As the scenes unfolded on screen, the audience, though confused, couldn't help but feel a growing sense of sympathy for Shiki.
"The most innocent and naïve time of life is childhood, but it's also supposed to be the happiest. To experience the ugliness of human nature at such a young age—that kind of life is just too cruel."
"No wonder Ryougi Shiki always seems so cold. After accepting the inherent evil in humanity, being able to maintain even a rational attitude toward life is already incredible."
"Then doesn't that make Shiki's other personality, SHIKI, even stranger? SHIKI seems so lively on the surface, but I feel like, deep down, they're even more unhinged than Shiki."
"The Ryougi family itself is terrifying. It reminds me of some of the dark mage factions."
"..."
Of course, such comments were mostly from the top students of the Imperial Mage Academy. For the average viewer, the reaction was still one of pure confusion.
Still, even if the film's complex themes were hard to grasp, most ordinary people could enjoy it in a simpler way. At worst, they'd just say, "This is amazing," when discussing it with others.
In contrast, the discussions among the great Arch Mages atop the Tower of Alchemy were far more profound.
"When a person has another soul accompanying them from birth and knows every thought and feeling of that other soul, could it really lead to this kind of mindset?"
"The effect of zero distance—or even negative distance—between two individuals is like creating something non-human."
"The soul is the most defining concept of humanity. Once the soul undergoes mutation, the very idea of being human might cease to exist."
"..."
The Arch Mages engaged in a heated debate, their perspective on the film undoubtedly unique.
Particularly for Arch Mage Rosa, who had been deeply impressed by the conceptual depth during the production of the film, this rewatch left her with even fresher insights.
Meanwhile, Administrator Hohenheim maintained a thoughtful expression, his furrowed brow suggesting he was wrestling with a deeper issue.
The film's narrative continued.
"Why do you keep talking to me?"
Ryougi Shiki asked Kokutou Mikiya coldly on the balcony.
"Why are you so brainless, Kokutou?"
"That's mean. People have called me too straightforward before, but no one's ever said I'm brainless."
Ignoring his gentle reply, Shiki tore open a packet of food and said flatly, "They're just too polite to tell you the truth."
"Shiki, are you mad at me?"
"…Maybe a little."
Shiki gave Kokutou an annoyed glare, then hesitated before continuing:
"I don't even understand myself. But seeing you makes me uneasy. Why do you keep hanging around me? Even after everything SHIKI said yesterday, why is your attitude exactly the same as before? I just don't get it."
"I don't know either. I enjoy being around you, but I can't explain why. Even after hearing all that yesterday, maybe I really am just too carefree."
"Kokutou, do you even realize that I'm an abnormal person?"
"Yeah, you're definitely not normal."
"See? Then you should face the facts. I'm not someone people can get along with."
"Being friends has nothing to do with being normal or abnormal."
Hearing this, Shiki suddenly snapped. Raising her voice, she said, "But I can't be like you!"
She brushed her hair aside, revealing the bandaged arm beneath her sleeve. The bandage around her right elbow was noticeably fresh.
"Shiki, that injury…?"
Seeing Kokutou's suddenly alarmed expression, Shiki replied icily, "If SHIKI's words couldn't get through to you, then let me make it clear. If this keeps up, I'll end up killing you."
As Shiki walked away, Kokutou took a deep breath and muttered helplessly:
"…Looks like someone was right about me. I might already be insane."
Back at the Edward Tavern, the unfolding plot sparked a flurry of heated discussions.
"Wait, so Shiki really is the murderer?!"
Helena was the first to speak up, raising her hand high as if afraid her words wouldn't be heard.
Winry, sitting beside her, was more focused on Kokutou's feelings. She said softly, "It really seems like Kokutou cares deeply for Shiki. But his affection feels so sudden, like it didn't develop naturally."
She sneaked a glance at Edward but quickly looked away when she noticed him watching her.
The tavern's patrons soon split into two camps—one focused on whether Shiki was the true culprit and the other questioning the nature of Kokutou's feelings for her.
Maintaining his no-spoilers policy, Edward calmly said, "Just keep watching, and you'll see."
At the same time, the students in the Imperial Mage Academy hall were just as animated in their debates.
"Do you guys think Shiki is actually the murderer? I mean, all the clues point to her. It's practically spelled out!"
"But that's just it—would they really make the protagonist someone who killed innocent people? Even if they try to redeem her, something about that feels off."
"True. It's not that I'm against the idea of redemption—I actually really like Shiki—but her character doesn't seem like the type to do something like that. Otherwise, she wouldn't have acted the way she did in Overlooking View."
"So, either Shiki isn't the culprit, or there's going to be some major redemption arc later. Personally, I think it's the former. The clues feel a bit too obvious, almost like they're trying to mislead us."
"This Garden of Sinners is turning out to be quite something. I honestly thought this might be Edward's weakest film yet."
"In terms of sheer excitement, it's not as thrilling as his earlier works. But in terms of depth, it's miles ahead. Maybe this is Edward's way of transitioning away from low-threshold blockbuster films to more meaningful storytelling."
"You guys really know your stuff. Not like me—I just want to see Shiki and Kokutou get together already!"
"Seconded!"
"Thirded!"
"You're all hopeless. Unlike me—I just want Shiki to be my wife!"
"Get lost!"
Amid the laughter and banter of the students, The Garden of Sinners: A Study in Murder – Part 1 continued its gripping narrative.
<+>
If you want to see more chapter of this story and don't mind paying $5 each month to read till the latest chapter, please go to my Patreon[1].
Latest Post In Patreon: Chapter 188: Steins;Gate Premieres! (Part 6)[2]
Link to the chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130705860?collection=162522[3]
https://www.patreon.com/collection/162522?view=condensed[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/collection/162522?view=condensed
[2] https://www.patreon.com/posts/130705860?collection=162522
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/130705860?collection=162522
[4] https://www.patreon.com/collection/162522?view=condensed