"Why did I remember this so clearly? Because everyone condemned it at the time and demanded an explanation from City Hall."
Liz tilted her head back, gazing at the sliver of sky between the treetops. The bright light reflected in her eyes.
"...And then?"
"The mother of the two children was overcome with grief and fainted several times, so she had to be sent home to recuperate. Since the elderly couple had both worked in East City when they were young and knew Askia well, they stayed in their small apartment in the city to continue the legal proceedings. Their son escorted his wife home, arranged the children's funeral, and took some time off work.
"A few weeks later, the elderly couple's home in the town caught fire unexpectedly. The entire yard was reduced to ashes. The old couple's daughter-in-law died inside, while their son survived, though a falling doorframe shattered his leg."
"Who did it?" Hesta asked.
"There were many theories, but as for the truth... no one knew."
Hesta frowned slightly. "And then?"
"You can hardly imagine how the whole of East City boiled over. This was already brutal beyond belief. Everyone took to the streets, demanding justice for the old couple's family. Of all the rumors, the most widespread was that the official's son had planned everything to teach the family a lesson. But at that very moment, the elderly couple really did withdraw their lawsuit."
"Why? Were they truly afraid?"
"No one understood at the time. But the case had already entered public prosecution, so it would proceed even if the old couple withdrew their suit. I remembered Father discussing it with us over dinner one night. He said the truth would come out in the end; it just needed time.
"If this had happened in