The Result

“Touma, it’s been some time since I've seen you. How have you been holding up?” Said the woman in a kind tone.

“I've been great, Ms. Shaman.” Said Touma.

“That's good to know now that we are in a dire situation.” Said Mrs. Shaman.

“Is this meeting related to Junkei? Ask Touma.

“I'm sure you have noticed that many people in the settlement have been getting worried about Junkei not coming back.” Said Ms. Shaman.

“Yes, I have, but what do you need from me?” Asked Touma.

“That stupid Roy wants to lead all the Rangers towards an attack on the other settlements.” Said Ms. Shaman, clearly angry at the situation.

“Mr. Roger wants to attack the other settlement.” Said Touma surprised.

“Yes, I need you to be on my side on this, seeing that you are a close friend to Junkei.” Said Ms. Shaman.

“Ok, I'll do my best.” Said Toma reassuring

As an older man walked up to the podium in the front of the cathedral, he banged the gavel on top of the podium.

“You may all sit down, now. What is the reason the head of the Rangers wants to head outside of the settlement?” Said the older man.

“Well, Sir Richardson, as you may know, our chief is not present at this moment. He's still outside of the settlement, and by his word, he would be there for at least one week. It's been 2 weeks, and the people are anxious. That is why I am offering to go raid that other settlement and bring back the Chief and the other Raiders.” Said Mr. Roger.

“I see.” Said Mr. Richardson as he looked over to Ms. Shaman.

“And what is your reason to oppose this idea, Head of Expedition?” Asked Mr. Richardson.

“Though I do agree that the people are worried for their chief, Mr. Hitman, the fact remains that our scouts left with the Chief, and they also have not come back, so we have no information on how the other settlers are.” Said Ms. Shaman.

“I understand your point.” Said Mr. Richardson as he looked back at Mr. Roger.

“Sure, even though the scouts did not return the Raiders that went with Mr. Hitman we're not high class Raiders they were at the basics here in the settlement we still have experienced Raiders which would be no problems to what has before us and until now to our knowledge no others have better weapon than us because if they did, they would have come and conquered our settlement before Mr. Hitman would have left.” Said Mr. Roger

The judge stayed silent as he nodded to what Mr. Roger was saying and looked over at Ms. Shaman. Ms. Shaman thought for a moment and then spoke.

“We might not have a reason to fear the other people in that settlement, but have you considered the scenario that. Mr. Hitman is still there making negotiations with the other settlers, and wanted him to stay even more to get to know them better and have a better relationship.” As Ms. Shaman was saying when she got interrupted by Mr. Roger.

“Oh, please, a relationship. You yourself can't believe what you're saying. If that were true, he would have sent out two or at least one of the men he took to come back to us to inform us of the situation,” exclaimed Mr. Roger.

“I am sure Mr. Hitman is a very wise man, and he might have thought of the possibility that if he sent one of his men back to us, the other settlers might think that they would be informing us on how to invade their homes.” Retorted Ms. Shaman.

“You just have no reason in that brain of yours”. Said Mr. Roger to Ms. Shaman, then he directed himself to the judge. “Sir Richardson, I ask you to allow me and The Raiders to go and bring back Mr. Hitman and the other readers who have left with him. It would be quicker to just get rid of that place and save our people.” Continued saying Mr. Roger.

“What, I have no reason in my brain? You're the idiot who wants to just invade a place and destroy it completely without knowing what's there.” Ms. Shaman said, fuming with fury.

“I believe it might be best if we got rid of this place.” Spoke. Mr. Richardson placing his hand on his chin with a thoughtful look.

“Wait, no, this can't be happening.” Muttered Touma to himself.

“Seriously.” Exclaimed Ms. Shaman with even more anger.

Touma thinks for a moment, then stands up from where he was sitting.

“Sir Richardson, Your Honor, if I may speak.” Said Touma.

“And who might you be?” Said Mr. Richardson.

“I am Touma Hidayashi, Doctor of the Settlement and a close friend to Junkei Hitman.” Announced Toma.

“And what is your part in this?” Said Mr. Richardson.

“Yes, you must want Mr. Hitman to be back, right? Said Mr. Roger.

Touma stepped forward, closer to the podium.

“What are you doing?” Try to whisper to Ms. Shaman to Touma.

“I full heartedly wish for my friend's safety and his return, and I know him well, even his wife can testify that he is a very patient man, and that is what I have come to plead to you.” As Touma took a deep breath, he continued. “If you are decision is set on sending off raiders to burn that place to the ground, then let it be, but please postpone it for two weeks. Because I have hope that he will return, and if in two weeks Junkei has not returned, then let the raid commence.” Said Touma in a loud and confident voice a if spilling his inner thought.

“What two weeks? You want to wait two weeks? I thought you missed him. Isn't Mr. Hitman your friend? Don't you care about him? Sir Richardson, please consider making the raid commence,” Said Mr. Roger in desperation.

As Mr. Richardson looked towards both sides and thought for a moment, he then looked down and started writing something and ripped the paper, and handed it over to Mr. Roger and Ms. Shaman.

“Why does it say June 29th?” Asked Mr. Roger.

“Today is June, 15th. I'll see both of you in two weeks. This meeting is postponed.” Said Mr. Richardson as he banged the gavel on the podium and stepped down.

As he was about to walk away, he looked towards Miss Shaman and looked back straight, and walked away. On the other side of the cathedral, Mr. Roger was annoyed and angered, making a fuss to the Rangers present, but on Ms. Shaman's side, she was relieved as Touma walked over to her.

“I'm sorry, I don't think I could have stopped the decision of the judge but at least he postpone the date.” Said Touma.

“No, you did well, Touma, thank you,” Said Ms. Shaman as Mr. Rogers started getting closer.

“So you both are in this together? This is not over; you just gave yourself a bit of time.” Said Mr. Roger angrily as he started walking away with all of the other Rangers who were present.

“I have some ideas for the next trial, but they might not be morally correct. Said Ms. Shaman.

Wait, what? Question, Touma.

I could try to convince Mrs. Richardson's and she might convince her husband so that our side might have a bit of a chance.” Said Ms. Shaman.

“I see.” Said Touma.

“But thanks again, Touma.” Said Ms. Shaman.

“No problem.” Said Touma.

As Touma left the cathedral towards Lucy's house, he thought about the kindness and the love that Junkei showed to everyone, though being a chief, he always had time to care for everyone who lived in the settlement, giving everything he could to help others no wonder everyone in the settlement is worried for him with these thoughts Touma spoke.

“Junkei has done everything to protect this settlement,” said Touma to himself as he finally got to the door of Lucy. As she opened, Alice came dashing towards Touma.

“This is an example that Junkei, the thing he wants me to show well, now I give my best to show it because I too have someone important to protect,” said Touma as he entered the house and gave Alice a hug.