The calm voice echoed through the hall, like a scornful yawn, drawing a trace of displeasure onto the faces amid the solemn, frigid atmosphere.
Even as the one being questioned, seated in that position, he showed none of the proper attitude. Instead, he sat high above them like an emperor.
He clearly had no idea where he was or what he was doing.
"..."
Antonio paused for a moment, then continued. After placing the documents on the table, he spoke:
"In light of the problems and hidden dangers exposed during the reorganization of the Original Sin Legion, and in order to ensure the stability and order of the Present Realm, the Unified Bureau is hereby questioning you.
Mr. Huai Shi, can you answer truthfully?"
"I can."
Huai Shi remained calm and unruffled. He merely nodded and told them, "As you wish. Though the result may not necessarily..." He considered it for a moment, then shrugged regretfully. "...be to your satisfaction."
"This is not the place for riddles. Watch your wording, Mr. Huai Shi."
Antonio warned coldly, taking out the first document and showing it to him. "Yesterday, you submitted a request to the Decision Room to conscript a felon from Trench Prison—Blood Calamity, one of the Green Day Ten Calamities. This document, correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
Huai Shi nodded. "It bears both my personal signature and my Source Matter seal. Everything was done by my own hand. Out of necessity for the formation of the Original Sin Legion, and on the premise of protecting the Present Realm, I decided to exercise the conscription authority granted to me by the Astronomical Society and issue a conscription order to Trench Prison."
As though merely following procedure, he cooperated completely and asked in confusion, "May I ask what problem there was with the