第１４０１堀：本来の姿 (Part2)
Just as Hairen and Senaru entered, Ryushi appeared from deeper within the room.
"Greetings."
With those words, Ryushi bowed her head, looking somewhat troubled. As I wondered why the situation had unfolded this way, Rurua stepped in to explain.
"I had already heard the details from my husband, so I spoke with Ryushi beforehand. Naturally, I had to consider her mental state; one cannot simply spring such a heavy topic on someone without preparation. We decided it would be best for her to hear your side of the story before making her own decision."
I see. It would indeed have taken too much time to explain everything to her only after I had arrived, and she certainly needed the time to steel herself.
"Now, Ryushi. I will ask you once more: will you cooperate with Fiora and the others in their investigation? This is not a demand. If you feel you cannot do it, that is perfectly fine."
As Rurua posed the question, Ryushi’s response was immediate.
"I am ready. I will cooperate. I was the one who defied the village chief from the very beginning. I suffered terribly for it, but I am still alive. I will never let what happened back then be swept under the rug."
Ryushi declared this with eyes burning with resolve. Despite the horrors she had endured, there was not a hint of hesitation in her voice. We were taken aback by the clarity of her answer, prompting Hairen and Senaru to share a wry smile.
"It’s a surprise, isn't it? To hear Ryushi speak with such conviction."
"Indeed. She’s a girl with nerves of steel. She wouldn't hear of anything but helping from the very start."
"Mhm. And to think, at first, she was in a state of catatonic shock from the torture."
"I am ashamed of how I was back then," Ryushi interjected. "In my final moments, I had resolved to at least tear out their throats with my teeth. But now that I know there are forces pulling the strings behind the scenes, if helping you can serve as a way to repay Yuki-sama and Rurua-sama for their kindness, then I have no reason to hesitate."
"Apparently, this is her true personality," Hairen remarked.
I see. So this is the real Ryushi. Then again, perhaps one needs this kind of spirit to even consider rebelling against a closed-off society like a village.
"Sigh. Ryushi's resolve seems unshakable, but I am still concerned for her mental well-being. Will you allow us to be present during the questioning?"
"Oh, yes. Of course."
"It’s fine, really. I can testify perfectly well on my own."
"Absolutely not."
"That’s right. Calm down. You’re being far too reckless."
While we watched, surprised by this side of Ryushi’s character, we finally moved to the main topic.
"Now, Ryushi, let us begin again. We are gathering information regarding the dark guild. We need every scrap of intelligence we can find, if only to ensure that no one else has to suffer as you did."
"Yes. Please, ask me anything. Even about the torture."
Fiora-sama asked her again, and she nodded without a moment’s pause.
"Well, I appreciate your enthusiasm, Ryushi, but please, take a breath. I have prepared the questions on paper. For now, please fill out this form."
"You’ve compiled the questions?"
"Yes. When it comes to recalling traumatic events, we record the audio, of course, but writing things down can help clarify the details. Naturally, if remembering is too painful, you are not obligated to write it down."
"No, I will do it!"
Ryushi accepted the papers with immense drive and immediately began to fill them out. We exchanged glances and shared a wry smile, having expected her to struggle much more with the process.
Now, all that remained was for Ryushi to complete the forms without incident. I suppose one truly needs this level of initiative to defy a village chief. Even so, after what she had been through, her recklessness was undeniable.