Kevin silently thanked his past self for making such a wise decision, then began laying out a detailed defense.
Only after Sakurami Haruharu arrived and confirmed Kevin's words did the women who had come to comfort the commander finally leave in disappointment.
"Come on, Yuzuriha Inori, let's go get you examined..."
Sakurami Haruharu had naturally not come specifically to visit Kevin. Smiling, she crouched down, took Yuzuriha Inori's little hand, and spoke to her gently.
Yet this child, beautiful and fragile as a violet crystal, showed extreme resistance to contact from strangers.
The girl instinctively tried to pull back her touched right hand and cast a pleading look toward her "mother."
"It'll be fine. I'll stay by your side the whole time..."
Kevin softened his expression, offering a comforting and encouraging smile that soothed Yuzuriha Inori's inner panic.
The little girl lowered her head and gave a soft nasal murmur. She stopped struggling and allowed Sakurami Haruharu to lead her away.
With some free time at last, Kevin immediately got dressed and climbed out of bed. After hastily washing up, he chewed a piece of gum and followed the two of them.
Yuzuriha Inori immediately stopped, reached out to clutch the hem of Kevin's clothes, and slowly relaxed her tense little face, seemingly greatly reassured.
Height and weight measurements, heart and sensory tests, even the most terrifying thing for a child—having blood drawn...
Holding Kevin's warm hand, Yuzuriha Inori seemed to gain an immense sense of security. From beginning to end, she remained remarkably calm and obedient.
"In two hours, I'll tell you the examination results. For now, take this child around for a walk..."
After obtaining the samples she needed, Sakurami Haruharu escorted Kevin and Yuzuriha Inori out of the Underground laboratory and gave the little girl a special