Chapter 173 (2/2)
「Then, I might as well guide you to the property room with secured items.」
「We will be in your care.」
Following Miyakawa-san’s guidance, we walk through the building.
「Nevertheless, there are fewer people than I expected.」
Despite its size, the police station had very few people inside.
In part, it could be because it was just before noon, but I expected a police station to have more officers or citizens inside.
「Weell, you see, it’s that, you know, that. Everyone was pulled by that.」
In the direction where Miyakawa-san pointed his finger after saying that, was hanging quite dumb poster『Kuroi Alice! Will do her best as one-day Chief♪』.
「And it seems that some kind of a problem occurred at the event venue. I’m as well, after we are finished here and I have my break, will go to settle things. I really would prefer if they didn’t overwork old folk so hard.」
Miyakawa-san breathes a sigh.
If you look good enough, you could see signs of exhaustion on his face.
「So you actually quite busy with work? Even though there are so many police officers in this neighborhood? 」
「Mm? Well, yeah. Swayed by public opinion they threw a whole bunch of officers here, but with an increase in personnel, time and money also disappear at an increased rate. You can’t take an appropriate measure without a clear picture after all. We are still quite busy.」
Said that Miyakawa-san laughed bitterly.
「In fact, people of who’s connection to the case we were unaware are going missing. Well, the one who went missing seems to be a student who did not show good behavior to begin with, running away from home on an almost regular basis. So for the past two or three days, we were trying to confirm whatever he was kidnapped or ran away once again. Well, for about three hours.」
While saying that, there wasn’t much energy in his laughing appearance.
「…Police are of no use anyway. If you have time to show off how hard you work then use it for actual work.」
「Hey, Mai!!」
「No no, it’s fine, it’s just as she says. You have the right to blame us. Higher-ups keep pandering to masses, chasing after the numbers we put complete newbies on the streets and the actual investigation just keeps going for ruin… After all that we still were unable to protect our citizens, I am really sorry.」
「…It’s not like it’s personally your fault.」
「No, it’s all due to the police’s negligence.」
「……」
Mai abruptly turned her gaze away from Miyakawa-san that was shaking his head.
「Ah, but please keep it secret. I will get scolded if higher-ups hear that I was saying something like that.」
The atmosphere that was turning awkward was changed with Miyakawa-san’s simple jest.
While having such dialogue we reached the door that had『Authorized personnel only』written on it.
「Eh? Is that okay? It’s authorized personnel only…」
「Well, considering the stuff in there. As an exception, was allowed a return through the backdoor. That’s why I remained at the station to accompany you.」
There we saw a number of metal racks lined up, like those you might see at a backstage.
The racks were filled with large cardboard boxes that had various itemized labels on them.
「Wait here for a bit, I will bring it.」
While we were left waiting at the entrance, Miyakawa-san went for the shelves in the back.
Fists that I made without noticing gradually became drenched in sweat.
Loudly beating heart.
That was nervousness I felt about recovering my memories.
「Brother…」
「Mm, something wrong?」
I calmly respond.
Of course, I was just acting tough. But that was my pride.
Being idiotic brothers for the little sister that uneasily looking stood beside me even now, also was a part of that pride.
（No matter what I will recall, my『Now』will not change. I must protect her. So she won’t have to cry anymore.）
For a moment I could feel a flame rising up in my heart.
That was a zeal of the old me.
After going along with that me for a couple of months I realized something.
When it was about protecting Mai the old me that I viewed as a demon chained in the darkness softened and shared a few similar sentiments with me.
In that case, it is enough to tell that the me burning with this rage is myself as well.
If it is myself then it would try to protect Mai no matter what.
「Relax, I will promise it as many times as I have to. I will stay by your side.」
「No matter what, it’s a promise, Brother.」
Mai had somewhat dependent, insecure eyes.
Unreservedly stroking Mai’s head I once again face forward.
Yes, today I will get my memories back and then after coming home will talk with Mai about the knife.
（Maybe it was just a prop.）
When I saw it I strangely thought『Human’s blood』and didn’t even think of doubting it, but it could have been something entirely different.
For some reason, I had a strange conviction that it’s unlikely, but at least in my mind appeared leeway to at least consider such a possibility.
「Ehm, when my memories return I want to talk about something. After we get home…」
At that moment I felt a shudder down my spine.
I didn’t get the reason but I felt a danger as if I was enveloped by the tongue of a giant snake.
「…?!」
「Brother?」
When I turned around reacting to Mai’s puzzled words nothing unusual could be seen.
However, it felt like surrounding walls had spikes all over them and were closing on us.
「Oops, there it is. Heave-ho.」
Perhaps locating what he was looking for Miyakawa-san takes out one cardboard box.
For some reason I feel like the time itself is being stretched.
Since the time I woke up that was the feeling I would get when exposed to danger.
Just where is the danger?
I don’t understand, don’t understand, still no idea———
「Mai?」
「Brothe…」
I put myself between Mai and the direction that I somehow found to be most dangerous and hugged her.
At that moment.
BOOOOOOOOOM!!!
Intense light fully covering the field of vision and the sound of the explosion that could tear eardrums filled the surroundings.
For a long, atrocious second, I was stricken with the sensation of shockwave hitting me and splinters piercing into my back.
「………………..!」
With shaking vision, amid gradually rising smoke, I confirm the state of Mai that was in my embrace.
Looks like she was almost unharmed because I covered her.
She was desperately clinging and saying something, but the brain jolted by the explosion would not move mouth properly.
That’s why I wiped my sister’s cheek dirtied with soot.
「You are fine, good…」
Leaving just those words I closed my eyes.