"Ashisu-san, even if you say that, how can you expect us to believe that a six-year-old child created so many excellent works?" Kasumigaoka remained skeptical, and she wasn't alone; Eriri and Eto Yoshimura also seemed unconvinced.
In fact, there had always been voices in the outside world claiming that Alexander didn't exist at all. According to this view, the so-called Alexander was merely a creation hyped up by the company. Creatively, it was deemed impossible for anyone to produce such a vast array of works with completely different styles.
Initially, Kasumigaoka didn't believe it, but now... she began to doubt. She suspected that there was no such person as Alexander in this company! Instead, Alexander was a studio, and the person in front of her was one of their spokespersons. Wasn't this a popular tactic nowadays? Find a handsome guy, showcase some good works, and a bunch of fans would become diehard followers immediately!
If that were the case, Kasumigaoka felt her belief wavering.
Ashisu must have sensed her doubts, as she could only give Alexander a helpless look. Seeing Ashisu's expression, Alexander couldn't help but sigh. "You say you don't believe me, but I can't prove it. Are we really at an impasse?"
"Of course not," Kasumigaoka suddenly laughed, and Eriri could tell she had something in mind. "We just don't believe it yet, but we're not dismissing it either. How about this, Mr. Alexander, why don't you create a work for us on the spot?"
"On-site creation? That's easy," Alexander nodded. To him, creating something on the spot was a simple task; he could easily produce something impressive with little effort.
Seeing Alexander agreeing so easily, Kasumigaoka's eyes gleamed. "Alright, but I'll choose the topic. Otherwise, how will I know if you've prepared it beforehand?"
"Kasumigaoka, isn't this asking too much? You're requesting someone to come up with a topic on the spot. How is that even possible?" Eriri interjected. They were all creators, so they understood the need for inspiration. Setting rigid rules could hinder the creation of good work.
"I know it's difficult, but if it's Alexander, who has a reputation as a genius, it should be easy," Kasumigaoka continued, displaying her bias against Alexander.
Seeing Kasumigaoka's demeanor, Alexander chuckled. "It's actually quite simple. But why would a successful person like me need to prove my identity to a newcomer like you? Isn't that ridiculous?"
"Oh? Are you afraid?" Kasumigaoka chuckled, becoming more convinced that Alexander was a fraud.
"This kind of childish game doesn't interest me," Alexander shrugged.
The more Alexander dismissed the idea, the more Kasumigaoka believed he was a fake. "Since you feel you don't need to prove yourself to us, how about we make a bet?" she proposed.
Upon hearing this, Alexander's smile grew. Kasumigaoka was quite bold. Most people would have backed down by now, but Alexander showed no fear as he looked at Kasumigaoka in front of him with interest.
"Alright, what's the bet? I don't like ordinary stakes," Alexander replied.
Listening to Alexander, Kasumigaoka began to ponder. She had just convinced herself that Alexander was a fake, but now he had upped the ante, making her hesitate. If she guessed correctly, Alexander would surely come up with a condition she couldn't accept.
"What are your terms?" she asked.
"I want you," Alexander replied.
Alexander had expected the other party to back off after this statement, but Kasumigaoka smiled instead. "Is that so? Are you trying to intimidate me?" Kasumigaoka thought to herself, maintaining her smile.
"The price is too high; the two aren't equivalent," Kasumigaoka replied, indicating she was open to negotiation.
Seeing her response, Alexander shook his head and said, "Then, how about something more subtle, like a kiss?"
"Oh? So, Mr. Alexander does have a peculiar fascination with beautiful girls. However, I agree," Kasumigaoka said, recognizing that this must be Alexander's limit. If the demand had been lower, the bet wouldn't have been as meaningful. She was determined to unmask this imposter pretending to be her idol!