Chapter 46 (2/2)
They clinked their gla.s.ses together, but the sound was trampled out by the noisy and ever so busy interior of the Pub.
”Pardon me for not being able to make it last month. The Eastern Section proved to be a bit of a challenge… (s.h.i.+zuru)
”Ah, I'm aware.The Eastern Blood Knights standing guard at night definitely made it difficult. There were even reports of them spreading to the Southern Section. ” (Hound)
This sort of get-together could only be chanced upon once a month. The goal of it was a casual exchange of information… Occasionally, half of the talks derailed to the Hound suggesting that two men should bond over drinks. It was a custom started around a few years prior.
However, he was unable to oblige last month due to the 'Chopper Incident' ―― Mary just wouldn't let go of him. Luckily, since Beth agreed to take care of her, he was able to come this time.
”These hards.h.i.+ps are really starting to take a toll on you, s.h.i.+zuru. Babysitting a bunch of rascals at your place.” (Hound)
”Ahaha, yeah… Honestly, I've started to wish I could go elsewhere to unwind at least once a day..” (s.h.i.+zuru)
” …… That's to be expected. If it's you we're talking about, you could definitely go anywhere you wanted… But you got tied up with the wrong crowd.” (Hound)
”I wonder how many times I've thought of escaping; take the Lady and disappear into the countryside for a while… Just imagining it is a fun, yet terrifying, experience.. ” (s.h.i.+zuru)
”Boss would be willing to follow you to h.e.l.l and back, you know that? They say if you were to escape, no place in this world could be your refuge.” (Hound)
Even among the many members of Black Maria, the amount of attention Richelieu gave s.h.i.+zuru was tremendous. If there was any opportunity left for him to part ways, she surely would've squandered it with her own hands by now. s.h.i.+zuru was no fool; he knew that escape meant being killed. There was no point in him deliberating about it.
”But think about it, without you here, who's going to control Caska? She's not a woman as easy to control as Elizabeth. And that Demonic beast would also leave Black Maria. It must be difficult for you, being the Third Squad's linchpin. They need you.” (Hound)
”Haha… I don't like admitting it, but maybe I'm too qualified for this job?” (s.h.i.+zuru)
”I'm not sure….. There are somethings professional killers just shouldn't ponder on; otherwise, you'll end up miserable, so knock it off..” (Hound)
”I've already been suffering for a long time now… it's too late for us,” s.h.i.+zuru said this with a dismal smile.
There are roughly two categories of atypical people on a grand scale: people who aren't normal to begin with, and people that end up becoming abnormal later on in their life.
s.h.i.+zuru and Hound fell into the latter. They have great talents, but they lack individuality and self-a.s.sertion; they just live adrift, going with the flow, gradually being dyed by the events and people around. Those who have chosen this way of life have no chance of living any other way… The life of a Professional Killer… is tragic.
”…. To say that here, a place of merriment through alcohol. Don't feel depressed. This conversation is over and done with. Got any lighter topics?” (Hound)
”Ah, yes, I know… Well, Hound, there's always Mary…” (s.h.i.+zuru)
While s.h.i.+zuru began to ramble on and on about his daughter, Hound downed gla.s.s after gla.s.s. The atmosphere of the two bonding men changed in an instant, and they conversed about various topics well into the night…
Footnotes:
A Mao suit is a formal suit originating from Chinese culture. More about it here /wiki/Mao_suit.
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