Chapter 35 Side – Sayumi Mineyama
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”What on earth… what is all this commotion?” Sayumi asked as she stepped outside the inn early that morning.
The streets were unusually noisy. Curious, she stopped a passerby and inquired, “Is something going on?”
”I don’t know all the details yet,” the townsman replied, voice low and grim. “But there was a case of sexual assault and murder last night, around midnight. A girl who hasn’t even reached puberty and a young guard were the victims… Their families must be devastated.”
Sayumi’s eyes widened. “What did you say?!” she raised her voice, heart pounding. “Isn’t that a heinous crime? What about the perpetrator? Has the perpetrator been caught?”
”W-wait! Calm down, miss!” the man stammered.
Before she knew it, Sayumi had grabbed the man by his collar. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…” he gasped as she released him.
Another voice interrupted the tense moment. “It seems the perpetrator hasn’t been caught yet. They say there were no witnesses. It’s a frightening story…”
More townspeople began to gather, their murmurs growing louder.
”That’s terrifying! I can’t let my daughter walk around carelessly!” a mother exclaimed.
”It’s okay! The guard squad and the Knights will surely catch the culprit!” another reassured.
”Is that so? I guess you’re right…” someone else sighed, trying to find comfort.
Though everyone tried to convince themselves, unease clung to the air like a thick fog. Normally, as a hero, Sayumi wanted to act, but this wasn’t the role of a hero. They weren’t the police. She swallowed her frustration. It would be better not to interfere and risk complicating the investigation.
Resisting the urge to dwell on it, she turned back toward the inn. At the entrance, she unexpectedly ran into her best friend descending the stairs from the second floor.
”Good morning, Sayumi-chan. What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Yuki Yukina asked with concern.
Yuki’s boyish bob cut, silver hair, and striking blue eyes gave her an almost half Eastern European look, but they had bonded quickly since school began. Yuki had been her steadfast support in the student council’s accounting committee during Sayumi’s vice class rep campaign.
”Yuki-chan…” Sayumi hesitated, then told her about the gruesome incident in town.
”That’s terrible,” Yuki said softly. “So, what do you want to do? If you want to act, I’m here to help.”
Sensing Sayumi’s conflict, Yuki watched her carefully.
”I… no, we’re not the police,” Sayumi replied quietly. “Since we operate as a team, I won’t act on my own. Besides, interfering with the Sada organization here would be wrong. This time, I want to trust in the law and justice of the people from the otherworld.”
Yuki nodded thoughtfully, placing a gentle hand on her cheek. “If that’s what you’ve decided, then it’s not my place to step in. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me honestly. I’m truly happy. You’ve thought so much about us all — you’re fit to be a leader. I’m glad to follow you. But if you ever need help, please tell me. We’re one-of-a-kind best friends.”
She smiled brightly before slipping into the cafeteria.
”Yuki-chan… thank you,” Sayumi whispered.
She felt grateful for such a friend. Yuki probably didn’t want to come to the otherworld in the first place. She had a clean relationship with Iwaya from the soccer club and would normally want to spend the rare quiet morning with him. Yet here she was, giving her full attention and encouragement.
Sayumi believed Yuki’s kindness reflected a hope to someday return to her original world.
Could she meet the expectations of such a friend? Could she send Yuki back safely to where she belonged?
As these thoughts stirred in her heart, Sayumi reached for the door knob of the still-open inn entrance and gently closed the door behind her.
Notes:
• Sayumi – Vice class rep, serious and disciplined.
• Yukina – Sayumi’s friend, a half-Eastern European girl with silver hair and blue eyes, who offers support and expresses concern about the recent events.
• Sada – A bullied student with a dark and arrogant personality, who awakens as a Dark Knight.
• Iwaya – Yukina’s boyfriend, who plays soccer.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply