Entry 001

[chippedsoul]

Sender: Kazuma Asogi
To: Everyone
Subject: Apology

A few days ago, a coward led some people uninvolved in the situation to confront me in the forest, despite being aware of how dangerous that was. I would like to take this moment to apologize to those that I've caused harm to. It was not my intent and that outburst won't happen again.

Locked To: Castmates Only
If you're worried I will come after the Prosecutor again, don't be. I have questions that need answers, not from that man.

Locked To: Soldier: 76
76. How are you doing? And are you available to meet?

Comments

[chippedsoul]

[He forgets what he's doing, listening to Susato. Whatever he had been expecting her to say, was definitely not this. Where does he even begin to process all this? This girl must be deeply involved with both Susato and Ryunosuke. And how did Mikotoba even know they were about to discover the truth? He was not in Great Britain yet, was he?]

. . .The part in the letter Klint Van Zieks said he couldn't commit to paper, is it about the girl? [. . .] Does Prosecutor Van Zieks currently know of her?

[judicialassistant]

[ Funny thing about telling a story like that: it tends to leave you a little dehydrated. Susato wasn't expecting it either, but once she started, she couldn't stop--even though she had inadvertently left out a few things (case in point, Soseki Natsume's role). She clears her throat. ]

...Yes. [ To both. ] He told us everything.

He named her after my mother... Iris.

[chippedsoul]

. . .Hm. [He's never met this girl, but Mikotoba choosing a name like that...unsurprising.] I take it you and Ryunosuke are well acquainted with Miss Iris?

[judicialassistant]

[ She nods. At this, her face brightens just a smidge. ]

We lived with her and Mr. Sholmes. [ In the attic, mind you, but details. ] ...He was the one my father trusted to raise her. She really is a bright little girl.

[chippedsoul]

[Wait. Hold up-] Your father's trusted friend is... [That nosy self-proclaimed famous detective? He frowns, trying to imagine that man raising a child...]

...I'll take your word on that. [If Susato believes it, he's not about to dismiss her claim.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato tilts her head. It's hard for her to know what he may be thinking nowadays, but she just knows he would be impressed, too, if only he could meet her. ]

...Well. My apologies. I know that was probably more than you bargained for.

[ She bows. ]

...Shall we put everything in the stove?

[chippedsoul]

Ah, no it's all right. [With a nod, he picks up the tray.]

I didn't think that trip back would be so eventful.

[judicialassistant]

[ She follows him to offer her help, though she doesn't expect that it's needed. ]

Yes... [ Susato agrees with a sigh. ] Originally, father told me he had fallen ill. Almost two months at sea and all I could think about was his condition, and whether I'd make it in time. He still owes me for that one, I think.

[ She's not mad (mad). ]

[chippedsoul]

[Well, he'll have her feel involved as they both get the tray inside the stove. Now all that's left is to sit around and wait.]

Well, you'll certainly have your chance here.

[judicialassistant]

[ Her expression lightens considerably at that. Maybe she finds comfort in the flames that the push the tray into. Her hands certainly linger upon them long enough, enjoying their warmth... but she gently shuts the door, so that the metal contraption may do what it is designed to do. ]

We did it!

[ For a moment, it's like she's back in the kitchen with Iris. ]

[chippedsoul]

[A nods.] It'll be some time before it's ready. [Might as well go wash hands for now.]

Where did you two of stay in London? That famous detective's home, was it?

[judicialassistant]

[ She stretches as she walks away from the stove, like she's ready to hunker down and wait; but she nods at his question. ]

That's right. He owns a flat on Baker Street and let us set up our office in his attic.

[ ...no judgement. ] It was quite cozy to come home to, after a long day.

[chippedsoul]

The attic...I see. [He's trying to imagine what sort of office they would have. A mess he's sure, if Susato wasn't there to scold Ryunosuke.]

I suppose I should thank the man for taking you both in. [Eventhough he's technically guilty of lying to his friends about his "death". No doubt causing them unnecessary grief and despair.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Yeah, they legitimately mourned you, bro. It was pretty messed up!! But. You know, they've moved past all that now, bridge under the water and all that. ]

Perhaps you will meet him again one day?

...Did you say you have met him before?

[ Didn't he mention him before... hmmm. ]

[chippedsoul]

I did. He showed up in that other world for a short time. Helped me recall my memories in fact. [And then he proceeded to threaten the man, cause he sort of...went Hyde on his ass for more details. Nothing worth mentioning.]

[judicialassistant]

...Oh, dear. [ There's that feeling again. Like he's not telling her everything. But no, it's not 'cause of that, it's 'cause...... she loves Sholmes, but she also knows Sholmes. ] He was terribly vague, wasn't he?

[chippedsoul]

On certain details yes. He's the reason all of you thought I had died, that's for sure. [He might still be on that issue.]

[judicialassistant]

[ She nods to confirm, as if it was needed. ]

We didn't think to question him at the time, despite our disbelief. But... to be fair, I think his heart was in the right place.

[chippedsoul]

[There's a moments pause, before a sigh escapes him.] Yes. I do recall he did it to protect me, before he worked out the true purpose of my travel.

[. . .] I've probably already told you this, but I never planned to go through with it. [He says, after nearly cutting down his target]

[judicialassistant]

...You did. [ There is a tired smile, as she recalls the concern with which he gave Ryunosuke the Karuma. ] Though, I think I could have figured it out, even if you didn't. You were not yourself, but your heart was in the right place, too.

[chippedsoul]

....Maybe so. [He gaze falters, his voice gone low.] Had it happened though, murder is still murder, regardless of the reason.

[He let those words linger uncomfortably, longer than necessary.]

. . .The deer should be ready soon.

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato would have likely thought she imagined it, if she hadn't felt it before. A gentle heartbeat, like a discord in Kazuma's heart that was trying to tell her something--or rather, trying to hide something. Gosh, that was going to keep happening, wasn't it?

While it should have been easy to agree with him, she finds that it... isn't. ]

...Do you think there is enough to share with father as well? I think he would be proud that we worked together on it.

[chippedsoul]

[He takes a deep breath, that warm smile back on his face.]

Yes, of course. The recipe itself is rather simple, but if you want me to write down the ingredients for you I can.

[judicialassistant]

[ Psh. Pssshhh. Who does he think he's talking to? She smiles warmly in return, gently pulling out a notebook from her sleeve, seemingly from out of nowhere. ]

That won't be necessary. You know I always come prepared... but if you'd like to dictate, I'd be happy to listen.

[ Always. But first, food. She sets the notebook down where she presumes she'll be sitting, and then walks around to nose about any cabinets or drawers, to see what she has to work with in terms of containers, plates, and utensils. ]

[chippedsoul]

[Goodness, she's going around his kitchen like she's right back at home again. There's hardly much, since he lives on his own, but at least there's the bare minimum of plates and such when there's a possible guest or two.]

Heh. Well then, I'll just tell you the secret to making it taste good. Besides the honey, a little bit of sage and rosemary helps. [And while she's preparing the table, he'll go ahead and check on the deer. The savory aroma of cooked venison fills the kitchen.]