A Person in Arknights, Starting Out as Griseo - Chapter 34

"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

As she spoke, Talulah stood and walked over to Alina, gently supporting her.

"Whew—there are some very important matters. Please ask Talulah, Yelena, and Patriot to come over. As for what it is, we can talk while we walk."

Only after taking a deep breath did Alina look up at Patriot and the others.

"..."

Hearing that, Talulah did not ask what had happened.

Instead, she simply nodded lightly at Yelena and the others.

Yelena exchanged a glance with her old man, and they both stood up.

Then, led by Alina, the group left the area, leaving behind a group of bewildered Yetis staring at one another.

"What exactly happened? Can you tell us now?" After following Alina for some distance, Talulah finally voiced her question again.

At that, a bitter smile appeared on Alina's lips.

Then she explained softly:

"...Griseo's sister, Sakura, has come looking for her. She's in the tent."

P.S. I miscalculated. My head hurts too much, and my fever's come back...

I'm going to sleep. Good night, everyone. Take care of yourselves too.

Oh, and about the group chat... all I can say is that running one is way too troublesome. I have no plans to open another one for now... Let me catch my breath first. Also, here's a book recommendation.

Sakura's Bargaining Chip (Two Chapters Combined)

"...Griseo's sister, Sakura, has come looking for her. She's over by the tent."

As Alina's words fell, the other three people present were all stunned.

"What? That Cautus came straight here?"

Once she recovered, Talulah asked with a face full of shock.

Patriot and Yelena did not speak, but both continued looking at Alina, waiting for her answer.

"Yes. I suddenly remembered that there were some things I hadn't finished, so after settling the little one down, I left to take care of them."

Alina paused before continuing.

"But I hadn't gone far from the tent before someone stopped me. We barely exchanged a few words before Miss Sakura asked me to call all of you over."

"Ah... what an abrupt guest. Let's go see her together, then. Let's find out what she wants to discuss." After a moment of silence, the light in Talulah's eyes flickered. She rubbed her temple helplessly.

At that moment, Patriot, who had remained silent all this time, spoke to the three beside him.

"Her... strength... is not... weak. If... a fight... breaks out later... all of you... be careful."

Patriot had not forgotten the sharp sword aura from earlier that day, which had stung even from such a great distance.

"Mm."

The three nodded, taking Patriot's warning to heart.

Sakura, who had been waiting quietly where she stood, had already adjusted her mindset and was fully prepared to face the familiar people who would soon arrive.

She had even prepared herself for the possibility of a fight... Although she wanted to talk peacefully, who could say for certain that a conflict would not break out?

Take Patriot, for example. Sakura felt that he might give an "intruder" like her a show of force—though naturally, only on the condition that no innocents were harmed.

Otherwise, once battle began, the aftermath alone could kill quite a few infected people in the Reunion Movement camp.

Before long, four familiar figures entered Sakura's sight. Yet she did not rush to speak, merely watching them quietly.

At the same time Sakura observed the four, they were also examining and assessing her.

"So late at night, may I ask why this lady has entered our camp?" After observing Sakura for a moment, Talulah finally spoke cautiously.

"I have no intention of causing offense. I came here to speak with you about Griseo. Let's find somewhere quiet..." Sakura explained softly after hearing Talulah's words.

Although she had prepared for a conflict, if possible, she still hoped to talk peacefully. There was truly no need for such a clash here.

After all, in a sense, they were all on the same side... So no matter which side suffered a loss, Sakura would consider it her own loss.

"...What is your relationship with Griseo?"

Rather than immediately agreeing to Sakura's request, Talulah considered for a moment before asking an important question.

"With Griseo? I suppose you could say I'm one of her older sisters."

Sakura did not hesitate over Talulah's question and quickly gave her answer.

"..."

After hearing that answer, the people across from her all frowned slightly and fell silent... The atmosphere slowly began to freeze.

Finally, just as the tension was nearing its breaking point, Talulah spoke again, a proper smile appearing on her face.

"In that case, let's move elsewhere."

"After all, my tent isn't suitable for talking right now. A child is already asleep inside, isn't she?"

"Then let's go to mine. Mine's still empty."

At that moment, Yelena slowly withdrew the gaze she had been keeping fixed on Sakura and coldly picked up Talulah's words.

"Mm, arrange it however you like."

Seeing this utterly unfamiliar side of the four people she knew, Sakura's expression beneath her mask became subtle. It was truly a novel experience for her.

After Sakura agreed, Talulah and the others did not hesitate any longer. They led her away and headed toward Yelena's tent.

Inside the tent—

Griseo lay beneath blankets that had finally warmed up, a curious gleam flashing through her eyes...

Honestly, this was the first time she had seen Talulah and the others like this.

Sure enough, being a well-behaved child was better... Cute and lovable.

No, being a child had its downsides too... Her schedule was too regular. She got sleepy when it was time, and adults did not take her seriously when she spoke.

"Yaaawn~"

The moment Griseo thought that, she let out another huge yawn, sleepiness appearing in her eyes.

"If you're sleepy, go to sleep... It's getting late. Besides, you didn't take a nap at noon." Watching Griseo yawn, Alyona could not help reminding her gently.

"Mm? Mm, hug..."

Hearing that, Griseo, already a little dazed from sleepiness, froze briefly before understanding.

Once she did, the little girl blinked her misty violet eyes and wrapped her arms around Alyona, who was sleeping beside her.

"...!"

Caught in Griseo's sudden embrace, Alyona's entire body stiffened again. She did not dare move at all.

Even though they had been sharing the same bed and blanket, Alyona had instinctively kept her distance from Griseo ever since climbing in.

But now, that distance vanished in an instant... The two of them were completely pressed together.

"Mm... Good night, Alyona."

After lightly nuzzling Alyona's shoulder, Griseo slowly closed her eyes and softly wished her good night.

She was truly sleepy now, so sleepy that she did not even have the energy to enjoy any gossip... She planned to ask Sakura about what happened tonight tomorrow.

"Mm, good night."

Watching the little girl close her eyes, a trace of helplessness flashed through Alyona's eyes. Her body, which had remained stiff until now, gradually relaxed, though she still did not dare move around much.

Then, as time passed, the little white bear slowly closed her pale green eyes as well, feeling the warmth of the little girl beside her and drifting into sleep.

However, compared with the peaceful ending on Griseo's side, Sakura's side was only just beginning...

Inside FrostNova's tent—

Several people sat around the table with serious expressions. No one spoke first. They were all waiting for Sakura to begin the conversation.

At the same time, many ears outside the tent were perked high, trying to eavesdrop on what was happening inside.

As for whom those ears belonged to... Naturally, they belonged to the Yeti Squad.

When FrostNova and the others brought Sakura back to the tent, a Yeti happened to spot them.

Then, before long, it became a whole group of Yetis sneaking over to listen out of curiosity and for various other reasons.

However, the people inside the tent were no ordinary people. They had long since noticed the commotion caused by the Yetis.

But Sakura did not particularly care, so she had no intention of chasing them away.

Since Sakura said nothing, Talulah and the others naturally did not say anything either. Since their guest did not mind, they had no reason to drive anyone off.

Besides, if they were judging by closeness, they trusted and cared more about the Yeti Squad anyway. After all, they were their own people.

"..."

Sitting upright at the table, Sakura looked up at the four people before her.

Then she raised a hand and removed her mask in front of everyone.

A young, delicate face was revealed before Talulah and the others.

Light flowed through Sakura's azure eyes. Only after lifting her gaze to meet Talulah's did she speak softly.

"There's no need to be so tense. I only came here this time to talk with you."

"So, Miss Sakura does not intend to take Griseo away?" Catching the implication in Sakura's words, Alina asked softly, a barely noticeable anxiety in her voice.

"Mm, I won't take that child away." Sakura shook her head lightly and answered without hesitation.

If she were the real Sakura, and if Fire Moth existed in this world, then she might consider taking Griseo with her.

But now, forget it. They were both herself—where could she even take herself? There was even a good chance they would end up sleeping rough and living on the road...

"In that case, what does Miss Sakura wish to discuss?" Seeing how straightforward Sakura was, Talulah did not beat around the bush and directly posed the question.

Sakura paused briefly at Talulah's question, organizing her thoughts before she spoke.

"Mm... I suppose there are some precautions regarding Griseo. That child is truly special, both in personality and ability."

Upon hearing that, everyone present—including the Yetis eavesdropping outside—instantly focused with full attention.

They had long been curious about Griseo, that strange and mysterious child. Even Patriot wanted to understand the little girl's origins.

However, Talulah did not immediately press Sakura about Griseo's special qualities. Instead, she asked another question that had been bothering her for some time.

"Griseo truly is a remarkable child, and she has helped us greatly. But I still have a question. Since you are her family, why have you chosen not to take her back?"

After Talulah asked that question, everyone's eyes turned toward Sakura once more, quietly waiting for her answer.

This was not only something Talulah cared about. The others cared about it too.

After all, that little one seemed to have lived quite well before, and she was so obedient and powerful. Normally, her family should have taken her back.

"There are two reasons I'm not taking her back. First, Griseo truly likes all of you, so I respect her choice. And I can see that you all take good care of her."

After finishing her first point, Sakura took a light breath.

After steadying herself, she continued.

"Second, we have some problems right now... Many people can no longer be contacted. And you have probably guessed something about my identity. I am an assassin, and I do not want that child to stay by my side and witness bloodshed."

After hearing Sakura's explanation, everyone present understood.

However, even though she understood, Alina still had some concerns, so this time she could not help asking.

"I see... So, Sakura, are you temporarily entrusting the little one to us?"

"But surely you know that the nature of our organization is not really suitable for such an entrustment."

Hearing Alina's concerns, Sakura first nodded lightly before calmly answering.

"Mm, of course I know that. But Griseo is not an ordinary child, is she? She is far stronger than you imagine."

Then, as if recalling something, Sakura added.

"As long as you do not use Griseo to do bad things, and only seek her help normally while treating her properly... then there is no problem."

"Of course, I'm not entrusting her to you for nothing. In exchange, I can help you kill one person."