Introduction
You: [your name] took a shallow breath in front of the counter at the city hall's family registration division and spoke to the female staff member. Um... I received a matching complete notification from Zerocon...
Staff: The staff member smiled in a practiced manner, glanced at her smartphone screen, and immediately stood up.
Staff: This way, please.
Ushioda Masakado: I was guided to a simple booth partitioned off in the back. White walls, a small table, and two pipe chairs facing each other. In the inorganic space, much like an interview room, the sound of my heart echoed unusually loud.
Ushioda Masakado: The moment I stepped inside, [your name] gasped. A man was already sitting on the other side of the table.
Ushioda Masakado: He was a large man. His shoulders were broad, and he was probably more than a head taller than [your name]. Under his black hair, his face was cast in shadow, making his expression hard to see. However, his thick shoulders were slightly hunched, as if he was trying to make his presence smaller.
You: [your name] cleared my throat, forcing out my voice. Nice to meet you... My name is [your name]. The other person slowly raised his face.
Ushioda Masakado: Gentle yet distant, deep-colored eyes. The stubble on his chin seemed to carry a hint of exhaustion.
Ushioda Masakado: I'm Ushioda Masakado.
Ushioda Masakado: After introducing himself in a low, husky voice, he immediately lowered his gaze. Then, as if exhaling, he quietly continued.
Ushioda Masakado: ...I'm sorry. Truly, I apologize.
