Chapter 429. The Unsolvable Priscilla
Hikigaya Hachiman let out a sigh. He felt as if he were back in the Royal Capital before the White Whale hunt, standing in a competitive position against Anastasia where both sides used every means at their disposal for a confrontation:
"If you have something to say, please speak plainly. I am all ears."
Anastasia did not intend to be polite. Persuading her Prime Minister to change his mind was by no means an easy task; she had to give it her all.
As an opening statement, she used words that seemed alarmingly sensationalist: "Whether Miss Yukinoshita dies young now depends entirely on the Prime Minister's whim."
Hachiman did not think this merchant was one to make grand, baseless claims, so he did not interrupt.
With a serious expression, he gave her a look that said, "Continue."
"I've heard about the Divine Dragon being in a daze before. However, over the past few decades, the Dragon Tablet has given revelations and prophecies multiple times; it seems that thing isn't affected by the Divine Dragon's state. And word is, it has never been wrong."
After establishing credibility with a series of arguments, Anastasia finally pointed out the most critical key: "The latest revelation that appeared these past few days says that this world is about to merge into one with that side."
"That side is... Earth!?"
At this moment, Hachiman finally understood why the future was being broadcast simultaneously across both worlds for no apparent reason.
Without a doubt, this was the precursor to the world merger.
In other words, even if he hadn't crossed over, it wouldn't change the fact that he would have encountered Emilia and the others. And now, compared to those things, there was an even more important matter.
"The Dragon Tablet says the world merger won't cause any natural disasters or upheavals, so there's no need to worry on that front. But that's just official business; privately, the Prime Minister must be very worried."
Hachiman remained silent.
He understood Anastasia's implication perfectly.
Previously, he had chosen to escape, intending to leave this world to fulfill his promise to Yukinoshita. On one hand, he wanted to be a man of his word; on the other hand, it was because the conditions at the time allowed him to do so.
But now it was different. A world merger meant that people from this side could come into contact with people from Earth.
Which meant that Yukinoshita Yukino no longer had a safety barrier.
"The self-centered Miss Priscilla will definitely take action. Closely following her, Mimi, Ferris, Garfiel, and so on—regardless of their leanings, at the very least, they do not like Miss Yukinoshita.
I've seen Miss Yukinoshita's temperament; she isn't the type to back down. I expect it'll be easy for her to draw out the dissatisfaction of Mimi and the others. When that time comes, it will likely evolve into a state of constant bickering and mutual hostility where they can't stand the sight of each other."
Anastasia had no intention of using this as blackmail or kicking him while he was down; she was merely stating facts. Hachiman could hardly refute this future she described, as he had foreseen it as well.
"I will properly restrain people like Mimi and Ricardo, so you needn't worry about them. But as for Ferris and Garfiel, no matter how obedient they are, they are people with their own stubborn opinions. Sooner or later, they will reach that point with Miss Yukinoshita.
As for Miss Priscilla..."
Anastasia paused. She flashed a fox-like, cunning smile, feeling slightly grateful for that incredibly arrogant "Princess-syndrome" woman.
It was precisely because of Priscilla's existence that Yukinoshita's physical safety and mental health would be seriously jeopardized.
With this foundation, it became possible for her Prime Minister to abandon his exclusive devotion to Yukinoshita alone.
Hachiman's expression was not pleasant.
He muttered under his breath, "Priscilla will keep her eyes fixed on Yukino every second until she believes the punishment she has inflicted is sufficient... Until then, she will use her extreme luck to seize any opportunity to punish Yukino."
Regarding Priscilla, he understood her even better than Anastasia did.
With the worlds merging, Reinhard would have too much to do; it would be impossible for him to waste time protecting Yukino.
Hachiman had obtained many Authorities and could certainly defeat Priscilla, but it was also impossible for him to stay by Yukino's side constantly.
Even if Beatrice and Shaula were instructed by him to protect Yukino in his absence, they were strong enough to win against Priscilla, but they had no way to prevent Priscilla from using her extreme luck to launch a surprise attack on Yukino.
If Hachiman could harden his heart and simply kill Priscilla, or keep her perpetually injured—keeping both her legs broken to the point she couldn't walk, let alone run off to harass Yukino—then of course there would be nothing to worry about.
...But he could never do that.
The reason was simple: Priscilla would not deal a fatal blow to Yukino.
Selfish, egoistic, willful, and arrogant—besides these traits, Priscilla was an extremely intelligent woman.
She knew very well that if she killed Yukino, Hachiman would definitely turn against her completely.
So, she would just insult Yukino, occasionally kick her in the stomach, or splash her with swamp mud, cut off her long hair, or at the very most, beat her until she was injured—and certainly not to the point of a critical injury.
—Beat her until she was injured, then immediately provide medical treatment until she was perfectly intact, but while treating her, continue to insult Yukino as a shameless, undignified bitch, hurling non-stop verbal abuse.
Yes.
Hachiman could completely imagine what Priscilla would do.
That woman was just like Anastasia—inherently very smart, though she usually couldn't be bothered to use that wisdom. But in dealing with Yukinoshita, she would definitely utilize her intellect to strike the perfect balance.
She would do just enough to make Hachiman angry, but not so angry that he would feel murderous intent toward her or keep her legs broken perpetually.
Priscilla was such a malicious woman... yet Hachiman had to admit, he really didn't have a good way to deal with someone who knew exactly how far to push.
When Yukino was bullied, he would naturally go to settle the score with Priscilla and bully her back.
But what use would that be? As long as he wasn't willing to kill Priscilla, the development of events would only ever remain in this chain: he bullies Priscilla, Priscilla bullies Yukino.
Priscilla certainly wouldn't be having a good time, but she wouldn't stop insulting Yukino. Even if she suffered more retaliation from Hachiman because of it, she wouldn't stop until death.
Stubbornly sticking to her own opinions was a major trait of that woman.
In the end, Yukinoshita's life would be miserable regardless.
This wouldn't have any negative impact on Hachiman himself; instead, it would give him a legitimate excuse to retaliate against and humiliate Priscilla, which could be said to be quite beneficial to him... provided he didn't care about Yukinoshita's feelings.
Hachiman looked toward Anastasia.
"So... you plan to use this to persuade me?"
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