Chapter 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Crown Theater Troupe
-----------------------------------------------------------------
【Ha-yul.
I have so much I want to say to you, but I'll keep it short. You've been through hell. From now on, live free and do whatever you want. You've more than earned it. Just one thing... I won't force you, but if you can, try not to kill any more people.
I've included the bankbook with your magical girl activity funds and subjugation rewards that you were owed, along with a new ID. You probably can't do anything legit from here on out, but you still need to eat properly. I tested the new ID while laundering what I could. It should be fine, but be careful when you go to the bank.
And don't worry about your identity getting exposed. Aruel said she'd turn a blind eye to your situation. Yu-na swore she wouldn't let anyone else catch you. You know the company folks—they're all too busy worrying about you.
Others might forget, but not us. We'll always remember what you did. So if you get the chance, at least say goodbye. Especially to Yu-na—no excuses.
That's it. Eat well, and sleep under a roof.
Your pathetic boss, your inadequate uncle Ji-seong.】
Man, the Boss sure loves to nag.
"Sniff."
Lying sprawled on the bed in the room I'd finally been given, I clutched the letter and sniffled as I read it over again.
"Sorry... really..."
The letter was written in a calm tone, but I knew better. Laundering money in a company that managed magical girls was no joke—supposedly tighter than a major corporation. And he'd done it anyway.
"......"
Soon, the Boss would end up in prison for embezzling magical girl activity funds. But I couldn't help him. I couldn't. If I got involved, he'd become my accomplice.
"Thank you, Uncle."
With that, I carefully folded the letter one last time and tucked it into the desk drawer. Checking the time, I slowly got up.
Knock, knock.
For all his lazy looks, he was always punctual.
"Come in."
"Pardon the intrusion."
I watched Bell—still impeccably dressed in his suit despite the late hour—enter and bow politely before speaking quietly.
"—Transformation."
Transformation
Violets viscous magic envelops the body.
Unlike before, the sticky purple magic wrapping around me felt a bit lewd. It made me uneasy, but... the sheer power was incomparable, soon engulfing my entire body.
"This outfit still doesn't feel right."
How the hell did I end up in something so girly? I grumbled, feeling a twinge of regret.
"Ah, it's my hobby♥"
Bell clapped beside me, beaming like he'd finally been recognized.
"......"
Maybe I should just kill him halfway.
"Hoo..."
I barely restrained the fist aimed at Bell's face as he raved about how he'd always wanted to dress up his favorite magical girl, gushing over the design and skirt.
"Alright, let's get moving for real!"
I glared at the back of his head as he laughed it off and swung his hand through the air.
"—Boundary Inversion."
Boundary Inversion
Tears through the boundary with focused intent.
Unlike other spells, he voiced it with real concentration as he ripped open the boundary. I followed him in.
"Ha... so the government was way too late on this one."
If Bell hadn't warned me beforehand, I wouldn't have believed my eyes.
"No wonder the villains have been so quiet lately... hiding out like this."
The space should have mirrored the area before the boundary, but instead, I saw a dazzling street that put any bustling district to shame.
"Whoa, don't trash the place just because you don't like it. Even I have limits on what I can clean up."
"Who do you think I am?"
Glance, glance. Amid the rough faces, wary eyes locked onto me as we crossed the boundary with Bell.
"Figures villains would freak out over nothing."
"Well, to them, magical girls are a walking disaster."
I stretched exaggeratedly amid the rabbit-eyed stares, then caught up to Bell and slowly scanned the surroundings.
"Overkill service."
"Service? What do you mean?"
"...Never mind if you don't get it."
This guy spouts nonsense sometimes.
"Whoa... guns and bombs are standard, and they even sell drugs."
"You seem to be enjoying it?"
Of course. All the scum who torment magical girls, gathered here.
"That obvious? Never imagined a place like this."
But I couldn't show it. These were just small fry wandering the street. I'd smash things once I found someone with real power.
"...Sigh. At least ask permission first. We can't have this place vanishing already."
"So you'll allow it later?"
"Yes. Once it's no longer useful."
Bell casually wrapped us in a transparent barrier to block outside sounds.
"Here we are."
We wove through the glittering streets and dark alleys until bright lights bathed a massive building. He straightened his outfit.
"Allow me a formal introduction. I am Bell, leader of Crown Theater Troupe—one of the so-called villain groups."
He bowed dramatically, like a stage actor greeting the audience.
"To Ha-yul, who will become the star of our play, I offer my heartfelt thanks."
World conquest. He'd waited so long for me to star in the script he'd crafted himself.
"Preparations are complete. Ahh, such a long wait..."
Overcome with emotion, he doffed his fedora and pressed it to his chest.
"It will surely be a fun and beautiful tale."
He extended his hand—polite yet desperate, as if pleading to be chosen.
"......"
I got it. This was my last chance. And the final consideration from a prankster villain who worried excessively despite his mischief.
"So you're treating me like an idiot, huh."
It was so absurd I had to laugh.
"Fine, whatever. Let's give it a shot."
Protagonist. A word I'd never thought fit me. But if he wanted it this badly, why not?
"Ha-yul...!"
"Quit looking at me like that—it's creepy."
And so, I...
"I'll look forward to it. That fun and beautiful story."
For the first time since this form, I smiled without a care, mirroring the middle-aged man's childlike, innocent grin as he nodded.
A moment later.
"This place is huge."
"Heh heh. An hideout has to be, right?!"
Following Bell—who'd finally calmed down—I toured what would be our Crown Theater Troupe base, then voiced a sudden realization while looking around.
"But why's it empty?"
The building was vast and lavish, with plenty of rooms. They were all empty.
"Ah, well..."
Some issue? Bell wilted, avoiding my gaze. I stared him down.
"Truth is... we're a bit strapped for living expenses. Ha ha."
The remaining members were out in the real world beyond the boundary, hustling for cash.
"......"
I pondered. Was teaming up with this idiot the right call? All magic and no brains.
"Too harsh calling me a magic-brained moron."
"Shut up. Don't read my mind."
I shot a glare at the protesting idiot leader.
"Um... Ha-yul...?"
"What now?"
I whipped around at his tentative call.
"Don't misunderstand. We have no salaries for members, but plenty for the script!"
Not lacking operating funds—just money to feed the troupe. He grinned brightly, and I had to resolve myself.
"This guy's a total lunatic."
No more thinking I could cover shortages with my magical girl funds and rewards.
"Wait! Ha-yul! You can't abandon me!"
"Eek... back off, you perv!"
"Guh...!?"
BAM...!
Whether shameless or not, he groveled on the floor, lunging to hug my legs like he'd lick my shoes. I booted the pervert far away and realized.
"Damn, this must be what it feels like to have snot running down my nose."
With the pervert out cold in the wall, no way back to reality... and I'd followed obediently from the start, so I had no choices left anyway.