I shake my head at the absurd explanation.
He says it so casually and rightfully like the sentence makes any sense.
'Magic'.
He really said 'Magic.'
As if it were some heavy keyterm I should be familiar with.
I'm probably smiling in response to such a sentence, as the two men stare at me for another fifteen seconds.
As strange as these men may have looked, I guess they really are crazy.
The people in the eastern district, or, better known as the traditional area of Shukufuku, have a deep history of spreading folklore. Like most traditional Japanese towns, most of the elders still believe in things like ghosts and demons and whatnot.
But, I have not met anybody from the traditional area, and therefore, such a thing is surprising to me.
Of course, I'm not too startled. After only three seconds, my heart rate returns to normal, as I realize that two traditional men speaking of "Magic" just might have something wrong with them.
Even as a person who claims to have been saved by something as mystical as a Knight in shining armor, the general consensus of Sustrous Aron is that something like "Magic" simply does not exist for us humans.
So, if that's the case, why am I still standing here, in front of these two green men, holding a melting cake near midnight?
"H-hey, Buchou. Are we sure this kid isn't involved in any of it?"
"What is it you mean by that, Kuto-kun?"
"I mean—this kid. He can use Magia, after all."
"Whu—?"
The scrappy man points at me like I'm some sort of circus animal.
Could they really be referring to me?
Well, the two officers in green stare at me for twenty seconds.
"...Hey, Aron-kun."
Officer Junko looks at me from above.
"Have you—or anybody around you for that matter—experienced 'strange things' happening in your life?"
"W-well…"
I sputter.
What kind of question is that?
I'd really like to just leave this instant, but it seems that I'm indefinitely trapped talking to two traditional hobos.
But, I can't deny that I've been through strange events.
Now, what somebody like these men would consider 'strange' is beyond me, but, nevertheless, I linger on the moment longer than I should.
Obviously, I won't tell them about the event six years back. Even traditional people like them wouldn't believe in such a tale.
But, it's saddening. Maybe if I could wring up the courage to speak up, we'd become friends and bond over our superstitions and paranormal stories.
Oh well. I stay quiet.
Not because I have nothing to say, but because nothing escapes my mouth in an understandable manner.
"Nevermind. Forget I ever asked. I'm sorry, Aron-kun."
Officer Junko suddenly smiles and pats my head again, as if to gently apologize for asking me weird questions.
Tipping his cap once again, he turns to Kuto.
"We should be off, then. It would be smart to patrol the southern district."
"Y-yes, Buchou!"
"Hmph. Very well."
Officer Junko turns to me again and adjusts his frames sternly.
"Do not forget our promise, Aron-kun. To go straight home and never speak of anything we said. A secret between us, of sorts."
"Yeah, I know."
It's not like I would be able to report them. With no badge number or visible ranks, only a fool would venture into a whole new area to arrest two strange officers.
Officer Junko smiles again.
"Thank you, Aron-kun. Have a nice night. Maybe you can come visit our department sometime, in Shinsou. I would find it pleasing to catch up with you."
I guess the traditional part of Shukufuku is called Shinshou.
But, my mind hits a wall every time he mentions catching up. I do not know this man, and that is a fact.
"It was nice seeing you again."
No, in reality, a part of him feels close. It is a distant face, but every few seconds, I feel as if I remember him.
—Though, I can't bring up any real memories or history with him. Like trying to catch water, my mind juggles with this man.
Alas, it is best concluded that I do not know this man.
Or, possibly, I have forgotten about him long ago.
Either way, I am under no obligation to meet such a person.
"Bye, kid."
Officer Kuto gives me an amateur salute, to which I instinctively respond with a smile. As strange as he is, he gives off a warm aura, much like Kota-sensei.
To be honest, his face is quite—
"—Aron-kun."
"Wha——?"