Chapter 1

Beatrice~ Is my Beatrice in here~?

Uwah?! Netaro-kun?!

Netaro: How’s it going, Doudou!¹ Are you working on today’s report? I knocked on the door, but you didn’t hear me, and I couldn’t wait any longer, so I barged in!

I-I see. My bad. Well…? Did something happen to your… Beatrice? If I remember correctly, the ‘companion’ Netaro-kun is looking for…was it ‘fate’?

Ding ding! Spot on!

In order to fulfill my new dream I discovered on this planet, I’ve been putting up my antenna every day— But it’s not enough! I’m in a craaaazy drought of encounters! I want to meet more people!!

To meet more people, I see… Then how about participating in a Machikon?

“Machikon?²”

Yep! It’s like a party where people get together to meet new people. I’ve heard that Liguang’s younger sister is hosting one this time.

Ooohh~! Machikon machikon♪! It has an interesting ring to it!

In that case, I guess we should go to Lulee³ to apply! Let’s go, Doudou!

Eh? H– wait! Let me save the report–!!

...and that’s the situation…

...

Why are you furrowing your eyebrows like that??

...It’s obvious. Linxing⁴ would be pleased to have more people like Chief participate. But, since it’s you…

I feel like I’m getting a bad rap—

Oh, right! If you allow me to join, I’ll make the two-eared fluffballs over here even more cute and fluffy!

Lay a single finger on them, and I’ll make you regret that you were born.

Why would anyone regret being given life??

A-anyway, please just let him participate this one time. I will also tag along too… since I was the one who suggested it. I’ll take responsibility for him.

...In that case, I’ll make an exception for you.

Thank you very much!

On one condition, Yowa.

Oyo?

If you’re going to participate, don’t bother Linxing and the other participants. Engage in proper conversations.

That Lulee guy… I’m always adjusting my energy to match you guys, even without being reminded~! Whatever. Machikon machikon♪! I’m sooooo excited!

(Netaro-kun seems to be in such a good mood. I’m glad I suggested it!)

(But I get why Liguang-san is worried. Everyone in HAMA Tours knows Netaro-kun well, but the other participants might be surprised when they meet him for the first time…)

(Maybe I should try asking him some practice questions.)

Um…Netaro-san. What are your hobbies?

Mmmm…lately, I’ve been watching dramas and movies nonstop!

(Ah, that’s a pretty straightforward answer.)

I like observing humans! Watching them wreak havoc on their lives with their hatred and love is like a feast!

...What’s your favorite food?

Meat buns! But firefly squids are a NO THANK YOU! They remind me of my boss’s face and that makes my tumtum not funfun. Especially those eyes… THOSE EYES…!

.....Any special skills?

I’m superb at making fun tools! One of my latest masterpieces is a glove that keeps orange juice flowing from your fingers forever—

Stop. Netaro-kun, hold it right there.

(This is officially concerning now! I can’t let him participate like this!)

What is it? Was Udon a better choice?

Not about that! Let’s practice a lot of Q&A today!

The more you get better at conversing, the more likely it is that you’ll meet your ‘Beatrice.’ I’ll also practice with you too!

Doudou is so nice~.

Aaaalright!! I’m fired up! Time to become a pro talker and level up my chatting skills~!!

That’s the spirit!

To start… Kinari-kun is over there, so let’s try to have a conversation with him.

Roger–♪

Nari, I’d think it’s super-duper hilarious if beams shoot out from your eyes! Can I sit next to you?

A failed attempt to initiate a conversation was detected. Logical error found.

However… The idea of using beams would be a useful way to protect Master from thugs. Please elaborate on it further.

No, you don’t have to elaborate.

(Ahhh, we’ve got a long road ahead of us!)