The questioning of the Knights to the victims of the incident was complete. While some of those victims were escorted home by the Knights respectively, some still stayed behind to calm down a bit more before they were let go.
Captain Ryov, who was adept in reading others' emotions through their facial expressions and behaviors, volunteered to help counsel the youngsters who went through something absolutely unimaginable.
Needless to say, the reason they needed to calm down was due to the fact that they witnessed a person being broken down into particles along with his armor, by another young looking individual who had a creepy looking tail. The fact that they felt nauseous at the time didn't help either.
Though Captain Ryov knew the Jogrin was at the center of this, he didn't know the exact details of what actually transpired. He didn't even know that Kron wasn't actually one of his subordinates, until he received a verbal report from one of the Knights that stayed at the scene.
Of course, he was in disbelief about almost everything he was told, but when he put his mind into thinking, he had little to no memory of the person named Kron, and him being Fron's twin just came to him naturally out of nowhere. Neither could he recall when Kron joined the Second Order.
Captain Ryov was completely aware of the consequences that would follow, from the public's side, as well as from the higher-up's side. To his dismay, there was nothing he could do about either of these. He wailed about the fact that his skills couldn't be put to use to quench the adversities that were imminent.
Much like many others, he also got to see Jogrin for who he was for the past month and so. Some of them left him impressed, while some left him wary of Jogrin, but in the end, if he were asked to choose whether Jogrin was benevolent or malicious... He'd say the former.
Nonetheless, he had to soothe the victims' fears and unrest as much as he could for the time being. All and any queries he had needed to be put on hold for the time being.
...
"... This is Captain Rov of the Second Order speaking. We have ensured that the victims returned home safely... Yes, we have informed their guardians, but kept some specific details hidden, though... I'm afraid it is only a matter of time before the truth will come to light..."
Captain Ryov dialed Kapel to inform him that they could bring Jogrin back to the encampment. After that, Griston, who was standing beside Captain Ryov, spoke up as the latter hung up.
"What do we do now...?"
"... It's rather unfortunate that something like this happened... This is also because of my negligence, that this Kron person was able to pretend to be one of us for so long..."
"This isn't your fault, Captain Ryov!! This bastard just happen to have some special powers that can mess with our brains!!"
"I agree with Gritson, Captain Ryov. This is undoubtedly something no one could've predicted. On the bright side, we have zero casualties."
Overhearing Captain Ryov and Griston, Tyron came over and tried to cheer up Captain Ryov, who felt that what happened was due to his dereliction of duty.
"That's indeed a silver lining, but it was probably thanks to Jogrin that this was even possible in the first place..."
"Captain Ryov! That's-"
"It's fine, you two. Thanks for your words of comfort. I'm glad to have you guys with me." Captain Ryov firmly put his hands of both of the Knights' shoulders. "As for what to do... Frankly, I don't know. But for now, we need to wait for Jogrin to come back and ask about the incident in detail."
From a previous discussion with Jogrin and Kapel, Captain Ryov learned that the higher-ups wanted to learn whether Jogrin could become an asset to Zuta. Now that something like that occurred, they were bound to act. Maybe they'd come and retrieve him, or chase him out of the planet. For Captain Ryov, he wanted neither of that.
"Excuse me, Captain Ryov! We have brought back Ms. Zanphia and the others!"
"Thank you for your hard work. Please leave them here with me."
"I'll drive back and pick up Grand Commander Kapel and the others now."
"Please do, thank you."
Zanphia, Zenover, Garty, and Suzannia had returned, and their complexions still weren't looking too good. They were led to some seats inside the central tent and sat down in a line. Captain Ryov, with Griston and Tyron in tow, stepped toward the four of them.
However, right before any of them got to open their mouths, Garty suddenly jumped at Captain Ryov.
"P-PLEASE!!! Get rid of that guy please!!!!"
With a look of horror, Garty grabbed Captain Ryov's arm and begged, tears welling up in her eyes as well. The three men were taken aback by Garty's behavior and froze for a second. They glanced at each other and Garty.
"Ms. Garty. I can promise you that Jogrin means no harm. In fact, he just saved you from incurring any-"
Just as Griston was explaining to Garty about what he knew, Captain Ryov stopped him by lightly shaking his head at Griston. Hence, he stood down obediently.
"Ms. Garty. We are here with you to ensure your safety. Please rest assured that we will uncover the truth of this incident to the best of our abilities. If you wish, we will keep Jogrin from being in your vicinity. If we find that he's a culprit, we have waste no time in restraining him."
It was important to not be partial in situations such as this, especially as a professional. Despite knowing that Jogrin wasn't malicious, it was imperative to not express his personal opinion, lest Garty would interpret that the Knights had no intention of helping her in any way.
If that happened, she'd never listen to anything Captain Ryov had to explain, even if everything he said was logical. After all, it was easier for someone to accept words from another who showed understanding instead of one who disagree with them right from the get-go.
Captain Ryov, an experienced Knight, knew this and spoke to Garty, and provided a suggestion that might be able to abate her intense mood.
Normally, it'd work if the person Garty was afraid of was any ordinary person, but she'd witnessed Jogrin's powers first-hand, especially that deadly pulverizing ability from his right arm. Because of that, she continued to beg Captain Ryov.
"Garty. Can you stop?"
Zenover, fed up with Garty's continuous tantrum, became irritated.
"What... are you saying, Zenover?! You saw what he did, right?!... Don't tell me... You knew?" Garty shot Zenover, as well as Zanphia a serious look, light reflected from her tears and eyes.
"You two, please stop, or else we'll have to separate you." Tyron warned them.
"Jogrin... He told us about everything when we first met..."
While Zenover and Garty heeded the warning and turned away from each other, Zanphia was the next to speak up. While she did so, she held Suzannia in her arms as she twirled Suzannia's hair. Garty flinched before she switched her gaze to Zanphia.
"Ms. Zanphia. Perhaps you should-"
"I think she has the right to know... No, I shouldn't have kept it from her in the beginning."
"Zanphia? What are you..."
"Garty. I'll now tell you everything we know about Jogrin. Can you hear me out?"
Zanphia gestured Garty to sit closer. And so, she began explaining while holding Garty's hand.