I Became the Cute One in the Problem-Solving Team

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It was a tense moment.

Though it wouldn’t spiral into a major catastrophe, it was a situation where all my efforts could dissolve in an instant.

But all I could do was wait for the outcome.

As I was lost in thought, the pretty elf receptionist, who had been checking something on her computer, spoke up in a gentle voice.

“…Identity confirmed. Raven, Alice, and Lily. The banquet hall for external guests is one floor up via the elevator.”

Is this really happening?

Alice and I naturally exchanged glances in mid-air.

Then we found ourselves stifling giggles as we looked at each other, only to hurriedly make our way to the elevator at Raven’s urging.

Here I was, without a proper identity in Night Haven, somehow sneaking into a venue hosting an event for a major corporation.

The reason this was possible was quite simple.

I had briefly borrowed the identity of Alice’s sister, Lily.

In truth, it wasn’t as difficult as one might think.

The party thrown by Nemesis was surprisingly casual, and they didn’t meticulously check identities.

Plus, since they were all wearing masks, unless one really looked inside, it would be impossible to tell what was happening.

Of course, it would be inconvenient if someone suddenly came by to verify identities.

But thinking back on the original story, they probably wouldn’t have been looking to stir things up right from the get-go.

“Wow… this feels like a completely different world. Everything looks so expensive.”

I grabbed Alice’s hand and trailed behind her, glancing around.

Unfortunately, this building was not Nemesis’s headquarters.

That place was more of a working environment for researchers and employees, not quite suitable for hosting guests.

So this was a luxury hotel situated right near Nemesis’s headquarters.

They had likely rented out the 32nd to 34th floors for this launch party.

Thinking that even the items lying around could be pricier than my year’s worth of part-time wages, I unconsciously gripped Alice’s hand tighter.

“Ah, there are too many people in the elevator. Shall we take the stairs?”

“Seriously. The line is too long. Hmm, it’s only one floor, so let’s just take the stairs, right? Yuria, are you okay? Do you want me to carry you?”

“…”

I felt a bit embarrassed being carried just for climbing a set of stairs.

I shook my head to decline Alice’s offer and scampered up the stairs.

As we finally reached the floor with the banquet hall, we couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

“Wow… it’s huge!”

“They really put some money into this.”

The banquet hall was large, extravagant, and loud.

It seemed designed specifically for such purposes, with a spacious area free of columns.

And everywhere we looked, there were people, tables, people, and more people.

‘Whoa, so many! How many are there? I bet it easily exceeds three digits.’

I wasn’t fond of crowds.

Already feeling drained, I let out a sigh inwardly.

But unlike my wilting demeanor, Alice appeared quite excited.

She was wiping the corners of her mouth, oblivious to the drool forming, with bright eyes.

“Hmm, hmm. What should we eat first? I feel like having seafood after a long time…!”

“You just got here, and you’re already thinking about food? Just wait a bit.”

Raven held onto Alice, who seemed ready to dash off, and unfolded the pamphlet we received upon entry to read.

“According to the schedule, the opening ceremony starts at 10 o’clock. Food seems to be served around 12 once everything is more or less wrapped up. Until then, I guess we’ll have to make do with some snacks.”

“W-what?! We have to wait two hours…?!”

Alice looked at him with a despondent expression, as if she couldn’t believe what she just heard.

I recalled she was practically starving since early morning, looking like she was ready to demolish a buffet.

Perhaps the thought of having to wait for two more hours was shocking to her.

Should’ve just accepted the bread when I offered some earlier.

Even if the event’s focus was heavy on the banquet, it’s primarily for promoting new products. They wouldn’t start serving meals from the get-go.

“No way…!”

“Well, there should be some light finger foods over there at that table. You could settle with those until the real food comes.”

“S-sounds good! Let’s go! Yuria!”

“…?!”

Suddenly, Alice grabbed my hand and marched toward the table with the snacks.

I wasn’t really that hungry, but I had no choice but to follow her.

At the table laden with finger foods, a staff member dressed similarly to the elf receptionist we saw earlier was stationed.

With her eyes glued to the spread of food, Alice quickly shot him a desperate question.

“Excuse me, can we eat this?”

“You may take as much as you like.”

“Really? Thank you!”

“However, please remember to dispose of your trash in the bins scattered throughout the banquet hall.”

“Of course!”

After responding to the staff, Alice swiftly scanned the table and swept up whatever looked appetizing.

Before long, her arms were filled with so much food that it was no longer just finger food.

Feeling a bit embarrassed standing next to her, I averted my gaze and picked up a nearby citrus tart.

‘Looks delicious. I’ll just have this one.’

I shifted the lower part of my mask aside and popped the tart into my mouth.

Wow, this is really tasty.

The fresh citrus flavor combined with the crispiness of the tart crust brought an involuntary smile to my face.

Big corporations really do have a different quality of dessert. I savored the aftertaste of the tart with quiet admiration.

“Is it yum? Huihihi, is it delicious?”

“…?”

“Hmm… Oh, Yuria, do you like it too?”

Ah, she was asking if it was good.

I turned my head, wiped my mouth, adjusted my mask, and nodded at her.

It was indeed delicious.

Citrus and tart? It’s a combination that couldn’t possibly be bad.

Perhaps pleased with my response, she affectionately ruffled my hair and said it was time to move.

I felt a tad embarrassed being treated like a child.

But considering Alice was a pretty girl, I could forgive it to an extent. Go on, ruffle away.

Having completely wiped out a table of finger foods, we returned to where Raven was.

Upon arriving, we spotted Raven chatting with a rather sexy woman.

‘Oh? Isn’t that…’

That figure looked familiar. No, she had too distinct a personality to mistake for someone else.

Dark blue hair tied high in a ponytail, clad in a tight-fitting bikini under a thick leather jacket, and jeans that hugged her healthy brown skin.

With a skull-painted eye patch over one eye and a coiled whip at her waist.

She was unmistakably Lexi, a uniquely dressed, specialized fixer—not unlike Alice in her modified kimono.

“Oh wow…”

“Hmm?”

But unlike me, who already knew her through the original story, it seemed Alice and Lexi were meeting for the first time.

Alice blinked her eyes in confusion at the sexy lady in front of Raven.

Lexi, on the other hand, was staring back at us, exchanging bewildered glances as if she was surprised by the pink-haired girl in a kimono.

Well, I suppose it’s surprising to see someone wearing a bikini in a place that isn’t a pool.

If I didn’t have any knowledge, I would’ve thought, “Is she a siren?”

But perhaps it was because Lexi typically wore daring clothes where her panty would show.

Alice quickly regained her composure and asked Raven, “Um, Jin, who’s this?”

“Oh, Alice! This is Lexi.”

“Whoaa! Jin, calling her that is a bit much!”

Lexi playfully smacked Raven on the shoulder with laughter.

Even at a distance, the pain in his reaction was palpable as I stared wide-eyed, causing Lexi to suddenly point at Alice and exclaim, “Ah, I get it. You’re that pesky little brat!”

“W-who’s a pesky brat?!”

“Huh? Didn’t you bother them about becoming a staff member for days? And you’re still only 18? That’s definitely a little brat.”

“Ugh… is being older something to brag about?”

“…Not particularly? I’m not that much older either.”

Wow, this scene is straight out of the original.

I alternated my gaze between the two, intrigued by the unfolding catfight.

One side—the former comrade who fought alongside Raven on the battlefield for years, saving each other’s lives!

The other—a squad member who rekindled forgotten dreams for Raven and had since become a beloved family member!

Who will come out victorious?

Who will be crowned the heroine of this epic battle!?

As I gripped my hands in anticipation—lacking popcorn to enjoy the show—Raven playfully tapped both Lexi and Alice on the heads to mediate.

“Hey, you idiots. Don’t fight here. You’ll disturb everyone around. If you want to argue, take it outside.”

“I’m the one being wronged here!”

Alice raised her voice toward Raven, looking quite aggrieved.

She had a point.

She merely asked who Lexi was and suddenly got punched first.

Did he know that?

Lexi flashed a sly grin at Alice and then nonchalantly opened her mouth.

“Ha-ha, my bad. I just got a little excited when I saw a girl approaching Raven after so long. But… it was that annoying girl who called you that.”

“…Jin!”

“That’s not incorrect, is it?”

“W-well, it’s not incorrect, but can’t you at least say that nicely to others? We’ve worked together for months now. You’re still being so petty?!”

This first heroine battle might just go to Lexi in terms of judging. I guess one can’t underestimate the experience.

As I nodded along with my thoughts about the excitement of the fight, I suddenly felt a chill run down my spine and the hairs on my neck stood up.

Startled, I looked to the side and saw Lexi squatting down to match my eye level.

Why, why is she doing that?

Has she figured out I thought of her as older?

“Wait, so I thought you were a young master. But looking closely, you’re just a girl. What’s your relationship with Jin?”

“…”

“Huh? Don’t want to talk? Or can’t you speak?”

“…!”

“Sheesh, I see.”

As I nodded vigorously, Lexi’s single red eye sparkled with mischief.

The look in her eyes was like that of someone who just discovered a fun new toy, and it felt terrifying.

Please don’t do this. I’m just a temporary part-timer at the fixer office.

As I stood there, feeling like an anxious deer before a lion, Alice, having noticed, smoothly stepped in front of me.

“Hey! Don’t bother our cute youngest!”

“I’m not bothering her much. Hmm… whatever.”

Lexi turned away and glanced back at Raven.

From Alice’s perspective, Lexi looked like a girl bursting with shyness.

“They’re interesting people. Jin.”

“Every day is an adventure. I’m more concerned about feeling drained from it every day.”

“Yeah, it seems so. I’m really glad to see you happy.”

What’s happening?

Alice and I exchanged glances, sensing something strange in the atmosphere, and quietly listened to their conversation.

Regardless of what we were doing, Lexi pulled something from her pocket and handed it to Raven.

“Since this is fate, here’s my contact info. If you have time, get in touch. I’m waiting to hear from you all.”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“Then I’m off. You two, see you later.”

Lexi said that and left the banquet hall without looking back.

Once she had vanished completely from sight, I finally exhaled deeply, feeling a sense of relief.

Is this what it’s like to confront a lion in human form?

Just looking at her made my heart race in my chest.

I knew she would show up, but seeing her in person was a whole different vibe.

[ “Ah, hello everyone! We are ready to provide you with a special experience here today. Now, please focus on the stage! You will witness a groundbreaking moment in history for Meta Humans, a stunning innovation in technology!” ]

And as we continued our conversation, I suddenly realized how much time had passed.

The voice of the announcer echoed through the speakers installed everywhere.

Beyond the Metafuture.

Unbeknownst to them, this would become the event of fate for Nemesis.

Now the real beginning is upon us.

As I thought that and gazed at the stage, an unforeseen realization struck me like lightning.

‘…Oh, wait. Where is the client?’

The only link connecting our fixer office crew with the person who would become our third member.

She, who should have appeared at this timing, was nowhere to be found.

With applause ringing in my ears, I sensed that something was amiss.