Chapter 187. [Three Steps To Victory]

I had only been thinking about how I could be helped.

So I didn’t come up with any ideas.

I never imagined that there might be a possibility of involving even more people.

There was no more time to spare.

<<Well, I have to quickly do something about this situation.>>

However, the solution has not been found yet.

It was now a matter of taking a leap of faith.

<<Hey, what are you thinking? I told you, absolutely no risky moves. Besides, you’re probably fine.>>

<<What do you mean?>>

<<No, my friend is also outside. He was engrossed in conversation with your friend. So it might take a while. Besides, he’s sharp. Just before entering, he might notice something odd, and discreetly call the police for us. Time is not necessarily our enemy. So, you must not do anything reckless.>>

I couldn’t be sure if what the female customer was saying was true or just a means to reassure me.

However, one thing was certain—these words were undoubtedly true.

<<We will definitely help you. Adults must protect children.>>

<<Sis…>>

At that moment, the robber sighed and turned towards us, shouting.

<<Hey, you, lady! Stand up and come here!>>

<<Oh dear, looks like I’ve been called. Well then, I’ll be right back.>>

The female customer said with a playful tone, perhaps to reassure me.

However, tension was evident beneath that expression.

<<I’ll be back in a moment. Miss, please take care of this child.>>

<<But, I…>>

<<Please.>>

<<Fine… I understand.>>

Satisfied with the employee’s response, the female customer, wobbling awkwardly, stood up.

Then, she slowly walked towards the robber.

<<Come over here. I said come here!>>

<<I’m sorry. I don’t intend to resist. It’s just that my hands are tied, so I can’t walk properly.>>

<<Tch! Don’t mess with me!>>

The robber jumped down from the cash counter and approached the woman.

What would happen next?

I could imagine plenty of unpleasant scenarios.

<<Kyah!? Ouch, please stop! Don’t be rough! I said I wouldn’t resist! Why are you doing this!?>>

<<Then do it quickly!>>

Annoyed by the slow pace of the woman resembling a turtle, the robber reached out.

He grabbed her hair and was trying to drag her along.

<<More importantly, what is your goal!? Why are you doing this!?>>

<<Shut up! Damn Americans!>>

<<I’ll pay you if it’s money! Besides, you should hurry and run! It’s not strange for someone to notice the anomaly and call the police!>>

<<Can’t you understand when I tell you to shut up!?>>

<<I’m sorry! Stop! I didn’t mean to do this! So, please don’t point the gun at me!>>

Perhaps to buy some time, the female customer was attempting to engage in conversation with the robber.

However, whether it touched a nerve or not, he pointed his gun at her.

…Enough, this is really the limit!

I burst out.

<<Please stop! Don’t be violent to that person!>>

<<Huh?>>

I clung tightly, shielding the female customer.

Apparently, the weight of both of us was too much for the robber to drag us.

<<What’s this? I went easy on you. Are you asking to be shot first?>>

<<…….>>

The muzzle pressed against my forehead.

It was a strangely familiar sensation.

<<Stop! Stop it! If you’re going to shoot, do it to me! Or are you only brave when facing a helpless child? You coward! Can’t you hear me!?>>

The female customer desperately provoked the robber.

But he continued to look down at me.

Fear caused my throat to tighten.

My body stiffened, refusing to move.

If I got shot here, would another life be waiting for me?

If that happened…

<<……Ouch.>>

<<Huh?>>

My voice unconsciously escaped.

Through the robber’s shoulder, I caught a glimpse of a wall clock.

By now, Angu Ogu should have finished her lessons and arrived home.

The image of her waiting for my return flashed in my mind.

Wait, hold on a second.

More importantly, isn’t the start time for the live broadcast approaching!?

<<…Hicc.>>

In an instant, my body started moving.

No, that’s not it…

I had a sense of duty that I must move.

Any fear could be overcome for the sake of a VTuber.

I would spare no effort to make it in time for the livestream.

And above all, the situation now was different from back then.

I would make the most of these differences.

<<…Hicc, hicc… Waaaaah! Mommy! Daddy! It’s scary~~~~!>>

I, in my current state (at least in appearance), was a little girl.

So, I cried with all my might.

Even the tough robber seemed taken aback.

His attention was completely focused on me.

Of course, crying alone wouldn’t improve the situation.

So, while continuing to fake tears, I spoke as if my native language had accidentally slipped out.

{Waaaaah! Mister Clerk, now’s your chance to sneak around from behind the shelves!}

The situation was different from back then.

I had the appearance of a crying little girl, the language cheat, and most importantly, I wasn’t alone.