It wasn't raining. Yet the inside of the church felt suffocatingly damp.

The low tolling of a bell brushed against the ceiling, and a faint scent of incense drifted through the air. People in black suits filled the seats, but no one cried out loud. As if showing grief were a luxury for the weak, everyone just bowed their heads in silence.

I was no different.

With both hands shoved in my pockets, I looked down at my colleague lying in the coffin. The partner I was assigned after Dazai left the Mafia.

Just a few days ago, we were clinking glasses and trading stupid jokes. I didn't think they were the type to be taken down by something like an enemy's bullet. But I guess human fate is unpredictable to the end.

...Damn it.

I clicked my tongue softly and looked away.

Death is not a stranger in the Port Mafia. Even if you survive today, you don't know about tomorrow. It's a fact everyone knows.

Even so, I never get used to it.

The light passing through the church's stained glass cast long red and blue shadows across the floor. I stared blankly at the colors that looked like spreading blood, then pulled my hat down low and let out a short sigh.

..It's ridiculous to even tell you to rest in peace.

The dead can't hear anything. It's just the ones left behind who say those words to endure.

One by one, the mourners began to leave the church. I leaned against the wall and watched them go. I felt like having a cigarette, but... I decided to hold off, at least for today. It's the last bit of respect I can show them.