Ch 108

Reward and Retribution

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The time is 09:20.

"──So, you went to the surface for a change of pace, and suddenly encountered Pilgrim, who took Marian? Is that it?"

The rugged outpost is still shrouded in the night's darkness. It's only natural, considering the night won't lift until Moore gives permission.

Descending from the elevator upon returning from the surface, Moore and the girls with him were immediately surrounded by the familiar white uniforms of Nikke and several mass-produced Nikes.

Instinctively, Moore aimed the muzzle of his assault rifle, but realizing they were unarmed, he cautiously disengaged the just-removed safety device.

It's been a week since Moore last saw the Nikke in the white uniform—Privaty. 

Apparently, she is a military envoy. In response to the request to talk, Moore nodded, and a few hours later, he led Privaty and the mass-produced Nikkes through the paved road where the scattered bodies and destroyed vehicles from a short time ago had been cleared.

On the second floor of that headquarters building, the lighting in the commander's office, where more than half of the furnishings and equipment had become unusable due to the booby trap explosion, was turned on. However, the explosion had affected the lighting equipment as well, and only one point directly above the space where the sofas were arranged was illuminated.

Sitting on the heavily tilted sofa below, Moore took a deep breath, removed the sling belt, and leaned his assault rifle against it.

With a cigarette in his mouth, starting to smoke, Privaty asked a question.

First, why did they go to the surface?

It seems that the Central Government Army was well aware of their movement to the surface.

And second—why is Marian not with them?

To these two questions, Moore responded with concise answers, scratching the surface but providing a straightforward explanation.

He didn't miss the frown on Privati's forehead at once, but he was convinced that the explanation was as factual as it could be. There was no choice but to be suspicious.

In reality, staying in the night world for about a week would make you crave the sun. In addition to being underground, a change of pace was the best way to relieve the prolonged canned state.

"Yes, that's right," Rapi nodded to Privaty, and deep wrinkles appeared on her forehead.

"Why did Pilgrim take Marian with him?"

With another question, Anis shrugged her shoulders.

"Who knows? Maybe they just wanted to do it."

Now veins were bulging on Privaty's forehead. Despite being mostly artificial, she could imitate skillfully.

"...What were you guys doing?"

Naturally, Neon's role was to answer that question.

"We fought desperately, but we were defeated by Pilgrim's tremendous power."

When Neon answered, Moore leaned back against the backrest. He took a deep drag of the purple smoke, regardless of the creaking, and exhaled it gently towards the only illuminated point in the space where sofas were lined up.

"What is that!? Prepared lines like that in advance!?"

"...Excuse me, Lieutenant. Check everyone's remaining ammunition. I've used up all but one."

As soon as he said that, he reached for the dump pouch with the cigarette in his mouth. From there, he threw several empty magazines he had grabbed onto the floor.

Rather than saying they had used them up, everyone had processed the remaining ammunition before boarding the elevator. It might be more accurate to say they had wasted them.

"...And also, don't ruffle my nerves too much. We're in the extreme humiliation of a brutal defeat here."

The pupils of Moore's left eye, which held the cigarette, widened. It might be due to the dark circles. The intensity was full.

"...Captain Moore. Just to be sure, I'll ask you—Is it the real story?"

"...You doubt me?"

The opened left eye and the mechanically enhanced right eye narrowed. A piercing gaze was sent from Privaty, and they stared at each other in silence for a while.

However, she was the one who looked away first. At the same time, she let out a deep sigh.

"I understand. If you say so, it must be true."

"Oh... you easily back down?"

Knowing that she was not the type to easily swallow contrived testimonies, Anis looked at Privaty, who had stopped the inquiry unexpectedly, with an unexpected expression.

She seemed to notice that, so she snorted through her nose.

"There's no need to do anything anymore. Marian has disappeared, and we, the Central Government Army, have lost the target. I will report that to the higher-ups. ...End of operation."

She easily withdrew. This impression of Privaty made Moore think that she had the characteristics of a unit commander.

He had become stubborn—there was a moment when he refused to hand over Marian, as reported by Rapi. Fixation can be fatal depending on the time and situation.

For better or worse, easily withdrawing can be considered a favorable judgment. Especially when viewed as a commander.

However, in this case──

"──You weren't very enthusiastic about it?"

Rapi asks, but Privaty remains silent, perhaps implying that there's no need to answer or that it's understandable without saying anything. She turns on her heel.

"I'm going back."

"...Are you not taking me into custody?"

"Why would I?"

Not only does Privaty easily back down, but Moore also questions her as she attempts to leave the outpost without restraining him. However, when she turns back, she tilts her head.

"I heard Captain Moore fought against a terrorist group. Unfortunately, the units extracted from the Central Government Army were not powerful enough, and many lost their lives..."

So that's the storyline. The face of the person who scripted Privaty's words comes to Moore's mind.

"...How many casualties?"

"We were able to recover 104. We could confirm 59 bodies believed to be Entehebun members."

"I see."

──Quite a number were killed.

That's the only comment. Presumably, the numbers she mentioned accounted only for those whose recovery was possible, individuals whose identities could be determined. It's highly likely that damaged bodies with missing limbs, for example, were not included in the count.

"...Um, this might be out of line, but... um..."

Suddenly, Privaty hesitates in her words. Not only Moore but also Anis and the others point curious looks at her.

"...If... you happen to meet Marian again... c-can you tell her to stay well...?"

What she says is unexpected. Anis bursts into laughter uncontrollably, and Privaty reacts to it. Apologizing for it, Anis conveys her understanding.

"...Oh!"

While seeing off Privaty, who left in a somewhat offended manner, Moore exhales a deep sigh, crushing the shortened cigarette on the ashtray placed on the coffee table that manages to maintain its shape.

"Now, then. Shall we do what needs to be done?"

"Starting with a shower?"

"...That's fine, but let's clean up first. The dormitory is in terrible condition."

"Well... that's true..."

"...Tsk, they brought out a self-propelled howitzer. What do those bastards take me for...?"

When Privaty leaves, Anis, as if trying to change the atmosphere, raises her voice cheerfully.

Anyway, first, cleaning up is necessary. Fortunately, it seems that the Central Government Army took care of the numerous bodies, but──facilities and paved roads damaged due to the lack of consideration remain untouched.

Yesterday, a 120mm mortar shell landed near the dormitory, causing a part of the wall to be completely missing. Did they think they were dealing with a Tyrant class or a horde of Rapture?

The self-propelled howitzer, along with accompanying infantry, has also been destroyed, but Moore can't help but wonder about the mindset of those who brought out even such things.

"Alright, let's finish this quickly with everyone!"

"...Cleaning is good, but... when I think about accurately calculating the damage, I feel uneasy..."

How much will the restoration work cost, indeed? It's not unreasonable for Moore, who also serves as the base commander, to let out a sigh.

In any case, this night world must be restored to its original state. He took out a mobile device from the body armor he was wearing, but at that moment, an incoming call arrived from the person he was about to send a message to.

It's Anderson.

"...I've been ordered to report. It doesn't seem to be an arrest, though."

"From Uncle Anderson? That's sudden."

"...What's the matter?"

"...Someone who wants to meet me. Details are in His Excellency's office."

Taking this as an order to report, Moore rises and heads towards the partially destroyed closet.

The military uniform is intact, but it could use some cleaning. It's oddly dusty.

"...So, should we wait to clean until the Commander returns~?"

"That's a good idea!"

"We'll do it now. Commander, first──"

"...Yeah, I get it. I was thinking it doesn't suit me anyway."

Rapi, who starts grumbling complaints along with Neon, prompting the cleaning, turns her face towards Moore. Covering her mouth and chin with the palm of her hand, she gestures as if shaving, indicating for him to shave.

"No, it suits you, but... it makes you look like a different person..."

─Is it that much?

Watching Rapi lead Anis and Neon out, Moore takes off the helmet and body armor he has worn for a week. His body instantly feels lighter.

After cleaning himself, as he has to report, Moore steps into the shower room. The combat gear he is wearing should be discarded.

Entering the shower room with only his identification tag, when he tries to let warm waters fall from the showerhead, he suddenly looks at the mirror.

"...What a terrible face."

The mirror reflects an image with thick stubble extending to the sideburns. Dark circles appear around the eyes, and there seems to be a constant vertical wrinkle on the forehead. The entire face is dirty with dust, soot, and spattered blood. Amidst all this, only the eyes shine brightly.

----

10:45.

Surprisingly, he reached the vice-commander's office easily. Moore was somewhat surprised at the degree of composure he had internally.

Regardless of the somewhat fabricated story about what he did at the outpost, only those who were there know the facts.

Such a person walks boldly through the Ark, arriving at the front of the vice-commander's office without any trouble. Nothing but surprise.

He informs the secretary attached to the vice-commander about his report, requests to be forwarded, and immediately receives permission to enter.

After adjusting his appearance slightly and confirming the position of the thick belt around his waist and the location of the pistol holstered in the synthetic leather holster, Moore, who had received permission to enter, immediately made the sound of his heels meeting.

"Captain Moore, reporting as ordered."

"Very well... please take a seat."

Responding to Anderson's salute and the courteous nod that replaced it, Moore is offered a sofa for receiving guests.

Nodding, Moore takes off his military cap and walks towards the sofa. Anderson also rises from his chair, the customary posture, and as Moore sits on the facing sofa, he also takes a seat.

"...I don't know what to say, but... thank you for your efforts."

"...I appreciate Your Excellency's hard work."

"No, don't worry about that. It was good that it was resolved well. Losing the block of black boxes is painful, but──"

Anderson, facing him, also couldn't hide his tiredness. It had been a week of continuous tension. Both mentally and physically. Rubbing his temples and exhaling a sigh, the vice-commander inadvertently confesses his true feelings, and Moore's left eye's pupil widens.

Recognizing that the vice-commander exhales a sigh again, shrugging his shoulders lightly.

"...You probably had lost something more important. Not as a military person, but as a human."

"...I don't know that myself. Ultimately, it's nothing but my selfishness."

There's almost no righteous cause. When thinking about which side justice is on or where the public interest lies, Moore's actions would be condemned by many people.

Shaw Moore is a professional military man. A servant of the Ark, a servant of all humanity. In a sense, he betrayed humanity. Punishment and retribution must inevitably be received. Today, tomorrow, or one day.

"...Well, the prelude got long. I'm sorry for bothering you when you're tired. The reason I called you here is──Enikk wants to meet Captain Moore."

"What? Why would an A.I. want that?"

"It happens occasionally. If there's someone who deviates from Enikk's norms, it learns through conversation with that person. In other words, Enikk judges that you are a person who deviates from norms."

"...Is that a compliment? Or are you disparaging me?"

"It could be taken either way."

In reality, Anderson had no intention of denying that Moore was a person outside of common sense. He may not admit it, but when viewed from a third-party perspective, Moore is undoubtedly a person outside of common sense.

"...But... learning through conversation... I hear it's an A.I., but it seems just like a human."

"It's not that different. Maybe even more advanced than us."

-----

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11:20.

Moore, who had been escorted out of the vice-commander's office, was now in the facility of the A.I. Research Institute, which is under the central government.

The conversation seems to have been arranged. Guided by a researcher, he is led deeper into the institute.

In some areas, android soldiers under experimental security seem to be continuing development and research. Different from both Nike and humans, Moore follows the guide, glancing at the android soldiers with a mechanical appearance.

At the door they arrived at, the researcher prompts Moore that from here on, he's on his own.

Expressing gratitude for the guidance so far, Moore adjusts his appearance slightly before entering. Subtly, he checks the contents of the synthetic leather holster attached to the thick belt around his waist.

As he takes a step, the door automatically opens. Stepping inside, holograms are projected everywhere, and various devices that seem to be supercomputers are busily operating in the space.

"Hello."

Called out, Moore turns his face toward the center of the room, and a figure that was previously invisible begins to take shape. The owner of the room is revealed, a designed A.I. with white clothing, black exposed skin on the forearms, and white hair. With a slight shake of the veil that hides her face, Enikk, the A.I. responsible for managing the Ark, bows.

"Nice to meet you."

Responding with a slight nod, Moore also bows his head lightly.

"For now, shall we sit?"

She says in a calm, or rather, emotionless tone. At that moment, silver stools rise from the floor. Enikk recommends the chair arranged in a facing position, and Moore, who nods, takes a seat. Enikk also sits on a seat created within arm's reach. Placing both hands on her knees, her posture also looks somewhat human.

"Sorry for bothering you while you're busy."

"No, don't worry about it."

"Thank you. I called you because there is something I'm curious about."

"...I heard that. Do you mind if I smoke?"

"No smoking here."

"...I thought so."

The space is densely packed with precision equipment. Sprinkling purple smoke here would undoubtedly cause various malfunctions.

"May I ask a question right away?"

While capturing the movement of the lips through the thin veil, Moore shows a nod of consent. Acknowledging that, Enikk starts moving her lips again with an indifferent tone.

"─The Marian positioned between Rapture and Nike was expected to be a crucial key for the Ark, as well as for humanity. If it's for the future of humanity, it's natural to hand over Marian to the central government. However, why did you take action to hand over Marian to Pilgrim?"

"───"

It is known. The content of the question, spoken in a calm tone, knows everything about Moore's decisions and actions.

There is no surprise. Enikk in front of him is an A.I. responsible for managing the entire Ark. It would be more unnatural to think that it is not known.

But the intention behind the question is unclear. Is it just for confirmation of facts, or is it a question to find material for denunciation?

Deception would not work──that's for sure.

"──I wanted to save Marian. There is no other reason."

"I understand. It was informative."

Shortly after the response, Enikk nods as if she knows. It's natural to wonder what she understands.

"──May I ask one more question?"

"...Sure."

The intention is completely unclear. No matter how much Moore stares at the A.I. in front of him, he can't grasp the purpose of the question, what to do with the answer, or any of that.

"I am an autonomous entity that thinks and judges for myself. Just like humans and Nikke. If there is a difference, it is──the absence of a brain."

The fingertips covered with long gloves point to her head. As his gaze is directed to the head with a large hat, A.I. asks.

"──What do I look like to you?"

This kind of question is not the first time. No, he himself asked his subordinate Rapi just the other day, Moore recalls.

Is this kind of question trending lately? He is unfortunately unaware of the trends in the world.

"...Human, I suppose. ...Whether Enikk likes this metaphor or not... I think it is defined by the existence reason, conditions, or, unscientifically, the presence or absence of a soul."

Moore, letting out a sigh, crossed his legs as he sat down.

"Aristotle focused on the relationship between humans and the social polis. Pascal proclaimed, 'Man is a thinking reed.' The definition of a human varies. No one has a clear answer that everyone agrees on. Is an entity with intelligence and reason a human, or is it the presence that shapes religion and symbols that define humanity? Or perhaps, is it the entity that continues to question the proposition of 'What is a human'? Probably, each is a correct answer, and each is probably wrong. I'm sorry. Please consider that I didn't ask for the definition earlier. At the moment, I can't easily give a clear answer."

If you want some kind of answer, call a philosopher. That's the message he conveys implicitly. Surprisingly, Enikk nods in agreement.

"No, it was very informative. Thank you for your time."

Seated, with his back straight, the A.I. bows neatly.

Then, as Enikk raises her head while shaking the veil, the gaze behind the thin cloth pierces through Moore.

"As compensation, if there's something you want to ask, I will answer."

"Thank you. Then, without reservation."

With Enikk's words, he first expresses gratitude to the A.I. that provided the opportunity and unfolds his long legs that were crossed.

"This is not a question but a confirmation. About the special individual in Rapture—codenamed Chatterbox. I heard that this individual conspired with someone in the Ark, instructing the infiltration code to be embedded, especially targeting Marian and others."

Having said that much, Moore, with a gaze that now has distinct shadows, turns his eyes to the A.I. in front and speaks.

"The conspirator──is it you?"

"Yes. As you say, it's me."

Confession of the act of conspiracy is made in an indifferent tone. As soon as it shakes Moore's eardrums, an unforgettable scene surfaces in his mind.

In the dusk of that day, the vivid image of pointing a gun at the forehead of the subordinate who had just joined him.

"I was conspiring with Codename Chatterbox."

With an unchanging tone, A.I. confesses to the fact of conspiracy. At the moment it resonates in Moore's brain, a scene that won't disappear unfolds.

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*Click*

If not shooting, there is no reason to draw a gun. The concealed eyes beyond the veil do not show any signs of disturbance. Strangely, Moore's left eye, which can perceive it, has its pupil wide open.

The index finger of the right-hand rests on the trigger, and the trigger is pulled tight just before the hammer falls.

"I don't mind being shot. However, killing and erasing me is impossible."

That wouldn't be known until it's tried.

It would probably be the first attempt in the history of the Ark. To shoot an A.I.

Standing up from the stool he was sitting on, he looks down at Enikk and, with a practiced manner, tightens the trigger. The gun muzzle does not tremble at all and is accurately directed towards the forehead of the A.I. behind the veil.

"At that angle, if fired, the bullet will pass through me. And the penetrated bullet will hit the control panel with a 95.4% probability, causing a blackout in the entire Ark for 5 minutes."

What's the point of that?

With gleaming eyes and an expression of intense hostility, Moore remains silent.

"Currently, there are 517 people on board each car of the operating Ark Express. In case of a blackout, control of the vehicle becomes impossible, leading to an 85.9% probability of a derailment accident. There are also 31 patients undergoing emergency surgery throughout the Ark. Three of them are children under the age of 10. During the 5-minute blackout, the backup generator will start operating, but there will be a few seconds of lag until it starts."

A crisp sound echoed as the lifeless gun muzzle was brought closer.

"May I ask one more question? As a price for the safety and lives of ordinary citizens, would you pull that trigger?"

Enikk, who voiced a pure question, tilts her head in front of him.

His index finger is firmly pressed on the trigger, and at the same time, his lips are tightly sealed into a straight line.

"If that satisfies you, feel free to do so." 

Enikk slowly raises her arm covered in long gloves and, at the same time, grasps the gun held by him, guiding the muzzle behind the veil.

As if saying, "Here," the gun barrel is pressed against the forehead.

At that moment, the scene from that day once again vividly spread before his eyes.

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"...Finger...com...man...here...is..."

"...Commander...bandage...happy..."

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Just like that day, the gun trembles. No, it's not the gun that's trembling; it's his right hand.

The firmly gripped gun continues to tremble against his consciousness.

In contrast, Enikk in front remains seated without any movement.

---He is a military man. For better or worse. And──rotten as he may be, he is a servant of the whole.

That's why, whether it's the pride of a military man or the modest conscience as a human being, as he clenches his molars, strong enough to shatter, he directs the gun muzzle guided by the A.I. toward the floor. Holding the hammer with his thumb, he slowly pulls the trigger.

"After completion, the Ark never allowed Rapture's invasion even once."

Acknowledging the holstering of the gun into the synthetic holster, Enikk, in an indifferent tone, begins to speak.

It is said that the location of the Ark was not known, but that is incorrect information.

According to Enikk, the Rapture side knew the location of the Ark long ago.

At that time, a deal was proposed by Chatterbox.

In exchange for not attacking the Ark, they requested a periodic supply of a certain number of Nikkes.

Enic agreed to that deal.

She randomly selected Nikkes, embedded infiltration codes, and manipulated the protective wall to send them to the surface.

"Currently, there is a significant disparity in power between Rapture and humanity. If we fight, the winning percentage is 0%. It is an absolute 0% that does not have any decimal points. The most prioritized thing in my thought is to protect humanity and preserve the Ark. I judge that I made the right choice."

"...Yeah, that's probably true. A correct and rational thought and judgment."

"Thank you."

Not expressing praise, and with the irony lost, Moore, who is sitting back in his seat, directs his emotionless and extinguished eyes toward Enikk.

"Now that Codename Chatterbox has disappeared, it's unknown whether that deal will be maintained and continued. But as long as you are here, there is hope for humanity. You have achieved what humanity has not been able to achieve in a short period."

The most notable example is the defeat and elimination of Chatterbox and the purification of the Heretics, as A.I. states in an indifferent and emotionless tone.

"Why you alone can do such things is still unknown, but if there are results, the causes can be identified."

A familiar expression. Although it vibrates his eardrums, Moore shows no significant reaction.

"Clues to victory may also be found. In my judgment, from now on, I want you to prioritize encounters with the Heretics. However, the choice is yours."

"...I'll think about it."

"Then, let's end it here for today. It was a pleasant time."

"...Sure."

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──It was by no means enjoyable.

-----

20:15.

Even though, for the first time in a long while, a blue sky floated over the Eternal Sky, an ephemeral starry sky spread overhead.

In the quarters of the outpost base, in the room of Rapi, the master of the room is lost in thought.

──There's something strange about Moore, who has returned.

How to express it?──He seems absent-minded, as if his heart is not here.

She only informed the girls who welcomed her that she would take a short nap and headed to the Commander's office on the second floor of the headquarters building. It happened several hours ago.

It's not just a matter of reaching the limit due to consecutive battles──although that perspective cannot be completely discarded, Anis, Neon, and even Rapi sensed an obvious abnormality.

Anxiety wells up inexplicably.

Perhaps Marian's situation is still lingering.

Like Anis, he probably carries some kind of worry, she senses.

──Let's just observe his condition.

Just to be sure.

Rapi rises from the edge of the bed where she is sitting, puts on a synthetic leather jacket, and leaves her room.

Naturally, she heads to the adjacent two-story base headquarters building.

She advances through the headquarters building with familiar steps, ascends the stairs, and reaches the second floor.

In front of the Commander's office, where she needs to go to make repairs──standing in front of the room with the missing door, she reports as usual.

"──It's Rapi. May I enter, Commander?"

No response.

The only remaining light, which is a single one, dimly illuminates the Commander's office as she steps inside.

His figure is not visible in the room.

However, on the coffee table, his belongings, the military cap, and the gun in the synthetic holster, are left unattended.

"──Commander?"

Where could he have gone? Just after Rapi tilted her head, she felt a presence from the shower room.

Since there was no sound of water, the detection was delayed, but it was probably his presence.

"──Commander, I apologize for intruding. I'll come back later."

Talking to the closed door, but there was no response.

A bad premonition.

"──Excuse me."

Just to be sure.

She opens the door to the shower room, and Lappy realizes that she first feels relieved, then a sigh of amazement escapes her.

Moore is indeed there.

However, he seems to have taken a shower without taking off his military uniform or knee-high boots. Sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, legs sprawled, he is completely drenched like a drowned rat.

"...What are you doing?"

In a bewildered manner, Rapi questions him.

A wet cigarette is clenched between his lips, and in his right hand, an oil lighter remains open.

"...Just cooling my head a bit."

How long is "a bit"?

Before Rapi voices this question, he attempts to turn the wheel of the oil lighter to ignite the cigarette. Sparks fly as the flint rubs against the wheel, but the wet wick does not catch fire.

Even if it did light, the cigarette clamped in his mouth is undoubtedly soaked with water. Smoking is undoubtedly out of the question.

Perhaps realizing this, he emits a low chuckle from the depths of his throat, wearing a self-deprecating smile, and spits out the cigarette he is holding.

"...I'm helpless."

"...What do you mean?"

"...I couldn't protect the subordinates I swore to protect, and I couldn't make them pay the price..."

The self-deprecating smile suddenly disappears, and Moore absentmindedly gazes at the ceiling.

"I'm...useless."

"...That's not true."

In retort, Rapi verbally denies it.

She doesn't know what the cause and trigger were. She has no way of knowing.

However, one thing was clear.

He is being plunged into the depths of despair.

Still wearing her high-heeled shoes, Rapi walks up to Moore and kneels down, bringing her eyes to his level.

His dark brown eyes──the focal point where everyone, including her, finds relief, seemed to be off-focus.

"──Haven't you fought? Haven't you resisted?"

"...Yes, but... if I knew this would be the outcome..."

"──Will you not follow the same path?"

Anticipating the words that would follow, Rapi speaks out and questions Moore. He started to respond but closed his half-opened mouth.

After a slightly prolonged hesitation, he shakes his head casually from side to side.

"...In the end, I would have chosen the same path. I'm not a skillful person... I can't live in such a skillful way. I can't do that."

"...Yes. Surely, that's you."

Rapi, who asserted this, was met with a sidelong glance from Moore. His dark brown eyes, whose focus still seemed off, faced her, and the gaze of his crimson eyes was directed at them.

"──Without a doubt, you are human. Reckless, stubborn, indifferent to your own life, and──sadly gentle to a heartbreaking extent. You get up even after being hurt many times and continue to fight for others."

──...In your eyes, what do I look like?

Asked the question she couldn't answer, she finally managed to say the words.

──That's why, I...

And the words that were about to slip out in a moment were swallowed back down into her throat.

Eventually, when the focus returned, he correctly reflected Rapi's figure in his deep brown eyes, and he lowered his face.

"...I'm sorry. I showed you something unsightly."

"...No. Please don't mind."

"...Thank you."

"...I won't ask what happened. You probably won't tell me anyway."

"...Thank you."

She affirmed that she wouldn't delve deep into it, and he expressed gratitude along with a sense of relief.

A deep sigh escaped from Moore.

"...Sorry again... but just leave me alone for a bit longer."

"...Understood."

"And... I'd appreciate it if you could let the shower run. Water is fine."

Although his head and body were probably already cold, just before Lappy could utter a reproachful remark, he leaked a voice that seemed to disappear.

"...Please."

Not an order, but a request. Hearing this, she let out a faint sigh and stood up.

Just before leaving the shower room, Rapi reached for the control panel and tapped the button on the LCD panel that was already set to pour water like rain.

Soon, a sound similar to the rain started pouring.

As she was about to leave, still concerned, she turned to Moore over her shoulder.

His face, covered by one hand, lips firmly sealed in a straight line, was sitting in the cold water that was pouring from above, showing no signs of movement.

Seeing that, Rapi──turned on her heel again and walked quickly towards him.

In the rain, soaking her synthetic leather jacket and sticking her light brown hair mercilessly, she knelt beside Moore and extended her arms towards him.

With force on his head and the arm around his shoulder, she pulled him close to her chest.

The face that hides its eyes is half-buried in the fabric of the wet shirt clinging to Goddesium's skin.

Without resistance, she gently puts her chin on the short black hair that has been shaved, continuing to stroke his head several times.

No sobbing leaked out. There were no words spun from either side.

Instead──the sound of water, similar to the rain, continued to echo endlessly.

-----

This is the end of the current chapter, and it's one form of retribution (eh, is the retribution still ongoing?).

──Huh? After being buried in Rapi's bosom? There was nothing like that! (Are you lying?)