There was no doubt—the final vote ended at 4:3, or perhaps one might say 5:2. A preliminary agreement with the "Owl" had thus been reached. However, according to the results of the discussion, cooperation was strictly limited to "researching human and Ghoul-compatible food sources," and this alone wouldn't ease hostilities with the Owl.
Once Lancer handed over the "food," he effectively had nothing more to do with it.
Although several Investigators voiced suspicions during the meeting, even they knew just how critical this was. No matter how distasteful the Ghouls were, it was impossible to oppose the move.
As everyone left, each absorbed in their own thoughts, Lancer followed silently behind Mado Kureo, leaving headquarters and driving toward the 20th Ward. Neither spoke along the way, just like on their journey here.
Initially, Lancer thought Mado's silence stemmed from internal conflict over cooperating with the Owl, but after hearing his words during the meeting, Lancer realized he'd underestimated this man.
Hatred had surrounded this man's entire latter half of life. Yet, despite the madness that consumed him, that single spark of tenderness in his heart remained untouched by hatred. He had never forgotten his original intent: he'd become an Investigator to protect humanity. His refusal to accept promotions was solely to fulfill his wife's last wish.
Tokyo lay quiet in the depths of night, yet this silence concealed danger. Countless Ghouls lurked unseen in the darkness. Mado rested his head against his hand, gazing out the window in silence. Though nothing was visible, he narrowed his eyes, seemingly glimpsing something far away.
Lancer assumed he must be reminiscing about his wife, so he didn't disturb him.
Yet Lancer himself was also contemplating: should he tell Mado about the Owl's true identity?
No one would have guessed that Aogiri Tree's leader, the One-eyed Owl, was actually the famous novelist Takatsuki Sen. The disparity between the two identities was simply too vast: one was a brutal Ghoul King; the other, a petite, quirky woman.
But if he revealed this truth, Mado would undoubtedly seek her out. Unlike Yoshimura, the "Non-Killing Owl," Takatsuki wasn't merciful. Lancer didn't believe an aging Investigator like Mado, who was well past his prime, could defeat her.
If I tell him, he'll almost certainly die; if I don't, it's as if I can't even tell my benefactor who his enemy is…
While Lancer was caught in this dilemma, Mado, seated beside him, suddenly turned his head.
"Lancer."
"Yes?"
Though unsure why he'd been called, Lancer still answered reflexively.
"To be honest, even now, I regret inviting you to join the CCG as an Investigator."
"?"
"You're different from me. You could have returned to your homeland and lived out an ordinary life, rather than fighting as an Investigator on the frontline against Ghouls…"
Mado's words drew a bitter smile from Lancer. Home? Where was his home? If possible, he'd indeed prefer an ordinary life. Unfortunately, from the moment he inexplicably arrived in this world—and might inexplicably move to others in the future—he realized he'd never again connect to the word "ordinary."
But clearly, he couldn't say these things to Mado. Nor did Mado seem interested in pursuing the matter further, continuing instead in a quiet monologue:
"'Investigators' originally were just ordinary people unwilling to let themselves or their families become food for Ghouls. And me—I was just a civilian drawn into this midway because of my wife's influence. But once we joined the CCG, once those monsters labeled us 'Doves,' we ceased to be ordinary. We're the last line of defense for humanity's peaceful lives. My life is full of regrets, but the one thing I've never regretted is picking up this briefcase in my hand. Lancer, you, like me, initially didn't join the CCG intending to become an Investigator, but I believe this period of your life will also become a cherished memory in the future…"
What did he mean by that?
He would indeed leave within a month—but wasn't he the only one who knew that? Mado couldn't possibly know, so why did his words seem to hint at something deeper?
Was it because he'd let the Fueguchi mother and daughter go before, or because he'd secretly removed their explosive collars when Touka Kirishima took them away? Or maybe because Mado doubted the origin of the "food" he'd handed in today? Surely, it couldn't be suspicion over his sudden increase in strength?
Now that he thought about it, there were indeed many suspicious points about himself. But just as Lancer was about to speak, he reconsidered—perhaps it was better not to say anything now. Anyway, he'd vanish in a month. At that time, suddenly disappearing might even lead Mado to wildly guess—perhaps that wasn't so bad after all?
"Apologies, I've said some strange things. Today's events have left my mind unsettled."
"No, not at all. Your words… I won't forget them."
Mado didn't respond further, only nodded lightly.
Silence returned to the car.
Lancer didn't know how much he'd changed this world. But he firmly believed that his efforts wouldn't be in vain.
...
While the CCG turned its attention toward the matter of "food," on the other side, Aogiri Tree hadn't slowed its pace of expansion.
Their actions in the 11th Ward had embarrassed the CCG, but hadn't truly damaged them significantly. Meanwhile, progress in conquering the 9th and 10th Wards remained stalled…
"Do we still proceed with the operation against Cochlea in the 23rd Ward?"
"Naturally. Although previous operations didn't truly harm the CCG, it merely meant increased casualties for us. Only by taking Cochlea can we proceed with our next step!"
In response to his subordinate's question, Tatara, Aogiri's apparent commander, gave an unhesitating affirmation. The other high-ranking executives around him showed no surprise at all. After all, as he'd said, weren't "subordinates" merely stepping stones to achieve their goals? If sacrificing their lives could realize this wish, wouldn't that be the best outcome for them all?
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl
Okay, real talk: I am extremely hungry for money, so I'm raising membership prices soon.
BUT.
If you're already subscribed before the change, your current price stays the same as long as you remain subscribed.
So for example:
Person A is already subscribed at $7/month
Price later goes up to $14/month
Person A still pays $7/month if they stay subscribed
Meanwhile:
Person B was not subscribed before the change
After the price becomes $14/month
Person B has to pay $14/month
So yes, prices are going up, but existing members get to keep their current rate if they stay in.
Which means:
If you want the cheaper price, join before the change. Otherwise, if you subscribe later, you'll be paying the new higher amount.
Price changes happen on Monday 16th, North America time.
dont worry one more day of ads