Sonatine for the Forgotten · Chapter 2
Turmoil
Scarlet
What did you say?!
A d-d-d-d-d... do... DOPPELGANGER?!
I rushed over because of the commotion, and now you're saying what?!
Claire
...Of course, I could be mistaken.
Perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me...
Bell
Even so, you definitely saw somebody, didn't you?
And not just anyone. You said it looked like yourself. Another you.
Claire
Given how exhausted I've been recently, I can't say with certainty...
But you're correct.
The person I saw looked exactly like myself.
Scarlet
So... does that mean you fought yourself, Claire?
Claire
I hurled whatever was within reach at it, and it disappeared.
That broken cup at your feet is evidence enough.
Scarlet
Hm? A cup?
...Oh, yeah, I see it now.
...Hmm. Not just one Claire, but "Claires". Hmm...
Claire
Ahem. What did you say?
Scarlet
Wha?! I-It's nothing!
I was just thinking how I should personally handle it if such a thing occurs again!
...I-I shall go dispose of this broken cup!
You all carry on with your discussion!
Bell
...What's with that lizard this time?
Claire
Let her do as she pleases. I doubt she'll create any problems.
Emily
Ms. Claire, if I may make a suggestion...
Perhaps we should ask the Orbital Search Team for assistance with this matter?
They assisted us during the incident in Kalaid when something similar occurred.
From what I've heard, they've been tracking a series of unusual cases around NOA.
Claire
Yes, I've heard they've been looking into matters ever since the Chicxulub Hall incident.
...That said, your memory appears to be in excellent shape today.
I heard you took another hunt quest with Trish. Perhaps that's improved your memory.
Emily
As perceptive as ever, Ms. Claire.
Bell
Hold on.
Getting help is fine, but shouldn't we conduct our own investigation first?
Claire
Of course. We don't know yet whether anyone else has experienced it.
I'd prefer we keep this matter quiet for now.
Let's ask around without drawing attention, and if nobody else comes forward...
We can decide then whether this was nothing than a harmless occurrence.
Bell
And if we uncover something meaningful?
Claire
Then we'll request assistance from the Orbital Search Team.
Maid A
After finishing my evening shift, I dropped by the library before calling it a day...
...Huh? You're asking why I stopped by the library?
Ahem! I-I'd rather not say!
A-Anyway... after spending some time there, I went back to my room.
But when I got back, I found someone in my room, just standing there in the dark!
I assumed it was my roommate and thought, "What's she doing in the dark?" so I turned on the light...
And there it was. Someone who looked exactly like me, smiling at me like something out of a nightmare!
Maid B
Ugh, don't even get me started.
The maid in charge of the library and I spent the whole day dusting the library, wiping down windows, and updating the catalog one book at a time.
Once we finally finished, both of us clocked out and returned to our quarters.
I returned to my room thinking I'd wash up and head straight to bed...
But something felt off. I heard water running from the shower.
I thought maybe I'd left the shower running before work, and sure enough... it was on.
When I looked into the mirror... there was another me standing behind me...!
Claire
...We're receiving more and more sightings of these doppelgangers.
In fact, the maid in charge of the library was even found unconscious yesterday and taken to the hospital.
...I was hoping this would be nothing more than a personal misunderstanding.
At this point, there's no denying that something is wrong—
Scarlet
Hic... *Sniffle...*
Claire
...Scarlet, we're done with the scary part. You can stop clinging to Emily now.
Scarlet
...W-What are you talking about?! I wasn't clinging to her!
Emily
To be exact, you latched onto my arm six seconds into the dark room part.
Bell
What do you think this is, a ghost story circle around a candle?
Honestly, get a grip.
Emily
Ms. Claire, per your orders, I reached out to the Search Orbital Team—
Claire
It's the Orbital Search Team.
Emily
...Right. I reached out to Orbital Search Team 3.
Claire
Are you sure you contacted them?
Emily
I believe I did. ...Probably.
Claire
...If only the hunt quest made your memory last a little longer.
*Sigh*... Never mind. I'll confirm the matter with Team 3 myself.
In any case, that's not our priority right now.
Let's review what we know about these doppelganger incidents in Candle Square.
While each report differs slightly, the most notable detail is...
Every victim so far appears to have some connection to the library or the black book.
Bell
And where's this black book that's causing all the trouble?
Claire
I've locked it in the office vault where no one can get to it.
It's the most likely source of the incident. We can't risk leaving it accessible.
If things escalate any further, I may have to consider closing the library and even the office.
As Emily suggested, I'll be requesting assistance from Orbital Search Team 3.
All we can do is hope Candle Square remains calm until then.
Observer A
So... you're saying the suspect came through this area?
Observer B
Apparently so. Nothing abnormal showed up in our observations, but we can't ignore civilian reports.
Observer A
This area's right near the perimeter of NOA's Divine Barrier.
What would anyone be doing all the way out here? Go a little farther and running into a Voidborn wouldn't be surprising.
Observer B
Apparently some people seek this place out because no one's around. You know... couples and such.
Observer A
What exactly would they even do out here? I really don't—Actually, forget it.
Observer B
Well, that's supposedly why the town guards patrol this area from time to time—
...Hmm?
L-Look! Someone's standing outside the Divine Barrier!
Observer A
Huh? What?
W-What in the world?!
Hey, you there! What are you doing over there?!
Carnelia
...
Observer A
Put down whatever you're holding and come over here. It's dangerous outside the barrier, so let's get you insi—
Grgh... nngh...!!
Observer B
Y-you're...! Ngh...
Carnelia
Forgive me. But I had no choice.
By the time you wake up... it will all be over.
Carnelia
...
...A pointless thought, I suppose.
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