Case 51: The number one ranked magical girl’s game.
It was moments like these that made Moeka grateful to be a magical girl, even though her current situation indeed occurred because she was one.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere in which the two Alphas clashed felt suffocating. Fueled by immense magical prowess and unrestrained by the lack of suppressants, the sparks they let out were nearly nauseating. One could not help but imagine how quickly a normal person would collapse in such scenarios.
Of course, Moeka had her own magic, so she was only a little uncomfortable.
As she observed the silent confrontation between Akane Rose, who had nonchalantly entered the room, and Ophelia Frost, Moeka instinctively sensed the history between the two.
'I heard top talents in Helios receive personal tutoring from ex-magical girls... I guess that was true.'
Ophelia seemed somewhat softer in front of Rose, her supposed student, although her stance was still firm. Yet, Rose herself looked quite like her usual self—confident.
''I've heard the story from Miss Casey,'' She said, ''Teacher, leave Aloe Mochizuki to me.''
''...What do you intend to do with her?'' Ophelia asked.
''What else? Make her help complete the suppressants as soon as possible.'' Rose sighed, ''Many of us are already at risk of pheromone runaways, teacher. Prosecuting Aloe's crime comes later.''
It was clear where Rose stood in this case. Gaining her support, both Moeka and Miss Casey let out a breath of relief, though it remained to be seen whether Ophelia would concede... or Rose's authority as the number one ranked magical girl would triumph. And in the end, it looked as though the latter possibility was ensuing.
''I can't let that happen.'' Ophelia, for one reason or another, adamantly refused to cooperate, ''Keeping Aloe Mochizuki without proper approval is overstepping—even for you, Rose.''
Rose was still nonchalant, ''Just report to higher management that it was my call to withhold Aloe in City O. I'm sure our thoughtful and considerate executives would understand the urgency. Or... do you not want to let go of your perfect record, teacher?''
For the first time, Ophelia had a visibly displeased expression on her face. Frowning, she replied, ''You know that's not where my concerns are.''
''Then do as I said.'' Rose softly clicked her tongue, ''You told me to prioritize the people's needs above everything else as a magical girl, didn't you? And now you're hesitating to do the exact thing you taught me. Because of what? Upholding the law's integrity? There's a limit to being annoyingly stubborn. Honestly? It's pissing me off.''
''...''
Although Rose was evidently heated in this argument, enough for the temperature to rise several degrees, Ophelia remained silent, deep in her thoughts.
After what seemed like an eternity, the insiquitor stood up with a resigned sigh, ''Fine.'' She said, ''I shall inform headquarters of your decision. Nevertheless, I still have to report on Aloe Mochizuki's case in detail.
Rose shrugged, ''Sure.''
''Ah, I'll see you out, Miss Ophelia,'' Casey stood up, seeing as the person was leaving, but was stopped by Ophelia herself.
''Then, I'll excuse myself here. Take care.'' She said, turning to the entrance before halting for a moment, ''...Don't worry, Miss Magical Osbeckia, I will make sure you and your family won't be affected.''
Facing Ophelia's ever-calm eyes, Moeka could only utter, ''...Thank you?''
After the inquisitor left, the taut tension in the office instantly evaporated. Miss Casey slumped down on her chair, nearly melting, while Moeka and Himeko could finally breathe normally. At last, one could say the case was temporarily resolved.
Only Rose stayed the same, as if unfazed by everything. Glancing at her, Moeka admired in her head, 'The composure of a top magical girl is something else...'
She did not forget to properly express her gratitude, ''Thank you for helping us, Miss Akane.''
Rose smiled beautifully, showcasing her ladylike charms in full, ''Don't worry about it. We're colleagues working for the same goals—it's only natural.''
The Alpha then added, ''Besides, I'll be indebted to you soon. I'll feel terrible if only you help me, won't I?''
''Oh, you mean...'' Moeka trailed off.
As a faint blush fell on the Omega's cheeks, Rose nodded, ''I just came back from Hibiscus's lab. Long story short... I got permission.'' The girl gave a peace sign with a radiant smile, ''Now we can have all the fun we want.''
''R-Right...''
Truthfully, Moeka was stunned. From what Ruri mentioned, Rose was allegedly quite wild in bed. Fumiko would have known about it as well, but the fact that she approved Rose, reluctantly or not, was surprising. If Moeka's girlfriend were just a little more possessive and unaccommodating, she would have made a scene or kept herself out of her partner's job completely.
'...Miko is super possessive, though. I guess she's just too kind.'
Nonetheless, Moeka's gratitude toward Fumiko only surged as time went by. Internally, she was determined to give her lover the best courting experience possible. Naturally, a sense of guilt arose as Moeka felt somewhat relieved not having to worry about damaging her relationship.
To distract herself from such thoughts, Moeka spoke up, ''Have you found an appropriate time, then, Miss Akane?''
Rose seemed eager as she responded, ''The earlier, the better. How about you come to our place tonight?''
''Tonight... I suppose that's fine.''
''Excellent! Visit us whenever you're ready, Miss Kisaragi.''
''...I'll be there after dinner.''
For one reason or another, Moeka's heart was beating fast, and her face felt hot. She begrudgingly sensed some parts of anticipation in the emotions she was processing. And...
''Our' place...?'
Moeka was momentarily puzzled until she recalled a conversation Rose and Ruri had yesterday during the Yakiniku lunch—something about buying groceries and settling furniture. The Omega had not meant to pry into their private business, but it was trivial to infer that the two were living together.
'I wonder what their relationship is.'
Just then, Himeko, who was fidgeting intensely as she heard the exchange, raised her hand, ''Um... can I go with you, Moeka?''
Somehow, Moeka's intuition told her Himeko should not be there. So, she replied, ''You've been with me for several days already. How about taking some time off?''
''But...''
''I'll be with Miss Akane—Magial Rose. How could I be put in danger?''
Despite Moeka's sound reasoning, Himeko pouted, her blue eyes trembling pitifully. Only after the Omega clumsily gave the puppy a few pecks on the cheeks did she become obedient, ''...Okay. I'll only escort Moeka to Rose's place, then.''
''Thank you.'' Moeka sighed in relief.
On the side, Rose chimed in, ''I've never seen Marigold like this. At this rate, you're going to tame all of us, huh?'' She teased, which made Moeka blush again.
The mood was ambiguously harmonious between the three. Only Miss Casey, who was too exhausted to care, remained slumped like a puddle of an overworked employee on the couch.
That night, Moeka arrived at Rose's residence as requested. She was the least taken aback upon learning about the Alpha having a complete, antique-style mansion in the middle of the city. Nevertheless, standing before the actual place felt overwhelming.
A maid emerged upon seeing Moeka, inviting her inside.
''Then... I'll go.'' Moeka turned around and waved at Himeko, who tentatively waited until she went in.
Holding her slightly nervous chest, Moeka wondered how it would turn out. Yet, she could never have imagined what was waiting for her inside.