"Justice?"
River laughed at that, then gave an ambiguous answer.
"That depends on what justice means to you!"
After a pause, he continued.
"Everyone has their own idea of justice!"
Then River grinned, a hint of mockery on his face.
"The Marines proclaim themselves champions of justice, but ironically, that justice serves certain people steeped in darkness."
"So, would you call that justice, Freya?"
Freya shuddered at his words and fell even quieter.
She felt lost. If the Marines weren't just, what was the point of her staying here? A woman willing to risk her life as a Marine naturally had convictions.
But now, she had suddenly discovered that those convictions were twisted, distorted, wrong. How was she supposed to cope with such a blow to her soul?
"I don't understand!"
Freya's voice trembled.
"Neither do I."
River smiled.
"But I know you have a purpose of your own, sir. There's no uncertainty in your eyes, either."
Freya gritted her teeth.
Perhaps that was too direct, and it had already revealed that she knew something. But the frustration choking her was unbearable. She had to let it out.
"Heh."
River chuckled. Looking at the empty, disorderly street ahead, he suddenly sounded wistful.
"That's because I know what I need to do."
Freya froze. She looked at his back, then at the Justice Cape fluttering in the wind, and suddenly clenched her teeth.
"Can I come with you?"
The smile never left River's face. Instead, he calmly asked, "Do you know what that means?"
"I don't."
"But I want to pursue true justice!"
"Not let darkness spread and turn a blind eye to it, or even serve it!"
Freya shouted, overwhelmed by emotion and even grief, tears spilling from her eyes.
"That kind of justice!"
"Makes me feel ashamed!"
Yes, everything