"I invite you to accompany me."
Shin smiled faintly and spoke again.
Hearing this, Zane thought for a moment before nodding. Well, there was no harm in seeing it for himself.
"What is this trial about?"
Zane asked with curiosity. At his words, Shin paused briefly before explaining.
"Truth be told, this all stems from you."
"Because of me?"
"Exactly."
Shin nodded and continued.
"After what you did at that banquet, it was like lighting a powder keg—triggering a chain reaction.
"As the repercussions escalated, many officials who were already corrupt got caught up in it, and certain individuals kept pushing things forward—myself included.
"All these factors combined created the situation we're in now—spiraling out of control, a tidal wave strong enough to crush countless lives."
Listening to Shin, Zane's eyes lit up. He had already guessed what this trial was about.
"The plaintiffs are a coalition of those who have suffered injustice. The defendants are the entire current municipal government."
Shin's gaze settled on Zane as she spoke softly.
"You know what this means. Even without actual punishment, if the plaintiffs win, this administration will be the first in the history of both Old Eridu and New Eridu to be found guilty.
"Every member will be branded on the pillar of shame. Every political career will take a devastating blow.
"With the municipal transition imminent, there's no room left for redemption. Unless someone has never been complicit and has acted with absolute integrity, no one will escape unscathed.
"The municipal council will exhaust every means to save itself.
"But... they brought this upon themselves."
As Shin laid it out, Zane fully grasped the situation. New Eridu's judicial and administrative systems did not overlap, and with everything under "public scrutiny," any underhanded schemes from city officials were impossible.
Two days from now, the trial promised to be a spectacle.
"Tsk. After hearing you explain it, I'm actually looking forward to it."
Zane smiled faintly.
"Sigh, what is there to look forward to... The outcome is still uncertain. I may be standing on this side, but I don't have much confidence either."
Shin shook her head, sighed helplessly, then sat in her chair and spoke softly.
"You should know how difficult it is to convict an entire administration. The judicial and administrative systems may be separate, but both are part of the official apparatus. On the surface...
"It's about credibility and image. Handling something like this is very difficult.
"I've studied history from long, long ago. Whenever the credibility and authority of the government fail... that's when the time for change comes.
"So what I truly hope is for some people to come away with a victory—shifting the narrative from 'official corruption after betrayal of trust' into 'self-reflection within the government.'"
Shin's ideas were bold, but not reckless. It was enough to cleanse the internal ranks—she didn't want New Eridu thrown into chaos.
It wouldn't come to that extreme, but things would certainly become much more complicated.
"Besides, I never believe others are fools. To rise to such prominent positions, the officials in city hall must have both cunning and intellect."
Her worry came mostly from the unknown.
She had no idea what would happen in two days.
That was why she wanted Zane with her—not just to watch. He might not be able to play a direct role, but his presence was reassuring.
"Tsk. Even though you're involved, I think I have more confidence than you."
Zane smiled as he spoke.
"I've always believed the world doesn't belong to just a select few.
"And New Eridu is no exception."
To Zane, Shin's concerns about lost credibility and its fallout were valid—but if the plaintiffs lost, the consequences might be even worse.
A government that loses trust leads to disorder in its branches. But a government that breeds disappointment... that fuels outright resistance.
As his words sank in, Shin blinked, then quickly understood his meaning. After a moment's thought, she smiled softly.
"Indeed, discussing this with you gives me a different perspective. Ha, I feel much lighter now."
Her gaze lingered on Zane, softened with warmth and something else.
If Tyce's plan could truly succeed, it would mean a brighter future. And with Zane's nature, he would serve as a firm safeguard.
Shin couldn't help but admire Professor Arche's foresight. What a soul he had discovered...
She hadn't forgotten how formidable Zane's power was. At the end of the day, he wasn't the same as the people of New Eridu.
In truth, he himself was one of the "few" he spoke of. And yet, despite that, his thoughts and ideals brought her comfort.
It was a strange feeling.
Perhaps... in a sense, it was shared purpose.
Hmm... Shared purpose... Comrades? What an odd description. It even sounded like a title...
Zane, however, paid no attention to Shin's drifting thoughts. With the trial discussed, his mind returned to what he had been considering earlier in the video store.
The expedition to Hollow Zero was drawing near.
...
Time passed, and dawn neared.
Watching Zane depart, the pair of pure white wings at Shin's waist slowly folded back.
"He's quite a fine person."
The old man stood beside Shin, smiling as he spoke.
"Naturally."
Shin nodded slightly, pride flickering in her voice. Joking aside, her judgment was hardly poor.
"Hmm, your father has no objections either. He said you've spent enough time together, and he trusts your judgment—as do I."
The old man smiled again, then went on.
"Even the strongest cannot withstand the erosion of time. I likely have only a few years left. But judging from how things are now, perhaps I'll live long enough to taste your wedding candy.
"When your father sent you to me back then, I wondered who would win over this tomboy. Never thought..."
"Wait, Elder Gentleman, you've misunderstood!"
Shin had been nodding along, but midway through his words she realized something was wrong. Frowning, she turned to him.
"Zane and I are friends. It's nothing like you imagine, and I've never had such thoughts."
"But when I said I'd keep an eye on him, you didn't object."
The old man looked puzzled. That had been his assumption from the start. But seeing Shin's reaction now...
Perhaps he really had been mistaken?
"How was I supposed to know your 'keeping an eye on things' wasn't the same as what I meant..."