Drive in Las Vegas

Yes, it is. Nighttime is lively around here. It's nice going on walks like this now and then, isn't it, Senpai?

...Huh? Did you hear that?

Well now. Fancy seeing you here, little boy.

Good evening, Carmilla. I take it you're out on a drive?

Why yes, I am. I didn't have anything to steal tonight, so this seemed like a good way to kill time.

And as luck would have it, I was just thinking I could use another change of pace. How about coming for a spin?

Oh relax, it won't bite. Trust me, you'll love it.

What do you think, Senpai?

...You're going to risk it, huh. Understood. Then I'll come with you.

The last time we were in this car, we were so focused on escaping that we couldn't really enjoy it.

？！

Oh, wait. What about seating?

What about it? Three of you fit in there the last time, didn't you?

So fitting only two of you in the passenger seat should be easy, even if you will have to share a seat belt.

I guess so... The two of us together will still be a tight fit, but I suppose two is better than three in this case.

Though I do have to ask: Is it legal to ride like that in America?

Hohoho, Servants hardly need concern ourselves with law. In fact, I'd love to see them try to write us a ticket.

Now stop fretting and get in already. I've got just the course in mind.

Wow, the wind really hits you in a convertible, doesn't it, Senpai? It feels wonderful!

？！

I remember Da Vinci's ornithopter was structurally similar...

...but you really can go so much faster on a paved road where there aren't any obstacles to worry about.

...Um, though of course, you still need to be careful not to drive TOO fast, okay?

If something were to run out onto the road, you wouldn't be able to Ah! Carmilla, look out!

Man oh man, it's gonna be a busy night. My schedule's so jam-packed you'd think I was a super hot singer.

And you'd be right to, because I totally am!

All right, I'll have to hurry if I'm gonna get to (crash) my first show on time. Time for a little shortcut across the street...

Gah!

U-um, is it just me, or did we almost run someone over!?

Someone we thankfully missed because they dived headfirst into some nearby bushes!?

Yes, you're right. It is rather refreshing to drive on a paved road with no obstacles to worry about.

Though of course, that's only to be expected, since the roads' whole raison d'être is to let cars drive smoothly.

That's why I always end up going faster than I mean to. But don't worry. I'm used to these kinds of speeds.

？！

You know, this seems like a good opportunity to chat. If there's anything you wanted to ask me, now's your chance.

？！

You don't beat around the bush, do you?

Well, it's simple. Because there's something I want.

I see... You mean like the Eye of Medjed?

I prefer not to mention this overmuch because it's not very exciting, but specifically, it's something I want to buy.

So I've been going after art in order to save up the money I need.

After all, jewels are so much lighter and fun than big heavy stacks of bills, right?

？！

Hehe. I think I'll drag that one out for a little longer, so I can see the look on your face when I tell you what it is.

I get the feeling that reckless driver really did a number on me, but there's no time to worry about that now!

Next up, my (uninvited) performance at the costume party! I'd better hurry! Time for another shortcut!

Not agaaain!?

Um, I'm pretty sure that was

Now, what were we talking about again? Oh yes, the purchase I want to make. I'm still in the planning phase for that, so you'll just have to be patient.

Hmm, I wonder who I should ask to handle the building. They'll need some knowledge of architecture, of course...

Maybe the Assyrian empress would be my best bet? I certainly wouldn't mind if it ended up floating.

Oh, I'm sorry. I just got caught up in my planning for a moment. You understand what it's like when you're looking forward to something.

All right, any other questions?

Well... I'm a little curious about this car. It's no ordinary car, is it?

No, it's not. Essentially, it's my Noble PhantasmMy Iron Maiden, given new form.

...!?

Hehe, don't worry, there won't be any spikes coming out from the seats. Unless I want them to, of course.

My usual Iron Maiden isn't what I used when I was alive either. It's only a fantasy that became associated with me.

Somebody believed Lady Carmilla must have had an Iron Maiden like that, and so I gained one as a Heroic Spirit.

So now that I'm a phantom thief, it's only natural that fantasy would change to match.

？！

(Huff, huff) N-next up, my ("surprise") show at MetalFest... Man, all these performances one after another sure takes a toll on

Oh come on!!!

...Damn, she's tougher than I thought...

Did you just whisper something, Carmilla? Have you been doing this on purpose the whole

Why, I don't know what you're talking about. Now, let's keep this drive and the pointless chitchat going a little longer, shall we?

...I think I can finish this with the next one.

Look out! The gas pedal is stuck!

Damn, so close...

All right, fine. I suppose we'll just have to settle this outside the car.

I'll say I had to look out! You could've killed me!

So you're the one who's nearly been running me over all night! And here I thought you were an assassin sent from an evil idol agency to ruin my tour!

It's a good thing my senses were already finely honed for my next show, or I'd never have dodged in time!

Seriously, I can't afford to get in an accident right now.

There's a mysterious gate to another world I was planning to go through (unauthorized) so I could fight monsters with the power of song for my fourth show of the night!

Then you're lucky I spared you from inadvertently ending up as that world's demonic overlord. Say, if the shock of your new surroundings warped cause and effect, sending you back in time or something.

No way that would happen! I'm gonna fight there like the brave hero I am! I'll probably end up facing off with some woman in a red dress for the final battle!

Speaking of, what's with you? You look different somehow...

Hehe... Hehehehe!

Why did she take her clothes off!?

Huh? She left her calling card again, but this time there's no message on the back...

It's just a glamour shot of Carmilla in her swimsuit!

Swimsuit...!? I-is that what's going on here?

W-well, it's normal for idols to dress up in swimsuits! Expected, even! Besides, this armor practically is a bikini!

Don't be ridiculous. You know that "practically" and "actually" are very, very different things. That dated armor may look like a bikini, but it's a far cry from the real deal.

Oh yeah? You haven't won yet! Hey, Puppy! Whose side are you on!?

？！

Don't you dare drag Master into this. It's disgraceful. This is exactly why you'll never be a real socialite.

You know, I thought you were beneath me, but seeing you like this makes me want to run you over for good.

Right back at you! Who cares if you have a swimsuit now? It's still just one new outfit!

Besides, if you're going to deny this is a real swimsuit, I can just take yours for myself!

After all, slaying monsters and taking their gear is something brave heroes like me do all the time!

Go ahead! I'd love to see you try!

(Huff, huff...)

(Gasp, gasp...)

Stop this! You shouldn't be fighting amongst your... Um, self?

What are we going to do, Master? I don't think they'll listen to us.

Maybe we should find someone to help...

You two! Cut it out!

No crime will go unpunished as long as this space cop, paid three Vegas Burgers a day for her services, is alive and on the case!

You there, the driver of the red car! Do you know how many times my ether scanner caught you speeding tonight!?

Not only that, my detective's intuition is telling me you've committed a boatload of other crimes too!

Wait, wait, don't tell me... You're a dine and dasher, aren't you?

You couldn't possibly be further off the mark, but either way, I'm not going to jail.

Sorry you two, but that's all for tonight.

I know I got caught up in trying to squash that pesky insect once I happened to catch sight of her, but I really was hoping to enjoy our drive together.

And you know, I'd say it turned out nicely. Thanks, little boy. I'm glad we got to chat.

？！

I feel the same way. Thank you!

Hehe, you shouldn't be so quick to thank me. I'm quite devious, you know.

For example...

This could all have been a front to case a target I failed to steal before.

So watch yourselves. Once you receive my calling card, it's already too late.

Hold it! ...Hm? What's this card? Did she write her own ticket!? That's a new one!

Ugh, that was awful.

Well, enough about her. I still have my next show to

As for you, you're under suspicion of breaking and entering into crowded venues and using weapons of mass hearing loss.

Come with me. You can tell me your side of the story at the station.

Stop, or I'll have to add "resisting arrest" to your crimes!

But I was just giving my fans what they want!

I know I said it's nice that nights are so lively here...but there's something to be said for silence, too.

Shall we take a nice, long walk back to the hotel, Senpai?