Sei Riku's voice carried a hint of mockery.
Or perhaps it was self-mockery.
Was he a born criminal? No. On the contrary, Sei Riku had also been a police officer who fought for the safety and interests of the public, a man who upheld justice. Yet he had ended up like this. Wasn't that the tragedy of this era?
When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes into you.
"But I hardly did anything..."
Akane Tsunemori's voice was somewhat dejected.
She did not know why.
"Not at all. You played a crucial role. Without an Inspector, I wouldn't have been able to get out. Don't forget, I'm a registered Latent Criminal. Your job is to monitor me, to prevent me from escaping and committing crimes. Your department is very important, Miss Inspector..."
As Sei Riku spoke, Akane Tsunemori did not look relieved. She continued staring at him with a grave expression.
"Is that all... then... can an Inspector still be considered a detective?"
That was Akane Tsunori's greatest doubt.
Was that really an Inspector's job? To do nothing and merely serve as a surveillance camera—did that count as work?
Did that count as comfort?
Even after work was over, Akane Tsunemori was still somewhat depressed. She went to the cafeteria and ordered a bowl of udon. Before long, Teng walked over to her.
Teng stopped beside her.
"May I join you, Your Excellency Inspector?" Teng politely asked, pointing at the seat across from Akane Tsunemori.
"...Please."
Akane Tsunemori glanced at Teng. He held a cup of coffee, steam rising from it as the fragrance of coffee filled the air.
"Aren't you off today...?"
"Don't you really know? Even on our days off, us Enforcers have no freedom. Without an Inspector, we can't go anywhere. This place is a real