Book 1: Chapter 6.1

Book 1: Chapter 6.1

The secret to pouring a perfect cup of rosehip tea, Tilarna-chan

Inside the Special Vice Squad Offices, Detective Tony McBee spoke.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

is the same as fighting for love! You cant be too hot or too pushy. Neither can you be too cold nor too blunt. Properly warming him up, and then directing your irresistible charms at him are the most important. Thats why Im so fussy over the cups and spoons I use. No matter how fragrant your tea may smell, if you end up using some ugly paper mug, wouldnt it just be a waste? Understand?

I kind of get it, I kind of do not

Tirana replied with a sullen expression.

In front of her eyes, faint steam accompanied the fragrant aroma that wafted out of the teacup.

Tony continued on, saying that the city called Copenhagen hid intricate tableware made by the leading craftsmen in all of Dorini.

Such forms of pottery were all well and good. And yet to Tilarna, the plastic containers one could find at any local burger joint for take-out were much more intriguing.

Even so, there was no denying the comforting smell of Tonys lait. She also found its refreshing taste to her liking. Compared to the viscous coffee Matoba made this morning, the difference was like heaven and earth.

This is a fine tea.

Isnt it? I know a good place. Tell you all about it next time. Itd be a great souvenir to take back home to your country. Im sure your Mommyll be glad to see it.

I do not have a mother. She died soon after I was born.

Oh my my bad. Im sorry.

It is fine. I am used to it. Do not worry yourself.

Oi, alien.

Matoba called out to her as he was doing his paperwork two desks away,

Its good to make friends and all. But actually look through the documents for once. Theres plenty of Semanese in our criminal records after all.

I understand that. I am simply learning the method to operate this so-called beesee from Mcbee.

Its PC, P-E-E-S-E-E.

Still, Kei. For a kid who doesnt even know what a Nintendo is to suddenly start using a mouse to move files from here to there. Theres no way shed understand, right? Right?

Yes. I do not understand.

Dont be proud of it

It had already been three days since Tilarna came to this world, yet still the investigation into the fairy remained stagnant. Yesterday afternoon, they had hit the case files as always. From the evening onwards, they made their rounds around the city, visiting Albaress various connections in their effort to uncover a lead to the whereabouts of the fairy. Through the warrant issued by the court, they were able to pull out his phone records from the telephone company. And yet, nothing came of it.

Will today be the same as the day before?

Tilarna asked Matoba.

Probably. Plus some minor details here and there.

I am most concerned about the body of that fairy. We do not have much time.

From what Matoba saw, the fairy was weakening. It had been three days since then. It would not be hard to imagine that it had exhausted its energy by now. After all, it was said there was a possibility that the creation of that drug involved some rather unsavory practices.

It was clear from Tilarnas tone that she held some degree of irritation and impatience towards the San Teresa Police Department. Sensing that was the case, Matoba spoke up.

Its not as if were slacking off here. Were just trying to keep a low profile, thats all. If we hit the water too fast, well just end up scaring all the fish away.

Is it not possible to round up all the suspicious people and interrogate them right away?

See, here on Earth, weve got a god called basic human rights. EVEN for a knight like you, you wouldnt be able to go against the word of god, would you?

Matoba stood up with a sigh. Grabbing a hand mirror from Tonys desk, he used a portable razor to shave off the stubble on his face. As he readjusted his tie, he said to Tony.

Its about time.

Youre right. Shall we go?

No matter what, Ill never let that happen.

Chief repeated. It was the voice of a man with a quiet determination, and yet, for some strange reason, Matoba could not help but be left with a sense of discomfort. Of course, his words could not be said to be a lie. They were most certainly sincere. Still, he felt as though there was a hidden meaning in the declaration.

Of course, sir. But first, we must avenge Rick.

Right. Im counting on you.

Nodding, Chief Roth got into his own car and drove off.

What the hell was that? Geez

Complaining to himself, he turned back towards his ride. Tilarna was already waiting there. His silver-grey hood clearly reflected the withering branches of the roadside trees. Laying her hand on the edge of the car, she stared in his direction.

Are you finished?

Tilarna hesitantly asked.

Its fine. Whats up with you?

Nothing

Lets go. Getting into the car, they left.

As they left headquarters, Tilarna inquired.

Were you with him long?

Who?

The deceased. He was your partner, am I right?

I guess. Rick taught me a lot. Easygoing guy. Though when it came to baseball, he was a fanatic to the end.

He was sitting in your seat just the other day, yknow he was just about to say, before realizing the implications of his words. The thing he hated more than anything else was falling into a pit of disappointment, tied down by his feelings of self-pity. Men nowadays may find that completely okay. Sharing their pain with their friends and family, or perhaps a psychiatrist, saying things like Just be yourselfand patting their own backs. If you can live with that, then that is fine. There was no reason for him to find fault with that way of thinking.

But Matoba was different.

Everyone has someone to whom they are indebted. Failure is simply a part of life. But even so, the only one who can save your soul is nobody but yourself. That was what he believed. On the one hand, this path would doubtless cause him much greater suffering. On the other, he would not have to depend on others to stand up for himself any longer. A mans dignity is not something to be taken lightly. He stubbornly believed that achieving such a privilege was the result of ones blood, sweat, and tears. While he truly understood the difficulty of such an undertaking, he had no intention of quitting that way of life.

In that sense, Matoba could be considered a remnant of the ancient past a relic, so to speak.

That was exactly why he could not say anything more about Rick.

In my country

Tirana began to speak.

for so many to grieve over the dead It is enough to send them over to the Land of Everlasting Spring. Inspector Fury was probably the same.

Are you trying to comfort me?

Is that bad?

Staring out the window on the other side, Tirana sullenly replied.

[No. Ill thank you just this once.] [You know what to say then?] [Daash Zanna, right?] [Good.]

That marked the end of their discussion on Rick Fury.

Five minutes of driving later, they grabbed fried chicken for dinner from a nearby drive-through. It was then that Tony contacted them.

Whats up?]

The night before yesterday, did you know that one of our patrol cars went missing?

[Yup. Theyre the guys with the 22nd Precinct right?]

Matoba had heard about it. They had reported heading out to the freeway under construction over by East Side. After that, there had been no further sign of them.

Seems they were spotted in the pond by Eastrock Park. The bodies of the two officers were found together.

Translators Notes:

TL Note: Farbanian for Earth/earthlings.TL Note: Farbanian for tea.TL Note: Tilarna says it in a smug, almost proud manner.TL Note: San Teresa Police Department.TL Note: Farbanian for thank you.