Chapter 57: The First Joint Press Conference

In the wake of Rina’s declaration, a new, strangely professional dynamic settles over our lives. Her campaign of affection continues, but it is different. It is less about flustering me with jokes and more about showing me how good we are as a team. She is constantly by my side, not just clinging, but collaborating, asking for my opinion, and valuing my input. It is, in many ways, far more dangerous than her old tactics.

The outside world, however, waits for no one. A week after our fateful trip, an official, embossed envelope arrives from Nexus Games. It is an invitation.

"The first official press conference for 'Aethelgard Ascendant' is next Friday," Miki announces, reading the letter to the team. "It is a joint press conference. They will be officially revealing the game's two promotional cosplayers to the world."

"Joint?" Rina asks, her brow furrowed. "I thought I was the only one."

"It seems they have also hired a cosplayer for the role of Morwen, the Dusk Queen," Miki says, scanning the fine print. "They do not specify who."

A sense of unease settles over the room. "That is a little weird, is it not?" Hana asks. "To not tell us who we are working with?"

"It is a marketing tactic," Miki says dismissively. "They are building hype with a 'surprise reveal.' It is unprofessional, but not unheard of."

The day of the press conference arrives. We are all on edge. Rina is in her full, breathtaking Seraphina costume, looking every bit the Dawnlight Oracle. She is nervous, but also excited. This is her official debut on the world stage. I am there as her official handler, Kenji is there as our "equipment manager," and Miki and Hana are her official support staff.

We are led to a private green room backstage at a massive event hall. The air is buzzing with the sounds of the press gathering outside.

"Okay, ten minutes until showtime," a stagehand says, poking his head in. "We are just waiting for the other talent to arrive, and then we will bring you both to the stage together for the big reveal."

"Other talent?" Rina asks.

Right on cue, the door to the green room opens. A woman from Nexus Games walks in, a cheerful, corporate smile on her face. "Ectiqa-san! So glad you are here! I would like to introduce you to your counterpart for this campaign."

She steps aside. And in walks Haruka Ito, dressed in a stunning, terrifyingly accurate costume of Morwen, the Dusk Queen. She is a vision of black leather, dark feathers, and cruel, silver armor.

The air in the room freezes. My blood turns to ice. Rina’s jaw drops. Kenji lets out a small, strangled gasp.

Haruka's eyes scan the room. She sees Rina in her goddess-like costume, and a flicker of her old rivalry sparks in her eyes. She sees Miki and Hana, her expression turning to one of disdain. Then, her gaze lands on me.

Her entire demeanor changes. A slow, predatory smile spreads across her face. The rivalry is forgotten, replaced by a much more personal, much more dangerous agenda.

"Rui-kun," she purrs, her voice dripping with a possessive sweetness that makes my skin crawl. "What a wonderful surprise. It seems we are going to be working together. This is going to be so much fun."

She is not looking at her rival, Ectiqa. She is looking at me. And Rina, standing there in her armor of light, looks like she is about to summon a holy smite and vaporize Haruka on the spot. The marketing team at Nexus Games wanted a surprise reveal. They have no idea what they have just unleashed.