"Really, I didn't expect that."

Xue only commented on my behavior as "I didn't expect it."

"Therefore, I can still influence the progress of the case~~"

"In other words, this is also your responsibility, right?"

"Uh, that's right..."

"But congratulations anyway."

Congratulations...what is she referring to?

"Thank you very much."

Anyway, thank you in advance.

"..."

"...Poor guy."

"Oh~~ I remember you called me that when I first met you."

It was obviously just over a month ago, but I can’t remember what I talked about with Xue at that time.

"In other words, you haven't changed."

"Haha, who knows..."

It hasn't changed...is that a good thing?

Poor guy...?

I don’t know why, when Xue said this, her tone seemed gentler than before, as if I really was a "poor guy".

What kind of angle do you have to have such an idea...

"You've been very leisurely recently."

Well, a judgment sentence.

"Those police officers are busy every day..."

The police officers gave me the investigation results, and then I looked at them - it was repeated every day, and I couldn't count how many times it was repeated.

But we should be drawing to a conclusion soon.

I looked at the empty birdcage not far away - it seems that some little guy living in it didn't survive the winter.

"Speaking of it, they seem to be busy for me... Although I feel a little sorry for them, I'll keep the status quo."

"In other words, remain inactive?"

"There is so little that can be done..."

I even had the illusion of being fed - the police officers put "food" into my mouth one by one, and I only had to say "delicious" or "unpalatable".

I'm a picky eater, so what's "delicious" can only be the truth.

"...How many days are left before the deadline set by the lord?"

"Uh..."

Since the police officers accepted the case, all I have to do is determine the result, and I no longer value time so much.

"I don't know..."

"In other words, are you just going to wait for the results?"

"Yes, it's possible."

"No matter what the result is, will you accept it?"

"No..."

I turned my attention to the snow.

"As for the final result, I only accept the truth...so don't worry~~"

"...Why should I worry?"

"Oh, don't you know?"

I finally said the words stuck in my throat for a long time:

"Now, many police officers are suspicious of you."

"..."

"Ah, let me emphasize, I am not among them."

"...what does it mean?"

"Literal meaning~~"

Of course I nodded slightly.

"I always believe in you."

"...Sigh..."

I heard Xue sigh, and there was confusion in her slender eyes.

"Are you a fool?"

"..."

I'm so disappointed. It's rare for me to say such touching words, but I was called a "fool".

Fool...

Am I a poor guy or a fool...

Judging from the current situation, I have obtained everything I can know.

If those messy fragments were originally complete and unified, then they are not far from recovery now.

This is why I came to find snow.

"I know the truth."

"The truth...what?"

I know the truth, I've known it from the beginning.

However, I have no idea how to change the current trajectory.

Even if I know the truth, I can't do anything but watch things develop... It seems that I am really a poor guy.

However, no matter what, I can no longer sit back and ignore it.

"I'm not kidding, I know all the truth."

"...If you know, wouldn't it be better to tell the police officers? In other words, what's the point of telling me this?"

Snow may think I'm bluffing.

"I won't go."

"Why?"

"Do you think...I would be that stupid?"

Xue frowned.

"..."

"Tomorrow morning, the director asked me to go to a meeting. If possible...do you have time in the evening?"

"..."

"When the time comes, how about asking you to verify my truth?"

Xue lowered her head and clutched the corner of her clothes with her left hand.

I waited patiently.

There is no way she will reject me.

"...I'll wait for you here at eight o'clock in the evening."

After giving me the answer, Xue left without looking back.

......

I returned to that house... maybe it would be more affectionate to call it "home", but unfortunately I couldn't say it.

"Oh~~Welcome back, Mr. Detective."

Ferrinold lay lazily on the chair and only raised his head slightly towards the door, as if to confirm whether it was really me who came back.

"I'm so hungry, Mr. Detective~~Do you have anything to eat?"

I ignored Felinold's complaints and just kept shivering. While shaking, I quickly moved to the dimly lit fireplace to absorb the pitiful heat.
To be continued...