Humming Along (before battle)

The sun is almost set, leaving the bus to be shrouded in dusk.

… … ……

Charon's humming a song while driving.

I found myself singing along in my head to that strangely familiar tune.

The most beautiful of performances are born from broken and ruined things. Ironic, the way the world works.

Vergilius spoke, having noticed that I was looking at the driver's seat.

Alas, they have not the privilege to fully appreciate the glee of their own music… Oh, how unjust that is.

<……>

Charon, you look like you're in a good mood today.

Charon nodded.

Mhm, joy brings out singing.

I see.

Although…

As far as I remember, you would often hum that song when you felt down.

Charon has no such memories.

Charon sings when she's happy.

Vergilius's eyes seemed to well with a subdued shade of dark.

The kind of hue that would be picked right away if one wanted to express solitude as a color.

But it only lasted for a brief moment…

So I decided to dismiss it as the vivid sunset playing tricks with the light.

…The world Charon hums now is one that lacks sound and color.

She's going through a long tunnel with no exit in sight.

I'm sure that, just like the history of my own life that I've forgotten…

Charon and Vergilius must have their own threads of cruel reminders.

Ah, pardon me. I believe that's enough of personal stories, Dante.

Your work is to manage your crew, not befriend this old guide.

When I looked at his face again, that momentary hint of sadness had fleeted, replaced with a faint smile.

I gave him a few nods, then turned around to check on the Sinners.

Our bus passengers have had lifted spirits for a while now.

It helped that they did what they were assembled for and secured a Golden Bough for the first time.

All the Sinners were busy talking about their exploits in J Corp's District.

You should've seen me show that card right there. Seriously, that was a real highlight~

…I'm starting to get sick of hearing the same story for the seventh time in a row, so let me change the subject: Where are we going this time?

This time… we're headed to K Corp's Nest.

District 11, eh? Job's taking me to all sorts of places I'd never have thought to visit.

'Tis home to another great individual! And you are certain to find a souvenir shop there! I've always yearned for a limited-edition figurine set!

Ooo~ Didn't it also have a restaurant chain famous for its hamburg steak?

Huff… Life has gotten much easier these days, hasn't it? Back in my marching days, all I had was a pinch of salt in my mouth.

I know, right? The only food I could swallow during my voyage was canned soup that tasted like iron.

…C-Can't wait to try the steak~ Right, Ryōshū?

Well, imagining the variances in blood-color by region does make me salivate.

Ugh… Can't discuss anything with you. Hey, kiddo! What do you wanna eat?

……

Looking for someone to share tales with and have a sensible conversation, Rodya naturally turned to Sinclair.

However…

Sinclair?

Wha - ?! Gosh, golly what's wrong?

He's turned pale. He's also suffering from hyperventilation and tremors.

<H - How long has he been like this?>

Ever since Mister Vergilius mentioned K Corp.

<Why didn't you tell me earlier?>

…Because you did not order me to do so.

Meursault stared at me like I was at fault for not doing the obvious.

I… I just got an upset stomach. Sorry.

Really sure you're okay…?

<Now that I think about it…>

<Faust, I'm noticing a trend where one of us has visceral reactions to the destinations that Vergilius reveals.>

<Additionally, when we arrive, it turns out that the place does have a history with the person in question.>

<Does that have something to do with the reason we joined the company?>

…You just referred to the team as "we".

<Huh?>

It's a part of my mission to detect the slightest of changes.

As for your question, while I can't tell you the reasons for recruiting the Sinners in detail…

There'd be no point in denying that our destinations and the backgrounds of each Sinner are indeed related to a degree.

…Do all uppish snobs have some condition that makes them yap on and on about things that can be answered with a plain yes or no?

Hysteron proteron isn't always correct. Faust simply adopts the most effective mode of communication for the given situation.

Hyst… Hysterowhat?

…It means that you're struggling to understand Faust because you're too uneducated, not that Faust is overeducated.

Why you…!

Euhgk…

Just as Heathcliff approached Faust with his bat shaking in fury…

Sinclair suddenly started throwing up on the floor.

The bus finally quieted down after that.