What if Shiori Framed You
>You knelt before Shiori.
>Sunbeam bounced off her hair, surrounding her in a soft glow.
>Her expression is different from what you normally see. Instead of wearing that signature grin, she looked stately.
>"Will you pledge your loyalty to Lady Novella?"
>After repeating line by line the oath after the elderly Yorick, you finally heard the one question you've had your answer ready for so long.
>"Yes."
>You lowered your head. It is time.
>You could hear Shiori picking up the sword, swinging it through the air, and stopping it right above your shoulder.
>"I hereby declare you, Anon..." It's the first time you hear Shiori speak today.
>Her voice has a hint of roughness to it, yet sounded ever more solemn. You listened attentively.
>"...betrayer of the Novella family. You filthy criminal. I shall take matters to my own hands and slay this black sheep of Inkwell, here and now."
>You shivered in shock and confusion. Before you could react, Nyakuzas stepped forward and restrained you.
>The tip of the blade danced an elegant curve in the air. Blood started gushing out from your throat.
>The taste of iron soon permeated your mouth. You tried to speak but failed as you started choking.
>The only things you could see were the baroque patterns on the carpet, with the latest additions being the crimson blossoms pouring out of your body.
>Why? You essayed to think, yet the ability to reason is quickly fleeting from you.
>As if to retain your consciousness, Shiori placed her hand on your cheek.
>She quickly muttered to you: "I'm sorry, Anon. Maybe next life, we shall have our happy ending. I promise."
>You recognized that roughness in her voice. The only other time she sounded anywhere like that was when little Shiori cried for days when her pet dog passed away.
>That thought strangely comforts you. Oh, dear Shiori!
>You struggled to raise your head, trying to catch a last glance of her, but the infinite sadness behind Shiori's voice drained the last bit of strength from you.
>Strangely, you felt neither anger nor hatred. Just as always, a single word out of Shiori's lips is enough for you to forgive her, no matter if it's a childish prank or taking your life.
>You closed your eyes in abandon. In your lingering moments, you could hear the court chanting:
>"Down goes the traitor! All Hail Novella! All Hail Novella!"
