"At a time like this, you actually ran off to a place like this by yourself to admire the scenery. You're certainly relaxed."
Chaldea, exterior.
The howling wind and snow seemed to have no effect on the two people who had appeared here at a time when they should not have been.
Jefferson Hyde sat atop the Chaldea facility, gazing into the distance from Antarctica's highest peak.
—Nothing could be seen.
"I just came here to calm down. That's all."
His reply was somewhat impatient.
"I have no interest whatsoever in your personal emotional issues, but while warning me not to do anything unnecessary, what exactly are you doing yourself?"
The displeasure in Koyanskaya's voice behind Jefferson Hyde was unmistakable.
"Or do you really think you're my superior—or something?"
Jefferson glanced back at Koyanskaya.
—The woman before him was probably a rabid dog.
Jefferson understood that very clearly.
But.
That did not mean Jefferson Hyde had no means of keeping Koyanskaya in check.
"Don't forget, Koyanskaya."
"Who do you think made your disguise?"
He rose to his feet and walked over to Koyanskaya's side, speaking in a low voice.
"If I hadn't made that disguise for you, you wouldn't even have been able to get close to Chaldea."
Koyanskaya's expression twisted for an instant in response to Jefferson Hyde's question, then returned to normal, becoming a somewhat dangerous smile.
"So—why?"
"Why haven't you acted?"
"What do you think you came to Chaldea for? Everyone came with a mission, so why aren't you hurrying to complete yours?"
"Or are you still hesitating?"
"Over something as insignificant as feelings?"
A faint red light glimmered in Koyanskaya's eyes.
"Do what you're supposed to do. What I do is none of your concern."
Jefferson Hyde walked past Koyanskaya and headed toward Chaldea.
Koyanskaya turned