Regarding the Minister suddenly forming a partnership with Budou.
Ran had some thoughts about it.
But they still needed to be verified.
"You mean..."
Over this period of time spent with Ran, Yorii Tsugikuni had gradually come to recognize Ran's analytical abilities.
That was also why he had decided to entrust the Security Force's internal affairs to Ran.
"The reason Honest agreed to this was that he could definitely gain enormous benefits from it."
"Or rather, he has plans of his own."
As he learned more about the Empire's current situation, Ran's attitude toward Honest...
was unlike Yorii Tsugikuni's, which carried no subjective personal bias.
Ran harbored some hostility or dissatisfaction toward him. Therefore, even though Honest was his superior,
he rarely used honorifics when speaking of him in front of Yorii Tsugikuni.
"Mm."
Yorii Tsugikuni agreed with Ran's assessment.
As he spent more time around Honest, Yorii Tsugikuni's understanding of him gradually deepened as well.
He had also slowly come to understand why Honest was always so polite toward him.
He often acted as though he would grant any request.
Yorii Tsugikuni had gradually learned what kind of person Honest was.
Of course.
Yorii Tsugikuni did not want to concern himself with what kind of person Honest was.
Just as in the beginning, he only wanted to do his job well.
That was all.
"It's been a long time since I've gathered with so many people."
"This really feels great."
Because several grilled dishes needed quite a while to cook,
everyone began chatting as they gathered together.
After Spia and Sayo finished their work, they sat down as well.
The group sat in a small circle.
"Yeah, I really like this lively feeling too."
Seryu came in from outside with Koro.
She sat beside Yorii Tsugikuni and drank several