Time Warden's Popular Phase

Chapter 4: Director K's Box-Office Flop

"Irys was acting... clingy with you?"

Bae's voice shook as she spoke. Kronii could tell that she was in disbelief after hearing that Irys was trying to cheat on her.

'Sorry Bae, but we have to push on with the plot before we lose the momentum.'

Kronii steeled her resolve. She understood how hurt Bae must feel right now, but she pushed on regardless.

"Yeah... I wasn't sure what was going on, but I just felt kinda off about it. Then she just started saying some nasty things to me."

Kronii began recounting what happened at Irys' place. Of course, she omitted several things to make sure that she appeared as the victim as much as possible.

'I really am the victim in this situation, so something like this should be fine, right?'

After shamelessly reassuring herself, Kronii continued her story, "Before I realized it, I noticed my body was trembling. I felt like I had to get as far away from her as possible. When I finally realized that, I just... ran away."

Kronii started shaking for a while after finishing her sentence to make it seem like she was remembering a traumatizing experience. She even stopped time to put a few drops of water under her eyes and pretended that tears began flowing out of her eyes involuntarily. In order to successfully convince Bae, she made sure to put everything she got into her acting.

"Ah, I'm sorry... I didn't know why I... I just..."

As her (fake) tears spilled out, Kronii attempted to cover them up, ashamed of showing her embarrassing side.

"K-Kronii! It's fine, just let it all out!" Bae panicked as she tried to calm Kronii down.

Seeing Bae worried over her, an expression of relief showed on Kronii's face. "Sniff... Thank you, Bae..."

'Damn, this production quality is insane! There's no way she would refuse my plea for help now!'

Kronii praised herself as she wiped her (fake) tears away. After pretending to give herself some time to recollect herself, she continued on.

"As I was running away, you came into my mind for some reason. I feel like I can trust you, you know?"

"M-Me?" Bae squeaked in surprise.

"Yeah. If it's you, I feel like... it'll be okay," Kronii muttered.

'Okay to ask for your help to beat Irys back to her senses, that is.'

"I-I-Is it really okay for me to do it?" Bae stammered out her question, and her face appeared flushed.

'Wow, I guess she must be really furious. She must be itching to beat Irys senseless.'

Pleased with how the situation was unfolding, Kronii answered Bae, "Yes, I only want you to do it."

Bae took a deep breath before responding, "Huff... Let's do it then."

'Hell yeah! Count your days, Irys! We're gonna send you all the way to kingdom come!'

Kronii was already celebrating in her mind. With Bae's help, there was nothing to fear against Irys. Of course, she only planned to watch everything unfold from the sidelines.

'I got myself a front seat to a lovers' quarrel. This is going to be entertaining, hehehe... Gotta make sure to get some popcorn and soda before I leave.'

"I'll make sure to take you away from Irys!" Bae proclaimed.

"...Hm?"

Something felt off from Bae's remark, but she already continued before Kronii could say anything.