Part 24: Contact
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BGM: Rinka's Room
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She places both of her hands on the glass and takes a sip. You can tell she was raised to be a proper lady based on how she handles things like that. I thought the same back at the family restaurant. I nod as a means to urge her to continue. She almost seems like a different person compared to how she was messing around with Lethe.
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It's not like I trusted her out of instinct. And certainly not because she's a kid. That's why I took a detour on our way back here. There could've been someone following us on the off chance that she's cooperating with other participants, so I wanted to make sure of that first.
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I only trust in myself.
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Just as we are about to get into the thick of it, Lethe meows and lies down underneath the table. I assume it feels satisfied after having its milk.
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Sonya watches it curl up with a smile on her face.
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While not enough to create a new card, I still opt to listen to her life's story instead. The fact that she's telling me this means she's fine with revealing her cause of death. She really is convinced that she'll be the next person eliminated. But why?
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Her words trigger my own book lighting up, creating a new card. Sonya smiles when she sees that happen. But unlike her smile in the family restaurant, there is an echo of sadness within it. Her child-like innocence clashes heavily with her mature realization that she's just come a step closer to being eliminated.
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BGM: Silence
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The worst possible situation springs to mind when I hear that. It sounds like something Alan Scorpion would do.
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Her denial only serves to worry me more. All it means is that there are others willing to resort to the same methods as him.
BGM: Villain
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I shake my head in response. Numeral III Federico Carminati. I ended up with his name card during the initial distribution. Having seen him in the dream world multiple times, I know he's tall and slender. As for Numeral XI, she's the one responsible for eliminating Numeral VII. Much like Alan, her eyes are as frigid as they come. Those two working together definitely comes as a surprise. I figured I would have the advantage against Numeral III because I have his name card, but if he's with her, that's no longer the case. Realizing that I've interrupted her, I apologize and wait for her to pick up where she left off.
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Damn! She's got more guts than that old geezer, despite her age. That's what I'm talking about. I can't believe Sonya threatened me, y'know? Geez, if she wants to see the world, maybe I'll let her after showing that kind of bravado. Say what you will, but I like this kid.
Numeral XI was apparently full of cheer as she praised Sonya for her rebellious act. She had a condition, though. Sonya wasn't allowed to be with her parents until her last day, as a means to prevent them from trying anything. So long as she did that, they were willing to both spare her parents and let her do as she pleased.
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BGM: Rinka's Room
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That might explain the sadness in her smile earlier. I'm not sure whether the doctors or her parents told her, but she's likely been informed of how long she has to live multiple times. But just by looking at her, I can tell that she's been raised with love. However, her inevitable death has probably been looming over her head ever since she found out. Just because she knows and has accepted her death doesn't mean she isn't scared to face it, of course.
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I pat her head. I should have learned with Keiko that getting attached to other participants is dangerous, and yet I can't stop myself. Sonya likely gave up on her life and chose to act like she's fine for the sake of her parents and those around her. I refuse to believe that she's truly accepted it, though. Her expression right now proves it to me.
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I don't have the means to provide her with true salvation. I do feel for her, though. No one should have to go through what she has at such a young age, but I can't give my own life in exchange. I can't forget that I just met her today, too. We're not even friends. And yet, for some reason, I'm wracking my brain for her sake. This entire time, she's been wearing a peculiar expression on her face. She likely doesn't truly understand her feelings yet. Not that I can blame her; I'm in the same boat.
Lethe has disappeared at some point during our chat. The light reflects off its empty milk bowl, casting a strong shadow. I spend the rest of the time just patting Sonya's head.
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Cardbook has updated.
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I Name Shishimai Rinka
III Name Federico Carminati
IV Cause of Death Fire
VIII Name Kamebuchi Keiko
VIII Cause of Death Brain Hemorrhage
VIII Regret Child's Name
IX Regret Gold Medal
X Name Sofiya Priessnitz Alexeievna
X Regret Seeing the World
XII Name Alan Scorpion
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X Name Sofiya Priessnitz Alexeievna
X Regret Seeing the World