----"Bring Index Librorum Prohibitorum back."
Stiyl's utterly emotionless statement seemed to make the already chilly air drop a few more degrees.
As Kamijo Touma stood there in a daze, the frivolous smile on Tsuchimikado Motoharu's face faded slightly. One hand in his pocket, the other adjusting his sunglasses, he ultimately chose to watch coldly from the sidelines.
Fang Li, meanwhile, remained expressionless.
"So that was it?"
As though speaking to himself, Fang Li began explaining.
"Since Academy City and the Roman Orthodox Church are showing signs of going to war, this is no longer a safe place to protect Index Librorum Prohibitorum. And the Roman Orthodox Church might take advantage of this chaos to reach for Index Librorum Prohibitorum, dragging English Puritanism into this worldwide conflict. So the higher-ups of English Puritanism, who intend to withdraw and watch Academy City and the Roman Orthodox Church tear each other apart, suggested reclaiming Index Librorum Prohibitorum. That's probably it, isn't it?"
At Fang Li's explanation, which sounded like he was talking to himself, Stiyl and Tsuchimikado Motoharu said nothing. Only Kamijo Touma wore a thoroughly bewildered expression.
"It really is easy talking to smart people."
Stiyl merely removed the cigarette butt from his mouth. Rather than looking at Fang Li, he took a Rune Card from his coat with his other hand and toyed with it as he spoke in a noncommittal tone.
"Since you understand, bring Index Librorum Prohibitorum over."
His words remained emotionless, making the surrounding air grow colder and colder.
Because Stiyl was not truly without emotion.
He was suppressing it.
He himself probably understood that better than anyone.
If Fang Li objected here, then in order to complete his mission, there would be only one course of action left to him.
Fight.
But if Stiyl fought Fang Li,