"If you ever spent time in Germany, that would make sense," Natasha said as she thought. "Anti-Soviet sentiment was already quite severe in that era. Most of Europe had fallen, and Germany's trends had always been rather... radical."
But Schiller shook his head. "It had nothing to do with ideas or ideology, nor with the value of wealth or one's living conditions. It did have a little to do with the law."
Natasha's expression gradually changed. She leaned back, pressing herself tightly against the chair as though she wanted to escape this place, because she realized there was something wrong with Schiller's smile. Very wrong.
"More importantly, if you remember my previous experiences, you should know how precious an opportunity to leave that country was to me. It was also the first time I escaped surveillance."
"Tasting forbidden fruit." Natasha could not help voicing the phrase that surfaced in her mind. Schiller glanced at her with seeming surprise, then smiled. "Perhaps the suffering that shaped you was named Rodin, Madam."
Natasha was not pleased by the compliment in the slightest. It was as though she had already guessed what Schiller's next topic would be, and was trying desperately to shut down both her ears and her mind in advance.
"Why don't we focus on fishing instead?" Schiller looked back at the water and proposed another possibility.
"God, stop torturing me. If you're going to say it, then hurry up. I swear I'll record every single word you say clearly in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified archives!" Natasha said through gritted teeth.
"You could just say you'll make it public." Schiller did not forget to make a lighthearted joke. Natasha realized that the Schiller before her possessed a sense of humor he usually lacked, as though he were quite good at conversation.
He really