Looking at the expression on the face of his superior across the table, Shade took a deep breath. Honestly, he truly admired Director Anlos for saying those things. Come to think of it, Detective Sparrow had probably known about them as well, yet had continued quietly with his work until he truly died because of it. Besides them, there were perhaps many more nameless people walking a tightrope for their respective countries. Such people deserved respect in any era.
He had never told Director Anlos whether he was a Ring Arcanist, and Director Anlos had never asked Shade about it. But since the conversation had reached this point, Shade felt that he ought to do something as well:
"Since someone wants to assassinate That Lady, I can't pretend I don't know. What can I do?"
Director Anlos refused without hesitation:
"If That Lady learns that I dragged you into this matter, my fate won't merely be being sent to guard the Royal Mausoleum. You may know about this matter, but you cannot involve yourself in it."
"So if you don't say anything and I don't say anything, who would know?"
Shade genuinely wanted to do this. Though he didn't think an alleged assassination could affect a witch who could catch bullets with her eyes closed and remain unharmed even if she detonated a Steam Bomb in her hand, he could not simply ignore people who might mean her harm.
"Since I take the country's salary, I should do something."
Director Anlos fell silent for a moment, but he still appeared unwilling to agree.
"You should know my relationship with That Lady. Since I'm a man, I have an obligation to protect her."
Only then did Director Anlos relent:
"Very well. Since you happened to come across me like this, I