* * * [Nov. 10 / Source: Oahu, surveillance camera at an immigration gate at New Honolulu International Airport] Leivinia Birdway was at the airport. One of the many men in black suits serving her, Mark Space, softly spoke to her. “Are you sure that was the right thing to do?” “I mean, what I’m doing is certainly subject to criticism.” “I was referring to simply revealing the truth to the boy.” “And where would that get me?” Birdway smiled sardonically. “Even if we chase down Salonya A. Irivika, we won’t get a full picture of their organization. We need to force the sorcerers at the core of Gremlin to get more publicly involved in the world. Are you suggesting I split up the science side and leave the partner groups hanging there as bait?” “It would probably be quite effective. There are signs that Gremlin tries to purposely work foreign objects from the science side into their spell construction. Until now, it was the PMC Trident, led by the U.S. media queen, but they won’t have an easy time finding any large organizations to replace them. On top of that, the group of partner organizations even possesses hoards of Academy City unmanned weapons. We don’t know Gremlin’s ultimate goal, but if they need the power of science to get there, I can’t think of more attractive bait.” “There’s no guarantee. A little caution could dash that hope.” “Even so, we’ll at least see them exercising that caution. Gremlin wants to pit themselves against Academy City. They don’t want the group of partner organizations to meddle and ruin the balance of power. Whether they cooperate or oppose one another, Gremlin’s next move will have to be based on those partners. In other words, the bait will work no matter what they do.” “And so this is an act of justice? How naive of you,” said Birdway without skipping a beat. “It doesn’t matter what my goals are. The fact is that I separated twenty-seven partner organizations from Academy City, removing them from their position among the world’s defenders.” “……” “Perhaps I had these intentions all along, but I’m the one who decided to act on them. They’ll be criticized for ruining peace in the world, and if there’s a direct clash, people will be hurt. And maybe even more. And that is not exactly something someone standing on the side of justice would do.” Birdway paused for a moment then, as if to confirm her own position. “And I don’t remember ever telling you I was on the side of justice, young man.”
Chapter 49
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