Fallen Hawk
So... what you mean to say is that...
The Saviors put on a play at the New Year's festival every year?
Yeah. They turn the unresolved ending of the Journey into a script...
And pray that it reaches the ending everyone desires.
Of course, this is all a lie. Lavistar has never held such an event before.
Still, after the recent commotion at the Order...
You want to stage a play using the Journey as its script?
If Rosaria won't cooperate in the Journey...
I thought perhaps we could give her a reason to cooperate.
I see. I understand what you're going for.
I will speak with the festival organizers myself, so no worries, Captain.
...And so it came to pass.
Hmm...
Just asking, but who will be in charge of writing the play's script?
We could leave it to professionals, or submit one ourselves.
Oh?
The bait was cast. All that remained was to wait for her to bite.
Just bite already, you shut-in, money-devouring, unemployed Demon Lord...!!
But this can't be a messy love drama.
...What?
If the Journey is the theme, then the script will be nothing but a bunch of cliches, will it not?
Ruin caused by family conflict, forbidden temptation, and a miserable love triangle sparked by unwanted infidelity...
That is the kind of script I desire.
I enjoy scandalous melodramas. I am not satisfied with just any script.
W-we can make adaptations!
It's a story anyway. Surely we can let our imaginations run a little wild?
Ahaha! Naturally. That is how it should be.
Since it has been a while, I shall indulge you this once, acting whatever.
But know this. If I involve myself personally, do not expect a half-hearted ending.
...
In the end, I was the one who had taken the bait, but this was within acceptable compromise.
Once the discussion ended, Rosaria left the room of her own accord, and...
...Huh?
For some reason, she posted a sign reading All Requests Accepted on the door, then returned inside.
...What are you doing?
I am commencing full-scale scriptwriting.
Back in my original world, I ran a detective agency renowned worldwide.
...And what does a detective agency have to do with writing scripts?
Surely one needs material suitable for a script.
Humans inevitably reveal their true nature within elaborately constructed incidents.
There is no better way to understand the many faces of humanity.
...Right.
On the bright side, what Rosaria's planning isn't that different from resolving quests posted at Candle Square.
The sign said all requests, but surely no one would bring her a case just because of a sign we'd put up out of nowhere...
And even if someone did, I could keep her in check while we waited...
Is this the Fallen Hawk Private Eye? The one that accepts all requests?
Someone's already here?!
Hmph. Getting mortals' attention is easier than breathing.
You have come to the right place. Speak, client.
What case shall this great detective Rosaria pursue?
W-well... There was a woman my husband knew...
After my husband passed away... she took my baby!
Acting whatever! Bring popcorn at once!
No, no, no!
This is a kidnapping case! We should leave it to the Town Guard!
Tch! And what if something happens to the child while we wait?
Would you entrust such a thrilling— No, vital matter to others?
Her true intentions slipped out between all that righteousness...!
How are you even planning to catch the culprit, anyway?
Honestly. You seem like the sort who would grow unbearably jealous after getting married.
Still, it would be unbecoming to send my sole employee in empty-handed...
Just this once, I shall place my power in your eyes.
Huh...?
Past and future... Yes, you may call them eyes that perceive fate.
I have lent a hand, so bring in the culprit before my popcorn runs out.
Then what about you, Rosaria?
Me? I just granted you my power, did I not?
...
I-I don't understand what's happening, but please help!
After wandering around town for quite some time...
The culprit's trail leads here?
The resident's appearance matches the client's description.
What should we do?
What do you mean, what should we do?
We break in. That is all there is to it.
W-who are you people?!
This is trespassing! Leave at once or I'll call the Town Guard!
I stand above the law, foolish mortal.
What...?!
Rosaria. I'll apprehend the culprit, so first—
No. There is no need.
I utterly despise situations that drag on... more than anything.
A chilling metallic sound cut through the air, and I instinctively turned toward her.
Her low voice. Her blank gaze. And the ashen wind that bit at the skin.
All of it felt...
Unfamiliar, yet strangely familiar, like part of a daydream I had once dismissed.
...Rosaria! Stop!!
...Hm?
As if my voice had reached her, Rosaria's blade grazed the woman's shoulder.
But had I not intervened...
Ah... Aah...
...I'm sorry for frightening you.
If you just return the kidnapped child, we'll leave quietly.
Kidnapped...? You mean Frederick?
Don't be ridiculous! I was the one who raised that child!
After his original owner passed away, he came to me on his own, and I've been caring for him since...!!
...Original owner?
This Frederick...
Is he... a pet?
Grr... You should've made that clear from the beginning!
Rosaria, the job isn't over yet—
I don't care! Handle it yourself!!
I stared blankly at Rosaria's back as she walked off, muttering to herself.
Her retreating figure, growing farther and farther away, cast a cold light on what I thought had been a growing closeness between us...
And as I lowered my head in despair...
Her shadow, blending into the shadow beneath me, spread as if asserting its presence, swallowing up my own.