Chapter 153

"Then let's use the basement for now... There's a shooting practice room there with soundproofing materials; I doubt anyone could hear me even if I screamed my lungs out."

Nana gave the attentive maid a thumbs-up, then quickly finished her cake, grabbed the prisoner by the collar, and headed for the basement. Takina and Frostleaf followed, while Typhon showed no intention of catching up. Seeing that her superior in red had no intention of reminding her, Takina didn't bother to either...

As she walked up the stairs with the Little Fox carrying the greatsword, the Little Fox suddenly asked:

"Speaking of which, which department does Ms. Inoue belong to? Why are you calling Department Head Nana 'Commander'?"

"I am..."

"She's my subordinate, currently a Columbia government employee..."

Before Takina could think of a response, Nana, who was walking ahead, answered for her, but Nana's subsequent remarks made Takina frown.

"From now on, she'll be a colleague of ours at Rhodes Island!"

"... I've never heard of such a thing... Commander Nana..."

Looking back strangely, Nana gave a smile that seemed to be one of pity:

"You don't actually think you can go back to your normal life after you know I exist, do you?"

After a moment of silence, Nana continued with a smile:

"The agent said she's entrusting you to me."

P. S.: It was surprisingly difficult to smoothly transition the atmosphere from Takina's heavy memories to the generally relaxed Rhodes Island atmosphere... Of course, for now, please remember this Takina who says, "I still hate the Chief after all."

While Nana's level of intelligence wouldn't lead to something as bizarre as her 'heart about to escape,' I wonder if Nana 'll tease her about it in the future.

In short, let's try to calm things down... Besides, the coffee shop is also a very important element. After all, Lycoris Cafe is a crucial operational unit for Nana on Rhodes Island in the future.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

5th The Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 164 Takina's Tired Day

Frostleaf is a former Columbia Army soldier, Takina is an agent with maxed-out loyalty who was adopted by Lycoris... Upon closer examination, it seems that Nana, this self-taught assassin who only underwent three years of training, is the least professional among those present.

But whether it's the military or special agents, their method of 'interrogation' is definitely not whispering.

The sweetness of the cake didn't go well with the blood, but under the alternating beatings of the former soldier and the current Lycoris, this obviously problematic guy insisted that he had only run away out of fear. This hopeful attitude clearly angered Takina... The girl, wearing leather gloves, literally beat him to a pulp, but even after such cruel treatment, he showed no intention of changing his story.

"... You clearly asked 'What do you want to know?' from the beginning, which would have revealed your identities, and now you're going along with Mary's words to claim you're innocent... Do you think we're idiots?"

While speaking, she rummaged through the person's belongings. Nana had already entrusted the ICA to crack the information-rich device, such as the smartphone. To ensure that the clues were delivered safely to her, Nana called 'Thunder,' who was also dressed in red, to be responsible for the delivery... Of course, not in that conspicuous uniform.

As for the torture being conducted at the shooting range... while Frostleaf said she was powerless and Takina was wondering if they should use some chemical methods, Nana finally finished eating the cake amidst the smell of blood.

After elegantly wiping her mouth and fingers with a tissue, Nana stopped Takina and Frostleaf from wasting their energy:

"Alright, we're not monsters. If more professional interrogation doesn't work, let the professionals handle it..."

"Sir!?"

Takina immediately wanted to express her dissatisfaction at Nana's seemingly casual attitude... but before Nana could finish speaking, the blonde girl touched Takina's lips... As Takina took a step back in fright and fell silent, the key ring she had taken from the man on Nana's other hand made a soft, metallic clanging sound as it rang.

"However, compared to 'testimony' that's too subjective, I generally believe more concrete things... like having a conspicuous Ford pickup truck key on your keychain, or three coupons from different stores in your wallet... Hmm, buy two Bolivar hot dog wraps and get one free? That seems like a pretty good deal, doesn't it?"

Under the man's slightly dilated gaze, Nana casually dialed the number for the coupon, asking for the address as if a high school girl were ordering takeout.

"... Haha, really? King's Avenue? That seems quite far from here... So, when was this coupon issued? How long do I have to use it? Hmm... Hmm... I see, the promotion started two days ago, one day for pre-sale and one day for issuance, so I have more than a week to use it, no rush... Hmm~ I'm not in a hurry, but I really like hot dogs, I'll just go to the store to eat tomorrow if I have time, thanks, I'll hang up now... See, I got the coupon on King's Avenue yesterday, so I don't have to worry about it expiring... Oh dear, why are you sweating so much? Is the basement too stuffy?"

Watching Nana gently take out a handkerchief and wipe the sweat streaming down the man's forehead, not only the person involved, but even Takina and Frostleaf felt a chill.

Especially after Nana brazenly accessed the Laisenton Police Department's network system, opened the Bolivar Specialty Food Store's online surveillance footage, downloaded the footage, and took a picture of the man... As Nana checked the man's driver's license while deftly dialing a number named 'Anna,' everyone heard a distinctly mechanical response, clearly from an electronic voice changer or simply a synthesized voice.

[... Are you trying to find Mr. 'Mike' in this video? Please wait...]

"Well, Anna, how long will it take for you to get the results? If you have other things to do, I'll go take care of those here first."

[Analysis in progress... Estimated time required -- three...]

Moving closer to Nana, Frostleaf watched Nana's analysis and actions with curiosity and a hint of excitement, asking:

"Three? Three days? Such a troublesome matter can be resolved in just three days?"

[Two.]

As everyone, unaware of Anna's identity, stood frozen in place, and as Anna's final countdown ended, Nana's phone received a flurry of notifications.

Looking at all the information about 'Mike Sandy' sent by the Security Bureau... including the pickup truck that Nana didn't know looked like because he didn't have all the necessary documents, the agent smiled with satisfaction... On one hand, Anna's attitude indicated that the agent was clearly not considered an 'enemy' by the Security Bureau. On the other hand, with this gentleman's entry certificate from over a decade ago, his local residence, and a series of illegal records recorded by the government all laid out in front of the girls, the Security Bureau's 'big data algorithm,' which had cost a great deal of manpower and resources to construct, had finally put its intended use to good use.

The only problem might be that Nana used the Security Bureau's equipment to calculate the ICA's results... But for Nana, the stability of the ICA is undoubtedly related to the stability of Colombia, so even if she has to write an additional report later, it doesn't matter, she feels that she does have a legitimate reason.

As Nana continued to read the information on her phone in a gentle tone, the man, who had been beaten so badly by Takina and Frostleaf that he looked like he could be cremated and still have a mouth left, gradually fell silent, his eyes clearly wavering.

"Hmm... Mike Santy, a former Bolivar immigrant, married, with a troubled marriage, long-term unemployment, and a strained relationship with his son and daughter. Most people in the community have witnessed you arguing with your children... However, about six months ago, you moved your family from the old town to a more affluent villa area, enrolled your son and daughter in expensive private schools, and your wife's spending has skyrocketed... Hmm... Haven't you noticed that your wife is using your money to flirt with a tennis coach? Even in your community, the most common assessment of you is... oblivious."

Watching Nana untie the man, even the strictest Takina could only look at him with pity...

As Nana jokingly revealed various of his private matters, the man broke down in tears when Nana mentioned that his child's performance at school was not good, and that his son was even a target of bullying because of his grades.

"No... please stop... we're just having a fair business competition, it's not right to involve families..."

"Inappropriate... perhaps... but clearly, for Atlas members to say such things, we also have something to say."

As Nana sat back down, Takina, who had been holding back for so long, unleashed another furious left hook... Realizing that she had deliberately refrained from using her right hand out of fear of knocking Takina unconscious... Nana didn't know what to say, and could only blink...

She really made me cry my eyes out.

"It's inappropriate to involve family members... inappropriate?!"

Compared to Nana, who is generally not sensitive to this topic, Takina's reaction was astonishing. If she weren't wearing leather gloves, her clenched fists would probably have dug her nails into her palms.

"The twelve members of Aaron Squad, the twelve members of Senxia Squad, the twelve members of Moonlight Squad, the twelve members of Boundary Squad... In addition, there are Sophie, Yefu, Little Biscuit, and Fold-Eared Cat... Using Originium explosives in the city, sending heavy trucks to ram and intercept people in densely populated areas... After doing such things, so many people died! And they still have the nerve to say that it's inappropriate to involve their families--?!"

One punch, one punch, and another... The soft cracking of bones mingled with the chaotic sounds of blood and flesh splattering. The black-haired girl's crazed appearance made Frostleaf look at Nana with concern... The latter shook her head at her, clearly believing that Takina wouldn't go too far.

As Nana had predicted, although the other party suffered more physical injuries and may have permanently altered his appearance, compared to his rubbish remarks, Takina repeatedly reached into her pocket to try and pull out her gun, but ultimately maintained considerable restraint.

Seeing that Takiru Rinpachi and Scarface had calmed down, Nana continued to step forward:

"Perhaps in your eyes, ICA agents are just like Mercenaries employees who died a worthy death, but I must remind you... unlike you normal people who just feel like you're constantly losing... I, and people like us who have had nothing since we became conscious, are probably more sensitive to 'loss' than you... I know you're not in the mood to hear how Takina met, got to know, and befriended those fifty-odd people... but for her, they were family... so if you're going to use reasons like 'I still have family' as your confession, we don't accept that."

"As I've said before, I prefer an objective response to subjective opinions."

As he spoke, he picked up a slice of cake he had brought from the coffee shop. The sweet but not cloying aroma of cream flowed into his body through his mouth and nose, which were blocked by blood. The man tremblingly accepted the cake from Nana with his blood-covered hands, none of which had intact fingernails.

Then, a green magical light, representing life, appeared in the blonde girl's hand.

"For example, tell us about your real experience? How did you join Atlas?"

"... I'll tell you anything you want to know... as long as you don't hurt my... wife and children..."

Seeing the man's dejected look, Nana turned and winked at Frostleaf:

"Then, he's in your hands~ I'll have to trouble you to be the recorder for now." Wu

"... That's possible, but, Nana, do you have any questions for me?"

"I'll give you Anna's phone number. Let Anna ask you any questions... Frostleaf, your job is just to keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't die, and don't let him sleep before Anna gives him permission."

(Nana blinked, her cute gesture unable to conceal the cruelty in her words.)

Anna's interrogation was bound to be filled with skillful questioning, and given Nana's determination to use a period of exhaustion, this process was no gentler than the previous 'torture'.

All that awaited this Atlas member was darkness, and to prevent this darkness from further engulfing Takina, Nana had no choice but to temporarily bring out this unfortunate child who had once again gotten himself covered in blood.

... Ba

"It seems the inquiry process was quite arduous." (Phosphorus)

"Well, after using both soft and hard tactics, he seems willing to cooperate... Anyway, let Takina wash herself first. Are there any clothes she can wear here?"

Seeing Nana gently supporting Qi Linba, a pale-faced, blood-stained black-haired girl, as she approached her... Remembering how they had been struggling with clothing when they first met in the Snowfield, and now, even in the city, they were still fretting about clothes, brought a slightly helpless smile to Eileen's face.

"Of course, there are. It's just a maid outfit for changing, and it's a one-size-fits-all for future staff... but I think it'll be fine for Ms. Inoue to use temporarily."

"So, since we've chosen this place as our base... and it even has a silenced shooting range, what about the bathroom...?"

"This will be the base where I and the Welfare Department's dispatched members will liaise with the ICA on your behalf. I plan to develop it into a permanent camp for about twelve people... The original owner and his family, spanning four generations, have lived here. The bathroom already exists, and it's similar to a public bathroom... I think not only Ms. Inoue, but you, sir, after a busy day, probably also need to wash up and relax..."

Nana gave a wry smile at Eileen's statement. She recalled how many bizarre deaths she'd experienced had led to disputes due to bathing together. Although she kept saying she didn't care about such things, now that the situation seemed to be pressing, Nana rationally shrank back.

"I'm not in a rush... I'll make sure everyone has eaten, is in good spirits, and is making progress on their own matters before I talk about resting... Speaking of which Typhon has been running around with me all day, let her go with Takina first... That girl is from the countryside, you need to teach her properly what all the things in the bathroom are for."

Although she was already used to Nana's tone and wording that never quite got to the point, Takina, who had calmed down from her earlier excitement, sighed with dead fish eyes:

"Even in the countryside, they should at least have hot water..."

"Then I have to mention that Typhon has probably been taking cold showers in the Snowfield for the past five or six years."

"... Teacher, you're talking nonsense again. Although it's true that it's not very convenient for Sami to take hot baths every day, I do know how to do a sauna..."

Seeing the young hunter who had been sitting at the counter talking to Sister Mary earlier appear before her with a suitcase, the blonde Nana gave her a cat-like smile:

"Oh? So, how often do you go for a period of time, Yi'er??"

"... Three... no, once every two weeks is possible!"

"Real?"

Seeing the purple-haired girl puff out her cheeks in dissatisfaction, saying things like "fuel is hard to find" and "not all villages allow me to enter," Takina sighed and wearily took the purple-haired girl's hand.

She really couldn't stand seeing this little guy arguing with Nana. Couldn't she see that this blond, wicked guy was gloating over making fun of her?

Too much happened today. I went to the hospital to visit my teammates only to be slapped in the face by my classmate and captain, Thunder. Then I was informed by Eternal Constant that I had a new superior. To make matters worse, I immediately lost Lycoris's Supreme Commander and biggest sponsor in front of my new superior... After that, I almost exposed myself in the street due to an emotional breakdown, and then I interrogated enemy members to no avail...

The only good news was that Nana's superior didn't seem to be an incompetent fool... Her ability to break down the prisoner's psychological defenses with just a few words truly amazed Takina; even the specialists in charge of interrogation would find it difficult to do something like that.

Upon closer reflection, it seems that even the one I dislike the most, the one in red who is incredibly harsh on her own people, is a ruthless person who can truly carve a bloody path through thousands of troops... Not to mention this 'Nana', who is the 'Ghost Assassin' admired by the Eternal Constant.

As Typhon marveled at how he examined and played with the bathroom, the tiles, and even the brass faucets, Takina quickly washed herself clean and began taking a bath in the style of Higashi.

As she contemplated the Eternal Constant car gradually disappearing from her sight, Takina submerged herself in hot water.

"... If she really is the Ghost Assassin... that would be good."

PS: Okay, although it was a bit difficult, it's all sorted out in the end... Maybe I overdid it a bit at the beginning with the memories of Takina, and now I'm stuck on how to get Takina to naturally switch her emotions back to normal.

In short, the focus of this volume is Nana's team building... However, it's unclear whether this should be categorized as farming or management simulation.

Then... I had to figure out how to weave in the Little Cat's scenes in this volume... I was so troubled I was losing fur...

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

5th Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 165 You judge a book by its cover, Takina, you should know your shame (annoying)

Regarding sleep, Takina had actually prepared herself for poor rest from the beginning... After all, putting aside the blow she suffered today, just the fact that she shared a dorm room with Typhon, the silly girl who could question for a full thirty minutes about why a faucet could produce water, made Inoue Takina instinctively feel despair.

However, contrary to expectations, he slept soundly through the night in this 'unnamed coffee shop staff dormitory,' which was even cleaner than a hotel.

When she opened her eyes again, her phone, which was charging, went off with an alarm that was immediately turned off... She carefully got up, and from her hair lying obediently behind the pillow, Takina could tell that she must have slept very soundly last night, as she didn't seem to have moved much at all.

But... the wet touch on the phone made Takina frown. She subconsciously touched the corner of her mouth, but found nothing.

Staring blankly at the unfamiliar ceiling for a full three seconds, the black-haired girl sighed. She finally remembered that she was currently traveling with a strange woman in red named 'Nana' because of a mission appointed by the Eternal Constant.

However, knowing that they weren't even going back to Lycoris's dorm, Takina brought her own luggage with her.

"... At least that way I wouldn't have to wear such strange clothes..."

Although waking up sighing and complaining was definitely not a good thing, the girl with long, straight black hair still picked up her complete maid outfit, from underwear to outerwear... Putting aside the lace-trimmed lingerie, while it was unlikely to be as convenient as her usual boxer shorts, it was acceptable as part of her professional attire. But wouldn't the leg rings clash with the thigh holsters?

With this question in mind, Takina dressed, her eyes still glazed... But after noticing the unusual quiet around her when she woke up today, she realized that her roommate, the girl who knew everything, seemed to be gone.

The enormous bow, so intimidatingly large, was casually leaning against the corner of the wall, but its accompanying arrow rack was gone. The beige briefcase she always carried with her was also missing... The maid outfit, though different in size but identical in style, was right there on her bedside table, but she wasn't in the room. With all the dirty clothes taken away and washed by the maid, where could that silly girl have gone?

With this question in mind, Takina started frowning early in the morning, her head throbbing with worry over the mental strain she was putting into it...

As the long-haired girl in a neat maid outfit knocked loudly on the door of the room opposite hers, and as expected heard that silly girl's voice, Takina raised an eyebrow:

"... I don't want to offer any advice on the Red-Clad Lady's private life, but I think you should at least give your junior some dignity... Should I leave her clothes at the door?"

[... Hmm? Clothes?]

Hearing Typhon's clearly sleepy voice from behind the wooden door, Takina patiently knocked again.

"Typhon, you..."

Before Takina could finish speaking, the wooden door latch suddenly opened, and a black-haired maid appeared in front of her to her great surprise... Eileen was nearly 1.7 meters tall after putting on high heels, required Takina to look up slightly to meet her gaze. Although she always had a smile on her face, her purple eyes were often full of vigilance. Takina had always regarded her as a 'colleague'.

Speaking of which, Takina had no idea what her superior's friends were, even though they were said to be 'not unrelated people'... or what their connections were with Lycoris.

"Ah... Miss Eileen..."