“…Ei—… vind…”

The female doll answered Eivind’s call.

Hearing that voice, everyone in the lab rejoiced even harder.

…I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t keep up with the atmosphere that implied that the greatest research project of the century had been completed.

[What!? What is happening!?]

…Simply put, they appear to have succeeded in ‘resurrecting the dead’ through doll research.

[Resurrecting the dead!?]

Reviving the dead was a forbidden art that invalidated the meaning of human existence.

Nevertheless, it was a technique that everyone who studied miraculous powers had admired at least once.

—And Eivind said that there was someone he wanted to bring back to life, no matter the cost.

Look, do you see that red jewel-like thing on its chest? It’s the crystallized residual magic of the deceased. The official name is… I don’t know how it is called in this era, but in my time, it was called, ‘Crystal.’ The doll will move according to the memory that resides within the Crystal… Probably.

Strictly speaking, there were many differences. If I were to describe it in a way that best reflected the atmosphere of this place, it would be something like that.

In any case, Cecily didn’t seem all that interested in its detailed workings at the moment.

[Wow, Eivind is such a genius!]

Cecily seemed more interested in paying her respects along with the other researchers.

Then, when I was wondering if I should say something, Eivind spotted me. He pushed past the other researchers and took me by my shoulders.

“Look! I did it! You liar! I could do it, after all!”

“Y-yes… That’s good…?”

Uhm, Eivind?

Did I ever tell you that you would never be able to revive your mother?

During the sports festival, I learned that the purpose of your research was to revive the dead. Then based on what I heard from the director earlier, I concluded that the person was probably your mother…

…But I never said that it was impossible?

Dreaming is the privilege of youth.

Well, even if I didn’t say it, my vibe at that time probably convinced him otherwise.

But for now, Eivind seemed to be rejoicing.

Eivind took my hand. I had held hands with him a few times before, but for the first time, his grip hurt me immensely. Without noticing that I was in pain, he led me with a look of absolute joy on his face.

“Let me introduce you. She’s my mother.”

Then, the doll smiled—it was a gentle smile befitting that of a ‘mother.’

Thus, I became sure of it.

—That doll will break soon.

***

After that, the institute entered a full blown celebratory mode.

[It’s nice to celebrate and all, but won’t somebody cover his mother up?]

Even if you ask me…

Many researchers, myself included, had a few screws loose in their heads. Nobody probably cared about the nakedness of the subject, so I couldn’t help but smile at Cecily’s obvious concern.

Please, Cecily, just become a researcher.

[Eh, what is this, all of the sudden?]

Hm? Weren’t you fascinated by the magic glasses earlier?

Well, I’d talk about that later.

What a party it was.

They gathered around Eivind’s mother and made a fuss about drinking and singing. Eivind was also busy laughing and crying at that time.

As I was out of place, I wanted to leave, but Eivind asked, ‘Do you have a place to stay? What about money?’

With just a single line, I was defeated.

Although the inns in the royal capital were safe places for a girl to stay alone, they were also expensive.

…And here I was planning to forego the formalities and leave right away.

Thus, despite being the protagonist of the day, Eivind kindly arranged for us to stay in a room in the dormitory attached to the research institute where we’d be able to have a good night sleep. It seemed that tomorrow, with a letter from the director, he’d take me to the castle officials.

As always, everything was perfect.

As expected of a handsome man… Or rather, maybe he’s just being nice.

Does he like me that much?

Which is why—

—While Cecily was asleep, I got up from the bed alone on a particularly quiet night.

For better or for worse, that’s just how life is.

It seemed that my slightest actions would rouse Cecily as well.

[Nora… Where are you going?]

Cecily can sleep. Besides, it’s not for the faint of heart.

[That only worries me even more.]

Usually, when one of us was asleep, the other could move our body freely. Nevertheless, Cecily adjusted her sleep schedule to me, and didn’t try to move by herself. Was her ego still weak or did she think nothing of it?

To be honest, even though I seemed to know everything about Cecily, I often felt like I didn’t actually know anything at all. Regardless, I had no intention of interfering with Cecily’s will, and no matter how wrong it might be, I’d cooperate with whatever she wanted to do.

—But only if the other party was Cecily.

I’m going to destroy Eivind’s mother.

---

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***T/N: What a strange fun idea for an all nighter

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