act15d0

So this is what's been on your mind all this time, Silence...

During my time with Rhodes Island, I've continued my research. But on the flipside, I've begun to pay attention to some data I'd never paid mind before.

My mentor gave me these data. I never before understood what purpose he had in handing me company and local data, and I'd long since put them aside.

But once I began analysis and research on these data, I came to all sorts of questions about them.

After I first uncovered those questions, I struggled to sleep again.

Are you talking about things to do with Anthony?

No, Anthony—more precisely, Simon Co.'s affairs were just one part amongst them. A tiny part, even.

There are so many more things going on, not just at Rhine Lab, but throughout the whole of Columbia.

It was only then I truly realized. I understood far too little about this company I called Rhine Lab. This country I called Columbia.

But I did not resign myself. I don't believe what happened to Ifrit, or what happened to Anthony, should be considered the norm.

And that's why I involved myself in Anthony's affairs here.

But... perhaps, all at once, I've jumped too far.

I feel the same now as I did then, that moment when Saria emerged from the experiment site with Ifrit cradled unconscious in her arms. As if I have been doused, from the head down, in ice-cold water.

Just what happened in that experiment?

I don't know.

Wha?

I always thought I knew what I was doing, but now I realize: I really don't know.

I only know that I can never let Ifrit be treated like that again.

This, probably, is the only thing I am capable of persisting in now.

Silence, you're a little drunk. I'll go get you some tea. Sober you up.

Nmm...

I'm sorry. Silence. I don't know how to comfort you.

That's not your fault, Mayer.

I only blame ignorance of my own past.

Personally, I think you already know a hell of a lot, Silence. Just, everyone's got things they're not good at.

Mayer. Know this. I truly have not resigned myself.

If I'd come to know more, if I'd come to know earlier, perhaps things wouldn't have become the way they are now.

But it's not too late to learn things now, yeah?

I think Director Muelsyse oughta reckon you're pretty strong, too.

I'm gonna tell the truth, Silence.

You tell me.

I feel like some bits of you resemble a few colleagues I have.

You learn something you didn't know before, and you feel like everything you learned already was completely pointless. Then you start grieving about, like, why you didn't get the chance to learn this all earlier.

I'm not saying that's, like, incorrect, but I think it's a really boring way of going at it. What, everything you put in effort before's just useless? Just like that? Stuff's good for you just 'cause it's new?

Cause if it really is, if you really feel like you can use it, then just go study it with the same effort you put in all those times before, right? It's not like you gotta rush for it.

Here. Drink this up. Tea for the mind.

Things are different, though. These matters aren't the same as academia...

But... but there's sense in what you say, too, I admit...

Aw, jeez. Fine, I'll come over and feed you. Honestly, Silence, you've got zero alcohol tolerance.

Mayer props up Silence, who's almost lying on the table, and bit by bit, feeds some sobering tea into her mouth.

How's that? Feel a little better?

Hff... phew...

Much better. Thank you, Mayer.

If you feel like things are too rough, we can just head straight back?

No. It's not quite the time yet.

You're gonna keep chatting with Director Muelsyse?

Mm-hm.

That's my Silence. Pulling yourself together in the blink of an eye.

I haven't, not at all.

I'd love to run away right now. Run, and head straight back.

But this is a very rare opportunity. Even if it hurts me, I have to see this through to the end.

What you said might not be a solution to my current issues, but there is one part I believe to be very on point.

I can only learn—accept—all this new knowledge with the same effort I've had in the past.

However. I also need to make some additional preparations.

I'm back.

You alrightie, Ms. Silence?

I'm alright. In fact, perhaps I should thank you.

What for?

Not much.

Alright. Well, then, shall we continue?

Where did you leave off?

Anthony offering Robin the olive branch.

I was just talking with Ms. Mayer about how excellent his methods are.

I feel you may simply be overthinking it.

Perhaps he didn't think so hard about it at the time, wanting to give Robin his pure goodwill?

Hmm. Honestly, I can't deny that sort of possibility.

But if he was just a simple, kindhearted person, he'd have no way of living through this world, Ms. Silence.

Forget it, I shouldn't be discussing this with you. Where did Mayer leave you?

Once Kafka and Anthony wrapped up talks, Anthony finally decided to break out.

We got to Robin waking up in the clinic, and Anthony inviting her onto the jailbreak team.

I have to say, Ms. Silence, I'm genuinely curious as to where you got this lead on Anthony from.

From my mentor's things.

Hm? Really, Director Parvis got stuck into this too?

No, it's been an age since I had any direct contact with him.

Moreover, I'm afraid he may not even know about this.

Ever since I left Rhine Lab, I've sorted through a great deal of intel I'd never once cared about before.

And within that, I caught onto the Simons' tail.

Oh?

This family's destruction was very rapid. Moreover, some data were camouflaged very well, so to many people's eyes, it'd seem as though there was no change in the figures at all.

But camouflage always tends to leave a trace. A statistical form here, a stray datum there. As long as you compare in detail, you'll find the problem that arises within.

I was only giving those figures a try at first, just to see, and never expected I'd come across anything like this.

You only realized by chance... no, I guess it was inevitable.

But why the sudden interest in sorting out all that data?

Because my trust in Rhine Lab, and my mentor, has started to wane.

The 'Diαbolic Crisis?'

No, not just that.

The 'Diαbolic Crisis' precipitated Saria's departure. What happened after that, I presume you understand even better than I do, Director Muelsyse.

I see, now.

Wowie, I was just asking without thinking. Should you really have come out with all of this?

Isn't it what you wanted to hear?

I'm not good at covering things up, Director Muelsyse. So once I thought it through, I decided to be candid with you.

I may not be fond of my mentor at all, but he said something that stuck in my mind ever since—

What makes the schemers sweat is open talk.

Seems like I'm the villain here, huh.

No. My time living at Rhodes Island has taught me one thing, and it's that not everyone who goes against you should be considered an enemy.

I believe that you're no villain... and neither is Saria.

It is only that, you and I, and Saria, have no way to reach a mutual understanding.

Ahah. Maybe, yeah.

Director Muelsyse, do you still want to hear more?

Of course! We were just getting to the good part.