Chapter 36: Facts and Truth (Part 1)

"So, Hiyori, you better wait for me at that all-night open shop. I'll call you once I'm done," Ryuto said.

In response, Hiyori leaned in and looked at Ryuto with wide eyes.

"Ryuto-sama, is it really okay?"

"Well, this is indeed a tricky situation, even now," Ryuto admitted.

"No, Ryuto-sama, I mean, is your safety okay after I leave?"

"Oh, that?" Ryuto pondered, "I guess it should be fine. But you shouldn't be asking me about that. If you want to know, ask those assassins. But yeah, it should be fine, maybe, probably."

Why am I becoming less certain as I speak? Ryuto silently criticized himself.

Upon hearing this, Hiyori's expression showed a hint of sadness, but it quickly disappeared.

"I see. Since I can't help Seito-san here anyway, I'll leave first, Ryuto-sama."

"Okay."

After saying so, Hiyori left. Ryuto took out his phone and checked the time. It was already past eleven o'clock, and there wasn't much time left. He took off his sunglasses, let the wind blow through his hair, and calmed his mind slightly. After all, he had to see this through to the end.

Time flew by, and just as it struck twelve, Ryuto spotted Setsu Sawatari at the entrance.

Setsu Sawatari was also looking around as she walked out, as if searching for something or someone. When she saw Ryuto, her surprised expression turned into anger, and she approached him.

The two of them arrived at an empty alleyway.

"You're still here," Setsu Sawatari said with an annoyed tone. Well, it's understandable to be annoyed when someone inexplicably tails you.

"Didn't you say you'd be off work at twelve?" Ryuto responded.

"..."

"Besides, the situation isn't resolved yet, is it?"

Setsu Sawatari just vented her anger with these words.

"I already made it clear. The situation is resolved. Are you offering to help me?"

"But someone wants to save you."

Ryuto only answered like this, without revealing who that person was. However, his words seemed to provoke Setsu Sawatari.

The once quiet alley immediately resounded with someone's shout.

"I already told you, stop pretending like you know everything. You should know by now, I need money. That's why I took this job because the pay is good. To put it bluntly, I need money. If you want to help me, then give me money. Otherwise, don't meddle in!"

As if venting all her grievances, Setsu Sawatari raised her voice.

Ryuto, on the other hand, absorbed Setsu Sawatari's outburst without flinching.

"That's right, I don't know anything. After all, I'm not the party involved. I'm just an observer, and as an observer, I can't truly understand the feelings of those involved. Even if I can somewhat imagine, I can never fully understand. Without being in the same circumstances, it's impossible to truly feel. Moreover, I am just a despicable bystander. I have no right to criticize or offer unwarranted opinions."

Furthermore... Ryuto no longer possesses such emotions.

And how does Ryuto feel right now?

Probably, no one aside from Ryuto knows. But this outcome is what Ryuto hopes for. Yes, this outcome is enough.

Sighing deeply, faced with Ryuto's incomprehensible words, Setsu Sawatari displayed an unusual hint of uncertainty.

Just then, a voice interrupted them from the side.

"Oh, so you guys are here."

Three figures appeared. The woman leading them was the alluring middle-aged woman from the bar earlier, followed by two seemingly delinquent young men.

...

...

Facing the sudden appearance of these three, Ryuto and Setsu Sawatari looked startled, while the alluring middle-aged woman glanced at them briefly and scoffed.

"Although that little girl is not here, it doesn't matter."

"Wait, is there something wrong?"

Although Ryuto had a rough idea, he still decided to ask.

In response, the seductive middle-aged woman had an expression as if she wanted to eat people; she angrily said,

"What's wrong? After causing me such humiliation just now, it's not so easy to let it slide. I need to teach that little girl a lesson, so I can silence the resentment in my heart."

Oh my... Are we about to fight?

Unfortunately, Hiyori is not here, and there is no doubt that we are in a crisis. In any case, it is best to keep the peace here. After all, I have basically no attacking power. So Ryuto tried to find another way out.