Chapter 135: The Garden of Sinners Premiere (Part 9)
In the film, Kokutouu Mikiya, having learned critical information about the murders from his uncle, became increasingly convinced that his classmate Ryougi Shiki was the killer. However, he couldn't bring himself to accept it as fact. Determined to uncover the truth, he decided to visit the Ryougi family estate.
On the way, he encountered an upperclassman and exchanged a brief conversation before parting ways. Navigating the dark forest under the shroud of night, Kokutou carefully made his way along the mountain path. Just as he neared the Ryougi estate, an unexpected sight froze him in his tracks.
The ground was slick with blood, the metallic scent hanging thick in the air, making his skin crawl. As he cautiously pressed forward, his eyes landed on a familiar figure in the distance. Standing motionless before a lifeless body was Ryougi Shiki. Blood gushed from the corpse like a fountain, staining the earth red.
"————————————!"
Kokutou collapsed to his knees, trembling uncontrollably with an indescribable emotion.
Shiki, who had been staring silently at the body, slowly turned to face him. A ghostly smile crept across her pale face, unnervingly serene.
"————————————!"
Kokutou began retching violently, his body expelling everything in his stomach, leaving him in tears. Despite his anguish, Shiki's eerie smile only grew calmer.
At that moment, Kokutou's consciousness abruptly faded. The last thing he heard was a voice, uncertain if it was a memory or reality:
"Be careful, Kokutou. A bad premonition can bring about bad realities."
The scene detonated debates among the audience no matter where they were watching the film.
"What the hell? Is Shiki really the murderer?"
"This feels off. That reaction was just too creepy."
"Why would Shiki smile like that? She looked unhinged."
"If she's the killer, what's this movie trying to convey?"
"..."
Viewers everywhere were unified in their unease. If Ryougi Shiki was the murderer, the film's tone would shift dramatically. It would become nearly impossible for audiences to empathize with her as a protagonist. No matter how complex her story, few could accept a character who coldly took innocent lives.
These sentiments were especially heated in front of the Empire's only alchemical television screen.
"I can't accept this! If Lord Durin truly made a murderer the protagonist, I'll definitely…"
"What will you do?" a younger knight, Rhine, chimed in cautiously.
After hesitating for a long moment, the knight commander, Wycliffe, grudgingly replied,
"Then I'll… I'll sternly rebuke him!"
With that, he smacked Rhine on the shoulder, sending the poor knight reeling. It was clear that Wycliffe understood Durin's current influence far exceeded his own, leaving him no choice but to vent his frustration elsewhere.
General Wilhelm, on the other hand, remained composed. Having accepted the likes of the infamous Headless Horseman, who had slain countless in battle, he was less fazed by the idea of a morally complex protagonist. Still, he couldn't help but hope Shiki wasn't a remorseless murderer.
Even for someone like the Headless Horseman, those killings were done under compulsion rather than intent. A deliberate killer with no moral constraints would likely alienate mainstream audiences. Such a backlash might even be too much for Edward to bear.
"Let's hope for a twist," Wilhelm murmured.
From the bustling taverns of Nosrick City to the Imperial Mage Academy's Grand Plaza and the Empire's capital, nearly everyone debated whether Shiki was truly the murderer. Within Edward Tavern, a lively discussion unfolded.
"I don't think Shiki's the killer," Helena was the first to voice her opinion.
Zat, perplexed, asked,
"Why not? The clues are blatantly obvious. Shiki's been at the crime scenes multiple times. It's practically confirmed."
Helena replied nonchalantly,
"Because, think about it. How could someone so beautiful possibly be a murderer?"
"That's the worst reasoning ever!" Zat exploded in exasperation.
Meanwhile, the lich Latisha nodded thoughtfully and added,
"There's a phrase, 'the face reflects the soul.' While it's a pseudoscience, it applies in certain contexts. Of course, you can dismiss me since I'm likely the least qualified to say such things."
Her melancholic tone suggested a connection to her own tragic past. Sensing this, Edward tactfully chose not to press further.
In the film, Kokutou, after being found at the crime scene, was taken in by the police. His uncle bailed him out, but the incident left Kokutou shaken. Despite his fear, he began surveilling the Ryougi estate nightly, hoping to prove Shiki's innocence.
Their relationship at school had hit an all-time low. Yet, when they accidentally crossed paths, Kokutou still extended an invitation:
"Shiki, want to have lunch together?"
On the rooftop, Kokutou remarked casually,
"Your house is ridiculously big. When I visited, the butler actually greeted me. I could brag about that to anyone."
"Akimi is my father's secretary," Shiki replied curtly.
"Oh."
"By the way, Kokutou… about that night—"
"Let's not talk about it," he interrupted.
"Why not, Kokutou?"
Confused by her sudden shift to a tone reminiscent of her other persona, he hesitated. Shiki quickly corrected herself and coughed before asking,
"Tell me, why didn't you tell the police the truth?"
"Because I didn't see anything," Kokutou replied calmly.
"At least, nothing incriminating. That's enough for me to believe in you."
He smiled and continued,
"To be honest, it wasn't easy. I'm still struggling to convince myself. But once I have more confidence, I'll be ready to hear what you have to say. So for now, let's not talk about it."
Watching his earnest demeanor, Shiki bit her lip, clearly unsettled by his relentless determination.
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