[20F, Station of the End]

“Can we talk alone for a moment?”

I couldn’t wait any longer. Boss curiously tilted her head.

“About what?”

“…”

I didn’t answer, but she nodded nonetheless.

“Okay, speak.”

“Not here. Come with me for a second.”

“Hmm? Why?”

I grabbed her wrist before she could continue. Boss’ eyes widened for a second and blankly stared as I pulled her towards a cafe.

“Wait, are you…” A needless suspicion crossed her mind.

“I’m not the doppelgänger.”

“…”

We paid for our seats and sat facing each other at a table. No one said a word in this empty cafe. My suspicions would only grow if I didn’t settle it today, so I cut straight to the point…

“Boss, would you like some coffee?”

… Or not. The circumstances weren’t right. The timing also felt off. I needed to establish some conversational flow first. Otherwise, who in the world would answer such an abrupt question?

“Coffee?”

“Yes, it’s my treat.” I forced myself to smile and brushed my sweaty hair from my forehead.

“I’d like an Americano.”

“Okay, I’ll order that.”

I pulled up the automated window at the table and ordered an Americano. Then I continued.

“Ah, that’s right. Boss, what did you get from defeating your doppelgänger?”

Boss looked at me suspiciously. “… The Orb of Speculation.”

“Oh really? What does it do?”

“I’m not telling.”

“Huh? Why?”

“You’re going to ask me to give it to you.”

“Ah, when did I ever… cough.”

Well, I did take all her first place prizes from the martial tournament. I even took the emotion potion that she didn’t want to give away. I continued talking...