Acceleration ✧ 3

As responsibilities dragged us left and right, we could only find some time to talk with Director Emery the evening right before the first show. One unexpected detail, though: it was not us who had requested to talk, but rather her. She had called us over. Specifically.

“This definitely doesn't make me feel nervous… Haha…”

“I don't know, I think it's convenient. We were gonna talk with her anyway.”

“Your shaky voice says otherwise, Mimi…”

“...shut it.”

Both of us were already on the edge thinking about the performance of tomorrow. It was as if our whole body was electrified with the expectations, anxieties and the prospects of the next day. Even our breathing had changed in pattern.

Normally, it would actually feel comforting to talk to the Director, and it was something I had been looking forward to. But something in the way about being the only ones who were called… before the big day… was frankly terrifying.

“One could assume it's because we are the newcomers, but then, why not call Nilsu over as well?”

“Right? That's the part I don't get… ahh, my tummy hurts…”

Well, we had no chance but to face it right on. While the caravans had already been stationed near the circus tent, she was currently in the FHN Office. It wasn't too far of a walk from the place we were staying in, but the weather was slightly chilly.

I looked up to see dark clouds. It looked like it'd rain soon.

“If it's gonna storm, it better end tonight. It'd be a hassle to the audience tomorrow.”

“I'd prefer it doesn't storm at all… especially when we are out.”

“Should've brought an umbrella… well, can't be helped. If anything, we can wait in the office for it to calm down.”

I really wasn't in the mood to listen to thunder, so I fastened my steps.

Arriving at the sky blue building, I greeted some of the staff I recognized. They seemed to be intensely busy, so most of them merely did an acknowledging nod or a simple wave. Some, on the other hand, didn't even pay us any attention.

“...aren't there way too many people here despite the hour?”

“Maybe they're busy because the shows are beginning soon?”

It was true that there were a lot of employees still working late into the evening. In fact, it looked like there were more people than usual…?

“I mean, our modest little show isn't even much in the grand scale of all the things the organization does. I doubt their work is anything related to us specifically. Something is off.”

“Don't say that… I don't think my stomach can handle another unexpected event…”

Reaching the Director’s room in the office, I raised my hand, wanting to gently knock to announce our arrival. To my surprise, the door opened even before my knuckles made contact with the wooden surface.

“Heard ya.”

The person behind the door was… Roan?!

“Must have recognized us from the sound of our steps… huh? What's with his face?”

Even though he had a small smile on his face, one could immediately tell it was very much forced. There was no sign of his usual carefree attitude on his youthful features. If anything, he looked older than his actual age, from his darkened eyes and deeply creased forehead. His skin was paler than usual, it looked almost sickly.

Seeing him like this made it feel like ice was coursing through my veins rather than warm blood. Stepping inside, I took a seat in front of the Director, and so did he.

“Welcome, Miss Mirai. Sorry to call you here so suddenly.”

“It's… it's okay… did something happen? Everyone looks rather, uhm, off…”

I tried to swallow my nerves away, and took a breath. I didn't want to look like a fool in front of the Director. My wish was to communicate effectively at all times, no matter the situation… If I wanted to be an important figure to inspire people one day, this was an ability I needed to curate as soon as possible.

She sighed. “Something indeed happened. Miss Mirai, I'll ask you to keep it a secret from everyone for now, I don't want the performers to get affected.” Her slender fingers drummed on the desk.

“The reason I'm telling you is because I think you can handle it. You and Mimi both.”

The sense of responsibility her words gave me suddenly kicked away my fear. I put on a serious expression and nodded. I was ready to hear it, whatever it was.

“Before I show you the newspaper… can you tell me about your impression of the AAA? What do you know about them?”

…the AAA? It was quite the unexpected question, but I let my mind gears turn to give her a summary of all I knew. I told her about the advertisements I saw, all the events, and their famous figures, like Amri. I also added that from what I had seen so far, they seemed to care about children and their wellbeing the most, as their events mostly focused on bringing younglings together. Their ‘aid sessions’ also favored children.

I couldn't help but notice Roan’s expressions as the words flowed out of my mouth. He looked… angry. His fingers gripping the side of his seat looked like he was holding back that fierce anger to the best of his ability.

“...that's about all, I suppose. Me being from a small village, it's only recently I got to know about them properly, despite being an Aberrant. I never got to attend any of their events, either.”

She nodded slowly, her serious expression adding to her inherently stern features. “It's expected that this would be your impression. An organization that uplifts Aberrants, with all the events, all the aid sessions. Charitable, encouraging, supportive.”

She paused for a moment, rubbing her temple.

“It's all a lie. A front.”

I sat, completely petrified. Not knowing how to react, or even what to think, I blinked. Mimi also wasn't able to comment. Both of us were stunned. Our minds were wiped blank from the confusion, until the sound of Roan’s mocking voice entered our ears.

“Hah, some frauds they are. Goddamned—haah. I don't want to… swear in front of you two… haha… hahahah…”

He hid his face behind his hands, raising his knees to curl up on his seat. It was genuinely terrifying to see him like this: the contrast with his usual character, the apparent pain and hurt they had caused him, even if I didn't know the reasons just yet… it was enough for me to feel angry and protective right away.

Retrieving my gaze from Roan, I faced the Director, so she could explain what she meant.

“Unfortunately, we can't make the truth public just yet, as we couldn't gather enough concrete evidence. They have the support of various governments around the globe, and so many people are involved in their scheme that their traces keep getting erased. However, we are sure of their goal. We have known, for years.”

She stood up from her seat and faced the bookcase behind the desk.

“It's to end all Aberrances.”