"We're lucky to be able to commandeer another car..."
"It is citizen's responsibility to aid the military in situations such as now."
A Knight drove back to escort Jogrin and the rest, but Kapel, as well as the others, already foresaw that there wouldn't be enough seats to fit everyone since the other cars were used to escort the victims back to their homes, so Kapel commandeered an extra car so that they could return all at once.
The Knights, except Fron, were reluctant to be in the same car as Jogrin. As a result, Proxer had to commandeer yet another car for them. While the Knights felt sorry, Proxer expressed his understanding, which they were grateful for.
Now, only Kapel, Jogrin, Fron were in the same car which belonged to Proxer himself, while Proxer was the driver.
Silence prevailed for a while before Jogrin called out to Kapel.
"Do you really believe in the existence of 'mind tampering' now?"
"There is no other way but to believe in your words."
"How so?"
"We have no viable explanation for how Kron was able to infiltrate the Second Order. You have pointed out how he manipulated our memories so that we would think that he was part of the group."
"Did Captain Ryov tel you the results of questioning those victims?"
"Not yet... If what they said are the same as what the soldiers did after the bombardment, and their testimonies align with yours... That would only serve to foster the authenticity of the force - 'mind tampering.'"
What Kapel meant was that if the victims claimed that they had no memories of what happened only between the moment of their encounter with Kron back at the alleyway and right before Jogrin struck Kron, he had no choice but to believe "mind tampering" is real.
Jogrin was able to comprehend what Kapel was saying, and nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Proxer also understood, but he became a little downcast once his comrades were mentioned.
"I've heard that the incident at the military hospital was caused by soldiers going overboard, against protocol, so that's... what it is?"
Kapel never mentioned "mind tampering" to others. At first, Jogrin wondered why he didn't do so for the Maladins when they were about to cast their votes back then, but Jogrin never brought it up, because he soon realized that it was simply because Kapel'd never reveal anything that he wasn't certain of.
"We still cannot be sure of it yet. Perhaps we can, after we hear from Captain Ryov."
"... I see."
The interior of the car went back to silence for a while, until Kapel noticed Fron's countenance.
"Mr. Fron. I suggest you to go rest after we return to the campsite. I will inform Captain Ryov about it, and he should understand."
"I need to stick to it with everyone... Can't be a coward now..."
"Mr. Fron." Proxer spoke up with a solemn tone. "I'm sure everyone else, not just Captain Ryov, and me, understands. You deserve at least some time to yourself. Of course, if you need us, we'll be here for you."
"... Thank you... Truly..."
Proxer's words resonated with Fron's heart, as tears began to well up. Once again, Kapel put his hand on Fron's shoulder with a firm grip, and gave him a nod.
"Ahaha... Sorry for showing like this..."
"No worries."
Kapel released Fron and turned away. When he saw Jogrin looking at Fron, he gestured Jogrin to look away as well. Hence, he complied. In the next instance, they could hear soft sobbing behind them, but they refrained from turning around, as the both of them, along with Proxer, kept their mouths shut.
...
The three cars made it back to the camps.
"Gran Commander Kapel and Commander Maladin, this way please."
The one to greet them was Tyron. He led Kapel, Proxer, and Jogrin to where Captain Ryov and Griston were, while many other Knights showed their caring toward Fron, who was wearing his helmet to hide his tears.
Jogrin perceived gratitude and shame from Fron, directed at the other Knights and himself respectively, as he was brought to one of the tents so that he could rest up. After Fron disappeared into the tent, Jogrin followed the other two who were following Tyron.
'... What did Zanphia tell Garty?'
It'd been on Jogrin's mind for a little while, but Garty's emotions didn't feel as intense, and she had been directing emotions, which were mostly concern, shock, and realization to Zanphia. Jogrin concluded that Zanphia was telling her something. He had an inkling what it was about.
'Well, I'll find out soon.'
He kept up with the men in front of him, and entered the tent. Just as he perceived, there were a total of six people in there waiting.
The first thing he noticed was Garty's reaction when she saw him. She just looked away immediately with a pained expression on her face. Zanphia and Zenover showed similar expressions while looking at Proxer and Kapel. When they finally laid eyes on Jogrin, they stood up and walked towards him.
However, someone else rushed ahead of them. It was Suzannia.
"PAPA!!!"
She leapt at Proxer. It appeared she'd regained some composure after resting here for a while, unlike before she left the alleyway, where she couldn't even react to Proxer and Kapel arriving.
"Are you all alright after some rest?" Kapel asked out of concern.
"I'm fine..."
"... Yeah. I guess..."
It was impossible for them to return to their normal self shortly after that incident. Everyone was aware of that, but Zanphia didn't want others to fret about her, so she told Kapel she was fine, while Zenover was more obvious about the fact that he wasn't over it.
Zanphia turned to Jogrin next and closed the distance. She bowed at him, which caught everyone, except Jogrin, by surprise. Jogrin, the one being bowed at, didn't move nor make a sound, as he just watched Zanphia. His current feelings were inscrutable to others, which was nothing out of the ordinary.
Zanphia lifted her head back up after muttering words of gratitude several times, and gazed at Jogrin with eyes that were red from crying. Jogrin lifted up his right hand as he anticipated something.
He was correct about that, as Zanphia went for a hug next.
He could feel her trembling from her arms and body, as she muttered more words of gratitude to him. Jogrin shot her a weird look, before turning his gaze toward Zenover, who also bowed at him. He softly muttered "thank you" as well.
His bow didn't last as long as Zanphia's.
"JOGRIN!!!"
Next was Suzannia, who leapt at Jogrin just like she did to Proxer.
"Uh... haven't we gone through this already?"
"That was after you chased away the bullies for us! And this time it's about... that..."
As Zanphia was about to speak of the incident involving Kron, the wrapping of her arms became tighter.
Jogrin shot Proxer a troubled look, but the latter only responded with a smile while gesturing Jogrin to follow up with his own action. Jogrin tilted his head in confusion, but still returned the embrace with his left arm, just as Proxer told him to.
Zanphia suddenly let go of Jogrin, her face blushing slightly. This forced Suzannia to release Jogrin too since she was practically hugging Zanphia too. Zanphia turned away and walked back to her seat, while Suzannia went back for the hug.
Jogrin gently patted Suzannia's head as he once again looked at Proxer, whose smile never faded.
"Um... Maybe we should start talking soon."
Captain Ryov fought against the awkward feeling to speak up and did so.
"Indeed. While we would also like the four of you to partake in our conversation, you are free to refuse. We understand that you might not be in the state for such a matter... Let us get started then."
Kapel pretended that he didn't just witness Jogrin receiving hugs and went to initiate the discussion by agreeing with Captain Ryov.