Konbini Ossan Volume 7 Chapter 32 — Regret Comes Too Late
In the interview room at the guards’ station. As I waited after requesting a meeting with Suzuno, she was eventually brought in under restraint, escorted by two guards.
Seeing her like that, I felt a measure of relief.
Suzuno looked utterly worn down, but there was no trace of anger or hatred in her expression.
There was a reason I had driven her this far.
It was to make her understand that society is not something you can do whatever you like in without consequence.
If Suzuno failed to grasp that, she would eventually have committed crimes using «Charm Magic» again, and that would have led either to imprisonment or even execution.
So yes, it was a harsh medicine. But I let society, and the judgment of the public, crush her arrogance.
There was risk in doing so. Being cornered like that could have caused her to redirect blame toward society, or toward me.
But judging by her current state, that didn’t seem to be the case. At the very least, it didn’t look like she had rampaged because of hatred or resentment toward me.
If she had, there would have been no hope of rehabilitation, and she would have spent the rest of her life behind bars.
With the current power of Otsugi Trading, even that kind of “protection” would have been possible.
Suzuno sat down across from me, guards standing to either side.
The interview began.
“I'm… sorry.”
Her very first words were an apology.
“I was wrong.”
“So you say.”
I replied coldly, deliberately pushing her away.
“Tell me why you caused a disturbance at my shop.”
At my question, Suzuno hesitated briefly, then began to explain her situation in a halting voice.
“At first, I thought I’d use «Charm Magic» to control people, climb back up, and get revenge on you. But then I got found out, arrested, and I realized I’d be screwed if I used «Charm Magic» again… and I couldn’t do anything anymore.”
Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears. I felt some pity, but this was not the time to be gentle. She still hadn’t understood the most important thing.
“Then I became an adventurer. I got surrounded by goblins, almost killed… it was really terrifying!”
Tears finally spilled over. Even so, I kept my gaze cold.
“I never wanted to do adventurer work again. Ever. But everywhere I went, they said they didn’t want to hire some failure who got fired from your place. I couldn’t even make a living anymore.”
“Please don’t talk about things I didn’t ask. Stick to the point.”
I spoke deliberately harshly. Suzuno flinched, her body jerking in fear, but she quickly steadied herself and continued.
“S-So… anyway, I had to apologize to you and get forgiven, or I wouldn’t be able to work anywhere. So I went to ask to see you. But they turned me away, and I panicked, and I… I did that to the shop staff…”
“I understand the circumstances.”
At my words, Suzuno looked relieved. Unfortunately for her, it was far too soon to relax.
“And then? What were you planning to do after meeting me? You can tell me right now.”
She steeled herself, then spoke.
“I’m sorry! I was wrong about everything! I got carried away! I can’t live on my own! So please, forgive me! Please hire me again! I’ll work hard! I’ll do any job, I swear!”
Listening to her, I understood that Suzuno truly regretted her actions. Her tone and expression showed no sign of deceit.
She likely meant it. She probably intended to turn over a new leaf and genuinely try this time.
But it was too late.
“I see. Is that all you wanted to say? Then I’ll be leaving.”
I said it mercilessly.
Despair spread across Suzuno’s face.
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E/N:
This is Ossan we're talking about, the schemer, the legend, the GOAT! Of course, deep inside, he's a softy… Let's see how he shapes this mould called Suzuno Misa!
Stay tuned!
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