Chapter 210: Shocking Facts (3)

“You’re right. But at this stage, we don’t have any leads on the terrorists. All we’ve caught are a few insignificant people, and the key man in black is still at large. If we keep dragging this out, who knows what they’ll do next? So even if there’s only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, we should still give it a try.”

“I suppose you’re right...”

“We tried to find out what was inside, but unfortunately, it seems to be password-protected.”

“A password?”

“Yes. And it’s no ordinary password. Even with a computer, it’d take several days to crack.”

“That’s a shame.”

Marquis Delance nodded helplessly.

“However, Mr. Amagi seems to have a way.”

“Huh...?”

Ignoring Marquis Delance’s confused murmur, everyone’s gaze naturally turned to Ryuto.

And Ryuto...

“Huh? Me...?”

The turn of events had been so sudden that he clearly hadn’t caught up yet.

He just pointed at himself, looking bewildered.

Why is everyone looking at me? I just want to quietly hang around on the sidelines. Is that really too much to ask?

Ryuto had no idea what was going on, but with a bad feeling about it, he couldn’t help complaining.

“Ms. Katsuragi said that you might be able to crack this password in the shortest possible time, Mr. Amagi.”

“Huh? Why would I be able to?”

Ryuto couldn’t help looking at Reimi Katsuragi.

Oh, come on...

Stabbing me in the back at a crucial moment? That’s seriously messed up. You can’t do that to me!

Reimi Katsuragi, meanwhile, replied with a perfectly calm expression.

“I heard that you, Amagi Ryuto, are good at this sort of thing.”

“Huh? Why would you say that?”

“Because...”

After a brief pause, someone spoke up.

“Aren’t all shut-in otaku like that? Besides, I heard at school that you’re no ordinary shut-in otaku.”

She said it as though it were only natural.

“...”

Ryuto was at a loss for words.

What does being a shut-in otaku have to do with it? That’s such a ridiculous reason. And yet, somehow, I can’t refute it.

Seeing that Ryuto wasn’t saying anything, Crepes Clair asked again.

“Mr. Amagi, could you help us?”

“Uh...”

Why ask me like that? Have you already decided I can do it?

“No, that’s not the issue...”

Ryuto could only manage an awkward smile.

“I see...”

Crepes Clair turned away, looking thoughtful.

Hmm...

Did I finally get out of it? Anyway, I just want to quietly stay on the sidelines.

Just as Ryuto was congratulating himself...

“If you’re worried about equipment, there’s no need, Mr. Amagi. We’ve already prepared what you’ll need.”

As she spoke, Crepes Clair turned back and placed a laptop—wherever she’d gotten it—right in front of Ryuto.

“Huh...?”

“We didn’t know what you’d need to crack it, so we only prepared this. But if there’s anything else you need, just let us know.”

“...”

Did you understand what I meant just now? Did you really understand what I meant? Why do you naturally assume I’m worried about the equipment? Is she really that trustworthy? Couldn’t you at least ask if I can do it? Why...?

Hmm...

It really feels like we’re from different worlds. What is this? It’s like none of these people are from the same world as me. Either they can’t communicate, or they’re filthy rich. Am I the only normal one here?

No, in this situation, I’m probably the one who looks like the oddball.

Perhaps noticing that Ryuto had gone quiet, Crepes Clair stepped closer and asked him:

“Mr. Amagi, is there anything else you need?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Even Ryuto couldn’t seem to find an excuse to get out of it now.