act10d5

You were just a second too late. You did all you could.

I know. Thank you. I'm fine, Natalya.

I'm fine.

I'm fine.

That's what I've always said to everyone.

Zima, Gummy, Leto, Natalya... They all think I'll be fine.

I almost believe it myself.

It wasn't my fault.

Or was it?

I just got there too late.

No, I wasn't late.

I did all I could.

...all I could.

——I'd already made my choice.

Ah, this book! Isn't it the last volume of the detective series I've been reading?

Hm? Oh, that one. Yes, you have a good eye.

This is the most precious title in the series. The final act in the story of the world's greatest detective... Hmph, I had to beg the Doctor over and over again to help me hunt it down.

Oh, that reminds me... Back in the old country, I saw what I'm pretty sure was a signed copy of the first edition on the bookshelf at home.

Oh the memories. I cried my eyes out the first time I read it!

Eh?

Autographed... and a first edition at that...?

Oh, what rotten luck.

I remember Sonya saying Anna moved mountains to try to get any signed copy of that author's work. And she's still empty-handed.

They're just too rare.

(Uh oh. It was that special, was it? There's too much old stuff like that back home. I never noticed!)

Um, err, anyway, Istina. Could you, uh, lend me this book?

...I can. But didn't you say you'd read it before?

(Grumbling) A first edition. Signed. Copy?

Oh, well... I did, but it's been so long, you see. It's about time for a reread.

It- it's really quite something that you've got a book like this here. Hahaha, you can read it anytime you like!

Hm.

When you put it that way, I suppose I ought to lend it to you. For now.

Oh, Istina, that's marvelous! You're the greatest!

(Phew... No problem there then.)

Hmph.

(Grumbling) You could stand to be a little more aware of the feelings of others.

(Quietly) But nevertheless... thanks.

Did you say something?

Oh, these biscuits are to die for. You really won't have one, Istina?

I didn't say anything.

They're just normal biscuits, are they? I could have a taste...

But I didn't expect to see you and Natalya together. How do you know one another?

Oh, I wouldn't say we know each other that well. Natalya just happened to lend a hand when I was covertly investigating Penguin Logistics.

Glad I could help.

You talk about investigating Penguin Logistics quite a bit. Still haven't given up on that, eh?

I'll never give up! I've staked my reputation as a Royal Detective——

Personally, I think you've long since forfeited your reputation as a Royal Detective.

Why you...! Hmph. I've had just about enough of you!

The point is, we only happened to bump into each other on the way here.

What's more, the last book I borrowed from you was absolutely riveting. I just had to come talk about it as soon as I turned the last page!

Well, that's not entirely off the table...

It's been a while since I had a good talk about detective novels. And the plot in that one is indeed one of my favorites. 'Riveting,' you said?

I most certainly did! How does one even come up with such a twisty plot? Ooh, I swear my hair stood on ends as I read the final reveal!

I'm sure. It's a perfect cocktail of literary creativity and logical deduction that jabs the reader right in the psyche. Easily my favorite one in the series.

Oh——I see. It's so clear to me!

It was written in the first person, so... The murderer was actually the protag——mmffst. Mmffmm?!

Fool! You can't just spoil the whole thing! Natalya hasn't read it yet!

Mmmmmpf!

Pfah——Haah! You almost killed me...

Nnng! I bit my tongue. That hurt. I understand not wanting spoilers, but that was way out of line, Istina!

Interesting. You really like your detective novels, eh, Anna? I don't usually see you so excited to talk about something.

Oh? R- really?

Really. In fact, I think you'll have to let me read one too. Since they're clearly so compelling.

You want to read too, Natalya? I never would have imagined. Every time I asked you before, you'd say the same thing: 'When I have time.'

Huh. Is that right...?

But when I see the two of you crowing on about these books, I can't help but want to join in.

All right then. The more the merrier.

There really aren't many people here who can hold a conversation about great art... The Doctor reads, but finding time for a conversation is no simple task.

The Doctor... Ah, you mean that one commander.

I see you're familiar, Natalya?

I am. That one is quite a unique presence on this vessel. And I've had the pleasure of bearing witness to that particular commander's field operations.

It's too bad. There's some special meeting or some-such on today. I wanted to give the Doctor a biscuit.

Don't worry, I'm sure Hibiscus will make sure the Doctor gets a share.

Yes. Dr. Kal'tsit keeps a close eye, but it's clear that everyone is just as concerned about the Doctor.

The medical staff, in particular. I went for a test recently and overheard several medics discussing adjustments to the Doctor's diet... I believe the confiscation of snacks was mentioned?

Hahahaha. That's a fairly reasonable step, no?

Gummy was moaning about that too. Honestly, what does that one eat every day?

Also, what was that about a 'test,' Natalya?

Oh, I would appreciate some discretion in this matter. I haven't made up my mind yet, but... it is why I came here today.

However...

Now's not the time, actually. Let's come back to it another day.

You'll know soon, Anna. In all likelihood.

Oh?

All right then. I won't pry.

Ahem, let's get back to the matter at hand. Why don't we start Natalya off with the classics?

Oh, is that the matter at hand then?

Hehe, it's an excellent opportunity to introduce a friend to your beloved hobby.

I wouldn't let this go so easily.

Ooh... you're positively oozing passion right now.

But of course!

Don't underestimate the power of the detective novel. No matter the type, a masterwork carries a living soul within it.

Heh heh. That's an Annaism if I've ever heard one. But that doesn't make it any less true.

Reasoning out the plot of a novel is part of the fun, but the true draw of the detective genre goes much deeper.

Istina speaks the truth, but I have to say my favorite part is always when the detective unmasks the true culprit.

And if we're talking classics, we of course have to talk about 'that one,' eh?

'That one?' Do you mean...?

'That one!' Yes!

Ahem.

'One truth prevails! The murderer is——You!'

Oh, I know that one. It's a detective's catchphrase.