Justice? How do you define that? (Volume 1)

"..."

"Thank you for the gift, Master Albert." 

"Does it look... Good on me?"

"Ah, Henrietta, you look absolutely gorgeous, my dear."

"Hehe. Thank you, my dear Master. I love you so much."

"Ahhhh, Henrietta, my heart can't take it anymore."

"Oh, me too, my dear Master."

"Henrietta!"

"Master Albert!"

"Henrietta!"

"Master Albert!"

Unable to bear the disgust and embarrassment of the scene unfolding before her, Natasha coughed loudly, glowering at the Headmaster.

"Grandfather! Are you seriously playing around with that silly AI girl again?"

"Natasha! How could you?"

"She didn't mean that Henrietta!"

"That's fine, Master Albert. I understand. I am only an AI model that is not worthy of your attention after all..."

"..."

The Headmaster turned to his granddaughter, shaking his head in disapproval. Kaito, who was also on the scene, mirrored the sentiment, though with a playful smirk of mock disappointment. 

"Not you as well, Kaito!"

"My, my, what could you possibly be implying, Natasha? That wasn't a very nice thing to say now, was it?"

"But, but she is just a-"

"Please, Natasha, no more."

"But-"

"No buts."

Kaito snickered, clearly enjoying the reversal of roles this time. The Headmaster, quick to catch on, added with mock seriousness, "I never expected my own granddaughter to become such a bully. Oh, how cruel she's become!"

"I appreciate your kindness, Master Albert, Mr Lionheart. But please, do not worry about me."

"Oh, Henrietta!" 

"How could you possibly have hurt someone so kind, Natasha?"

"Right? I knew you would understand, Mr Lionheart!"

The Headmaster and Kaito exchanged solemn nods before dramatically embracing in shared understanding. Both then turned their pseudo-sorrowful gazes upon Natasha. 

Overwhelmed by guilt, she stepped back, shaking her head to suppress the urge to argue.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry Henrietta!"

"Is everyone happy now?"

Natasha sighed, resigned to the overwhelming pressure. The Headmaster and Kaito erupted in a cheerful celebration, while Henrietta shed tears of happiness from inside the screen. 

"..."

"Right then. Both of you, please be seated," the Headmaster instructed.

As they moved to sit, the portrait of the Headmaster and his wife, suddenly fell forward.

"Ah, would you look at that, dear Grandfather? It looks to me that Grandmother wasn't very pleased with your childish antics."

"Surely that was just the wind, right?" 

"Right...?" Kaito laughed nervously.

"Oh my, Kaito, I never expected you as someone afraid of such things." Natasha teased, her tone dripping with mockery as she seized the opportunity to exploit his unease. "But fear not! Allow me to regale you with the chilling tale of the girl who haunts classroom 109 at night."

"No, thank you!" Kaito interjected, his voice firm.

"Hoho, I did not expect a man of your valour to fear ghosts," the Headmaster teased, his tone lighthearted. "I suppose even the bravest heroes have their weaknesses. But rest easy, Mr Lionheart. The screws in the portrait have been loose for a while. Let me just..."

He gently picked up the fallen portrait, pausing to offer a faint smile. Turning to Natasha, he said warmly, "Don't worry, dear. Even after all these years, my love for her remains as strong as ever." 

Touched by her grandfather's words, Natasha returned a smile. However, the tender moment was short-lived. Her focus darted between the portrait of her grandmother and the youthful image of the AI girl projecting from the screen. Her expression darkened as realization struck.

With a pointed finger, she demanded, "If you love Grandmother so much, then why does that AI girl look exactly like her when she was young?!"

"Ohoho, oopsie daisy," the Headmaster chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

"Don't 'oopsie daisy' me, you feeble old man!" Natasha shot back.

"Couldn't you just offer some little leniency towards your poor, feeble old Grandfather?" He pleaded with mock sorrow.

"For the love of God, fine," Natasha groaned, exasperated.

"Wonderful! Now, let's get back to the main business," the Headmaster declared.

"..."

"Henrietta, please switch to the live news broadcast," he instructed.

"Glady, Master Albert."

The AI redirected the floating screen towards them, bringing up the live news channel.

"..."

"WE WILL NOW BEGIN WITH THE PRESS CONFERENCE."

The screen displayed a bold red banner, announcing the Head of the Goverment's Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Christopher Heckleberg.

A well-built man in a sharp blue suit strode to the podium. His slicked-back blonde hair and wide-rimmed glasses gave him a polished, authoritative presence. He took a seat, followed by his associates on each side, presenting a stark contrast to his unruly son.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Heckleberg began, his voice steady and professional. "I am sure many of you have heard the rumours circulating, so please allow me to confirm them here and now."

"I will be resigning from my position as the Head of the Government's Department of Science and Technology. It has been an absolute privilege, to serve you, the people of this nation, with utmost dedication. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am proud to be part of it. I want to extend my deepest gratitude, to my colleagues and staff, whose tireless efforts made our accomplishments possible."

He bowed respectfully. "Thank you, thank you very much."

The moderator stepped forward. "Thank you Mr Heckleberg. We will now proceed with the questions, one question per reporter."

"..."

"Yes, lady in the back. Please state your question."

"Mr Heckleberg," the reporter began, "is your resignation due to the conviction of your son, Victor Heckleberg?"

The question cut through the air like a knife, but Heckleberg maintained his composure. His tone was calm but apologetic. "Yes, that is correct. I have chosen to take full responsibility for my son's actions by stepping down from my position. To do otherwise, would be a complete betrayal, of the trust placed in me by the citizens of this nation, and that, is something I will never do. Hence I have made a decision, and I offer my deepest apologies to the victims, their families, and the people of this country."

"Next reporter," the moderator called.

"Good afternoon, Sir. Building on the previous question, will you be defending your son during the court proceedings?"

Heckleberg's expression hardened, his response unwavering. "Thank you for the question. I would like to take this opportunity to make it perfectly clear.  Whether or not he is my son, I will not defend a criminal! I have severed all ties with that wayward individual." He paused, his voice turning frigid. "I no longer have a son."

The entire crowd fell into a stunned silence at Heckleberg's declaration. Even Kaito, watching from afar on a floating projection screen, felt a shiver course through his body.

"Wow," Kaito muttered, his voice low. "I didn't expect such a strong response. I thought he would surely defend his son. But guess I am wrong, he truly seems like a man of integrity."

Natasha scoffed. "Don't be so quick to admire him, Kaito."

"What do you mean?"

"Christopher Heckleberg, much like my father, has numerous wives and consorts. For him, disowning a single child is hardly a monumental decision. That criminal son of his isn't even the eldest, perhaps that explains his rowdy behaviour, desperately trying to seek the attention of his father. Still, that b*stard had the audacity to-"

"It's alright, Natasha," Kaito interrupted gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He's finally gotten what he deserves. Don't dwell too much on it." 

Natasha sighed, her tension easing. "You're right. Thank you, Kaito."

"But still," Kaito mused, "if this was just for show, how does it even benefit him?"

"Ah, very perceptive of you, Mr Lionheart," the Headmaster said with a nod. "Yes, as you have deduced, the entire exchange was prearranged. The reporters were compensated beforehand. This way, he can swiftly reclaim the reputation he once held. It wouldn't be surprising at all, to see him occupy a similar position again in the future."

"Wow," Kaito said, "That's sly. Guess you really can't trust politicians. Always a hidden agenda or two."

"Exactly," the Headmaster agreed. "This will serve as a good reminder for you in the future, Mr Lionheart."

"Headmaster," Kaito began, turning to the older man, "how did Heckleberg react when you filed a report on his son? I assume you did not approach him directly but rather you approached one of your connections in law enforcement first. Am I right to say that?"

The Headmaster chuckled. "It is indeed as you have stated, Mr Lionheart. But I'd rather not discuss it further without my grandaughter's consent."

Natasha waved dismissively "Oh, it's fine, Grandfather."

"There you have it, Mr Lionheart." The Headmaster said with an apologetic look. "Unfortunately, I cannot share any more details."

"..."

"Wait, could you repeat that again, my dear?"

"I said it's fine, Grandfather," Natasha replied.

"Are you absolutely sure...?"

"Yes, Grandfather. I trust Kaito, so please go ahead."

"..."

The Headmaster froze, visibly taken aback by her words. Looking skyward to the heavens with a wistful smile, he murmured as if addressing his late wife, "Anne, it seems our granddaughter has grown up at last. She's finally found herself a man." 

"Our little girl is now a rowdy adolescent!"

"Wha-What are you talking about, you old man!" Natasha stuttered, her cheeks flushing bright red, embarrassed by her grandfather's comment.

"..."

The Headmaster cleared his throat, his demeanour shifting to a more serious tone. "Back to your question, Mr Lionheart. Yesterday, just after I had dismissed you to return to your classroom, Natasha and I placed a quick call with a good friend of mine, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Agency."

Kaito blinked in astonishment. "Wait... Commissioner, as in, the highest ranking officer in the police force?"

"Yes, that's correct," the Headmaster chuckled, stroking his beard. "I understand this may sound overwhelming, but we have been good friends since high school. Ohoho."

Kaito sighed, unamused by another unexpected revelation. "Should I even be surprised at this point?"

"Ohoho, perhaps not. In any case, we discussed the situation thoroughly, a conversation that lasted about four hours, if I recall correctly. During that time, we also provided the recording footage you had captured. So once again, I offer you my deepest gratitude, Mr Lionheart."

Kaito responded modestly, his warm smile genuine. "No need to thank me, Sir. I'm happy that I was able to help." Natasha, meeting his gaze, offered a soft smile in return.

"But wait..." Kaito's smile faltered as a thought crossed his mind. "You didn't make the call from the rooftop, did you?" He nervously laughed, trying to hide his unease.

Natasha raised her hand, giggling at his concern "Oh Kaito, you silly thing. Of course not, Grandfather and I made the call privately, right here in his office." 

Kaito breathed a small sigh of relief. "Good. But then... Who was keeping an eye on that monstrous body? Surely, if it had been left alone, he would have woken up and caused chaos again."

"Oh, that?" Natasha's grin widened mischievously. "I simply sedated him. Hehe."

"How is that even legal!"

"Oh, don't worry about the minor details Kaito," Natasha waved her hand dismissively. "I'd never use it on you... well, I hope I won't need to..."

"You hope? You're scaring me, Natasha!"

"Hehe."

The Headmaster, scratching his grey beard, added proudly, "She gets that from her grandmother." 

"That's not something to be proud of!" Kaito refuted.

"It's alright. You'll survive, Kaito." The Headmaster delivered a playful wink. 

"And I suppose she gets that wink from you too..."

"Ohoho, how correct you are."

The Headmaster continued, his tone sobering. "But yes, after Natasha had sedated that monster of a figure, I called in a few of my trusted assistants to supervise the rooftop area. Meanwhile, we resumed our conversation here. It was during the conversation that this brave little girl stepped up and proposed a bold solution. Her idea would not only ensure justice but also deliver a sharp blow to our potential adversaries, namely the Heckleberg family and the Wilford family."

Kaito titled his head, intrigued. "You mean...?"

The Headmaster smiled," Yes. She proposed transferring the criminal Victor Heckleberg to WDA's remote facility. Given that conventional punishments were no longer a viable option for someone like him, it was the best course of action for everyone involved, particularly for the safety of the public."

"I must admit," He paused, his eyes softening, "I was rather taken aback. To hear my little Granddaughter speak with such maturity and conviction, in a manner that only adults could comprehend. But then it struck me, I realised that Natasha had been facing challenges all her life, challenges that no child should be enduring. So, as her grandfather, all I want is, for her to be happy, even if it means bending a law or two."

"Fortunately," the Headmaster continued, "her proposal satisfied all parties involved. But there was one more hurdle to overcome, contacting that b*stard son-in-law of mine."

Kait's brow furrowed, "You mean Natasha's father?"

"Indeed," the Headmaster confirmed, his tone laced with disdain. "She called him directly through her phone, and within thirteen minutes, there he was, standing outside, knocking on my office door. I was both astonished and enraged. This was the same man who failed to visit young Natasha when she was hospitalised, yet now, with his interests on the line, he doesn't hesitate to show urgency."

The Headmaster's expression darkened. "The moment he entered, dressed in immaculate black business attired with his hair slicked back, he walked straight to my desk. And do you know what he did next, Mr Lionheart?"

"Uh... Grovelled...?"

"Precisely," the Headmaster replied with a bitter laugh. "He threw himself to the floor, grovelling at my feet like a worm. I couldn't help but wonder, does this man not carry a single hint of shame? Was this truly the same person who stood tall and arrogant at my daughter's funeral? But as I observed him, grovelling in desperation, it became clear, that he was not a man of pride, but a mere opportunist, willing to sacrifice his dignity and endure humiliation, all to achieve his selfish goals."

The Headmaster's voice trembled with restrained anger. "Every fibre of my being wanted to kick him away, to scream at him for the suffering he caused my family. But then Natasha grasped my hand, reminding me of our true goal, justice for her."

"I really do not know how my daughter was swindled by such a coward!"

"But here we are," he sighed deeply before continuing. "I calmed myself and allowed him to speak. His first words were venomous, not a single glitter of sincerity. 'Dear Father-in-law, I hope you are well. Please, have mercy on your foolish son-in-law. I am more than willing to cooperate with your plan, so please grant me your mercy.'"

"As much as I wanted to mock him, I restrained myself, for Natasha's sake. Instead, I scolded him, telling him to save his grovelling for his daughter, the very daughter he had abandoned. To my astonishment, he didn't hesitate. He fell to his knees in front of Natasha, showering her with hollow praises and promises of wealth. Yet he never once acknowledged the pain he had caused her."

Kaito clenched his fists, anger rising on Natasha's behalf.

"I could see the sheer disgust etched on Natasha's face. It was just unbearable to watch, and I stood to intervene, unable to tolerate his grovelling any longer. But just as I left my seat, Natasha raised her hand, halting me in place."

 "And her response was nothing but commendable. She spoke with a great demeanour, 'Dear father, I see you have finally decided to pay my dear old Grandfather a visit. Yet, as always, you remain the same, callous to your daughter's wellbeing. Not that it matters anymore, but I do sincerely hope your new family is faring well. I truly do.' Although she was clear and concise, I could feel the passive anger seeping through her words."

"I guess, she is my granddaughter after all," the Headmaster remarked with a proud smile.

"..."

"Despite the clear resentment in her voice, it did not faze that b*stard at all. He merely nodded obediently, complying with his daughter's commands without a hint of shame."

The Headmaster sighed deeply, the weight of disappointment heavy in his tone, "I sometimes do wonder, Mr Lionheart, how this world continues to function despite the likes of people like him pulling strings from behind."

"God's grace?" Kaito ventured.

"Possibly," the Headmaster admitted. "After all, not everything is within our control."

"..."

"The b*stard Wilford agreed to Natasha's proposal without a protest. Shortly after, we invited Christoper Heckleberg to join the discussion. I do not know what sort of response I was expecting, but Heckleberg, much like his accomplice, gave a similar response."

"He discarded his son without a second thought, like a pawn piece which no longer served a purpose"

"He offered a substantial compensation package to Natasha, for the crimes his son had committed against her. He praised her bravery, and her quick-wittedness, and shed crocodile tears over her supposed kindness, But we both knew, his remorse was as hollow as his promises."

"For him this plan was..."

"Perfect."

"Perfect?" Kaito questioned.

"Yes, Mr. Lionheart. Natasha may not have told you, but Christopher Heckleberg holds twenty-five per cent of WDA's total shares. This plan wasn't just a way, it was a calculated move to protect his vested interest, even at the cost of disowning his own son and relinquishing his high post."

"Ah, so that explains why you referred to him as an accomplice. And it also explains how his criminal son got hold of the drug. He surely must have overheard his father talking about it," Kaito concluded. 

"Precisely, Mr Lionheart."

"Precisely."

"And there is one more point worth mentioning, had Natasha acted impulsively, her life would have been in imminent danger."

"How so?" Kaito asked.

"Think carefully, Mr. Lionheart. If Natasha had pressed charges against that monster, do you believe they would gone through with interference?"

"Wait, you don't mean... But what about your Commissioner friend?"

"He may hold the topmost position in the police force, but even he is not an omniscient figure by any means. If he had intervened it would have placed him in a compromising position, ultimately leading to his resignation. And as for Natasha? She would have been silenced by whatever means, if she dared to resist."

"She would have died."

"..."

"I know this may sound unfair, Mr. Lionheart. But listen very well."

"This world we live in is a haven for injustice. The guilty walk free with mere slaps on the wrist, while the righteous are pushed to the brink of ruin."

"It's unfair!"

"But that does not mean, you let it consume you whole."

"No!"

"You adapt. You use the circumstances you're given to your advantage."

"Define your Justice."

The Headmaster's powerful speech sent shivers through Kaito's body, filling him with renewed determination and hope.

"So, I ask you, Mr. Lionheart, please, define your own sense of justice. Do not let anyone, be it the law or anyone else, dictate it for you. Just as my granddaughter has today, I hope you will, too."

"..."

Kaito let out a faint whistle, feeling utterly overwhelmed. "Wow, I have to say, Headmaster, your words really have hit me for sure.."

"Well, there is a good reason why he held the title of student council president for three consecutive years during high school." Natasha chimed in proudly, clearly boasting about her grandfather's achievements. 

"Ohoho. You'll make this old man blush, my dear Granddaughter."

"..."

"But that's that," the Headmaster said with a faint, content smile. 

"..."

"But wait, what happened to that monster-like figure left on the rooftop?" Kaito questioned.

"We left it to rot." The Headmaster and his granddaughter answered in unison, exchanging devilish grins. 

"Wait you did?!" Kaito exclaimed playfully in disbelief.

"Maybe, hehe." Natasha giggled.

"Maybe?!"

"Maybe. Ka-i-to."

"..."

"Alright, jokes aside, what actually, happened to the body? Don't tell me, you had a private helicopter land on the rooftop, and you transported the body after all the students had left the school building, under the cover of darkness." Kaito spoke jokingly.

"Yes, yes, that is exactly what we did. Mr Lionheart!"

"I'm impressed, Kaito," Nato added with a sly smile.

"You're kidding! Wait really...?"

"It went exactly, as you have described, Kaito," Natasha said, clasping her hands together with a serene expression.

"At this point, why am I even surprised?" Kaito sighed. "I'm not even going to bother complaining anymore."

"But it wasn't an easy task by any means, Mr Lionheart. All five of us, whether we liked each other or not, had to work together, to divert public attention. Fortunately, flying cars are restricted to motorways, and even if they tried to approach residential and school areas, the built-in system would automatically divert them.  and not in residential or school areas. For cars and pedestrians on the ground, we temporarily closed off roads and created diversions."

"And just like that, we secured the body!"

"Why do you have to make it sound so weird, old man?!" Kaito exclaimed.

"Ohoho. That concludes yesterday's events."

"Any questions, Mr Lionheart?"

"None, Sir," Kaito replied.

"Great, then. I believe now is a good time to quickly finish your lunch. You would not want to be late for class, do you?"

Noticing the time, Kaito and Natasha quickly unpacked their lunches, eating so hastily, that it was as if they were whales swallowing the sea. Gathering their belongings, they rushed out of the office, heading straight for their classroom.