Chapter 19

Interval Four “Speaking practically, Fairy is quite something. I’ve studied many Unlaw, but she stands out among them.” “Oh, we agree for once. Like you said, Clareth is really amazing. I feel kind of embarrassed being called ‘Mr. Norman’ by her.” The two boys nodded in agreement. “But can you really say you exert any real control over her?” “Clareth’s wildness is part of her charm.” “Hmm. Well, I’ll let your fawning slide for now, but I do have one question.” “What happened on the ride home is private.” “I don’t care about that. I want to ask about Nocker. He was a brilliant Unlaw who mainly handled assassinations of higher-ups who posed a threat to Cartesius…” Jim tilted his head exaggeratedly, like he was pondering. “With her abilities sealed, the fairy should be just an ordinary human. Would she really be able to take down a professional killer in combat?” “It just means Clareth is that strong.” “That story seems a little hard to swallow.” The weighty stare that clung to Norman said he wasn’t convinced. “For example, are you sure Nocker said nothing at the end?” “He said nothing. Didn’t I tell you? He died instantly from a single stab to the heart.” “Hmm. Oh, I see.” “…” “If both their abilities had been functioning, I would buy that. But with both sides neutralized, Fairy winning is dubious at best. Perhaps something special happened?” “I hate to break it to you, but reality can be dull. Nothing happened, and that’s the end of it.” “Hmm… I wonder.” Jim nodded several times and said, “All things considered, it was quite the rough journey, Norman.” “And this is how you treat me after my ordeal?” “That’s how it goes. After you were questioned in the capital, some doubts came to light when things were discussed at Cartesius headquarters.” Those doubts were— “You’re suspected of being connected to Nocker Cromwell.” “…What?” “It’s not that strange a notion, is it? Your obsession with Unlaw is widely known.” “Were you even listening to me?” “I was listening, but there’s the issue of how much of your story was actually true.” “…Sigh.” Norman’s body went limp. Now that he’d said it, there was no turning back. The interrogation had lost all meaning. “At headquarters, they believe that you and the miner, Nocker, planned the train hijacking together, but then your alliance broke down. There were many nobles and influential figures aboard that train, all connected to Bardium’s branch of Cartesius. That’s plenty of reason to target them. It’s no surprise that you would be involved in the human rights movement, either.” Because… “You said it yourself. That the four of them aren’t monsters but human beings. That being the case—” Jim spread his arms wide. “Your tale is done, but our real business starts now.”