After Accidentally Helping a Famous Streamer Who Forgot to Turn Off Her Dungeon Stream, I Began to Go Viral as a Legendary Explorer ～ The Introverted Me Accidentally Dominating with My Mysterious Skill 'Ignore Rules' - Chapter 42: I'm No Longer Who I Used to Be

Chapter 42: I’m No Longer Who I Used to Be

One day after school.

“Kyuaaaah!”

While we were streaming our usual dungeon exploration, a sound like the cry of a bird echoed from behind.

“Ah…!”

To my astonishment, the creature snatched Miyu’s smartphone right out of her hands.

If we lost that, we wouldn’t be able to stream anymore. And to have such a disaster strike in the middle of a livestream…

In a panic, I attempted to chase after the small bird—but…

“Greetings. Tsukushi Kirishima-kun, and… Miru Ayatsuki-san.”

Where the bird had flown to, there stood a woman who looked vaguely familiar.

With her blonde short hair, posh-looking gold-rimmed glasses, eyes as narrow as a fox’s, and lips painted a stark red against her excessively dewy skin, it was immediately clear, even to a virgin like me, that she wore her makeup thick.

—No need to think twice.

This woman was… Yayoi Goyama.

She was the person in the photo attached to a DM from Ristoria.

“You… you are…!?”

Miyu, too, must have quickly realized her identity, addressing Yayoi with a wary expression.

“Give it back. We’re in the middle of streaming.”

“Fufu, I’m well aware of that. What I’m about to discuss… is something I want the whole world to know.”

What on earth is this woman planning…?

I considered using “Ignore Time,” but she must be on guard against it. She’s been maintaining a distance that can’t be covered in just three seconds.

“Hello to all the viewers, can you hear me? I know this is quite the sudden turn of events, but… today, I want to reveal the true identity of Miru Ayatsuki—no, Miyu Ayatsuki.”

“Eh…!?”

Miyu’s eyes widened in shock.

“Do you all remember? Exactly five years ago, the horrific incident in Shinjuku where eight pedestrians were mowed down. Well, you can find it if you search ‘Shinjuku District Hit-and-Run Ayatsuki.'”

Taking a pause, Yayoi continued.

“The daughter of the perpetrator at that time—is this Miru Ayatsuki, or rather, Miyu Ayatsuki. Of course, it won’t be easy to believe at first, so I’ve posted evidence and links on a dedicated thread on 8ch. If you’reinterested, go take a look.”

“Ah… ah…”

At that moment—Miyu collapsed to the ground, clutching her head.

“Fufu, this is quite unfortunate, isn’t it, Ayatsuki-san? Even if it was your father driving, the bereaved are still suffering, aren’t they? There are those who lost a dear father and are still leading painful lives. And yet, you—are you sure it’s alright for you to be living such a flashy life?”

“…”

I see. So that’s what it was all about.

While the truth of Yayoi’s claims was still uncertain, if we were to assume they were true, her pursuit of viewership numbers began to make sense.

The tragic major incident that claimed eight lives—I had heard that the families of the perpetrators could be burdened with compensation, regardless of the trial’s outcome.

No—even if the court hadn’t ordered it.

She would not see it as just. She would likely feel compelled to compensate the victims’ families for the rest of her life, even if it meant charging recklessly at the Red Dragon… even if it meant her own death.

“I’m sorry, Tsukushi-kun… I didn’t mean to keep it a secret…”

Miyu muttered through tears, crouching beside me.

“Fufufu, what are you just standing there for, Tsukushi Kirishima-kun? You have a responsibility in this, too.” 

Yayoi Goyama watched us with delight. 

“Because of your appearance, Ayatsuki-san has been driven to seek even more viewership. Considering the feelings of the victims’ families—it’s quite problematic, isn’t it?”

“…”

“So Kirishima-kun, you should stop collaborating with Ayatsuki-san on your streams. If you don’t, the backlash will spread to you as well.”

Ignoring Yayoi’s words, I crouched down on the spot.

Then, meeting Miyu’s gaze, I consciously showed her a gentle smile.

“You once told me, remember? You said you wanted me to be more confident, that I was truly an attractive person.”

“Eh…”

“Now, it’s my turn to deliver the same message to you. You are admirable. You’ve shouldered that heavy burden all on your own, striving to make amends to the victims’ families, even if it meant overextending yourself. —So there’s no need to cry. Have more confidence in yourself.”

“Ah…”

As Miyu’s face flushed red, I slowly stood up and turned my eyes towards Yayoi.

“Sorry, but I have to reject your suggestion. Whether I face a backlash or not, I will walk the path I believe in with confidence… I choose to live my days together with her‼”

“…tch”

Yayoi Goyama clicked her tongue in apparent annoyance.