Kujo Reiko frowned slightly after hearing that, but said nothing.
Fujino sized her up and continued, "Back then, if the Kujo family hadn't been backing you, you probably wouldn't have been able to become a prosecutor in Tokyo, right?"
"Normally, in a situation like that, you'd be lucky not to get sidelined."
"They can't dismiss you from public office, but they can transfer you somewhere godforsaken and make your life miserable."
"Just like your former superior, wasn't it?"
This time, Kujo Reiko's expression changed. Her gaze became much sharper, and her demeanor turned unnatural.
What he had said before hadn't provoked her.
This sentence truly had.
"So it was because of your superior."
Watching her expression, Fujino understood her motive. "Sorry, I tested you a little. Don't take it to heart. You prosecutors use these sorts of methods often enough too."
"..." Kujo Reiko's expression remained unchanged, though something seemed to flicker in her eyes. She looked as though she wanted to say something, but ultimately held it back. She merely took a deep breath and said calmly, "As far as I remember, we shouldn't have met before."
"The things you said today don't seem like things a stranger I've only met twice should say."
"I was just returning a favor."
Fujino braced both hands against the table. "I don't like owing people favors. I can't easily repay the Kujo family's favor, so repaying it through you works out perfectly."
"Take this evidence and send those two people to prison. As for the case from back then, don't investigate it any further."
At that, Fujino lowered his voice. "If you keep digging, the consequences will be serious."
"I'm afraid I have to disappoint you." Kujo Reiko lightly shook her head. "Family matters don't have much to do with me. I