The Caged White Rose

Huh? That's...

I see. They place attractive items in places where the customer's eye will naturally fall upon entering.

And here are the sale items... High-priced custom pieces... Brand goods here...

Hey, Hismena.

Eeek?! A-Aldo?

S-sorry, I didn't mean to startle you there.

I really do wish you'd stop that habit of approaching people without saying a word...

I hardly expected to meet you here. Are you also interested in clothing?

No, I just happened to see you and thought I'd say hi. Are you back to observing?

Yes. In my time layer, this store is enfranchised to the Lunabright family. But I see that's not the case here. That does make my observations rather easier...

Really? Wouldn't it be easier to observe from the selling side in a store your family owns?

Every time I enter a Lunabright store, all the employees immediately bow their heads to me. It makes natural observation very difficult.

Wow.

I think that about does it.

I'll be moving on to the next shop on my list. And you, Aldo?

Hm...since I'm here, mind if I tag along? This is a fresh new way to look at things for me.

Excellent. I was just thinking I would like company for tea.

Tea?

Yes. My next stop is the crown jewel among the Lunabright family's holdings...

La Vie En Rose!

I admit, I panicked a bit earlier. I didn't think you'd declare you wanted the place cleared out.

M-my apologies. Every time I've come before, it's been cleared out for observation, that's all...

So La Vie En Rose is under the Lunabright name in both time layers, you said, right? So you've come before? What's left to observe, then?

Quite a lot, really. Take the menu, for example. It's entirely different from what they serve in my time layer.

Really? I guess you said the last shop was different in your world too.

...Yes. I suppose I should make sure you're aware of the situation in my original time layer.

You are aware that KMS doesn't exist in my time layer, yes?

Yeah...they fought Cardinal Vestige, and they ended up losing.

Yes. I'm told they are working toward rebuilding now...but no one can say when that will be.

Yes. They did.

That day, when KMS collapsed... The world changed that day. Societal infrastructure failed. The economy collapsed. Thousands were left unemployed, even homeless. The impact upon Elzion alone was almost incalculable.

Yeah...it must have been a real blow to all the regular people.

Yes. But the business world had long been prepared to minimize the shockwaves of the collapse.

Long? You mean, people knew KMS was going to collapse?

Yes. The three leading families of Elzion had been informed... By Cardinal Vestige, itself.

What?!

It seems they had debated quite vigorously, amongst themselves and with the Administrator... Regarding how best to keep society functioning in a post-KMS world.

The conclusion they reached was to divide KMS's responsibilities among the Three Families.

Oh...

Of note, how to deal with the impending unemployment crisis was an extremely pressing concern. My father looked high and low for a means to support so many people suddenly left without income. Including buying out a struggling apparel shop, for example, or a chain of movie theaters.

Then, that clothing shop... And the movie theater... I see. It sounds like your dad saved a lot of people, huh?

Yes, I quite admired him. He was always very easy on me. I'm sure what drove him to grow so strict was the desire to safeguard my future prospects.

But you're standing in as the family head now, right? How did that happen?

Well...

......! Hide, Aldo!

Huh?!

...I see. This does seem more sheltered from prying eyes.

Right. And it's more convincing to explain at the place itself.

That's...Hismena?!

So it is the me from this world.

Yeah. What a coincidence. But we don't need to hide, right? She knows about the Twilight Time Layer, so if we just explain... Or is there some reason you'd rather not be seen?

......

Yes. I do have a reason. For now, let's simply observe.

You want to eavesdrop? That's not a good thing to do.

That student there is a member of the San family.

The San family? You mean...

You recall the other day, yes?

What is a member of the San family doing speaking to the heiress of the Lunabright family? ...It could be that their revenge for that incident is currently lined up at the wrong target.

Revenge? What are they going to do?

...I won't know unless I have a chance to listen in.

You really did us a favor the other day, I must say.

I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. In any case, shall we move on to today's main topic, hm?

Yeah, you're right. Let's get this started.

Do you know this place's market value, by chance?

The market value of La Vie En Rose? Why would you ask such a thing?

...Let's lower our voices. It wouldn't do to be overheard.

They quieted down. I can't hear what they're saying!

Yeah. What's going on? I can't follow at all.

Look, they've finished.

...Fascinating. I would love to hear more.

Excellent. Now we can start talking concrete figures. Let's head to the theater. We can discuss more there.

Whew. With you talking about revenge, I was ready for him to try to kidnap her or something like that. What were they talking about? Markets and values?

...The San family is using me to buy out La Vie En Rose.

Buy out?!

It must be. There would be no reason to approach "me" with such a conversation otherwise. Let's hurry after them. I assume they are headed to our theater in the Gamma District.

No...not only La Vie En Rose, but the theater as well?!

Okay. Let's hurry there.

I see...the theater, as well. You've thought this through.

Well? What do you think? Is my proposal satisfactory?

Yes, you certainly were convincing. The risk is high...

True, it's not a cheap proposal. But you know it'll go through. And we'll both be rolling in cash.

Indeed, we'll both benefit. In that case, I think...

I knew it... The San family want to buy out not only La Vie En Rose, but this movie theater as well.

Wait a minute. I thought about it, and... I can't believe Hismena would just agree to sell off her family's stuff all willy-nilly.

She's been misled. He's doctoring the numbers to make it look as though both families will gain greater profit. If her father is still healthy, then it makes even more sense to leverage this plot against her.

If...?

They're on the move!

Are we still following them?

Yes. This may be a different world...

But I won't allow anyone to take advantage of the Lunabright family!

Hismena!

Thank you for today. You've given me much to think about.

Not at all. Glad you enjoyed our talk. I can't claim to represent my house, though. So let's make sure this all stays a secret, yeah?

Yes, I understand.

Oh, and about that debt... This doesn't make us even.

Whatever debt you mean, it has nothing to do with me.

I wouldn't say that. We'll pay back what we owe.

...I don't tell lies. Unlike a certain someone.

Phew. How troublesome.

That guy was talking about the "debt" again, I think.

Yes. And he cautioned her not to mention it to her father.

That settles it. The San family is attempting to intimidate her into allowing their acquisitions.

But saying that this "debt" remains unpaid because both families will profit from the arrangement...

Unbelievable. To go so far off of one single insult...

Just how far do they intend to take this charade?!

Calm down, Hismena. We don't know for sure...

I will not calm down! This is my fault, for giving the San family an excuse!

I won't allow them to use my carelessness as a cudgel to harm this time layer's Lunabrights. But neither will I stand by and watch while the other me sells away her family's holdings!

I must stop her!

Hismena...

Huh? Wait a minute. What'd she say about the theater?

Anyway, let's catch up. Looks like she went for Route 99.

Hold it right there!

Oh my, Aldo. And... You must be the Twilight version of myself, I presume?

Huh? You know already?

I put the question to Mana. She was unusually cagey about her recent visit to Port Lezona.

I see. That helps matters along. Stop this foolishness about selling assets to the San family!

I'm sure I have no idea what you mean.

I do feel bad for my part in this. You've been threatened as a direct result of my careless actions. But let me say this, as acting head of the Lunabright family.

You do not understand how heavy this burden is, The responsibility to protect and lead this family into the future!

I'm well aware of the state of matters in the Twilight Time Layer. I can surmise how heavy a burden was placed upon the family in the chaos following KMS's collapse.

But why was it you who shouldered that heavy burden, and not your father?

...... Father is unwell.

...!

So that's it...

He's been in a coma for many years now. They came for the family holdings as soon as Father fell. Not only the other two Families. I was approached by grifters, scammers, and ne'er-do-wells one after the other.

In the middle of societal collapse, they thought of nothing more than lining their pockets off our misfortune! And I could do precious little to stop them. When I should have been using that money to protect people!

Hismena...

...That's a relief.

Huh?

You seem to be suffering under a misapprehension. I have no intention to sell any family assets.

You liar! Explain your conversation with that San family boy, then!

Of course. That was simply a bit of on-the-scene investigation.

On the...what?

We've been receiving reports of financial fraud targeting students of the IDA School in this area. The frauds say that La Vie En Rose will be undergoing a change in management in the near future... And by investing now, the students can expect to see huge profit returns. Of course, no such change will happen, and the fraudsters quickly disappear along with the money.

Then, that boy...

He reported to me that he had been approached by the fraud ring. He even studied their tricks and methods.

No way... Then I misunderstood entirely?

Not for no reason, in fairness. I asked him to demonstrate how the culprits spoke and acted for me.

So that's what it was. It did feel like something was weird. The Lunabrights only bought out the theater after KMS collapsed. But that didn't happen here, so...

Exactly. That theater doesn't belong to us. I have no ability to sell it even if I had wanted to.

...Forgive me. I let my emotions get the better of me.

...... There's much I would like to talk to you about, but I would like to deal with this fraud first. Could I ask for your assistance?

Of course. Simply tell me what I must do.

I'll help, too.

Here is what I know so far. The fraud ring brings their targets to La Vie En Rose to discuss the false buyout rumors.

Talking to their targets in the shop makes it seem more believable that they're truly investing. Then, they go to the theater to perform the actual transaction. They pretend it's to avoid a leak of confidential information, but it's really to avoid leaving proof.

These jerks know how to sell the story...

Yes. But they grew overconfident in approaching the San family.

They are remarkably sensitive to falsehoods. Targeting them for fraud was a foolish mistake.

I see. So he pretended to be taken in, so he could see how they were selling it.

Do we know where their headquarters are located?

We have reason to believe they operate out of the Industrial Ruins.

I see. That is a problem.

A problem? How so?

Their base of operations, and the locations where they perpetrate their fraud, are in Elzion. To be frank, it's beyond our jurisdiction. I do not officially have the right to investigate.

Oh, right. It was the same when we investigated those missing students before.

Back then, I was able to use my family name to force the issue, given the urgency of the situation. But I can't simply do so every time.

I was hoping to have a plan in mind by the time I arrived at their base, but matters haven't cooperated.

...I have an idea. It may end up rather perilous...

Hismena! How did it go?

It went well. That's everything ready.

Great! Let's hurry to the Industrial Ruins.

Just a moment. I just received an email.

...She's made contact with the fraud ring.

Really? Where?

From this positioning data... Not far from the building where the San family girl was kept.

Okay. Let's go. Also, when did you get so familiar with this area, anyway? Didn't you get lost last time?

H-hush. I came back several times afterward and committed the area to memory. I would never have been able to visit this part of the city in my original time layer.

Haha. You really are amazing.

Now, now. I will not be giving you a coin, no matter how you may praise me.

Now, let's hurry. She's waiting for us.

I see. So you came to us because you're interested in a real fat deal.

Yes. You are collecting funds to develop La Vie En Rose in a new direction, yes?

That's right. Buy in with us, and you'll get a return dozens of times what you put in. So, how much can I put you down for, eh?

I was thinking 100,000 to begin.

A hund...?!

...Are you serious? We're running a real business here, just so you know. We have no time for jokes.

Perhaps you should check your balance before doubting.

W-wow, it's really in there! 100,000 on the dot!

What a shock. Seems like we've found ourselves a real angel.

Well then, that's all settled. We'll be contacting you in the near future with updates...

Wait, please. I would like to see your proof.

Huh? Uh...proof?

Your proof of concept. How are you guaranteeing the promised returns for investors? Given that this project involves a Lunabright family property, surely you've submitted a proposal?

W-well, uh... It's confidential info, sorry. Can't show it to any outsiders.

A shame. Then I will be retracting all my funding, effective immediately. Return my money, if you would.

What?! You...!

Huh?! B-Boss! Thought I'd seen this chick around somewhere before! She's Lunabright! She's their dang heiress!

What?! No way! I checked her student ID myself! It said "Hismena Bluerose"!

...Sigh. It really is troublesome having a well-known face.

Still, you were rather careless. You work in defrauding people, and you never considered the possibility someone might use a faked ID?

Are you trying to entrap us?! You've got no proof!

I made sure to record our talk. And my account statement should also prove material harm.

Damn it, you tricked us!

You have no grounds to be upset, after using our establishment's name to swindle schoolchildren. Now, answer me truthfully. Did you devise this on your own? Or were you put up to it?

Hah. Like we'd tell you if we were? And more importantly... Who's the careless one now?!

It was stupid to come alone! Time to learn how harsh the real world can be, you sheltered brat!

Alone? Me? Oh, perhaps you didn't see her? The silver rose that gleams even in the darkness.

What?! Who are you?!

They're identical! I didn't know she had a twin!

Great! We got all the proof we're going to need.

Perfect timing, too. Any later, and I would have had to defeat them myself. But I would like to let her handle them. As a treat.

How dare you use the Lunabright name for illicit purposes? I will never forgive you! Come on, you two!

Oh, may I?

Of course. You must be offended as well, after all.

...Yes. Not to your extent, but yes.

Damn it! Fine, take them all out!

I am Hismena Lunabright! I swear on this rose...

I am IDEA's right hand, Hismena. I swear on this uniform...

You will pay for your crimes!

Eeep! B-Boss! They're too strong!

O-okay! Okay, okay, you win! We give up! We surrender!

They're giving up? Great. Okay, all that's left...

Are these the ones who have been causing us trouble?

I must admit, I was surprised when you asked us to take these men into custody in your stead.

I apologize. Due to the circumstances, I preferred not to have the Lunabright name publicly involved.

I see. Perhaps we may call this an "eclipse" plan, to hide Luna's bright light?

Yes, I suppose. Thank you very much for agreeing to assist us on such sudden notice.

But of course. You did save the life of our young mistress, after all. Her honored brother was very pleased to be able to repay you.

Her brother?

The student who assisted me.

Oh! He was her brother?!

Didn't you know?

Well, as you can see, your good deed has come back around, and helped us assist many more students.

I see...

The Lunabright family is truly in good hands, I see. You are blessed with a bold, and dependable, heiress. I had not expected you to go so far as to prepare a body double, though.

A body double...

Now, our debt is formally settled... But I pray our families may continue in good fellowship from here on.

Yes, of course. I feel the same.

And so, I will take my leave. Please pardon me.

They seem like good folks.

Yes. In my time layer, our families are quite hostile to one another... I see that a different history makes for different circumstances.

Thank you both. This incident is resolved. Now...would you two care to join me in my chambers? I would love to have a talk with you.

Your chambers? Absolutely not. If I were to be discovered by a member of the family...

Don't worry, Hismena has a room in the student dormitory too.

Ah! You do?

Yes. It's a little cramped compared to my home, but...

In that case, I would gladly go. ...It must be nice, to have such a room.

Meeting a parallel Isuka was enough of a shock already... But I must say, meeting an alternate version of myself is a much more uncanny feeling.

Before anything else, please let me apologize. I leapt to conclusions, and I said horrible things to you. To imply that you had been deceived into betraying your family's trust... I cannot take those words back.

Please, don't worry. You simply felt strongly about the situation, yes?

Yeah. It goes to show how much you treasure your family, I think.

Perhaps, but...

I was always told to become the "white rose" of my family. A rose that sparkled in the moonlight, that could take on any color as needed.

But your blue rose is the color of the sky on a full moon's night, deep and proud and strong... I...envied that, perhaps. I envied you. And so, truth be told, I didn't want to meet with you.

So that's why.

I apologize for asking something heartless, but...what happened to Father in the Twilight Time Layer?

...It was just as the war was beginning to come to a close. Father attended a gathering called by the Administrator to discuss what would happen after the war. KMS's soldiers stormed the building in the middle of the conference. Father threw himself in the way of a bullet meant for the Administrator.

......I see.

Of course, the Lunabright family immediately descended into chaos. It was unknown when, or if, the family head would regain consciousness. But, neither had he passed away. The issue of succession quickly threatened to tear the family apart into a civil war.

So that's why you're the stand-in.

Yes. But...I had nothing. No wisdom, nor experience, nor connections.

That's why you shine so brightly to me. You have all the strength that I lack.

You appraise me too highly. We may be from different worlds, but you and I are the same person on the inside, I feel. Besides, you have your own strength that I lack. Don't you see?

Huh?

You've come face to face with the weakness inside both of us. There's another me inside. A sad, despairing girl, lacking confidence, powerless to escape her cage.

I never once dreamed that strength could be found in the way you found it.

The way I found it...?

Yes. Even in that cage, surrounded by thorns and enemies on all sides... You sought to beat your wings and fly all the same, holding strong in the face of your terrible pain. That's a form of strength I lack, and where you shine.

Hngh!

That's why I found myself relieved. I had always feared becoming that colorless pale rose... But that glimmering white looks beautiful on you.

...Thank you, Hismena.

And thank you as well, Aldo. Without you, I would never have met her or Mana.

I didn't do a thing. All this is thanks to your efforts.

...Now, then! Enough moody talk. Since we're all here, shall we play a game together?

A game? You mean, an online game?!

Absolutely! I would love to! I've always wanted to try one!

I-is that so? Alright. I would be happy to teach you, closely and thoroughly. Do you have a student pass?

Huh? Yes, why?

Are you going to do the thing?

Yes, the thing.

What thing...?

But we seem to be short a terminal. Should I return to my home? You could use this one here...

I'll let you borrow my room. You two have fun together.

Are you sure?

Yeah, it's not every day a chance like this comes around, right? Besides, I'm sure there's more private stuff you'd like to talk about, so I won't hang around.

Well, if you're certain... I think I would like that. I would hate to leave your room unattended, though. Will you return in, shall we say two hours?

Don't worry about it. Take all the time you want.

Oh, how exciting! My very first online game!

Hm? If it isn't Aldo.

You look exhausted. Is everything alright?

Y-yeah. Just some stuff... You know how it is. What are you two up to? I thought your room was in another dorm, Isuka?

We've been told that the two Hismenas were instrumental in solving this whole fraud epidemic we've had.

Curio could barely sit still wondering how Twilight Hismena has been holding up, so we came to see her.

I can't argue with that, haha.

Haha. I know you're really close with her too, right, Isuka?

That's true.

You know, roses are famed for their vibrant colors and scent, but also for their tenacity and vitality.

Do you know why a rose has thorns?

Huh? Isn't it to keep them from being eaten by animals?

That's partially true, yes. But there's another theory. That the thorns help them hook onto other plants as they grow, to keep them from falling as they ascend.

So they grow thorns to keep from falling over? Roses really are hardy flowers, huh.

Yes. That's why I consider them beautiful, personally. She will never fall. That's why I trust in her, and why I respect her so much.

Certainly so. With the blue rose and the white rose supporting each other, they'll have nothing to fear.

Right. And they have you, too.

Me? As I said before, I'm afraid I can't offer her very much help at all.

Of course you can. You already have, see? You said she was a lot stiffer when you first met her, right? Who do you think got her to loosen up?

...Do you have any proof for that supposition, or are you just guessing?

Okay, I don't have any proof. But I can see it when she talks to you, that's all.

Haha. How am I supposed to argue against that with logic?

Thank you. That helps.

...Hehe.

By the way, Aldo. Where are they, anyway?

Oh, about that...

They refuse to leave Lord of Mana. It's been half the day already...

>Grr...

>Hmph!