“Here, open wide.”

“No way.”

“Come on, open wide.”

“Stop it...”

We sit across from each other in the food court.

There's a hamburger set on the table, but I'm trying to feed him fries.

“Come on, act it out.”

“... Ugh!”

“Yes, good job!”

“... ”

My face turned bright red again, and I turned away while adding more fries.

It felt like I was dealing with a high school student....

Oh no, no, no. The situation of a working woman and a handsome high school boy is my favorite, but in real life, it's a crime.

　Besides, Hirasawa-san is older than me and my superior.

I need to calm down.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself down.

“Anyway, this hamburger is delicious.”

“Is it? Martinez's cooking is better, though.”

“Of course it is. Don't be so competitive.”

　You're a little childish in that regard.

But I personally think it's a plus point because it shows that you care about your friends.

“Balknesia is a region where many dishes are cooked with lots of spices over high heat. I heard about it from a customer who traveled there before. But somehow, this hamburger tastes like something Japanese people would like. The spices and seasonings are just right!”

“…Is that so? I’ve never eaten anything other than Martinez’s cooking… No, I don’t remember much, so I didn’t notice. But based on that story, is it possible that the person cooking is Japanese?”

“Maybe. It could be that the recipe is Japanese, or that the owner is Japanese, or any number of things.”

"I see… From a corporate perspective, it might be important to investigate what kind of organizations are in this town, even at the grassroots level. Let's tell Martinez about this."

“That might be a good idea.”

I've never eaten anything other than Martinez's cooking...

The existence of the “Izanagi Ability Development Bureau” flashed through my mind.

◆◆◆

“Hey, Bal-chan. Are there any recommended spots in the central building we're going to?”

　We had finished lunch and were currently heading to the central building in an autonomous vehicle.

During the ride, I decided to ask the AI guide for more detailed information in advance.

“The recommended spot is the observation deck on the top floor. It's perfect for a date!”

“Really? Shinpoyo!”

“Shinpoyo-san, it's recommended! You can create a good mood with your girlfriend!”

“…Alright, alright.”

　Throughout the ride, I had been teasing Hirasawa-san with Baruchan, so Hirasawa-san looked exhausted.

“But you know, I'm a little curious. With the development of the internet and cloud services nowadays, is it really necessary to build such a large building like the central building, even in the city center?”

“I see. That's an interesting question I've never heard before.”

　In today's internet-connected world, there's no need to concentrate functions in one place.

But if there's a reason to concentrate functions in the center, then maybe there's something there... something fundamental to the structure of the city.

"The central building—the Bulkenesia Tower—houses administrative agencies. Residents living in the smart city can receive administrative services by visiting the Bulkenesia Tower. However, since our administrative agencies cannot yet handle procedures electronically, you must visit the administrative office in person."

“I see! Indeed, it would be convenient if the city hall, tax office, and police station were all in one place. Does that mean Baruchan is also at the Bulkenesia Tower?”

I was pretending to be a cheerful young woman just to casually ask about this.

The discussion about administrative agencies and AI Baruchan's location are completely unrelated topics.

　But if I pretend to be someone who lives without thinking, I won't arouse suspicion.

—This city is controlled by AI. When gathering information, the most effective method is to gain control of this AI.

If I can find the location of the machine controlling this AI...!

“That's right. I'm in the Bulkenesia Tower. But why do you ask?”

“Well, we're already best friends, right? I thought it would be nice to meet in person and take a photo together! Let's do it!”

“That's a tempting offer, but you can't enter the location where my main body is. Please be satisfied with this panel.”

“Oh, well. I guess that's too bad. Alright, I'll take it.”

That's all the information I could get.

I didn't intend to take a photo, but I took one with my smartphone.

　◆◆◆

“Wow... It's really impressive up close.”

“...”

“Are you okay?”

We got out of the driverless car and stood in front of the central building—the Bulkenesia Tower.

However, something seemed off about Ms. Hirasawa.

She seemed to be feeling unwell, frowning and remaining silent since earlier.

　She also occasionally covered her mouth, as if trying to suppress the urge to vomit.

“Shall we go inside?”

“...Yes.”

The guide's explanation at the main entrance of the Bulkenesia Tower was still ongoing.

However, considering Ms. Hirasawa's condition, it seemed better to go inside quickly.

There would probably be a place to rest inside.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes... thanks to you.”

Hirasawa's complexion had returned to normal, so we decided to gather information inside the tower as planned.

We obtained maps of the facility and took photos of the interior.

We visited all the areas open to tourists, but the building has 60 floors.

It took several hours to complete the survey.

“...I'm tired from walking. Carry me.”

“You're not that tired. Walk on your own.”

“You're so cheap!”

I joked around, but she responded properly.

She seems to be okay now. There's no need to go to the rest room.

After confirming this, the two of us headed toward the entrance.

　When we exited the tower, the sunset had dyed the entire area a deep red.

Looking up at the sky, it was dyed red, overlapping with the sight of the smart city’s burning outskirts.

“Hey, Shinpo.”

“Guh… guuuuuuuu!”

“What’s wrong!?”

　Suddenly, Hirasawa-san crouched down and vomited.

Just like when she saw the Japanese sword woman's face.

“Hirasawa-san! Should we go back to the break room inside the tower?”

“Haa... haa...”

Her breathing was heavy, and she was drenched in sweat.

　What should I do?

Should I carry her on my back to the rest room inside the tower?

I think she's feeling sick from looking at this building from the outside.

It seems like PTSD symptoms. So maybe she'll feel better once we're inside.

“Come on, Ms. Hirasawa...”

“Oh dear, are you in trouble?”

Suddenly, someone spoke to us.

　When I turned around, there was a beautiful woman wearing glasses.

She was about the same height as me. She had shoulder-length black hair with waves.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her plump pink lips were charming.

Her eyes... were droopy, as if she hadn't slept, and she had dark circles under them.

She was wearing a white coat and a stethoscope, so she might have been staying up all night to take care of patients.

“Are you... Reika-san?”

“Yes, that's me. And you must be Mikoto-san? I've heard about you from Martinez—Mari-sama.”

Mari-sama had mentioned our ally—Reika-san.

We had successfully reunited.