Enthusiastic Gwen struck a strange pose. It seemed she was trying to look cool. The executives' response to it was virtually nonexistent. A subtle tension began to fill the air. The culprit, Gwen, looked puzzled as she relaxed her stance. She placed her hands on her hips and gave a wry smile.
"Oh dear, the air's gotten chilly. Did I, by chance, bomb?"
"Hey, Demon King. A troublesome woman has escaped. Wouldn't it be better to kill her?"
"I concur. Merely having her in my line of sight makes my eyes feel as if they're rotting."
Luciana and Grom voiced their opinions in unison. At times like these, the two showed astonishing coordination.
"Hold on now. Isn't that a bit extreme for a harmless beauty? Besides, I didn't escape. I was called here by Mr. Harvelt."
Gwen defended herself without dropping her nonchalant air. Meanwhile, Logan frowned and gave his opinion to me.
"This woman is dangerous. She should not be released from the underground."
"Oh, you overestimate me so. Mr. Harvelt confiscated most of my power. Right now, I truly can't do anything. Besides, this is the era of the Savior and the Hero, so I have no intention of stepping into the spotlight. I can read the room, you know."
"Multiple spells have been placed on Gwen. If she shows even the slightest suspicious behavior, she is designed to die instantly."
Various beast-like abilities and forbidden curses had been woven into her. In her state with most of her power confiscated by me, enduring them was utterly impossible.
"Exactly! They set it up so thoroughly it's like they're on high alert! I tried to remove a little bit, but it would definitely kill me. Truly, in a different age, this would be grounds for a lawsuit."
Gwen placed her hands on her hips, pretending to be angry.
That, too, was likely a joke or an act.
So I pointed it out coolly.
"The discussion has strayed. Please begin your explanation."
"Sirs and Madam."
Gwen saluted in a playful tone.
She walked around the circular table and came to my side.
There, she clapped her hands to gather attention and began speaking with delight.
"It was the complete annihilation of the illusory savior, yes? I have a proper plan, indeed."
"Stop being coy and just tell us."
Henry, his hands clasped behind his head, urged her on.
He seemed eager to get to the main topic.
Accepting the request, Gwen surveyed the faces in the room.
"We prepare a hero who can bear all of humanity's hopes upon their shoulders. The illusory savior appeared in the first place because no one could withstand the weight of expectations that had grown too great. In that case, it's simple—we just need to craft a suitable actor."
"Once the flow of power is settled, the substitute—the illusory savior—will vanish. That's what you mean."
"Spot on! You're very perceptive. I'll generously give you fifty points."
Gwen pointed at Logan, who had spoken.
She seemed to be in high spirits, bouncing on her feet alone.
The executives, as before, showed mixed reactions.
(I thought they might be the right person, but perhaps I was mistaken...)
Tired of interjecting, I set my regrets aside.
Losing my temper would only amuse them.
Better not to overthink it—just let them swim.