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Nanana’s Buried Treasure Volume 7 Chapter 2.4

「Ikusaba Hiiyo or Yama Juugo, from your perspective who is better?」

Tensai unswayed, narrows her eyes and intently observes Ikusaba’s gaze when faced with this question. Ikusaba remains undaunted and steadfast, returning Tensai’s stare.

「In what respect?」

「In all respects.」

An intense staring contest ensues for several seconds until Tensai finally breaks eye contact and speaks.

「It’s a difficult question. Regrettably, I can’t make that call.」

「Unable to judge, you say?」

Hearing Tensai’s response, Ikusaba contemplates.

For this detective of all people, sparing my feelings is not a thought. She would declare it straightforward if it were so. And if it’s not so, she would bluntly say it’s not.

So from her perspective the difference between myself and Juugo-kun isn’t significant.

What could be so special about Juugo? What would make her regard him as her worthy rival in detective work.

Yet, conversely, could it mean…

To her, I possess nearly the same qualities as her esteemed rival?

「I’d like to ask something as well.」

「What would that be?」

「How did you manage to obtain so many coins at the first stage? I can’t comprehend achieving such a result with just your Nanana collection boots, 《shadow swimming flippers》’, given the rules of the first stage.」

This was uncharacteristic of the detective, who usually jumps straight to conclusions without asking for explanations.

Understanding what she’s getting at, Ikusaba smirks wickedly.

「Well then, let’s reveal the secret to our soon-to-be ally for the second stage.」

Minutes later, the laughter of those two resounds from their changing room, 「Nyahaha!」

4

「We look pretty plain, don’t we?」

「…Seems so.」

Tetsu-kun and myself donned black suits and sunglasses handpicked by the wardrobe staff, as we were playing the role of bodyguards escorting an important person. Standing side by side in front of the mirror, we appear unremarkable. Almost like the murmuring extras in the background of a movie.

Or rather, it’s more that we aren’t very conspicuous…

「If there’s no bread, let them eat cake.」

「Marie Antoinette!」

Lady Ageha is wearing an elaborately flashy dress, is it too much?

With Lady Ageha center stage, Tetsu-kun and I stand to either side… We are hardly noticeable. Just like mere attendants in black.

「Alright, then let’s reintroduce myself right now. I am Kacho Ageha. The eldest daughter of the prestigious Kacho family, and indeed, a lady through and through.」

Wow, it’s the first time I’ve seen someone introduce themselves as a ‘lady’.

「Wait, the Kacho family? As in THAT Kacho family?」

「Are you familiar with it, Juugo?」

「Yeah. A noble line since the Meiji era, always playing a role in Japan’s economic sphere and even influential in politics. Lately, they’ve been focusing on trade, not only domestically but also operating on a global scale. That’s what I’ve heard.」

「How remarkably informed you are.」

Surprise registers on Lady Ageha’s face.

「My father and grandfather have had dealings with them professionally several times, so I’ve heard the stories.」

I understand that the Kacho family is one of the top patrons of 《Matsuri》.

「If that is the case, then maybe I should remember all about you.」

「No, well… when that time comes, I’d be grateful.」

This is awkward to respond to.

「So, as I was explaining my splendid profile…」

And so for five more minutes, Lady Ageha went on about how she has led a glorious ‘lady’ life… In summary, since middle school, she has lived the life of an elite student on this island. There’s a luxurious mansion here, where she lives surrounded by butlers and maids. She has an adorable five-year-old sister, among other things…

「And now, I’m a third-year student at the most aristocratic and esteemed First High School on Nanaejima..」

The chatter was rather unnecessary, but it finally wraps up.

「Applause?.」

「Eh?.」

「Aren’t you going to clap?.」

Clap, clap, clap.

「Wow, you truly embody a proper lady..」

「It’s been quite educational..」

Forcing a contrived smile, Tetsu-kun and I agree. Who would have thought we’d be coerced into applauding?

To think, this lady is a student of the First High School. That’s where Tensai, before transferring to our school, was enrolled.

「It’s your turn next..」

Prompted by Lady Ageha with her fan in hand, we introduce ourselves.

「Uh, Juugo Yama. I’m a second-year student at the Third High School. My favorite saying is ‘Love and Peace.’.」

「I’m Tetsunoshin Tsujimi, in the same class as Juugo..」

「I see, Servant A and Servant B. Got it..」

「Hey now, don’t just go and remember me as that. Please don’t start with the weird nicknames..」

「I can’t remember the names of every random servant..」

If that’s the case, why bother asking us to introduce ourselves. And what’s with this overly flakey lady?

「Either way, as my servants, you will follow my instructions..」

With a snap of her fan closing, Lady Ageha who is full of assurance adds, 「In return, I’ll make sure we win this second stage..」

A wave of elation surges through me at her words. The completeness of her confidence and the aura she exudes feel almost mesmerizing.

It’s obvious – she is someone born to be in charge.

「Understood. In that case, let’s make Lady Ageha our leader..」

「Of course..」

Away from where Lady Ageha can’t hear, Tetsu-kun whispers to me in a low voice.

「Is that okay with you, Juugo?.」

「We’re on the same team, so there is no point in conflict. The right person in the right place is good, and Lady Ageha is definitely a natural leader..」

「I can see that..」

It seems Tetsu-kun felt the same confidence in her words that I did.

「Then it’s all good, right? Or did you want to lead, Tetsu-kun?.」

「That’s not exactly the issue, but….」

「Are you satisfied now, Servant B?.」

Tetsu-kun glumly nods to the composed eyes of Lady Ageha.

「Alright..」

「Very well. So my suggestion –.」

「What is it?.」

「We should share what our Nanana collections are before the second stage starts. What do you think?.」

Tetsu-kun frowns.

「What do you mean?.」

「How obtuse, Servant B..」

「It means that although we’re allies for the second stage, once it’s over we’ll be competitors again. Deciding whether to reveal our cards now is crucial mind-game material..」

「Smart, Servant A isn’t bad at catching on..」

「Why then do you believe we should reveal our collections to each other, Lady Ageha?.」

Lady Ageha replies as if it was the most obvious thing.

「This second stage isn’t kind enough to let us get by on half-baked camaraderie..」

She’s obviously competent.

「I agree..」

「Hey, Juugo..」

「what do you think is the most crucial point to watch out for during this second stage?.」

「What is it?.」

「 M’s movement. The organizer who knows all the rules of the second stage. Just like the first stage, there will undoubtedly be an advantage…」

As I continue in the face of Lady Ageha’s barely suppressed grin,

「The advantage we can have against M comes from our Nanana collections. It’s crucial we understand what each of us has brought and be prepared to utilize it effectively..」

「But Juugo, revealing our collections could mean disqualification..」

「That’s why we need them. There’s meaning in their use..」

「Even so, M already knows about our collections..」

Indeed, Tetsu-kun is right. On the way to Sevens Land on the tram, we had to show our Nanana collections to M under the pretext of inspection.

Which means out of the remaining participants, M is the only one who knows what Nanana collection items everyone has and probably their abilities too.

「But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any loopholes.」

Lady Ageha interjects.

「What do you mean?」

「That man Ikusaba. Despite M knowing about his Nanana collection, Ikusaba managed to outwit her.」

「Ah.」

「Organizer M is after all just another player. She knows all the rules and knows what cards we have, but she may not anticipate how we’ll play them.」

「So, it’s even more crucial to understand each other’s Nanana collection’s abilities.」

「It would be foolish to underestimate the importance of having M out of the game if we’re to win this 《game》.」

「And it’s the toughest task as well.」

Listening silently, Tetsu-kun finishes the exchange.

「Alright. If that’s clear, let’s continue.」

When Lady Ageha tries to urge us on, Tetsu-kun raises his hand.

「Sorry, but I have to refuse.」

「Tetsu-kun?」

「I don’t want to disrupt the team’s harmony. However, I can’t consent to share my Nanana collection’s ability.」

Hearing this, I was half-expecting Lady Ageha to burst into anger. Surprisingly though she calmly accepts.

「Very well. Then I’ll share only with Servant A, while you listen to us.」

「I said I won’t share.」

「There’s no need to share, but you should at least know what Nanana collections we possess」, says Lady Ageha, proposing something unexpected. Tetsu-kun looks confused but quickly shakes his head.

「No, I will excuse myself.」

「Very well, wait for us in the hallway.」

With that, Tetsu-kun leaves the dressing room alone.

「Is that really okay?」

「It’s fine. We don’t have the time to force anyone, nor the time to train them. It’s much better than losing cohesiveness as a team by being too forceful.」

I see.

「I’m somewhat impressed.」

「What about?」

「About your skill, Lady Ageha. You seem very adept at leading people.」

「Don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not that I’m good at leading people. I’m just very good at using people.」

「I.. I see.」

Wow, weird flex but ok.