Vol 4 Chapter 16 – Love Rival(【Revolver Maid】 Arc)

“This is the second personality that Takanashi-chan mentioned, huh…?”

“Do you have any complaints?”

“Nah? Not really. It’s just that my first impression was awful.”

“I’m sorry about that. It was just an accident.”

“An accident where someone clings to the person they fell in love with at first sight—now that’s romantic.”

Satsuki spoke in a sarcastic tone.
It was obvious that her timing was off.
The atmosphere around the round table had become chaotic.

“Well, this time it’s fine, but next time I won’t let it slide.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Is this really a second personality? Isn’t this just the usual Meido-chan?”

“Meido, why don’t you revert to your original tone?”

“…Then maybe this way of speaking is easier to understand?”

Almost everyone present widened their eyes at Arisu’s sudden change in tone.
Seeing their reaction, she wore a proud expression.

“The way one speaks can change the reactions and perceptions of those around you so dramatically. It’s truly fascinating.”

“At least, please be consistent… it’s confusing…”

“Then I’ll speak in a brighter tone. It’ll be easier to tell the difference.”

“That would help.”

Even though she looks identical, Hirata finds something unsettling in Arisu’s second personality, who speaks as if she were a completely different person.
(This is really off…)
She lamented inwardly.

At that moment, someone raised their hand.

“One thing’s been bothering me: what will we do with this second personality from now on?”

A hoarse voice was heard.
It was Takanashi who raised her hand.
She had once interacted with Arisu’s second personality.

“This one is the sort that will suddenly go on a rampage and try to inflict harm. I’m not about to partner with someone like that.”

“I’m with you on that.”

“Then what do we do? Kill her?”

Takanashi fixed Arisu with a predatory gaze, as if she were a beast eyeing its prey.
Arisu let out an involuntary sigh.

“You’re detestable. Was your original personality hated this much as well?”

“Not as much as you are now, I suppose…”

“I see… how sad.”

Arisu, speaking calmly, stood up.
Then, clasping her hands, she stretched her body expansively.

“If anyone can kill me, then go ahead and try.”

“Wha—…?”

She spread her arms wide, showing her vulnerability.
At that sight, Takanashi’s eyes widened.

“Come on, go ahead and kill me if you can.”

“What did you say…?”

Takanashi looked visibly irritated by Arisu’s attitude.
They exchanged glances of mutual hostility.
However, that heavy atmosphere dissipated in an instant.

“Alright, alright. Enough fighting. Meido-chan, take a seat.”

It was Satsuki’s words that shifted the mood.

“I didn’t even intend to fight, you know…”

Arisu rested her hand on the sheath of the dagger at her waist.
She sighed discontentedly as she sat down.

“Hmph…”

Takanashi crossed her arms, looking dissatisfied.

“Sure, it’s easy to kill her, but killing without the boss’s permission would be a huge issue, wouldn’t it?”

“That can be left to the boss’s proxy, who sits so carefree. He’s the proxy, isn’t he?”

“Ugh… why do you only rely on me at times like this…?”

Hirata’s voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes.
Seeing her, Arisu furrowed her brows.

“Stop fake crying. It’s so contrived and disgusting.”

“Just a simple insult!?”

Hirata reined back her tears in astonishment.
She continued, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Well, in my capacity as the boss’s proxy, I’ve decided to bring her in without killing her.”

“Oh, isn’t that a perfect chance to cut down on love rivals?”

“…Putting Satsuki aside, I’ll explain my reasoning to everyone.”

Hirata motioned towards Arisu, as if introducing her.

“Regarding this second personality, she hasn’t completely overtaken the original Meido.”

“So that means sometimes the original comes out?”

“Exactly. The original personality is rather formidable.”

Hirata stared intently at Arisu, who muttered, “Why are you so strong…”

She recalled the day she brought Sakata back to the hideout.
That day, indeed, Meido Arisu lost something important.
Anyone who knows her could tell it instantly.
If her cherished master were brought in while near death, it’s only natural for her to lose her composure.
Furthermore, it is a heavy, inextricable relationship—entirely different from the typical master-servant dynamic seen in books and movies.
That was also true for Hirata herself.
A presence that bestowed value on someone who had none, and shaped Hirata Shizuku into the person she is today.
She is now almost like a god.
To an outsider, it would be nothing short of a religion.

“Therefore, I propose that we keep her under surveillance, and once her original self reemerges, we’ll have a discussion.”

“Does that mean I’m effectively a prisoner?”

“That would be the case.”

“I object! I’m human too, you know!”

Arisu, clearly indicating her strong opposition, made an X with her arms in protest.
(This is completely a different person now…)
Hirata lamented inwardly.
Yet, that fact also provided her with some reassurance.
It was like that of a little child.
And perhaps that’s why her original self is able to resist.
This second personality underestimates the person known as Meido Arisu.
It believes that one day, it can take over completely.
(But that’s wrong.)

Hirata, who has worked with her and been her love rival for so long, understands that.

“Takanashi-san, Mayuzumi-san, Satsuki-san, restrain Meido. The room can be a makeshift space until a proper one is ready. I’ll have it prepared shortly.”

That just goes to show that Meido Arisu is an incredibly troublesome person.

——————————————————

“Sometimes you do something bold, Hirata-chan.”

“Even so, I’m the boss’s proxy.”

The three, under Hirata’s orders, immediately attempted to use force against Arisu.
However, since Arisu couldn’t possibly win on her own, she raised her hand in surrender and followed all instructions, confining herself to the room.

“Were you smoking?”

Hirata glanced at Satsuki, who had a cigarette in her mouth, and said,
“Oh? Didn’t you know?”

“Yeah. Well, it’s not exactly surprising.”

Smoke billowed from the cigarette.
Satsuki drew it into her lungs and exhaled.

“…Hirata-chan.”

“What is it?”

“You really know, don’t you?”

For a moment————
Satsuki’s expression turned manic.

“…Yes.”

Hirata uttered a word and then departed the scene,
as if to avert her eyes from a reality she never wished to consider.