Chapter 136: Release of "The Garden Of Sinners"(10)
Even after witnessing the crime scene with his own eyes, Kokutou Mikiya still did not believe that Shiki Ryougi was the murderer. Not only did he defend her to his uncle, but he also assured Shiki that he would always believe in her.
This part of the story quickly sparked intense discussion among the audience. Everyone was astonished by Kokutou Mikiya's persistence.
After all, most of the audience had already decided that Shiki Ryougi was the mastermind behind all the murders. They found it hard to accept such a cold-blooded killer.
"Is this what they call seeing your lover through rose-colored glasses? Kokutou Mikiya's attitude is just too foolish."
"Yeah, Shiki Ryougi looks like a murderer through and through. Why does he still believe in her?"
"His behavior amounts to abetment. According to our empire's laws, he should be looking at several years in prison!"
"This is just too absurd. Is it really worth being this persistent for a girl you like?"
"If it were me, I would have stayed far away from a girl like that."
Such were the discussions among the audience. The majority disapproved of Kokutou Mikiya's choices.
Whether they were ordinary citizens or students of the Imperial Mage Academy, most were dissatisfied with Kokutou Mikiya's behavior. However, some did understand and even admire his decision.
…
At Edward's Tavern.
Watching the scene unfold, Winry thoughtfully said, "I think Kokutou Mikiya's trust has a reason. After all, if one day everyone believed that Lord Edward had done something wrong, and all the evidence pointed to him, I would still choose to believe in you!"
Hearing Winry's words, Durin calmly responded, "By doing that, you're not respecting objective facts, Winry. If someone does something wrong, they did something wrong. No one in this world is always right."
Despite Durin's rather blunt response, the others showed subtle expressions, while Winry simply smiled and shook her head, saying, "Even so, I would still believe in you."
Seeing the deep bond between master and servant, everyone showed various expressions. Meanwhile, Aya suddenly rushed over, waving her hands and shouting, "You two stop talking! Don't interrupt my movie-watching!"
In response, Zat immediately grabbed Aya by the collar and shouted, "You're the one interrupting, get lost!"
"Ahhh, you jerk, Zat!"
As the two were about to start fighting, Helena and Daphne quickly intervened, each pulling one away. At the same time, the movie resumed its steady progression.
…
The next scene showed Kokutou Mikiya continuing his nightly surveillance outside Shiki Ryougi's house, staying in the forest until late at night, keeping a close watch on the mansion's entrance.
This relentless behavior greatly irritated Shiki. Every time she saw the smile on his face as he left in the early hours, her agitation grew.
"——Such a happy man," she muttered, closing her window in frustration. "I'm fine being alone, but you have to interfere, Kokutou."
The more normal and persistent he appeared, the more Shiki was reminded of her own abnormality. She knew she could never be ordinary.
So, she resolved to shatter the happiness that was causing her such pain.
The next day after school, Shiki unexpectedly invited Kokutou Mikiya to the classroom.
"I didn't expect you to invite me. Have you stopped ignoring me?" Mikiya asked.
Shiki responded with a muddled expression, "I'm losing my patience. That's why I called you here."
"Even though you say I'm not the murderer…"
"It's unfortunate, but I am the murderer. You've seen the crime scene, so why did you let me go?"
Ignoring Shiki's barrage of questions, Mikiya calmly replied, "There's no letting go or not. You didn't commit those crimes."
"What if I said I did?"
"You once said that only half of what you say should be believed. Besides, I believe you couldn't do such a thing."
Shiki's face flashed with anger at his unwavering stance, and she shouted, "——What do you mean by 'couldn't'?"
"What do you even know about me?"
"What makes you so sure you can believe in me?"
Faced with Shiki's words, Kokutou Mikiya seemed troubled, a lonely smile appearing on his face.
"I have no basis for it, but I think I'll always believe in you… yeah, because I like you, so I want to always believe in you."
"..."
The boy's words left the room in complete silence.
Shiki Ryougi seemed as if she had taken a blow, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
After a long pause, she suddenly made up her mind, slowly walking away without looking back, and said, "——You're such an idiot."
"Yes, I get that a lot."
"Will you be watching me again tonight?"
"Uh…?"
Caught off guard, Mikiya's face showed a hint of surprise at the realization that his surveillance had been noticed.
In response, Shiki demanded in an unquestionable tone, "Answer me!"
"I don't know what you're talking about, but if I feel like it, I'll be there."
And so, the final night arrived.
...
As the atmosphere of the film grew increasingly eerie and tense, all the viewers became visibly anxious.
Everyone realized that this night would bring a decisive outcome to the already tumultuous relationship between the two.
"This… this movie is told in flashbacks, right? So, in the timeline, the previous rooftop scene is their future, meaning everything will turn out okay, right?!"
"Should… should be."
"Why am I feeling so nervous?"
"Same here. I have a bad feeling about Mikiya's night."
"Why won't Shiki accept Mikiya? If a guy as persistent as him chased after me, I would have already fallen for him."
"That's why you're not the main character."
"!!!"
Amidst various discussions, whether in the tavern at Norsrick, the Imperial Mage Academy, the Alchemy Tower, or among the knights in the capital, everyone held their breath, patiently waiting for the story to reach its climax.
All were aware that the upcoming events would bring a significant and meaningful change to the narrative!
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