My Glasses Will Be Able to Conquer the Whole World, I Suppose

Chapter 194 – Glasses Boy’s Direct Inquiry. Uncovering the Shocking Truth – Cherry Arc

“…Wouldn’t it be quicker to go straight to the point? Let’s ask directly.”

Finally, Chace spoke up, delving into the heart of the matter.

“That might be more efficient.”

There are many things to consider, but, in the end, there are two available approaches.

Bring up the topic of the Tower of Bryne and see how things go, or continue to observe silently.

For now, disclosing information about the Tower of Bryne should occur after introducing the topic.

Depending on the other person’s reaction, we can adjust our actions accordingly.

Ideally, establishing a shared understanding such as, “I’ll subtly guide or drop hints, but won’t provide explicit details,” would be beneficial.

Like Chace, I’m also against giving direct answers.

Whether we subtly guide or drop hints, I want them to figure it out on their own.

… Especially Florentine, who appears to be struggling. Ideally, I’d appreciate it if everyone could collectively guide her.

“Let’s start by asking Cherry. Save Florentine for last.”

“Yeah. That guy is seriously messed up.”

Chace said it with a serious expression.

“He’s not on our side anymore. He’s with the kids.”

Yeah… What led to such a situation?

Despite his childish appearance and behavior, he was, in essence, more mature than any of us.

…If someone were to claim that was his true self, then so be it.

Maybe we simply didn’t know Florentine well enough or didn’t comprehend her at all. If that’s the case, it’s a bit disheartening, but oh well.

Well, setting that aside.

If Cherry joins our side, there won’t be a need for secrecy anymore.

After all, everyone involved will be in the loop.

Once Cherry is on our side, we can subtly guide everyone, including the clueless Florentine, through various means, much like guiding a small child on their first errand, and witness the achievement with heartfelt satisfaction.

Adhering to the condition of “no one must find out” could pose some challenges, but if that’s not the case, the process should be straightforward.

……

Would this work?

“Hydra, what are your thoughts?”

I attempted to seek her opinion while she remained engrossed in the hand mirror.

“I’m sorry. I am strictly neutral, and I am prohibited from influencing not only the outcomes but any information that might lead to them. You’ve already reached the Tower of Bryne, and you can go anytime if you wish. Consequently, I can share a lot with you. However, I cannot provide any information about those who haven’t reached there yet.”

I see. That makes sense.

This is originally an individual matter, and we, being companions, are struggling with it.

Well, I have my own challenges as well.

In an ideal scenario, each person should make their way to the Tower of Bryne in their own manner, and those who arrive should wait for those that come later. What we are thinking might be unnecessary meddling and needless worrying.

…But, should I go for it?

Due to my own challenges, I want to get them to the Tower of Bryne as soon as possible.

This is my situation, and it’s also my reason to take action.

Though I agree with Hydra’s perspective, I’ve decided to exclude the “comfort of being together” from the prohibition on joining. Currently, this could impact the time I dedicate to training at the Tower of Bryne.

I’ll watch and, if needed, offer hints or guidance after some stimulation. When not needed,  I’ll refrain from intervening.

“Chace, could you bring Cherry here?”

“Huh, are we discussing it now?”

“Sooner is preferable. Honestly, handling Florentine seems more complex than dealing with Cherry. I’d like to allocate time to that.”

“Yeah… Well, it’s logical. Since we’re all here, let’s discuss it now.”

…With that, I’ll step back. I might just be a hindrance.

Hydra stood up still engrossed in the hand mirror and quickly left the room. It seems she has a fondness for makeup.

…Now, I’ll have a conversation with Cherry about the Tower of Bryne.

…There, an unexpected truth awaited.

I intercepted Cherry, who had recently left the bath at the orphanage, and asked her to come to the room.

As Cherry settled on the bed, previously occupied by Hydra just moments ago, I directly inquired.

“Have you discovered the Tower of Bryne?”

“Eh? In the basement here?”

Cherry nonchalantly uttered those words.

“Hey! Did you know about it?”

“Well, um, not precisely. I mean, I knew… I suppose that’s how it is.”

Ah, I see. So that’s how it is.

It appears Cherry didn’t show any signs of searching for the Tower of Bryne because she had already discovered it. Searching for something already found is both impossible and pointless.

…Upon further questioning, it was revealed that Cherry didn’t end up in this orphanage by chance. She believed this place was the entrance to the Tower of Bryne.

“Eil and Chace, both of you came here with the belief that this is the place, didn’t you?”

Well, that’s accurate. Although, Chace might not be as committed to it.

……

Yeah, that’s correct. Cherry is like me.

She came here because she knew it was this place.

In that case, if everything had gone smoothly, Cherry would have reached the Tower of Bryne first since she was the first to arrive at the orphanage.

“Why did you know?”

What was the source of her information? Did she ask someone?

Did she figure it out like me or Lisse?

No, that seems too certain. Cherry hasn’t been to the Tower of Bryne yet.

In other words, she hasn’t visually confirmed the Tower of Bryne. Yet, she is convinced that “this is it,” even specifying “underground.”

That doesn’t add up.

At least until she sees the actual tower, there’s a possibility of uncertainty.

“Um… it might be a bit unfair, but…”

Huh?

“I can detect activated magic circles.”

…Magic circles?

“There’s an incredibly large and powerful magic circle at work beneath us. It’s probably a transfer magic circle employing ancient magical tools.

The town lacks any tower-like structure, but if you observe the orphanage situated atop the huge magic circle, you’ll subtly notice the headmaster and sister, both resembling assassins. That’s why I believed this could be the place.

Since I began residing here, people who shouldn’t be around have come and gone. With all this gathered information, I was certain there’s no mistake.”

……

The power of Cherry’s “Magic Circles Gift”, huh? I never thought of finding it using that method.

So that’s possible too.

Maybe it’s her expertise that enables her to sense it, or something along those lines.

“Why didn’t you mention it earlier?”

“Because you didn’t say anything. I thought you were still searching.”

“I’ve been getting there faster than you! I’ve been dramatically appearing and disappearing! Why didn’t you just say, ‘Where are you disappearing to?’ I really wanted to talk about the Tower of Bryne! I wanted to discuss it!”

“Well, you’re Chace, so I thought maybe you’re still in the middle of searching.”

“What did you say, you!”

Well, it’s because he’s Chace. I agree with Cherry on that. It’s troublesome when he gets involved.

But more importantly, with things unfolding like this, there’s one thing I don’t understand.

“Why didn’t you go to the Tower of Bryne, Cherry?”

If she had cleared that up, the conversation would have progressed quicker.

Cherry seemed overly attached to the orphanage, and maybe she didn’t think about things that might be considered unnecessary.

Then, Cherry wore a pained and sorrowful expression.

“…I was too concerned about Flo, I couldn’t bring myself to leave her…”

……

“What if I went to the Tower of Bryne first, and then I couldn’t come back here? Those who travel back and forth might have special reasons for being allowed to do so. I don’t know if just anyone can go back and forth, and I can’t confirm if I can do it. I can’t go and check after going there. If I couldn’t come back, I wouldn’t be able to take care of Flo, and I worry so much about whether she can come to the Tower of Bryne alone…”

…………

“Yeah…”

Both Chace and I sighed in agreement.