Part 2
I’m sitting in the fancy parlor and leisurely drinking my milk tea.
Apparently, this is some sort of special room where only big shots are allowed in. I have no idea why they let a backwater noble like my sister in.
“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you any details. I don’t want you getting dragged in,” Claire says with a grim expression. “But the Knight Order is trying to hush up the truth about the librarian…and I’m helpless to stop them. It’s so frustrating…”
“The truth about the librarian, huh?”
It makes sense that they don’t want word getting out about what a pervert he was. The Knight Order’s plan to protect his reputation has my full support.
“There are some things that are more important than the truth,” I offer.
Claire shoots me a scary glare. “Are you implying I’m in the wrong here?!”
“That’s not what I’m saying. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
My sister’s body language is making it abundantly clear that if I don’t consider my next words carefully, they might be my last.
“The world’s darkness runs deep. Not everyone’s prepared to accept how deep it goes.”
“…You’re saying there would be panic if the news went public?”
“Yeah, probably.”
I mean, think of how traumatized all the girls who’d ever gone to the library would be.
“But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to just sweep everything under the rug!” Claire cries.
“Of course not. That’s why it’s important to have people cracking the case in secret.”
“‘Cracking the case in secret’…”
“Yeah. Even when the truth gets buried, that doesn’t mean things have to end there.”
“Oh, I see… So it’s up to me to crack the case.”
“Uh, there’s really no need for it to be you.”
“I know the truth, and I’m free to operate unfettered… Sure enough, I’ve been chosen.” She clutches at the bandage on her right hand.
“Uh, you really haven’t been.”
“I’m the only one who can protect you, Cid.”
“Uh, I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself.”
“I know, I know. You don’t want me to worry about you.” She hugs me so tight, I hear an ominous crack. “But I’m going to protect this academy, this nation, and you, too. I’m going to protect all of it.”
“…Fine. Knock yourself out.”
“I’m not letting things end like this. No way, no how.”
Still trapped in my sister’s arms, I take another sip of my milk tea. Gotta say, this stuff really hits the spot.
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