Section 433. This Was Mesopotamia!
Suddenly, Ayako felt someone tug her arm, and then she fell into a warm embrace.
Assassin Ryougi Shiki looked at her with motherly affection. Somewhat awkwardly stroking Ayako's long hair, she said shyly,
"Um, if you want to cry, then cry. Snuggle up in my arms as much as you like. After all, I'm your mother."
The sorrow in her heart could no longer be restrained. It was like a ray of sunlight finally piercing through endless rainy clouds and shining upon Ayako's heart.
With a loud wail, Ayako burst into tears. She wrapped her arms tightly around Ryougi Shiki and cried out in anguish,
"Dad is dead! Dad was killed!"
The child's fragility and grief, the mother's heartache and love—the two leaning against each other formed a deeply moving scene.
"How touching, Fou. Senior's relationship with her mother is really enviable."
Mash could not help wiping the warm tears from her eyes. Fou, in her arms, cried out twice in agreement.
Karna, who had silently watched the scene from the side, was somewhat moved as well. He complained inwardly,
"Why did Higashino Kanade want to train his daughters through a fake death? This was far too cruel."
Knowing the truth but being unable to say it, he could only watch Ritsuka and Ayako move forward through their grief. Even this hero who was poor with words suffered inwardly.
But an order was an order. Higashino Kanade had taught Karna many things over the years and could be considered his benefactor and teacher. Karna would not defy Higashino Kanade's command.
With that in mind, Karna looked toward Mordred, who sat at the doorway and stared blankly into the distance, and murmured so quietly it was nearly inaudible, "Another one with something on her mind."
"Father