Chapter 486: Arc 6, Chapter 102: Next of Kin
"How did you know where his body would be? You were quite quick to the location and entered the premises easily," the police pressed the matter.
Sat in a dark room with but a single source of magical light from above, Fumeko had her arms crossed and eyes glazed over at the two police officers questioning her. "Nice place the pigs found to call home. I wonder how it’s gonna come crashing down."
"Ms Namora, you are being suspected of conspiracy. It will make all our lives easier if you simply comply," the one sitting down adjusted her glasses.
"I want my lawyer."
The officer standing slammed his hand down on the table, "For the fourth time, Ms Kinoshita is not a lawyer as far as Burntish law is concerned and you don’t currently need a lawyer."
"Pretty sure this is an interrogation, not a discussion. I don’t have to say anything to morons who think I have anything to do with my own dad’s death," her brow barely even shifted.
"Then Ms Namora, you can clear up any misconceptions."
"Who appointed you dumbasses as detectives? No wonder why the cult’s acting up so much, they’re hiring any shmuck off the street to be in the DPD."
The chair screeched back and the officer standing up reached over the table to grab Fumeko by the collar; his other hand balled up into a fist.
However, before he could grab her, the officer who was sat quickly tackled him and held him back till he let go of the sudden burst of rage.
"Is this how you want to continue your father’s legacy? I know he only recently passed, but knowing he raised such an entitled brat," the policewoman scoffed.
For the first time, her eyes narrowed into a glare towards one of them. Fumeko sat up from her seat. She snarled, "You talk about my dad like that one more time and we’ll see whether or not you’re entitled to your life."
A stern reply was on its way from the officer’s mouth, but the door to the room opened. "We’re not done- Ohw-oh! Uh. Good morning, ma’am," the standing officer bowed deeply.
Lady Pinberry herself stood at the door, flanked by two GAS agents. Her eyes scanned the room before she whipped open a set of papers in the air, "I have been informed that Ms Namora has been denied the right to a lawyer.
I shall remind the organizations governed under the authority of myself, that the Azure Firefly has enough of a permission to present as a lawyer and has the credentials.
Beyond that," her voice boomed while her orangish-crimson eyes stared right at them. "The Sirens of Kria are pardoned from any would-be or ludicrous accusations, whether or not a warrant be approved of a judge, lest the judge be the chief justice themselves, whoever may that be.
With exceptions being the Grand Alderman’s Service, those of the Aldermanry and those of authority who witness the party performing something untoward. So, since no stated conditions have been met, Fumeko Namora shall be released immediately."
"Uhm, right away madam," the policewoman stood up.
Fumeko got up from her seat without a care in the world, and wordlessly left the room by the Grand Alderman’s side.
"I apologize; I was preoccupied during your arrest Ms Namora. Were I present, you would not have had to step off of the premises," Lady Pinberry told as the brunette walked past.
"It’s fine. I was looking for an excuse to leave anyway," Fumeko muttered.
Lady Pinberry tilted her head, "Do you not intend to return to your father’s funeral? More guests have arrived, including Commissioner Coates; he informed me that he was not aware of the warrant for your arrest."
"Then someone should probably hire a better commissioner that can be. Why that good-for-nothing piece of shit’s the one in charge is a mystery even my dad couldn’t’ve solved."
"Ms Namora," Lady Pinberry’s commanding voice reverberated through the halls of the small police department. "I understand you are grieving; however, it would do you well to bear in mind who you are speaking to."
"If I remember correctly, the person who was voted to serve as a representative to all her people—not a monarch who can’t stand the truth of a few harsh words," Fumeko did not look back and continued to walk.
The grand alderman scowled, however let it go with a shake of her head.
’Do I return to the funeral? Maybe I can find some lead... Lead to what I don’t know, but... Wait, where’s Jotou’s friend gone anyway? I should find him.
Sorry dad. I feel like I’ve already said my goodbyes on that clock. What good’s staring at his corpse in a box gonna do for me.’ "Lady Pinberry," Fumeko turned to call out.
"Yes Ms Namora?"
"You said you wanted to talk to me about something. Does now work with you?" Fumeko queried.
Lady Pinberry crossed her arms, "If you are... certain. I can allocate some time in my schedule."
"I’m not busy."
"Very well then, you may find me in my office at thirteen-hundred hours sharp."
_
"As his next of kin and as someone who has defended Burnetrout to an immense degree, you are more than entitled to the governmental aid benefits offered to one Kazuo Namora.
Weekly requests of supplies may include, but is not limited to, food, beverages, nutritional supplements, basic medicine and general clothing.
Additional requests may be made for more unique items; however, the ministry holds the right to deny any request deemed unnecessary."
Lady Pinberry read out line after line in the documents shuffled up in her hands. Fumeko sat, leaned back with her head lolled to one side and her gaze upon books on the shelves.
Noticing this, Lady Pinberry put the papers down and continued speaking from memory.
"The abode of 22 Fleur Boulevard, Dolpool, North End, Burnetrout, is herein henceforth property of one Fumeko Namora. The property or its amenities cannot be sold, leased nor used for commercial purposes.
Furthermore, monthly utility fees such as water and electricity are wholly subsidized. Until a will of Kazuo Namora is found and documented, all possessions are distributed to Fumeko Namora and Kineko Namora.
As you are of adult age, you may keep custody of Kineko Namora should she be found, and are her current, and only, legal guardian. However, the laws are not so cruel as to not allow your input to be heard.
I urge you to carefully consider your decision, as Kineko Namora, due to traumatic events, is already entitled to therapy from the age of eleven till adulthood.
Governmental aid will also be provided in the form of an allowance, basic necessities, educational funds, mdcowl blsls slwospwald pwlpsg..." the words turned into ambient noise.
Fumeko stared off into the void while sinking lower and lower into her chair. Her eyes began to shut...
...
"-Ms Namora? Ms Namora," the grand alderman snapped her fingers. The brunette regained consciousness, however at her own pace and with no regard to Lady Pinberry’s call to attention.
"Sorry," Fumeko verbalized and sat up in her seat.
The Grand Alderman sighed. "Will you be attending Detective Quinn’s funeral this evening Ms Namora?"
"No."
Lady Pinberry took a breath and drank from her glass of water. She leaned an arm on her desk and looked in the brunette’s direction, "I will not pretend as if I altogether understand the youth of my nation.
I cannot comprehend what you must feel at this very moment, however I can empathize. You are of Burntish blood and therefore deeply under my attention.
And to your further merit, someone who in my view has gone far and wide beyond these lands to earn their repertoire. You have aided in the war and have defended your homeland without orders. For that, you have my sincerest respects. ƒreewebɳovel.com
In these trying times, I advise you to try your hardest to be tolerant of working with others to achieve the best outcome; not solely for them or the goal, but for you as well—as difficult as the other party may be," there was slight narrowing of her eyes.
’Does she ever stop talking? She’s worse than Tiffy...’ Fumeko crossed her arms, but still faced her.
"The Thundering Blade spoke of you during our meeting."
Fumeko’s eyes and ears now paid attention, "What did she say...?"
"She said I ought to thank you for your collective success," Lady Pinberry finally was able to hold a hint of a smile. "She mentioned how you have been by her side since the beginning, and that you are her detective."
Fumeko’s gaze darted to the floor; her cheeks flushed a slight pink.
"She spoke of you quite fondly from what I recall. Although, I bring up the conversation for how it pertained to you," Lady Pinberry let her shoulders relax, "You have proven much young Fumeko.
It is in no lapse of my judgement, that I rely on you for what comes next. Even if it is not something you wish to hear at this time, I entrust you most of all, to find the whereabouts of the Deuctus Cult."
Fumeko’s brows furrowed. ’Me? I...’
"Retrieving the Thundering Blade and your kin will be no easy task. Difficult however is a mere word, for you have done what was previously thought to be nigh-impossible," Lady Pinberry sternly put as she sat upright. "Do as you see fit.
If you wish to grieve, then you may; if you wish to quell the roaring flames that threaten our ilk and walk headfirst into the embers, then first stand.
I am making a selfish request of you Ms Namora. Find them. Personally dispatch every one of those charlatan gods until their order is reduced to cinders—every single one.
Let not a single one of their flock dare utter the name of their dear false deities," Lady Pinberry sneered as she said. It was the first time the brunette witnessed a true bout of suppressed rage that came spilling out of the grand alderman’s lips.
’All this talk from her; finally, there’s the blunt truth.’ Fumeko echoed the posture of the Burntish leader and stared right into her orangish-crimson eyes. "There’s no need to sugarcoat it. If you need me, I’m on the case."
Lady Pinberry was taken aback for but a moment. She followed with a firm nod, "Then the matter is settled. You have all the resources you require at your disposal, and more, should you ask."
Fumeko stood up, "If it’s all the same to you, Hotaru can look at the paperwork."
The grand alderman pushed the documents back into a folder, "I will send them to your address at my earliest convenience. I merely wished to condense to you what your father has left behind."
’That was condensed...? Whatever, I wasn’t listening to half of it.’ "Personally?" Fumeko raised a brow. "Isn’t that something a lawyer’s in charge of?"
"...Your father did a lot for this country—unwarranted. It would not have sat well with me to have simply delegated the work of an executer to someone else.
I am sure there are many worthy candidates and they may recite to you what I already have once more. However, I only saw it just for you to hear from me."
"Hm," Fumeko sounded. She turned and promptly walked towards the exit, "Maybe you do deserve the position you’re in."
The door opened and shut; Lady Pinberry leaned forward. "Your legacy is in good hands Detective Namora... for better or for worse, she certainly has your disposition when we first crossed paths," she sighed to herself.