vodfox

Wait here. Don't move.

*cough*, *cough, cough*... Tch, the damn thing finally flew off.

But a black fowlbeast...

Hah, how could someone put a curse on me?

Your Honor, I... Um, is there anything I can do for? Do you need me to tidy up your clothes?

No, I simply want to see the law upheld.

Oh, of course, you're here for the insurance money... Here you go.

This isn't enough.

But... You haven't even counted it yet.

The envelope should be at least three times as thick. Did you not remember to include the late fees?

Look, it's written right here in the codex. That's the law. My hands are tied.

...I see, I must have remembered wrong. I'll try looking for somewhere else to borrow money, so please, give me a little more time.

Of course. I am nothing if not tolerant.

(Where'd that beat-up gold pocket watch go? Did I drop it somewhere?)

(The curse... No, this was just a coincidence. How could anyone believe in curses?)

...In any case, I'll see you again in two days.

Damn my luck! Fine, if that's what it takes, then so be it!

You accursed eyeless fowlbeast! It's all your fault! If she weren't in such a bad mood just now, this whole thing would already be settled!

Morte, could you pick up the pocket watch?

Mm. It didn't break when it fell.

Here, this is yours.

(I knew it, Shamare used her Originium Arts. We could all see it fall to the ground, but somehow the judge didn't notice.)

(Has she already matured to the point where she's this considerate of others?)

(Does she even realize how incredibly brave that was just now?)

(...But even with all the Arts training she's had at Rhodes Island, casting something like that must be stressful on her body.)

(Anyway, she might be doing the right thing, but I'll need to keep a closer eye on her condition... and help her out if necessary.)

...Huh?

It represents 'famiglia' to you. 'A very big family.' It's important, right?

Do you not want it back?

...What are you talking about? Th-That isn't mine.

I've never seen it in my life. Do whatever you want with it, since I've certainly never seen it before! And I definitely didn't see it today!

...Really?

You're pretty energetic today, Morte.

What'd you eat? Sadness? Fear? Or resentment?

Why are you afraid? I wanna know too.

J-Just turn around and leave with that pocket watch! I'm shutting the door!

But I still wanna know.

Obviously there's not a single word written in that lady's book.

So why didn't you tell her?

...Anyone can see it's a legal codex; how could there be no words written in it? I bet you don't know how to read anyway.

Hey, you, the doctor over there! Aren't you an adult? Take this crazy kid away from me! Get away from me and my house!

Ugh...

Let's go, Shamare.

Everything's been smooth sailing today. No cases in need of a hearing.

Only minor stuff on the streets too. Someone ran into a mugger while eating at a restaurant, but they turned out to be one of the recently Infected who hasn't paid their dues.

Which ensures we're getting our money on time.

Yup. Also...

It seems a lot of folks have been talking about you behind your back.

Talking? About what?

Some crazy 'prophecies' scribbled on posters in the alleys.

I sent some people to find who did it, but no luck. All the posters should be taken down by now though.

What, are there still people out there who haven't learned to respect the will of the law?

So, who are these people who've been gossiping about this instead of reporting it to me?

About that... I haven't heard of anyone actually talking about it.

You're contradicting yourself. If nobody's talking about it, then how are they talking about it?

...Same way as always.

They keep quiet, but you can see it in their eyes.

One look at their shifty gazes, and you know the score.

Ugh...

What are you thinking? Shamare and I were just enjoying a meal when you walked over. You were patting your two children on the head just now...

Frankly, I thought you were coming in to order two kids' meals for them.

Turns out, you're trying to <i>rob</i> us?!

This is just how we do things, outsider!

Stop struggling. Shamare and I won't let you cause any trouble. This is how <i>we</i> do things.

Hah... Weren't you guys there yesterday? Didn't you see how much insurance money I owed?

If you actually care whether we Infected live or die, then put your money where your mouth is and don't stop me!

I might not fully understand your circumstances, but I do know that what comes around goes around.

Look, your two kids are still playing with the other kids out on the street. If you make a customer here bleed, what do you think is going to happen to them next?

...Then tell me, what should I do?

If they end up kicking me and my family out of the house, what else is there for me to think about?

...That won't happen.

Morte will help.

Mortw will help me find more.

The soil here is already full of resentment and fear. I just need a few other things.

...What?

Uh, don't worry about it. I'll help her help you.

Help me? What can you people possibly do?

Sometimes, when a person is tormented by malice so thick that it completely engulfs them, their mind can jump to the craziest things—even hallucinations. Isn't that right?

Yeah.

Just don't cause any trouble for me like last time.

...Oh right, Signor Mauro, we'd like to schedule an appointment with you.

If that woman claiming to be a judge doesn't come by tomorrow to collect your debt, we'd like to ask you a bit more about the large number of Infected here. Can you do that?

'Your malice has brought a curse upon you'... The same as last time.

Hah, utter nonsense.

For sure. How could anyone take a prank like this seriously?

We're still looking for whoever's behind this garbage, but... Well, the hard part is, none of us have ever seen this 'cursed text' ourselves.

We've managed to piece together the contents, but nobody seems to know who left it behind... Or at least, nobody's telling us anything.

She realizes that the pedestrians along the street are avoiding her gaze, but nevertheless seem curious and inquisitive as they walk past her.

Silence is a form of order, but at the moment, she finds their silence terrifying.

...Tch.

I don't feel like wasting any time on that Infected today. If he doesn't come up with the money, just confiscate his house.

This is the last time I'll—

Urgh!

'Your malice has brought a curse upon you. The soil here is unwilling to bear your weight any longer, and the evil spirits that linger shall make you fall so hard that you will be unable to walk again.'

The moment she falls to the ground, the curse she'd heard echoes through the judge's mind.

A sharp pain shoots through her calf, and she hears whispers from the side of the road.

'It's just as the prophecy said.'

A-Are you alright? I'll help you up. There are too many people staring; it'll ruin your image...

Get away from me!

If you say so.