An Odd Impression (before battle)

Well, then! The Yurodiviye's swearing up and down that they've got nothing to do with the case, and the Time Ripper is still at large. What now, ace detectives?

But... we don't have any other leads. The one we talked to just left the hideout, so why don't we follow him?

<... You want to tail that Yurodivy?>

Well, looks like not arresting them may pay off after all! I think it's a fair suggestion.

Waste of time. We should torture them one by one until someone breaks.

According to page 155 of Lady Agatha's book, an ace detective must always remain vigilant and not shy away from stakeouts.

<You're already on page 155?>

Don Quixote gave us this book so that we can all become ace detectives, fuhu. I've been reading it whenever I can.

…….

The Yurodiviye's petty time thievery won't change the world.

Is that why you're letting them go? Because it doesn't matter?

Huh? No, not at all. It's the opposite, in fact.

I want to see things... change.

Change...?

It is said that the Yurodiviye started from a small group of nobodies.

But they kept at it, slowly but surely... spreading through the City. I hear that they've been causing some real trouble in some Nests. That they find it difficult to get rid of them.

Do you know what people have been saying here at T Corp.? "Running low on time, but burning full of frustration? Then come join the Yurodiviye".

Unlike most people, who accept injustices and move on, they don't. They refuse to turn a blind eye, confident and determined that they will one day bring real changes to the City.

It's only natural that I find them extremely fascinating. To witness... to what end do their desperate desires and aspirations lead?

…….

Nothing but impotent squirmings.

Haah...

I'm sorry, do any of you even give a damn about solving the case?

This case...

... has a certain destructive aesthetic to it. I like it.

I'm following my family elders' words: to see and experience as much of the world as I can before I return. Because their words better be followed.

... Sounds excruciatingly bothersome.

So many things in this world presume that they deserve to call themselves 'family'.

Hehe, I've never heard you talk like that, Ryōshū.

What will you ever accomplish...

... with such halfheartedness?

Don't worry about it.

Most people live on with that very halfheartedness. It's been eons since I really desired something with all my heart, you know.

No, I'm...

... I'm not 'most people'.

I'm...

From the distance, loud, rapid footsteps broke through Rodya's quiet whispers.

<I knew it, the culprit was a Yurodivy...!>

Gah!!

... They're here. Won't give them the slip this time.

Okay, let's go! Maybe you'll catch them this time if you learn to breathe like Meursault, Ryōshū~

<Rodya, let's - >

Rodya came to a sudden stop and looked at me.

Staring at me from underneath the shadows cast over her eyes.

Dante. Do you think it would've been any different if I...

... followed Sonya, back at the casino?

<... Why do you ask?>

I mean, it's just...

Watching Sonya's goals actually start to take shape while I stagnated, unchanging, I'm... it's making me feel...

Rodya hesitated.

Odd.

An odd impression.