At this moment, Ryuto, who had managed to escape the crowd, found himself in some deserted construction site. Since he couldn't take off his clothes yet, he had to choose a place where no one was around. Speaking of which, it seemed like someone had already taken his clothes off. That woman was really ruthless. Not only did she take his clothes, but she also continued to chase after him. It was truly terrifying.

Nevertheless, Ryuto didn't have time to think about these things right now. There was still one bomb that needed to be defused, and time was running out. So he quickly contacted Hiyori, who had just escaped from the police.

The phone was picked up quickly.

"Hiyori, are you safe now?"

"Yes, thanks to those people wearing the same clothes, I managed to escape easily. By the way, are all those people Ryuto's friends?"

Hiyori said casually, seemingly unaware of the implications behind her words. However, it dealt a significant blow to Ryuto. Ouch... it felt like an arrow hitting directly on his knee.

Could he really have that many friends? It was impossible, right? As Ryuto wondered in his heart, he also came to his own conclusion. After all, he knew himself well... And it seemed like you were intentionally poking at my sore spot. Haven't you heard that life is hard enough?

"How could I possibly have so many friends."

"Is that so?"

At this point, Ryuto couldn't help but sigh deeply.

"Well, even though relationships cost money, those people cost even more than friends. And even though they are a group of strangers gathered through the internet just to change their clothes and wear masks, their appearance fees for hundreds of people are not cheap. In short, I'll have to tighten my belt for the next half of the year."

At this moment, a voice came from the other end of the phone, sounding slightly confirming.

"So, Ryuto, are you short on money?"

This was clearly the voice of someone who never worried about money, and there was a hint of surprise in the tone.

Damn it, this terrifying declaration of the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie, who never lacked money, could never understand the troubles of us proletarians, right?

To be specific, every time I buy something, the first thing I look at is not the quality or the brand, but the price. If I think the price is cheap enough, then I'll consider the quality and then compare it multiple times using mathematical calculations to find the best cost-performance ratio. Then, I can make the decision to buy it while mentally preparing to tighten my belt next month. On the other hand, the bourgeoisie basically never looks at the price when they buy something. They see what they want and buy it. You see, the process of buying things is so different.

Thinking of this, Ryuto said with a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Well, everyone is short on money. Money is something that will never be abundant, after all, human desires are endless."

Hiyori replied as if it was nothing.

"In that case, Ryuto, you can use mine. Although I'm not sure if it's enough, it's still my duty as your bodyguard."

... There were several zeros in her bank account. How could this child say that she wasn't sure if it was enough? Oh, this damned declaration of the bourgeoisie.

Although he really wanted to accept it, he absolutely couldn't. Yes, absolutely not. If he deceived such a pure child, even if the gods didn't forgive him, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. His conscience would be condemned.

So now, Ryuto found himself in an extremely conflicting situation.

To dispel these thoughts, he decided to focus on the task at hand.

"In any case, let's find a way to deal with the next bomb."

"Alright."

"It seems like the next bomb is in the third floor women's restroom of the City Department Store. You can go alone."

Every time he mentioned this, he couldn't help but complain. Why did it have to be in the women's restroom?

Upon hearing this, Hiyori asked with some confusion.

"Hmm? Ryuto, aren't you coming?"

"...”

How should I express my complaints as the protagonist? Ryuto's brain started spinning rapidly, trying to come up with a reason.

"Well, time is running out and your speed is faster than mine, so there's no point in me going."

As for why there was no point in him going, Ryuto didn't say.After all, I must uphold my principles, even though principles don't have much value. But that cannot be a reason for me to abandon my principles.

"Oh, I see."

"Yes, I will still give necessary instructions over the phone, and there's really nothing to worry about."

"?"

"I believe the next task should be easier, at least much easier than before."

"Alright."

Fortunately, Hiyori is naive enough not to ask further questions. Otherwise, Ryuto doesn't know what to say. By the way, why does he feel an inexplicable sense of guilt? This doesn't count as deception. He is always an honest and law-abiding citizen.

"Okay then, I'll contact you again later."

With that, Ryuto hung up the phone.

"Sigh, this overtime is really inhumane, and there's not even a salary. Seems like they don't consider corporate slaves as human beings, huh?"

Ryuto couldn't help but sigh, completely unaware of the person approaching with strong murderous intent from behind.