The Melancholy of Kanbara Misuzu 2

So, how much are they worth?

What...?

Um, perhaps you misheard me. I was asking if you have any friends on the outside.

Let's assume I get myself some. How much can I make off them?

...I'm having a hard time understanding your thought process. One doesn't usually make friends for financial gain...

Then they're useless to me. Trash.

Well, there are many things in this world that can't be bought with money...

Hey.

Can't be bought with money? Hah. Funny, funny.

Don't waste my time. You're just fluffing your own ego.

Th-That's not what I meant at all. I... I...

...Hey.

HEY!

Yes?!

I wasn't sure, but did you...actually fall asleep? Right in front of me?!

Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I was just so tired...

But it's the morning. Did you pull an all-nighter, lady?

Well, I guess you could say that, heehee...

...But, more importantly... Do you know why you're here with me?

Well, yeah. I can imagine.

I'm not interested in interrogating you. But I was curious. What's been so unsatisfactory about your stay here?

Not much.

Not much... Not a bad answer. That's one I like to hear.

But that doesn't make it a "good answer," either. I reviewed your school records, but I felt they didn't capture YOUR story.

What drove you to escape? What made you want to do that?

...Look, I didn't have any particular reason or anything.

I just thought I could pull it off. So I tried. That's it.

...

...May I ask where that confidence came from?

When I was on the outside, I heard that seven whole inmates escaped, and no one even caught them.

I think, uh, they were called the "Seven Prisoners" or something.

So I thought... Why not give it a try?

Seven students escaped. That is true.

But, if I may expand on that... In all our history, they are the ONLY seven.

The Corrections Bureau has a perfect record otherwise. We have thwarted any and all other escape attempts.

...? That's not what I heard. Everyone's saying this place is a joke.

The "Fox of Calamity" walks in and out like she owns the place. You know, Whack-a-mole?

Wakamo.

...

Let's stay focused on you. We don't need to discuss anyone else.

I wish for you to understand that the Corrections Bureau isn't here to bully or berate you.

Students are moved to the Corrections Bureau because their original campuses have no other recourse...or because they have an unclear academic history.

Most of the time, we are here to manage problematic students who are too much for a single school to handle...

Harsh.

...The standards are subjective. Gehenna never sends their students, but stricter schools will ship off any student who steps a single toe over the line.

All that is to say... Just because you're here, at the Corrections Bureau, doesn't mean you deserve a negative reputation or scorn.

What is this, some attempt at making me feel better?

In a way, yes...

...Still, despite everything I said, Valkyrie Police School is in charge of Kivotos' security. We can't allow disruptive students to simply do as they please.

However, that also means that once we're confident that a student has been rehabilitated and won't misbehave, we are at liberty to release them as we see fit.

To be absolutely clear, the Corrections Bureau is NOT a prison.

If, after reflecting, you demonstrate that you have changed your ways, you're free to go. No escape has ever been necessary.

Okay, fine. I'll reflect on my actions or whatever.

I have one more question for you. It's very important.

Why did you attempt to escape?

What? I just told you. That's it! I just wanted to.

You thought you could... And, what did you intend to do if you were successful?

...It looks like you already have an answer in mind, so why don't you just tell me?

I don't have YOUR answer. Not at all. I won't have the faintest idea until you tell me what's on your mind.

...Fine! I'll spill it! But you better not laugh!

Today's my...birthday, okay?

But I was just thrown in here a couple of days ago. I haven't made a lot of friends, or anything...

So I thought it would be fun to celebrate with my buds! I wasn't going to stay out forever. I'd have come back.

...I see.

Hmph. Not that I expect you to believe me.

I'm sorry if I give you that impression.

Excuse me, security? Can you bring me the item I requested?

Yes, ma'am. We've been holding it for you.

...? What is that?

...I was hoping to give this to you under more pleasant circumstances, so I apologize for the mood.

Happy birthday. I knitted this hat myself.

H-Huh...?

I thought that a pastel tone would complement your wonderful blonde hair, so I used light pink yarn. I do hope you like it.

No, wait. You knew it was my birthday...? And you made a present?

You're in my care, and it's a precious day. A birthday only happens once a year, after all.

I'm sure spending it in the Corrections Bureau is frustrating. I was hoping this could help you feel better, but...

I'm sure it won't be enough.

If I may ask, could you share your friends' contact information with me?

...What?

I would like to invite them to the Corrections Bureau. Wouldn't it be nice if you could all have a little party together? You deserve to feel special.

...Are you sure?

Whatever do you mean?

Well, I'm a prisoner who just attempted to escape, you know?

You have it backwards. As I've been saying, the Corrections Bureau isn't a prison.

...So you are not a prisoner. You never have been.

Nice work, ma'am!

She was crying like a baby on her way out! Amazing.

It does hurt my heart to think she was crying on her special day...

Oh, it's not because she was sad!

I finally understand why you have such a reputation, Director! You really are changing lives.

...As I've been saying, they're the ones who do all the hard work. I'm just someone to talk to.

If the other party isn't willing to share...

...or has a thought process beyond my capability... I can't do anything.

A different "thought process"?

Oh, I'm sorry. I misspoke. Please, forget I said anything.

Thank you for all your help this morning!

Not at all. Just doing my job, ma'am! Please call if you need anything!

...They were real. They were here, and impossible to talk to, to connect with. They didn't even seem to come from this world.

...Those "prisoners."

The newly-appointed director, Kanbara Misuzu, will share some words. Please welcome her with...

Emergency! Prisoners have escaped!

Seven of them! Seven of them, gone without a trace!

It's a group escape!