The members of the Central Committee understood the enormous responsibility that came with every word and action of theirs.
Even though they could conduct an interrogation with suspicion, it was almost expected that they would not exercise their authority without being more than 90% certain.
Therefore, the few interrogation records of suspected treason had been quite brutal.
Though termed “interrogation,” it mostly involved high levels of torture being deployed.
The magic that could extract the truth from an opponent had the side effect of completely scrambling the brain, leading to a loss of one’s reasoning, causing its ban; and often, this was the only means available.
In the worst case, physical wounds caused by torture could be treated, but the damage to the mind could not be repaired.
Of course, one could also suffer mental damage from torture, yet typically, the usual method of interrogation would involve extracting the truth before execution.
However, since Scarlett Evande was still an academy student and there were earnest requests from figures like the academy principal and Eve, the “interrogation” she was about to undergo could be carried out in the most humane form seen so far.
“Yoon Si-woo, you possess the ability to discern the truth and falsehood in what people say, correct?”
“…Yes, that is correct.”
Currently, the presence of someone who could assess the truth without the greatly problematic magic made this possible.
Yoon Si-woo nodded firmly, understanding that Scarlett’s fate hinged on this interrogation.
If she wanted to live, she was prepared to lie.
Yet, the important thing wasn’t his own will.
What mattered most was Scarlett’s thoughts.
She didn’t want to harm others, to the extent that she would ask to be killed if the time came, clearly detesting causing harm to others.
She might even confess her own secret.
Given the extreme paranoia surrounding witches, if people learned that she had a close relationship with one, her execution would be unavoidable.
In that case, there would be nothing he could do either.
As Yoon Si-woo pondered this, Diakonos Dolos questioned him.
“Yoon Si-woo, I understand that interrogating someone who was once a colleague is difficult. It’s not easy for me either, having to interrogate the person who saved my daughter. But I believe this is for humanity’s sake, so I have set aside personal feelings. As a hero, can you do the same?”
Yoon Si-woo squeezed his eyes shut at those words.
If his words were false, it would have made him feel relieved.
If he could justify making Scarlett a danger out of personal safety or ambition, he could lie comfortably.
However, his words were true.
He genuinely believed this was for humanity’s sake, which was why he was taking this action.
Initially, he felt a slight resentment towards Scarlett for putting him in this situation.
Yet, how could he blame the man who looked at him with eyes full of trust, as if saying he wouldn’t lie?
He was merely someone trying to do his best from his position for the sake of others.
So, he steeled himself.
…For Scarlett, she would certainly want him to give such an answer.
Thinking along those lines, Yoon Si-woo replied.
“…If Scarlett is a being harmful to humanity… then I will execute her myself.”
Those present for the interrogation gasped at Yoon Si-woo’s response.
Sylvia, who had been wondering if Yoon Si-woo would somehow help, staggered in shock from her seat.
The weight of his words shocked everyone present, and Diakonos slowly nodded.
“…I see, I understand your resolve. It seems the suspect is coming to her senses. Let’s get started right away.”
Yoon Si-woo turned his head towards the place where Scarlett was restrained.
Scarlett’s whole body was bound in magical restraints that suppressed her magic and abilities, leaving only her head exposed.
As the device gradually came into place, Yoon Si-woo felt a pang in his heart at the sight of Scarlett looking around, seemingly confused.
But disregarding his feelings, Diakonos posed a question to Scarlett.
“Answer truthfully, Scarlett Evande. Are you an enemy of humanity?”
Scarlett seemed flustered, her voice trembling as she replied.
“…Excuse me, but what is going on right now…?”
“You are being interrogated as a suspect for cooperating with a treasonous entity, a witch. If you don’t want to be executed, prove your innocence. I ask again. Are you an enemy of humanity?”
Yoon Si-woo noticed Scarlett’s eyes tremble violently.
Her eyes were shaking, and her breath became slightly irregular.
To anyone, this was the visage of someone fearful.
Yoon Si-woo felt a moment of confusion as he hadn’t expected her to react this way.
It was natural for an ordinary person to be terrified upon hearing the word execution, but…
However, the Scarlett he had known had seemed so far removed from fear that she could smile even when a sword was embedded in her body.
Even though circumstances were dire, he would never have thought she would be so afraid.
While he pondered her reaction, he caught a faint mumble from Scarlett.
“…No.”
“I can’t hear you well. Speak louder.”
“…No. I’m not like that…”
At Diakonos’ gesture, Yoon Si-woo nodded to indicate that Scarlett’s statement was truth.
Seeing this, Diakonos slowly nodded and asked her.
“Hm, is that so. Then, here’s the next question. Have you ever delivered information that could harm humanity to a witch?”
“…I haven’t… I swear. I’ve never thought about causing harm to anyone…”
Yoon Si-woo nodded slightly in affirmation to Diakonos, praying in his heart for Scarlett.
He didn’t know how long the interrogation would last, but he hoped she would continue to deny everything.
Then he would find a way to ensure her vindication…
“…So I’m being suspected…? Is this what it’s going to be…? It’s noisy… No… No… Huhhh…”
At that moment, he heard Scarlett muttering under her breath, her voice barely audible to others.
“…Ah, huh… but I didn’t do anything… So why do I have to be made into a bad person…? No… That’s not true… Why won’t anyone listen to me? Why won’t anyone believe me? Do I have to go through this? No… I don’t want to…”
Scarlett was panting heavily, as if undergoing a panic attack, continually spouting incoherent words in a small voice.
Her eyes were unfocused yet filled with a profound sorrow.
“I just wanted to protect people…”
Yoon Si-woo watched as Scarlett’s head suddenly dropped.
Simultaneously, the sorrow in her eyes transformed into another emotion.
A warning bell rang in Yoon Si-woo’s instinct.
Something bad was about to happen.
But before he could voice anything, Diakonos posed another question to Scarlett.
“Next question. Do you have no relation with a witch—”
At the moment when Scarlett was about to raise her head, turning towards the people,
“Stop it!!!”
Sylvia’s urgent cry echoed throughout the room.
At that shout, Diakonos slowly turned to look at Sylvia.
“…What is it? We are still in the middle of the interrogation.”
“That should be enough! Didn’t Scarlett’s allegations get resolved with that last exchange? So stop it! How long do you plan to keep a student who was just kidnapped by a witch? Scarlett needs to rest right now.”
“There are still mountains of questions to ask. For her sake, it’s best to clear up any lingering doubts fully during this opportunity. If we carelessly overlook things today and problems arise in the future—”
“…If any problems arise, Astra will take full responsibility. Isn’t that enough?”
“Sylvia.”
The moment Sylvia yelled this, the Elder, who had been sitting next to her, called her name admonishingly.
It was a warning not to act out of line.
Under the Elder’s penetrating gaze, Sylvia instinctively felt the urge to lower her eyes.
Typically, she would never dare defy him.
Yet today, in this situation, she couldn’t bend.
Sylvia glared at him with wide-open eyes, meeting the Elder’s gaze directly.
“Isn’t Astra all about never forgetting one’s debt? Scarlett is my lifesaver. Elder, do I mean nothing to Astra?”
After a brief standoff in their gazes, the Elder slightly bowed his head towards Sylvia.
“…As you wish.”
At that, Sylvia shot a glare back at Diakonos.
Then he turned to Captain Martina, who was watching the interrogation.
“Captain Martina, when you went to rescue the suspect, did you notice anything suspicious?”
Martina hesitated for a moment before responding.
“…I didn’t notice anything particularly suspicious. When I arrived to rescue her, she was just unconscious.”
“…Is that so.”
Diakonos closed his eyes briefly, as if pondering, then approached Scarlett, removing the restraints before bowing 90 degrees to her.
“…Understood. We will conclude the interrogation here with a finding of no guilt. Scarlett Evande, I sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused by my misunderstanding. We will adequately compensate you for this matter later.”
As she was released from the restraints and stared quietly at the person who bowed before her, Scarlett eventually lowered her head and muttered.
“…It’s okay. I’m just glad…”
This time, she didn’t have to burn away.
Immediately afterward, Scarlett fainted again.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.