The Struggles Of Miss Magical Girl O

Ophelia's eyes were colder than frost. As her lips parted, the room held its breath.

''After shifting through the recorded data of the incident, codename... [Omegaversification], we deduced that the frequency, which caused the incident, originated from City O.''

At those words, a look of understanding and intrigue fell on Himeko's face, while Casey and Moeka felt their backs cold. Since the beginning of this pandemonium, they had been trying to conceal the fact that the catalyst had happened during one of their operations. Even if it were the criminal's fault at the end of the day, the team would inevitably get flamed by angry mobs who had nowhere to vent their frustration.

'People nowadays can find fault in everything...'

Moeka bitterly thought.

Ophelia continued, ''Narrowing down further on the origin point where the frequency spread and the timing... your name comes up, Miss Magical Osbeckia.''

To prevent foul play, each operation a magical girl partook in would naturally be registered and saved in The Federation's database, even seemingly inconsequential ones such as Osbeckia's raid into Aloe Mochizuki's basement. Perhaps Miss Casey had made some efforts to hide its record, though in the end, nothing could serve as a barrier sturdy enough to block a ruthless inquisitor like Ophelia.

Evidently, the usually composed chief was now sweating bullets as she racked her brain to find a way out of this situation. Glancing at Casey, Moeka felt a grim premonition.

''Miss Magical Osbeckia.'' Ophelia called, ''Could you tell me what had happen that day?''

''...''

Based on Ophelia's reaction, it seemed Aloe's interrogation afterward was not included in the record, and consequently, the criminal's confession was omitted. Without those, one could not come to a conclusion too hastily.

Still, as Moeka met with the inquisitor's gaze, she could somehow sense that this person had already suspected her to some degree. Even if Moeka denied everything here, as Miss Casey was subtly nudging her to do, Ophelia would find everything out sooner or later by seizing Aloe with her authority. Though hardly anyone could blame Moeka for wanting to delay the time bomb, she herself was iffy about making such a decision.

Not wanting to be exposed to hate she did not deserve. Not wanting to put those around her in the same crossfire. In the minds of rational thinkers, Moeka's desires would be justified. But...

'At the end of the day... this was the result of my actions.'

Moeka had been insecure about becoming an Omega and 'working' as a relief member. Though before those insecurities, she was, first and foremost, a magical girl—one who fought to maintain peace. Perhaps she did not hold justice in high regard as many others did, but she did believe in striving for it. As it was, she was implicitly concealing a criminal for her own 'selfish' gain.

So, even if confessing now would mean she had to face the fire until the suppressants were finished, Moeka was inclined to do it.

'I'm really a hypocrite, huh,' She thought to herself, smiling bitterly.

But Moeka was fine with being a hypocrite. At least she could come to terms with her conscience now. Still, considering the efforts of those around her, Moeka did not want to hinder them.

So, after pondering her options for a while, Moeka, under both Casey Moore's and Himeko's dumbfounded faces, began reciting the events of the raid that day. As Ophelia listened, her expression hardened slightly.

''We decided to keep Aloe Mochizuki in our confinement because we judged that she could be helpful to our suppressant research.'' Moeka added, ''If she were to face trial, our progress would have been much slower than it is today.''

''...You do realize you are intentionally concealing a criminal, right?'' Ophelia questioned.

Before Moeka could reply, Casey intervened, ''It was my idea to hide Aloe Mochizuki, Miss Ophelia.'' She said firmly, ''Since you are an Alpha with magical capabilities yourself, I'm sure you also understand how volatile your heat cycles can be, and how vital suppressants are. I judged that Aloe Mochizuki has the crucial insights to help develop them, which was why I instructed my personnel to hide her for the time being.''

Ophelia was indignant, ''You could have consulted higher management and gotten permission. Certainly, they would understand your sound reasoning?''

''I don't think so, Miss Ophelia.'' Casey shook her head, ''Everyone was agitated from having their lives turned upside down. I am afraid it is still the case now. Even for our brilliant high management, I did not expect such a proposal to be judged rationally.''

''...So that's how little you people trust us nowadays.'' Ophelia scoffed lightly, ''Nothing I can't understand, though.''

Those last words, barely audible, caught everyone by surprise. For someone like Ophelia, who was thought to be completely loyal to The Federation, to express her skepticism so openly... the state of leadership in this organization must be quite unstable, they realized.

Ophelia Frost's true inclinations aside, Moeka was determined to appeal and let Aloe stay, not because she felt any goodwill toward that maniac, but because she simply wished to make her girlfriend's work a little easier.

''Miss Ophelia, I will agree to any punishment according to the law, but please let us keep Aloe Mochizuki until the suppressants are finished,'' She pleaded, then tacitly signaled with Casey, ''You can have people keep an eye on her in the meanwhile. We genuinely only wish for the research to be done.''

Casey added, ''If you'd like, I can make a magical contract guaranteeing our claims—with my position on the line, of course.''

''...''

Ophelia Frost remained silent and unreadable for a long while. Then, with a sigh, she replied, ''I understand where you are coming from. Thinking for the people's good is in line with The Federation's spirit. Protecting our talents who contribute to maintaining peace is also one of our ultimate goals.'' The inquisitor said, ''I will put in some words to lessen the punishments your team will receive.''

''Then...''

''However.'' Ophelia interjected, ''No matter how good a reason one has, a criminal must not be withheld without proper permission. I demand that you transfer Aloe Mochizuki to us and cooperate with our investigation. Until higher management and the criminal department agree, Aloe Mochizuki will be kept in custody.''

Afterward, further appeals were given, though Ophelia's firm attitude made it virtually impossible for Moeka and Casey to find any opening. As they appeared more and more restless, Himeko, who had been listening to the story, also joined in, yet the icy inquisitor remained stubborn.

Certainly, with cases in the ambiguous 'grey' area such as the current one, no one could fault Ophelia for wanting to exercise the law's rightful power. This only made Moeka feel more uneasy and anxious. Truthfully, she did not care how she would be punished, but if the suppressants were to be delayed for just a few weeks... God knows how many cases of outbreak would happen?

But as it was looking increasingly bleak for Moeka's side, a confident voice cut through the tense atmosphere, ''Isn't this Miss Ophelia? Long time no see. Or should I call you 'teacher,' still?''

''...Rose.''

Magical Rose emerged leisurely despite the frosty temperature, and the moment she winked her fiery red eyes at Moeka, the latter instantly realized—she was here to help her.