Talking to Toy

"I'll tell you anything. I'll cooperate however you want. Will you play with me? Please, do whatever you like to me."

I could tell by how her tail was wagging that she was doing her best to be appealing.

When I left the soldiers behind and returned to the interrogation room alone, I saw that Toy had completely changed her attitude… to a disgusting degree.

—It was because of [Super Transformation], of course.

I was once told by Leona that if I tried to transform into her, I would take on her curses and go mad, eventually dying. That said, now that the curses on her had been removed, I could transform into Leona without dying.

It was a bit of a gamble, but I sent the soldiers away and tried it out first, I was still alive, so it looked like either Leona was bluffing or the curse was lifted, allowing me to transform into her safely.

So I confronted Toy while transformed into Leona using [Super Transformation].

As expected from a hero skill granted by divine power, the disguise in terms of appearance and physical aspects was perfect. The rest was up to my acting ability, but by keeping her blindfolded, I tried to cover for that a bit by listing things that Leona would likely say.

I figured that by pretending to be Leona, I could decieve her into doing something for me… The words and actions I'd been taking into consideration for my Anti-Leona measures seemed to work out beautifully against the Leona-starved and confused state Toy was in.

"Kehma-sama, would you like me to lick your feet? Or should I show you my belly to touch it and step on? Ahaha, how about attaching a leash to my collar and parading me through town? Should I keep my clothes on? Or would you prefer me to take them off?"

As a result, I gained an obedient pet. It would be nice if it became a way to annoy Leona… but will she kill me if I'm discovered?

No, I can't help but feel that Leona must have anticipated or already knew about this. After all, if Leona was really concerned about Toy, she would have taken care of her or taken her away.

Yet she left her. This could only be a message for me to do as I pleased.

… After all, she probably only gave her knowledge that wouldn't be a problem if leaked. If that knowledge would cause interference against her, it would be enjoyable in its own way. Leona must've thought so, without a doubt.

"What are you plotting?"

"I wasn't plotting anything… Oh, I'm sorry, I was. Earlier, Leona-sama came and instructed me to cooperate with Kehma-sama and Haku-sama in opposing her. She mentioned the word [Recycle]… Kehma-sama, do you know the meaning of this word?"

Oh, she seems to be diligently obeying the order to talk about everything cooperatively. Just as one would expect from Toy.

"Setting aside recycling, is it true? I hate liars, you know."

"Wonderful! I also hate lies. It's not a lie, as you can see that this collar isn't tightening, right?"

"… How did you nullify the slave collar?"

"It's quite simple. Magic tools and spells of this kind react when the body, mind, and even at the highest level, the soul, are aware that they are [Lying]. Therefore, if you don't feel anything about your words and actions, there will be no reaction. It works on the same principle as the Demon King's [Clear Mirror, Still Water]."

Wow, that's a high hurdle, but I didn't know there was such a method… I can't imagine being able to imitate it, but I'll remember that such a technique exists.

"Besides, this collar only judges up to the mental level, not the soul level, right? It's a widely available product. If it's this, you can deceive it at the [Mindless] level. Lower-level physical recognition ones are even easier."

"You're quite talkative."

"It's because I was told to be cooperative and talk about what I know."

Toy smiled and looked in my direction while still blindfolded.

"Even though you're blindfolded, can you see me?"

"You can tell where someone is just by their smell and heartbeat, right? … … Don't you know that?"

So she can even tell who it is. I wonder if I actually deceived her with [Super Transformation]…?

"Ah, I apologize. It must be difficult for you since you're not a dog beastkin, right? Leona-sama could do it, but that's because she's part beast as well."

"That's new information."

"Oh? Kehma-sama, didn't you know even this much? Leona-sama is a Chaos God. She has all sorts of characteristics within her, so she can freely use the characteristics of beasts as well."

It seemed like she would have many weaknesses, but if she could use them freely, that meant she could also choose not to use them. Still as strong as ever.

"… By the way, what was Leona's real goal?"

"Well, there's no doubt that one of her goals was to entertain you, Kehma-sama, but Leona-sama is the type to have many objectives even with just a small whim. Her far-sighted strategy is not something I can fathom. Especially this one, the Daido date spot transformation plan is a project that has taken years."

How many objectives did she have, were there still more? Even that was uncertain.

"… She couldn't be just winging it without thinking about anything, right?"

"Leona-sama is the Chaos God, you know? It's pointless to imagine her thoughts. We mere mortals can only enjoy her presence and actions, whether it's her favor or her strict punishment."

Is she something symbolizing nature? It doesn't seem wrong in the sense of a disaster.

"By the way, what will happen to me now? Will I be executed? I'll escape though."

"… It seems like you could escape whenever you want, huh?"

"Of course. If you wish, I could remove these restraints right now and show you?"

I knew it.

"You'll be under my care. Obey my orders for a while."

"Understood, Kehma-sama."

… It's scary to keep her close, but it's even scarier to leave her be. While I couldn't tell what Toy was thinking, it wasn't on the same level as with Leona. I'll pass her on to Haku-san later.

"Kehma-sama… Aren't you going to release my restraints?"

"You can do it yourself, right? Oh, leave the collar on. I need you to testify that there was a mistake and you escaped, leaving me to be captured in your place, and show the king that the collar's function doesn't work."

"Understood. Then, I'll testify that I'm a poor little puppy who was replaced when you looked away."

Saying that, Toy stood up as if there were no restraints at all. The restraints fell off, intact, with a rustling sound. It feels like watching an escape magic trick.

When Toy removed the blindfold, a face that looked just like Niku's, but with more lively facial muscles, appeared. For now, I'll email Haku-san that I've obtained Toy. I also want to discuss ownership later.

"Oh, by the way, Kehma-sama. I don't know if this is related to this case, but…"

"Hm? Oh, wait a second…"

I quickly finished writing an email to Haku. Sent.

"Alright. So, what is it?"

"Yes, Leona-sama has a very good relationship with the Dark God and often accepts requests. I believe she once created something called [Email]? I don't know what she received in return. Is that useful information?"

Toy smiled and wagged her tail, tilting her head.

… I looked at the sent email. Ah. I wish she had told me that a little sooner.

"Was it bad information?"

"No, it's very important. I see, so that's why she could the use of the mail function, huh?"

… From now on, I should avoid putting important information in emails, considering the possibility that Leona was secretly watching. It might be too late for some things, though.