Was that why she went so pale?
Still—
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
Perhaps they could have saved her.
Miseria chuckled.
“Hardly the time or the place. Or did you have a means to heal this? You know you don’t. Even I can’t do it, which is why I’m in this predicament.”
How he wished she was kidding. Like she always was.
“……What can I do?”
“There’s nothing to be done. Rogue, all you can do is get those two out of here.”
Miseria waved a hand, dismissing him.
Rogue just stood there. His feet refused to budge.
“But…but…”
“Are you feeling sorry for me?” Miseria raised an eyebrow. “I don’t deserve it. I’m a witch and a serial killer. I’ve slain any number of your predecessors. Crumbling away to dust… Well, it’s a suitable end for an awful person. Don’t ruin my dramatic death.”
“Stop…you shouldn’t say—”
“I will not stop. Not until you get out of this inferno. Should I tell you about the murder in Eld? I thought that was a particularly fine…”
Miseria trailed off.
Rogue was rubbing his eyes, head down.
“…I want you to live. Please…”
Miseria made a face, snorting. “Oh dear. You think tears will change my mind?”
“…That’s not it. I just…”
“You’re like a child! And you call yourself a detective!”
There was nothing he could say, so he was silent. Couldn’t even look her in the eye. He knew full well this was not how any bureau detective should act. It was like his rational mind had gone on vacation.
“I must revise my opinion of you. You should quit this job right away. Go work in a bakery or something.”
Miseria was trying very hard to drive him away. That much was clear. He was the one in need of persuading, and she was right—he should be evacuating. And yet here he was, running his mouth off.
“I don’t think you’re an awful person.”
Miseria’s eyes briefly widened, and she blinked several times, as if trying to hide it. But her lips trembled anyway, rising and falling—and then she burst out laughing.
“Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! You are a delight, Rogue. Ha-ha-ha! Are you trying to make me die laughing?!”
She was gasping for air, and this was making the dust fly faster. Rogue yelped, and Miseria worked out why. She took a few deep breaths to settle herself down.
“Come here,” she said, smiling and beckoning him.
He knelt, his eyes at her level.
“There’s nothing to be sad about. You solved the case. You have a bright future ahead of you. Your life will go on. Nothing wrong with that.”
Another spray of dust. Miseria patted his shoulder.
“Hang in there, Detective. You can’t let my death get you down. Put on a brave face!”
The tips of her fingers were crumbling away.
She did not seem the least bit scared to die.
“……This is a first for me,” he said.
“Well, consider it good training. A chance to toughen up!”
“……”
“Rogue, perhaps this isn’t the time to say it, but I really did enjoy our time together. That’s to your credit. Perhaps my one regret is that our time together is ending so soon.”
“……Are you trying to make me cry?”
“So sorry. I just felt like going for the tear-stricken farewell.”
“……It could be arranged.”
“But I meant what I said. Thank you, Rogue.” His eyes went wide. “I’m not lying. I said as much. I can’t stand liars. I am grateful to you. And I’m fine with this ending.”
Miseria chuckled and closed her remaining eye.
“I’ve never felt better.”
He could no longer hear the explosions or the roar of the flames. All his ears caught was her gentle breathing. The sound of a witch slowly fading away.
He had to make a choice.
Rogue made to take her hand—though it was no longer shaped like one—but got to his feet instead.
“……I’m leaving you here.”
“Oh? What changed your mind?” she asked like she didn’t know.
“……I’ve had a long day, and I’m very sleepy. I’m gonna go home and go to bed.”
“Mm-hmm, the correct decision. Children need their sleep!”
“I’m gonna get it.”
“Good night, Rogue.”
“Good night…………………Miseria.”
Rogue turned on his heel. He scooped both Chronos and Catherine up, cradling them in his arms. He heard a voice behind him.
“To Rogue Macabesta’s future happiness.”
And he ran off, never once looking back.