Even Rommelo, who had been so hell-bent on capturing her, couldn't mask his shock at En’s sudden display of resolve. He hadn't expected her to volunteer to accompany the Security Force for interrogation.
Having chosen not to flee, she paused for a heartbeat before turning toward the best friend who was watching her with bated breath.
"Melt... just like you said, I’m going to believe in myself. I didn't do anything. I didn't commit any robbery, so there’s no reason for me to admit to a crime. No matter how hard things get, I won't run away. For the sake of everyone who believes in someone like me, I’ll find a way through this!"
"En...!"
"...Master, I’m so sorry for all the trouble. I’ve ruined the shop's reputation, and I...!"
"Say no more! It’s fine, I understand exactly how you feel! I’ll protect this shop no matter what until you get back! Just make sure you return once your innocence is proven!"
"I will...!"
Because she knew she was innocent, she wouldn't run.
Drawing strength from the advice Melt had given her the night before—to believe in herself—En found her resolve. Finally, she turned her gaze toward her old associates and spoke.
"Sanga, Batz... I know you were both looking out for me in your own way. But I can't go back with you. I've decided to move forward... I’m truly sorry."
"E-En...! That’s crazy! Reconsider! Come with us! Please? Just say yes!"
"...Are you really sure about this? You won't regret it...?"
"...I don't know. But if I run away with you two now, I’d be betraying the people who trust me. I know I’d regret that for the rest of my life, so I’ve made my choice."
En answered firmly, looking straight at Sanga as he questioned her with a pained expression.
Just as Sanga’s face twisted into a look that could have been either grief or fury, a somewhat awkward voice—entirely ill-suited to the heavy atmosphere—rang out.
"Um... excuse me... could I get a word in...?"
At the sound of the voice coming from the shop’s entrance, everyone started and turned their heads.
Standing there with a sheepish expression and scratching his cheek was a young man. Melt was the first to shout his name.
"Yugo!? When did you get here!?"
"Right after the Security Force barged in, I think? The mood was so intense I didn't feel like I could cut in, so I was just watching quietly... but yeah, I’ve been here since the start."
Yugo gave another awkward, wry smile as he answered Melt.
The situation was far too serious for such a casual entrance, but Rommelo was the first to regain his composure. He cleared his throat and addressed the young man.
"You’re Yugo, I take it? This item found at the crime scene belongs to you, does it not? Since we need to hear your side of the story, you’ll be coming with us as well."
"Sure, no problem. Cooperating with an Officer is the duty of a Good Citizen, after all! Though... that might not even be necessary, you know?"
"What? What is that supposed to mean?"
Rommelo pressed him, demanding to know the meaning behind his cryptic words.
Yugo looked around at every face gathered in the shop before answering.
"Well, someone blurted out something very strange during the conversation earlier. It’s been bugging me."
"That, huh? I found it a bit suspicious myself."
"Jinba!? You too!? Dammit, stop being so mysterious and tell me what it was and who said it!"
Upon learning that both Yugo and Jinba had noticed a discrepancy in the conversation, Rommelo’s patience wore thin.
His attitude was more than a little overbearing, but Yugo simply followed his lead, raising his right arm to point directly at one person.
"The one who blurted out that strange remark... was you, Sanga."
"...What did I say? Where the hell did you come from, anyway? What are you babbling about, you bastard?"
Sanga, the man at the end of Yugo's finger, snapped back with a look of pure rage.
As the entire room watched in silence, Sanga closed the distance, looming over Yugo with a threatening snarl.
"If you're going to talk big, then let's hear it. What 'strange thing' did I supposedly say? If your explanation isn't good enough to satisfy me, I’ll beat the life out of you, so you'd better make it count!"