Suteko Ni Narimashita 32

I left the detention center and started walking. The sun was already up, casting its light on the few people on the streets.

Navigating my way home wasn't a problem. I didn't remember the exact route, but I knew the direction well enough. I was confident it would work out just fine. And if I did get lost, I always had the option to simply fly across the sky.

As I walked, I passed by several people, but nobody seemed to suspect anything. Despite my slightly disheveled appearance, I just looked like an average kid. Nobody would guess that I had just caused havoc at the guard station.

However, I was aware that if the chaos at the guard station was discovered, it could lead to a huge commotion. I needed to leave the area before that happened.

If I managed to get home safely, I could declare my risky plan with Gustav a success. 

‘I hope this outlandish strategy will pay off.’

***

"Why should I turn myself in?" I asked, initially unable to grasp the logic behind Gustav's proposal. 

Was he planning to betray me? But deep down, I felt that wasn't the case.

Gustav wasn't the type to shy away from selling someone out if it benefited him. That was just who he was. Yet, it seemed I was still valuable to him. Plus, I was certain Gustav knew I wouldn't go down easily. If betrayal were his intention, he would've restrained me first, not disclosed his plan so openly.

So, what was he really up to?

I scrutinized Gustav, trying to read his intentions, but he spoke condescendingly, ignoring my probing gaze.

"Like I said, just go with the guards when they come," he instructed.

"But that's…"

"It'll end all the rumors," he interrupted, his expression wickedly amused.

"Listen first to what you need to do. I'll fill you in on the details later."

"…Alright," I replied, still unsure but willing to hear him out.

"Firstly, they'll be arriving early tomorrow. I'll know the exact time by the end of today and will let you know."

"Okay."

"When they get here, hide in the back. I'll lead them to you."

"The back, as in, near that pile of rubble?"

"Exactly. Just stay there," he confirmed.

Gustav then started to test his quill pen on a piece of paper, apparently dissatisfied with the thickness of the lines. He grabbed a knife from the shelf and began sharpening the nib.

"They'll probably take you to the detention center. If not, that's fine too. The main thing is to follow them without resisting."

He brushed the shavings off his desk and drew another line. This time, it was perfect. Satisfied, he dipped the pen back into the ink bottle.

"What should I do once I'm there?" I asked, fearing the worst. The thought of being punished without a chance to defend myself was unbearable.

"Well, some of the guards are kind-hearted, so they'll likely put you in a room first," Gustav explained, implying that not all guards were as compassionate.

"This next part is crucial," he continued, skillfully sketching a detailed floor plan on paper. He didn't need a ruler or template; his lines were straight.

As Gustav drew, he provided a running commentary. 

"Over here, there are spacious rooms and corridors where many people can gather, where most guards are usually found. The windows face this direction, and the size is…"

His explanation was so vivid it was as if I was already in that room. I realized I needed to focus and memorize everything to avoid missing details.

"You might be held in this room, or maybe this one. There's a slim chance you could end up in this underground room," he added.

"Does the room's location matter that much?" I asked.

"Absolutely," Gustav replied, lifting his head with a smile suggesting he relished the moment.

"When you're taken into custody, Haman and another guy named Burr will probably visit you. Be courteous to them."

"Why should I be polite to them?" I blurted out, my skepticism and genuine feelings spilling over.

"Understood," Gustav said, his tone shifting. 

"As soon as those two are together, you can drop the act of being a helpless child."

"So, I'm allowed to fight back?"

"Yes, but don't go overboard. No killing," he instructed.

I nodded, understanding the limits.

"Then, let one of them, preferably Burr, escape."

"Why should I let him get away?"

"So he can bring back more guards," Gustav explained.

That didn't make sense to me at first.

"If he escapes and returns with armed soldiers, they'll likely surround you, probably near the plaza." Gustav pointed to a specific area on the map, circling it.

"Knock them all out. And make it showy."

"Are you sure it's wise to do that?" I questioned, concerned that such actions might escalate the situation and reinforce negative stereotypes about people from the slums attacking the guards.

"Don't worry about it," Gustav reassured me with a laugh that could only be described as sinister. "Some of them, Burr included, aren't exactly held in high regard. I'll use that to our advantage."

His laughter made the term 'evil' seem like an understatement.

"After you've taken them down, just head home. Leave the scene without drawing attention, and the job's done."

I took a moment to ponder over the plan.

"So, if I'm arrested and taken to the detention center, all I have to do is beat up the guards, including Burr and Haman, then just head home?" I clarified.

"Exactly. It's straightforward, isn't it?" Gustav replied, his tone casual.

"I guess, but what if the guards are stronger than expected?"

"Don't worry about that," Gustav assured me with a confident nod.

 "They're no match for Reshid. They're also not skilled in using fighting spirit or magic. Since you've already defeated Reshid, taking them down should be easy." He capped the ink bottle and rinsed the quill in a jar of water, which quickly turned black.

"I understand what I need to do, but…" I hesitated, still puzzled by some aspects of the plan.

"Why should I do all this?"

Gustav seemed to have a sudden realization. "To dispel those rumors, remember?"

"Will the guards do that willingly?"

"The guards influenced by Burr, will," he explained. "After Reshid's defeat by your hands, he made sure to erase any trace of his involvement in the incident."

"Didn't you say it was to protect his reputation?" I asked, remembering Gustav's earlier words. "If his reputation is damaged, he'll struggle to find work.”

"We'll make Burr do the same," Gustav said as he wiped his quill on an old, ink-stained cloth.

"If you overpower the guards and they don't retaliate, the incident will become public knowledge. Then, new rumors will start circulating: 'The guards at this station are so weak, they got defeated by a child.'"

"That's true," I pointed out.

"Yes, but it's inconvenient for them. They'll likely pretend it never happened. Burr, with his history of embezzlement and bribery, will be desperate to keep the public in the dark."

"Is it really that simple?" I asked, skeptical.

"That alone won't suffice," Gustav admitted. "That's why I'll help. I'll spread the rumor that the guards apprehended the attacker. It's true, after all. People have seen you being led away by the guards. It'll soon be the talk of the town."

"So, the narrative will be, 'The attacker was taken away, but there's no sign of punishment, and their whereabouts are unknown?'" I pondered. "Plus, 'The attacker is just a child, yet the guards were easily defeated.'"

"We'll link these incidents into an unbelievable story: 'A child caused a series of attacks, overpowered all the guards, and escaped,'" Gustav elaborated.

"Even though most of it is true," I mused.

"Exactly. Those who don't want to believe it will deny its possibility. They'll act like it didn't happen because they think it can't happen. That will settle the matter."

Gustav then mentioned that he would be working behind the scenes to reinforce this narrative.

After taking a sip of water and a deep breath, I pondered Gustav's words.

"Well, I've laid out everything for you, but the decision is yours. If you want to run away or avoid the fight, that's fine by me," he said, though I had a feeling he already knew my answer.

Gustav, with his age and wisdom, could easily see through my naïve thoughts. It was clear that this plan would benefit him in some way, though I wasn't sure how. That must have been why he took the time to share it with me. It seemed destined for success.

"Keep in mind, the investigation is driven by Haman bribing Burr, as they're close friends. Bribes and nepotism are rampant. So, even if you flee, these schemes will persist, likely many more times."

"I understand that. I'm okay with it," I responded. Let them twist and erase the rumors as they please.

This plan sounded promising. There was no reason for me not to go through with it.

"I'm in. I'll take this floor plan with me," I declared, a hint of excitement in my voice. This could be fun.

And so, I carried out the plan. Now, all that was left was to return home and await the outcome.

I silently hoped for success.