Thanks to Urki, we were able to escape the guards unscathed.
We crossed a large hallway, and for now, hid in a remote space under the stairs.
Only after confirming that no one was pursuing us from behind could we breathe a sigh of relief.
"Ashmir How long must we keep running like this?"
"We must continue to hide until the meeting starts. When Judge Arc calls for a witness during the meeting, we will appear in the meeting room at that time."
"Um so essentially we're crashing the meeting, right?"
"Let's call it a dramatic ploy to draw people's attention."
"Heh!"
Not knowing whether her response was a joke or serious, I let out a hollow laugh.
Could this be the same meticulous Angel I've always known? The plan was such a mess, it was dubious.
"I know very well that this plan is reckless. But Judge Arc emphasized that we cannot delay any longer."
Judge Arc subdued innocent guards to allow us in. There was no doubt that he wanted my participation in the meeting badly enough to use such extreme measures.
So what can I do?
At first, it was bewildering and ridiculous.
But considering the earnestness of Judge Arc and Urki, I seriously pledged to attend the meeting.
Thump, thump.
Thump, thump.
The sound of multiple footsteps echoed from the end of the hallway. Tension filled the faces of Ashmir and me again.
Before the footsteps got closer, I hurriedly whispered, "What should we do now?"
"Um I don't think we can just keep running forever."
"Then what??"
"Follow me."
Ashmir spoke with a serious tone. I swallowed hard and quietly followed her.
-Tatat!
Ashmir quickly climbed the stairs. As soon as she reached the upper floor, she slightly leaned her head towards the hallway to check for the presence of guards.
"It looks like the search hasn't started here yet."
I also peeked around from her side. There were many doors along the quiet corridor.
"What is this place?"
"This is a private waiting room for those attending the meeting. People like Judge Arc or high-ranking officers use it."
As Ashmir explained about the place, she started walking along the corridor. We encountered several people on the way, but fortunately, none of them seemed suspicious of us.
After scrutinizing the doors on both sides of the corridor, she stopped in front of one.
Then she knocked on the door there.
Knock, knock, knock!
After a while, a soft male voice came from inside.
Who is it?
"Officer Kirwan, it's Ashmir."
-Um? Officer Ashmir
"Yes."
In the short conversation, a confused atmosphere was palpable. Footsteps were heard from the inside, and then the door opened slowly.
"So it's really you, Ashmir. I've heard you're with Judge Arc. What brings you here?"
"There's a bit of a complicated situation. I know it's an impolite request, but may we come in and continue the conversation?"
"Impolite? If it's Officer Ashmir, you're always welcome. Come on in Huh! Who are you?"
Kirwan, who was about to let Ashmir in, discovered me a bit late and showed a surprised reaction.