Chapter 92

What I found in that mailbox was so shocking that for a moment my vision went dark and I nearly fainted. And then I thought: Have I just used up a lifetime's worth of luck?

I'd never dreamed that, out of tens of thousands of entrants, I'd win a prize limited to only two pairs.

"......Miiko"

I murmur the name of my childhood friend who isn't here right now.

It's thanks to her, I suppose. I'd never have been interested in a contest that went, "Buy ten light novels from FF Bunko and enter to win an other-world experience tour," if I'd been alone.

Miiko had said, "Come on, we'll get taken to the author's mountain villa, and we'll be able to talk with models and light-novel authors we'd never meet normally, right?" and she shoved the entry form at me, forcing me to buy several light novels too.

At the time my only goal was buying books to kill time; there was no way we'd win a tour. I just dreamed that maybe I could chat about light novels with Miiko......

But reality is cruel. Maybe the god who made this world has a twisted sense of humor.

The future I'd pictured—being with Miiko—was crushed, and yet I was chosen to join the tour. It really is strange. I sighed at the thought.

"Well...... I'll still go."

For the day Miiko comes back. So I'll have memories from the tour to tell her about.

I resolved to take part and checked the guidelines.

The tour would take place during winter break, right before New Year's: four nights, five days of "other-world" experiences. That was the headline, but the real purpose was publicity. Light-novel beauties, models, and talents would gather to film commercials for their works and collaborating companies' products.

Apparently I'm especially important to the event. Some stories feature a protagonist surrounded by girls in another world, living out a harem. I'm to experience that harem and stand in the center shouting lines.

A bit embarrassing, maybe, but a year from now everyone will have forgotten some light-novel CM. I'll just be a temporary celebrity. Probably no problem.

The packing list came with strict limits. Each person could bring only one item of their choosing. When we entered, Miiko and I wrote down "pencil and notebook." Because of fears of hidden filming, only approved people may bring smartphones or cameras. To record memories we'll have to rely on writing implements and paper.

Things to kill time with are provided at the villa. They'll also prepare four nights' worth of clothes. Miiko and I even had to write down each other's body sizes.

There's no other information. If we need to contact them we're to call the number written on the paper we have.

The problem is Miiko. She's not in a position to join the project right now. I ought to forfeit, but the planners have probably already prepared meals and changes of clothes for the required number. Not sending a substitute would feel rude.

But is there anyone suitable?

The clothing issue means it has to be a girl. Someone who can wear Miiko's size and will agree to go on a harem tour with me......

I don't think anyone in my class or school fits. Even when I read in the classroom, girls' chatter only annoys me. I've never seen a girl who seemed bothered by that.

It's safe to assume there are no light-novel fans or rom-com lovers around me.

Speaking of girls near me......

I contacted a certain person. Of everyone I know, she has the widest lateral connections with girls. She's the detective I hate, but as a detective she knows all sorts of people—so I'll use her.

When we met, the first words out of her mouth were a complaint.

"Hey! Why on earth is our meeting spot in front of a hospital? I was once hospitalized here!"

"It's the closest place to my house that both you and I know."

"......At least think about bad luck or whatever. Well, the moment you and I gathered, any good luck was already ruined anyway!"

The one who calls it bad luck is Eniwa Chikage. She's a detective who's been showing up at every crime scene I visit lately.

Or rather, the place where we meet always becomes a crime scene—that's the trend. Just as she says, you could only call it bad luck.

But luck is just luck. Not every place we meet turns into a crime scene. I decided not to worry and sat on a nearby bench to start talking.

"Then I'll sit down first...... Detective Chikage, do you know any girls who know light novels well?"

"Light novels? Why? Planning to become a light-novel author?"

"Wrong. Why limit it to girls?"

"That's true...... So what? Haven't had any luck with girls lately, so you'll hit on light-novel lovers? I'm not a dating app, you know."

I started to deny it, but what I'm doing—using a detective to find a person—is basically the same as using a dating app.

I cleared my throat to dodge the issue and then explained why I was looking for someone.

"No, that's not it. I won the raffle for a light-novel tour. So I can attend...... but I'm short one girl. I'm looking for someone. We're supposed to be a pair, but now one spot is empty."

While I spoke I showed her the envelope that proved I'd won. Before I noticed, she was gripping it with surprising strength.

"Seriously?"

"Huh?"

"It's not fake or anything, right?"

"Huh? Huh? I believe it's genuine."

"Really, really? Ah, but then the clothes have to fit my size......"

The more I listened, the more I wanted to shout. "How do you know we had to write sizes on the application form for this project?!"

"Detective Chikage...... Could it be? You know—mumble mumble."

I whispered Miiko's three sizes and build so no one else could hear.

Words gave me the answer to my earlier question.

"No way!? We're the same! I lost the draw! That—y-you could take me as the substitute, right? Please......"

For some reason her tone turned lofty. I felt like teasing her. "What should I do?"

"Take me with you! Oh gods, Buddhas, Lord Hyoga Torakawa!"