After that, Alice took me to a coffee nearby.
Then sit in the seat closest to the entrance as the clerk guides you, take off your coat for research and sit across from Alice.
When I asked the clerk for tea, I said the question I wanted to hear the most.
"What happened to your promise to me?
"... sorry"
"It's not 'sorry'. Sophia's been alone the whole time because you're gone."
I'm about to make my voice absurd, but keep your voice as low as you can and keep talking.
"Why did you leave Sophia alone?
"... After that, Sophia was immediately taken over by King Isel. Someone told me that Sophia was a brave man."
"Well, who is it?
"I don't know. But maybe..."
Alice will remain silent.
But I'm more frustrated than suspicious because I've been shut up in a way that blocks the conversation in the middle of nowhere.
"Maybe, what?"
"... King Isel said it was information from your people. So the..."
"Those two, maybe one"
... Needless to say, those two.
It would mean either Aruba or Mentila.
Speaking of which, it was also the story of your man who passed the information that I was a wise man into the land of witches.
"... So, what is Mr. Alice doing now?
"I'm looking for Aruba.... don't you think it stinks?
"Right. But you stink, too."
I receive the tea brought to me from the clerk and take a sip.
"Mr. Alice. What the hell were you doing four years ago?
"I was in Isel then.... I didn't believe in the wise man's law."
"You don't believe?
"Yeah, I didn't originally believe in faith."
... Sure, Dahlia's technique doesn't depend on a guy who doesn't have an original faith.
But then why did you stay in Isel?
"Why did you do that to Isel? Weren't you scared?
"I thought it was safer than acting poorly.... because I don't want to be a Demon."
... That's what I say and I lay my face down, Alice.
Indeed, what happened four years ago was heterogeneous. If you can hide, you better hide it.
"Really? Then I trust that word."
"... thanks"
"So, did you find Mr. Alba?
"Yeah. Not yet. I know you're not dead, but I'm just worried."
"... maybe it has something to do with this case"
"Incident?"
I nodded to her words and decided to talk about the incident that was happening now.
If she's in Isel too, it shouldn't be irrelevant.
"My kids have been missing lately. Maybe we're stepping on the idea that the Demons are involved."
"Really?
"Yes. Do you have any idea?
"... hmm. I'm sorry, I didn't think of that. Maybe Aruba's caught up in it..."
"I have to think about it."
... but it's hard to believe that as many swordmasters as Alba were just attacked by the Demons.
I drink tea, put a piece of silver coin off my pocket on the table and put on my coat.
"Well, I'm around here. Please apologize to Sophia."
"Okay. Bye."
I turn my back from her and gently bow my head to the clerk to get out of the store.
And I stepped on the cobblestone laid outside and headed to the library on that foot.
After a while, when I got out of the library after borrowing a few books from the library, it was completely dark outside.
But this city doesn't feel very dangerous, thanks to strong security.
On the contrary, enough to raise the voices of men who would be drunk from all over the store.
"... this city is at peace, too."
Indeed, it cannot be said that it is cleaner now than it was in the past when it was governed by the law of the wise.
But something called night should be just as good as not originally white.
I exhale white and go back the way I came with the book by my side.
That's when I bumped into someone who jumped off the trail.
"Oh, excuse me"
"I'm sorry."
I'm surprised the voice is so young, I look up.
There, obviously, a 10-year-old boy was on his way somewhere.
"Wait, where are you going?
"I have to go. Because there's our boss."
"... boss?
Maybe that's who they are.
... then there's one thing I should do.
"Wait, can I follow your brother too?
"Yeah. The boss would definitely forgive me!
A boy who answers well.
On the other hand, my anxiety keeps swelling without subsiding.
And ahead of them, bending down the town trail, the boys and girls were gathered, and in the center of it was the woman they met during the day...... Alice sat down.