Chapter 193. [Questioning]

After the robbery suspects finally stopped their rampage and things settled down, new people entered the convenience store.

<<Iroha!>>

A voice echoed inside the store.

When I turned around, there was a policewoman in uniform with the female engineer standing at the entrance.

<<Wait, aren’t you injured?!>>

<<Huh, you can tell that much? Well, I guess I’ll have to explain to Ogu.>>

<<I’m really sorry. If I had been with you, this wouldn’t have happened.>>

The engineer woman who rushed over kept checking the condition of my injuries.

It seemed like I’ve been apologizing a lot since earlier.

<<To give you an excuse… when I was collaborating on research, Iroha was truly outstanding, and your responses were remarkably mature. I unconsciously forgot that you’re a child.>>

<<Oh no, I should be the one apologizing. I’m honored that you see me as an equal.>>

Everyone in the lab was surprisingly meritocratic.

They seemed to completely overlook appearances, race, age, and gender.

In fact, they were so absorbed in their research that, at first, I was treated like a mascot or idol.

However, once we got into the real topic, things changed in no time.

For them, VTubers were like what research was to me.

It felt comfortable, and besides…

<<It’s not like you’re a specialist in combat or anything, right?>>

<<Well, that’s true, but…>>

<<Well then, it’s better that you didn’t get involved.>>

The assailant had a gun, and it was good that even the engineer woman didn’t get any unnecessary injuries.

Everything turned out fine.

<<In fact, I was nervous that you might accidentally come into the convenience store.>>

<<That’s true, but the truth is, I was trying to enter because Iroha was late. But I was told, “It’s better not to enter right now,” and was held back…>>

While saying this, the engineer woman directed her gaze toward a man in casual clothes.

He was talking to female customers and the casually dressed police officer(?).

They all seemed to know each other.

They explained the situation to the uniformed police officer and handed over the arrested robber.

<<We should thank them.>>

Apparently, they were the ones who noticed the incident and called the police.

Come to think of it, they arrived really quickly, didn’t they?

I assumed the engineer woman had reported it upon hearing the gunshot.

Moreover, they had quietly approached from the back entrance, ready to step in and help if things got really dangerous.

<<Um, everyone, thank you so much for your help.>>

<<Huh? Oh, well, you know…>>

I expressed my gratitude, but for some reason, they seemed rather reluctant.

The uniformed police officer approached me, tilting his head.

<<It was scary, young lady. But it’s safe now. An ambulance will arrive soon, so let’s get you some medical attention.>>

<<Oh, no. I…>>

<<Don’t worry; you’ll be fine. Since you got involved in the incident, I think the medical expenses will be covered.>>

Certainly, in the United States, ambulances and medical expenses are expensive, but that’s not the point.

After all, I need to hurry… my favorite stream is about to start!

<<No, really, I don’t need treatment!>>

<<Are you that worried? Hmm. But at least get a simple examination, and if the pain is severe, then you can undergo proper treatment…>>

<<Not really!? I want to go home as soon as possible!>>

<<Ah, I see!>>

The police officer nodded in understanding.

Finally, he got it. But can he understand from this that I want to go home?

<<It’s okay. Do your parents’ contact information? Everyone will come to the police station soon.>>

<<Huh?>>

The conversation was slightly out of sync, and I tilted my head.

It sounded like I had to go to the police station now, didn’t it?

<<Well then, young lady, shall we go to the police station together? Can you tell us what happened?>>

I didn’t mishear at all!

Naturally, I have to undergo questioning.

<<Um, wait a minute. I’m really in a hurry. Can’t we do this another day?>>

<<Come on, let’s go.>>

<<Ahhhhh!?>>

And so, I was led away by the police officer.

Being late for the live broadcast was now certain.

I retracted my earlier statement; I truly resented this.

I won’t forgive the perpetrator of this incident and… the police!

I’ll never forgive them!

***

<<… Iroha, you…>>

<<Oh, Ogu. Hey there!>>

I greeted Angu Ogu, who had arrived at the police station, with a flutter of my hand.

Seeing my condition, her face turned pale.

<<It’s not as bad as it looks, you know.>>

I had received bandages on my arm and cheek.

But it seemed to have become a bit exaggerated.

I could easily forget about these wounds while watching the stream.

<<Huh, what’s going on?>>

Angu Ogu approached me silently and hesitantly reached out to touch the injured area.

It was precisely the touch one uses when dealing with a swollen part.

<<Ouch. It does hurt when you touch it.>>

<<S-Sorry.>>

Angu Ogu pulled her hand back with a start.

And then…

<<Uh, whoa! What’s happening, Ogu!?>>

For some reason, Angu Ogu started crying.