Not What It Looks Like
It was a training-free weekend afternoon.
I had moved the equipment to the training grounds ahead of time for next week.
By the time I finished, I was drenched in sweat.
Maybe I should wash up...
I used the water pump installed in the corner and filled a basin to the brim.
I folded my shirt neatly, set it aside, and poured the water over my head.
Oh, that feels good...
...
...Hmm?
I made eye contact with someone passing by beyond the fence.
Someone in a black coat, with a black hoodie.
And judging by those bare shins... no pants?
You there, sir. Yes, you.
Mind if we have a quick word?
...
Stop right there!
Kyaaah?! Th-there's a pervert in Candle Square...
W-wait, Captain?!
We'll talk later! Out of my way!
Grandma! That man's running around in just his pants!
Oh honey, cover your eyes!
Call the town guard! Report him!
Ughhhh...!
Why is he so fast?!
I chased the suspicious man deep into a maze of alleyways.
Beyond this alley was a busy intersection.
If he blended into the crowd, there'd be no way to track him down...!
I'm not letting you get away...!
I lunged forward and reached out...
Just as I grabbed the hem of the black coat... the fabric tore off.
You've got to be kidding me!!
I scrambled to my feet, but the suspect was already gone.
In that narrow alley, all that was left was a pathetic excuse of a man wearing nothing but his pants.
And that man... was me.
...Huh? This is... the Captain's smell.
This is the town guard! We received reports of a nude runner!
Ah! I thought it smelled familiar. Captain, it was you!
Hmm? But your clothes...
...
...I can explain.
...Sir?
Really. It's all a big misunderstanding.
S-s-s-sir, c-could you take ten steps back before talking?
C-c-c--calm down, sir.
No, I'm not asking you to step back because I suspect you...!
This is an entirely different issue, really...!
Captain... I thought you were skinny, but... whoa...
H-here! Please just put this on!
Why are you handing me handcuffs instead of clothes!
And who looks away while trying to cuff someone?!
B-because when you're wet, your scent gets even... stronger...
Ooh... Wow... Whoaaaaa...
S-stay back!
I-if you get any c-c-closer, I-I'll put you under arrest!
I told you, it's not me!
Gyaaaaah!
...
...
.
...Are you okay?
...Oof, my shoulder.
That was a brutal throw.
I'm sorry. That must've hurt a lot...
It's just... your wet scent was really... intense...
I never imagined I'd see you like that, to be honest...
A-and besides! Just now, you were... you were way too wild!
...Sorry.
I panicked, thinking you'd get the wrong idea...
I should be the one apologizing.
You worked hard to chase down the culprit...
...Wait.
So you really believe me?
Honestly, if it were me, I'd have been suspicious too.
That's what I've been saying! I never suspected you in the first place!
Like I said, you don't smell like the culprit.
Your scent is more unique, Captain.
Unique...?
Yes! Like... an old library? Or a campfire in the early morning?
I've never seen a criminal that smelled like that before.
I mean, sometimes... there's a bit of an edge to your scent...
But that's just... part of your charm!
...Wait, you were serious about the whole scent thing?
Of course!
I've seen people fake evidence, but never anyone who could fake their smell.
Looks like Annah trusts her nose more than hard proof...
Oh, you said this was a piece of the culprit's coat, right?
...Hmm. Hmmm. Hmmmmmm...
Annah brought the torn coat fabric to her nose.
And after a few seconds, she smiled like she expected this all along.
Yup, just as I thought.
It smells nothing like you, Captain.
...
Hey, Annah.
Yes, Captain?
When are you... going to take these cuffs off?
...
Well, since we've come this far!
How about a little tour of our HQ?
We've got top-of-the-line facilities—detention cells, interrogation rooms, even an evidence vault!
Just uncuff me already!