2195 Apartheid (2)
“……? Why isn't big sis coming in?”
“Well... see...”
Mary looked up at me anxiously as I stopped in front of the ticket gate. Given Sylvia's strong-willed nature that I'd seen so far, I'd figured she'd either tell Mary honestly to say goodbye or explain the situation. But even she was gazing at me with a hint of regret, and at this rate, they might actually miss the train.
“Up you go...!!”
A thick arm scooped up the fidgety little girl. In the end, Schneider had volunteered to play the villain.
“...Daddy messed up the booking, so Anastasia's taking the next train alone. So... we'll go ahead and find a new place with rooms for Mary and sis.”
“...!! Okay! But I like sharing a room with big sis better!”
...Playing the villain? More like he'd just cheerfully self-destructed. Wait, Schneider...? Weren't you scared of the resentment from your daughter later for making such a reckless promise...?
— If the young lady really comes, I'll be safe too.
“......Pardon?”
He flashed a grin I'd never seen in the game.
So that's why he'd bothered calling with me right there— to say something this ridiculous.
I waved back at Mary, who was frantically swinging her arm, urging me to hurry. Probably the most tight-knit—and stubborn—family in Neo Haven was disappearing into the station.
All that talk about worrying over my sentimentality... and he was the one jumping on it most eagerly.
...I really don't know?
Well, life's full of unknowns, so I'd look up ticket prices to Neo Haven, but no promises.
“Urghhh...!!”
I stretched as I stepped out of the station. Aside from the idiot peacefully asleep in his tin can, I was truly alone now.
A bit scary, but also thrilling.
Luck had been on my side big time, but taking out a few brainless outlaws had prevented Schneider's tragedy.
...So if I spent the remaining time preparing thoroughly, gathering materials and getting back safely wasn't some pipe dream.
“Whoa...! Pretty girl! That face and skin—what clinic did you get work at??”
And for the first time since arriving in this world, I felt properly connected to a massive network.
After passing the gate, it was fun watching endless corporate ads and shady cyberware pop-ups flood the corner of my vision. Time to block them.
“Pretending not to hear and acting all haughty? Love that... Interested in a one-night stand? For a girl like you, I'd pay 10... no, 20k credits.”
...On second thought, even on Harvest Planet, I couldn't relax completely.
Anything but Helena—I had to avoid contact with her especially.
In the original story, there was a line about her having been in Neo Haven for half a year at the start... so some incident would make her shift bases within a year at most.
Get tangled up and derail the main character's path too much, and my careful lurking would be pointless.
And... she was harsh on anyone who didn't meet her standards. No way she'd take kindly to me suddenly showing up with the same last name.
“20k too low? ...Getting more interested. How much? 500k? A million?? Name your price!! Everyone in this city knows 'Daredevil Horatio' the merc—even the kids down the block!”
“......?”
Calmly sorting my to-dos and precautions, when suddenly something like a familiar cabbage was shoved in my face.
...Not cabbage—a lunatic with green mohawk, green tattoos, green piercings.
“So, deal on a million credits? No drugs or toys, just gentle and fair, bodies only. Oh, can't send my hired lady home, so it'll be the three of us!”
“...Hmph!!”
“......The fuck?”
In a world where loose sexual morals weren't crimes or abnormal, some horny bastard was hitting on someone in the street...
Me?
The woman in the red evening gown clinging to Cabbage Man's side glared venomously at me. Guess her pay was peanuts compared to his offer.
......No comfort there at all.
The sun had just risen, and my mental energy was already drained from that. Time to check train tickets now, it tempted.
Screw it... Even if check-in timing messed up and costs rose, I needed a solo stay spot.
I'd planned to wander and scout key facilities firsthand—how Neo Haven differed, where stuff was—but web surfing it was instead.
“Damn...! Dirty words from such a prim pretty mouth? Makes it hotter...? That play too?”
“...Not play—real disgust means a firm no. So starved? Take your lady there and enjoy. Stop bragging bank balance to strangers.”
...Clink.
I backed away slowly, blatantly adjusting the rifle on my back and thigh holster... but if that'd deter him, he wouldn't have approached armed me.
Plus, empty threats to a self-proclaimed merc? Big mistake.
Our vegetable friend's breathing grew ragged.
“......Unbelievable. Turning down a million credits...? Fuck. Treasure... a real treasure! They say true rarity can't be bought...! ...Sorry for assuming, miss! Yeah? Horatio bows in apology. Gimme your contact at least...”
“......!!”
Grab!
My shoulder was seized. The motion was rough, but impact light; the lust in his eyes vanished, but contact was contact. Perfect self-defense now.
Tried discharging electricity through the grip, but this hyper combat suit had top-tier insulation too. Had to extend my arm fully.
Height difference meant fingertips barely grazed his chin... but that sufficed.
“...Huh? Wha—w-whoaaa—!?!?”
“Kyaaak?!”
“......Handle it yourselves.”
Horatio ass-planted in the street; the woman shrieked and backed off. I ducked into the crowd, searching nearest lodging.
What'd I do? Just... cherry-picked every adult site/ad popup since earlier and blasted a thousand into his cyberware.
Blindside shock with no real harm, and hilarious—doubt he'd run to cops.
...Why I kept those ad links open? Pure curiosity, officer. Couldn't actually access in-game...!
“What the hell. Daredevil asshole? Why's he like that?”
“Yo, fuck... don't get close! What if it's a virus attack!”
“......”
I ignored the gathering crowd gawking at wilted cabbage.
Harsh to say, but if I got the chance, I'd apologize for judging Horatio by looks alone.
In this future, appearance was identity. With everyone plastered in insane fashion and botched mods, slamming him for green-matching was unfair.
...Unless for brain-in-pants syndrome.
~♬ ~~♪… ♬! ♩~!
I turned from the fools ignorant that stock tuning was peak, focusing on the unidentified synthwave blasting the streets. Mood lifted.
A melody I'd never heard in Neo Haven made my heart race.
Almost there. Nav said closest to Harvest Planet station, good reviews, tight security.
Crash a day, then out...
“...Ah. Fucked.”
Turning the corner revealed the gaudy hotel. Sigh escaped at the sight.
Prime location, satisfaction, security? Of course a pricey luxury joint, dummy...
Aigo...
‘Hora Dorada’.
I headed to the ornate golden pillars and arches at the entrance. Might not check in, but Daredevil Merc might chase pissed—better scope prices first.
Ziiing...!
“?!”
Light from the hotel guards' eyes scanned me without warning.
City entry barely, and already pricey retinal scanners...?
ID check? No business drone cared. More likely verifying if I could pay.
Passed whatever criteria; they bowed politely, opening the door.
“...Welcome to Hora Dorada, miss. May your stay be the finest.”
“...Scan strangers' gear without asking, and I'd never stay here.”
“Apologies. We'll be extra careful with you henceforth.”
“......”
Ah, damn... Anastasia, you genius girl! Couldn't hold your tongue, made them remember you?! Why not flash researcher ID at entry...!
“Haaa......”
With indescribable self-loathing, I entered. Street music cut off; boot clacks sank into plush carpet.
No other guests in the lobby was nice, but crystal chandeliers and color-shifting flower pots gave the price estimate.
Long stay? Better ping Schneider I'm coming soon.
Shit!
Heavy steps to the front desk smack in the lobby center. Guards' sneers at the brat who boasted then bolted rang in my ears already.
...If price reasonable, one night. When else this chance?
“Welcome.... Thank you for visiting Harvest Planet's historic landmark, Hora Dorada. Tell us your desired service, and we'll assist wholeheartedly...”
The neat-suited, androgynous staffer beyond the ivory counter spoke in a silky, alluring drawl.
Purpose clear, though.
“Standard room. One night price?”
“Standard rooms: 149,900 credits every 24 hours from check-in—most affordable...”
“Riiight... Yes. Thanks.”
Wake a week later, citizenship revoked. Killer prices.
Decided on capsule motel specifics next; turned to leave...
Then an unignorable line hit my back.
“......Miss customer. As a lady... you absolutely shouldn't stay cheaper than here.”