What are you talking about? [Long Novel] 24

It was just when Rio was starting to get a nice buzz.

“Enomoto-san, do you know about the Princess of the Back Alley?”
It was an abrupt question.
Enomoto remembered.Miruko, the strange self-proclaimed princess who emits throat singing. As expected, it was no mistake that she smelled like those guys.

“Ah, I think there was someone like that...”
“I knew it, she’s famous in the back alleys, isn’t she?” Rio said, his eyes shining as if he were latching onto the topic.
This look was the same one he had during those difficult conversations. Enomoto realized it instantly.

“Oh, so she is famous... No, I just had a small opportunity to be involved with her...”
“What kind of things did you talk about with Miruko-san?”
Rio’s eyes sparkled, and he leaned forward, asking the question eagerly.
“Ah, well, she was making some strange sounds...”
“Ah! That’s throat singing!”
Why does he know that? Is that bizarre vocalization that famous?

“Rio-san, you know Miruko-san very well, don’t you?”
At this moment, Enomoto dug his own grave. He realized he wouldn’t be able to escape from Rio for a while.
“Well, of course, I am currentlyfollowing everything about Miruko-san,” Rio answered confidently.
What does that mean? Following everything? Is he a fan? Or a stalker?
“I see,” Enomoto replied safely.
“Miruko-san is a wonderful person. She is a professional. And above all, she is terrifying beyond human comprehension.” Rio’s eyes were gleaming.
Looking at Rio, Enomoto felt that he was truly insane.

“Enomoto-san, have you ever wanted to live moment to moment?”
No, I haven’t. He wanted to answer immediately, but he hedged, saying, “Ah, well, I suppose...”
“I felt that by following everything about Miruko-san, I might be able to see some kind of enlightenment for myself. And I still believe that now.”
A gaze filled with intense strength. I see, a Miruko believer. Could it be that Miruko is some kind of cult leader? Or is there an even larger organization behind her...? And are refugees increasing due to proselytizing...? A new suspicion arose in Enomoto.

“Is Miruko-san doing some kind of religious proselytizing?”
Rio looked at Enomoto with a somewhat puzzled expression.

“What are you talking about?” After thinking for a moment, Rio continued. “Oh, Enomoto-san, could it be that you are interested in Miruko-san!”
“Well, yes, I was wondering what kind of person she is...”
“If that’s the case, please, take this test.”
Saying that, Rio handed him a piece of paper.

“Yura-Yura Miruko Mahoroba Sommelier Certification”
There were 10 questions about Miruko written on it.
Enomoto succumbed to Rio’s pressure and took the test.
The result was a crushing defeat. He ended up with only 1 correct answer out of 10.
Actually, it was a miracle that he got the first question, “Nara,” correct. Choosing it based on the flow of the conversation about religion had paid off.

“Enomoto-san, you still have a long way to go... Well, it’s just the beginning, do your best.”
What on earth am I supposed to do my best at?
“Still, to go as far as making a test,Rio-san, you are also terrifying,” Enomoto said before he could stop himself.
Unlike his previously shining eyes, Rio now had a distant look, tinged with regret and remorse.

“Yes, I thought so too. Why did I start something like this? I was out of my mind. I should have stopped back then. But I started it as if ‘there is no time like the present.’ I can no longer escape.”
How terrifying brainwashing is. For some reason, Enomoto began to feel sympathy for Rio. He thought he had to save this man who couldn’t stop doing such strange things.
“Rio-san, it’s hard for you too, isn’t it?”
“No, it’s all my own fault.”
“Well, let’s drink.”
Enomoto poured beer into Rio’s glass.

By the time the two of them parted ways, it was already past midnight. Enomoto headed home, stumbling along the way.

NextTo be continued