now? Should we move immediately to the airport and return to Little Garden? Or should we take a rest at the base of Warslan…?

– First of all, I’d like to eat donuts at the store there and drink some cola. Although I got something to eat, there was nothing sweet. I couldn’t buy anything, even at the rest area because I didn’t have any money other than to make a call*. So, I’ve been eagerly looking forward for you to pick me up. Oh and, give me my robe and glasses please.

Wearing her white robe and glasses that she received from a Slayer of Little Garden, Charlotte said.

– With this, I’m ready. Okay then, shall we go to the donut shop?

Mei Mei wiped the tears of her eyes with her hands and,

– Yes, please allow me to accompany you!

– I have something to say first

It’s half a month since the previous meeting.

There are members of Seleson gathering at the meeting place in the basement of a certain place in the Kingdom of Geneva.

Judal Harvey is standing in the center of it, just like last time.

And in the same way as last time, all the other people are hiding their figures.

What is different from last time is the composition of the members and that Judal Harvey has a strong displeasured expression on his face.

Almost the majority of them are replaced by representatives from their national representatives who are going to participate in the Lunaltia Base Cooperative System.

『You look quite displeasured』

Before Judal begins to speak.

The voice of『A』screen shone, and the voice was released from the other side.

– Why do you think that you understand why I’m displeasured?

When Judal returned so, a voice that sounded blurred returned from the other side of the screen of 『A』.

『What are you implying?』

– The matter of Charlotte Dimandius. Don’t tell me that you don’t know.

When Judal says so, the screen of 『D』turns on, and a mocking voice is heard.

『I’m really sorry about that. But, we heard that you said that you didn’t mind. So, there shouldn’t be need for resent, yes?』

『Besides, thanks to her, we could understand you』

The next light that turned on is the 『E』screen.

Like 『D』screen, it was like a ridiculing voice.

Finally, Judal opens his mouth.

– … I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I’m not going to press about it. However, I’d appreciate if you understood that what I said last time wasn’t a lie.

Despite saying that, Judal didn’t relax his displeasured expression.

Judal continues speaking.

– But, I think that for the sake of this world——in order to create a world without conflicts, the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System is necessary. Those are my last words. I hope you will proceed onto the voting at once. Chairman——

Following the call of Judal, the 『F』screen opened.

Who appeared from there was a woman that has a cloth hanging on her face——she’s the Pope of Puritaria, Serivia Notre Dame Paulo III.

– Today I am going to be the chairman. There is still time for the speech of Judal-san, but he says that it is fine, since it is bad for this world to waste time of the busy everyone. So, let’s move onto the voting immediately.

Slipping out a giggle, Serivia continues.

– Those who approve the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System——and that Judal Harvey, Chairman of Lunaltia Base Promotion Committee, to be the founder president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System, please express your intentions.

At the same time as those words, Judal gulped saliva.

This determines his fate.

Although he pretends to be calm, he’s in fact nervous.

For the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System and the taking up of Judal as the founder president, an approval of 70% of the participants today is necessary.

If he goes over the majority with the voting this time, this will give him the chance of persuasion once more, but if it’s less than that, his dream will fall apart.

Given his life expectancy, he won’t have a second chance.

『I will absolutely manage it. I won’t stand there without doing something, I will manage it somehow』

There’s no choice but to believe such words of Serivia.

The voting time is 1 minute.

At Judal’s hand, there’s a monitor showing the voting status.

He doesn’t know who voted. He only knows the number of votes.

He can’t see the members who are voting.

Only Judal and Serivia can be seen.

The number of votes in favor increases one by one.

For now, the approval it’s still around 40%.

Then maybe a 20% is against him?

It’s a tough situation.

Then, Serivia finally moved.

– What’s wrong? Everyone, please manifest your intention fast——don’t abstain from voting.

Together with those words.

To Judal, it looked as if the body of Serivia was shining faintly.

Then, the number of favorable votes began to increase in one go.

Some of the votes against changed into approval ones.

(What on earth did she do?)

It felt like a super power.

The buzzer sounds, the voting time has ended.

The characters of 《Establishment Bill》Establishment emerge on the monitor in the meeting place.

Along with that, the faintly shining body of Serivia also faded.

– It’s decided, Judal-san. Congratulations.

The meeting place shook.

In this way, it’s decided the establishment of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System by the members who will participate in Lunaltia Base Cooperative System, with an approval of more than 70%.

At the same time, Judal Harvey takes up of the founder president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System——.

In effect, the taking up of the founder president of the moon was decided.

It was Judal who went out of the basement meeting place and joined Neveah, and before getting in the courtesy car, they talked the minimum necessary.

That’s the usual.

The driver picking them up belongs to the UN. That goes for the car too.

If they chatter poorly, there’s a possibility that this will leak out to someone else.

However, Neveah knew.

He pretends that his looks haven’t changed from the usual, but she noticed that the tension has disappeared from Judal’s facial expression.

(It surely went well——)

Obviously, the expression of Neveah also softened.

Eventually, the car arrived at the branch of Warslan in the Kingdom of Geneva.

He changed to a car and a driver belonging to Warslan, then Judal moved to his underground residence.

Judal entered through the front door, handed over his jacket to Neveah and sat on the sofa.

– A lot of things happened but, I managed to accomplish my objective. It has been decided that I’m the president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System.

That’s when Neveah received the jacket and hung it on the coat hanger.

Finally, Judal reported so.

– Congratulations, Judal-sama.

Neveah finished hanging the jacket and hugged Judal, who’s sitting on the sofa, from the back.

– Thank you.

Looking back, Judal kisses Neveah.

– … Judal-sama, after this we….

After the kissing has ended.

With wet eyes, Neveah stared at Judal.

Her gestures seek even more affection.

However——.

– I’m sorry, Neveah. I’m tired today. Let’s do that tomorrow. Besides, I must get in contact with someone from now.

Standing up, Judal said.

– Is that Dr. Charlotte? Or——

The facial expression of Neveah becomes precipitous.

There Judal, about that——following that, he understood whom she’s referring to.

– It’s not Charlotte nor Vitaly.

Answering, Judal gently wraps the body of Neveah with both arms and kisses her lips lightly.

– Good night, Neveah.

Saying so, Judal left the room, but he didn’t act as announced.

He goes outside through the backdoor of the mansion, goes up the stairs while feeling the cold wind, and head towards the roof.

There, the full moon and the whole starry sky were waiting for Judal.

– It was full at this hour——

While looking up at the moon, Judal murmured, and pulled out the pendant from his chest pocket.

Opening the lid, a picture of Est came in sight.

Judal speaks to Est, who’s inside the pendant.

– … Est, can you hear me? It took more time than I thought, but I’ve become the president of Lunaltia Base Cooperative System——the president of the moon.

While looking up at the moon, Judal grasped tightly the pendant and muttered.

– Est, I can finally fulfill my promise with you.

He keeps like that for a short while.

Judal just continued gazing fixedly at the moon.

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