52 – Continuing Night
The rain that had started just after midnight was growing stronger as it poured over the imperial city.
Normally the festivities would have continued, but there was little choice when it rained like this. And so those who were restless took refuge in bars, where their voices could not be heard outside.
And so the Twin Festival had a quiet night for once.
Except for just one place.
Police vehicles swarmed around the Avanciel Hotel. It was quite an abnormal sight.
The red sirens flashed in the darkness and reflected off of the wet streets.
Arrested men were being escorted into heavily armored cars as the others watched.
“We are ready to transfer them now.”
“Good. Begin then.”
Gileus said to the short girl who reported to him.
When she turned away, her eyes went to Yukito for a moment…and then she turned away and ran towards the row of vehicles.
(She is…)
“Teacher? Is something wrong?”
He shook his head at Iria, who stood next to him.
“…Hey, Yukito. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Gileus…”
“Sorry.”
He said with a bow. His clothes were drenched, as he was not holding an umbrella.
“What are you apologizing for?”
“Various things. Getting you involved. Having the students fight. I am responsible.”
“…To be honest, it was unexpected.”
—Central Intelligence Investigation Office.
That was a member.
After all, he was an immigrant. He had never heard of one joining an intelligence agency. Or…perhaps that was the reason?
“Teacher.”
Iria’s voice sounded next to Yukito.
“We did not fight because we were forced to. It was because we wanted to.”
“…I know.”
Still.
There were several things he needed to ask.
“Hey, Gileus. What about the old man being a suspect?”
“That’s…”
“It’s still continuing.”
Came a voice. A man in a thick black coat. The man who called himself Ravalo Caves.
“Good work, Gileus. You can go now.”
“…No, I…”
“I said you can go.”
Gileus frowned, but then bowed and walked away. He turned and nodded towards Yukito as he left.
“Now, Mr. Yukito. You have my gratitude for your cooperation.”
“…”
As Yukito glared at him quietly, Ravalo chuckled and shook his head.
“After these arrests, I’m sure the Sword Saint’s name will be cleared.”
“…You never suspected him. Did you?”
Ravalo shrugged his shoulders.
“In my profession, you should doubt everything.”
He said without a hint of guilt.
“My…our duty is to protect the empire. And so we do not hesitate to deceive and use others.”
“…”
They looked at each other in the rain.
Without a doubt, the eyes directed at Yukito were filled with a strong will. A rigid idea of justice.
“However…it is also true that we do not know where the Sword Saint is. What he is doing now. What he is thinking… He is out of our reach.”
As Yukito’s eyes widened, Ravalo turned away.
“For your troubles, you will be given a reward. Do not feel indebted to us. Please use it freely. Now, please excuse me.”
Ravalo walked away before he could give an answer.
The reason that the old man disappeared.
What he was doing now.
In the end, he had not learned anything.
(A reward…?)
Why Ravalo had come all of the way out here.
…This was not over. It was to tell him that.
“Teacher…”
Iria touched Yukito’s sleeve.
In the rain, their hands touched gently.
As the rain fell over the imperial city, Yukito just started into the impenetrable darkness.