Chapter 154

"Hello, Ms. Inoue, thank you for bringing Typhon's clothes. Please come in, little Typhon is waiting for you."

"... You can just take it to her directly; after all, this isn't my dorm room..."

Just as Takina was making these excuses, a muffled sound, seemingly coming from behind two doors, came from inside the room:

[What is this guy saying, banging on my door and slandering me first thing in the morning? If I really don't let you in to see for yourself, I'll be in real trouble even in Trimounts Court... Besides, Eileen is a bit busy, so come and help her out.]

"Help?"

Holding Typhon's extra maid outfit with a puzzled Typhon, she entered the bedroom, which had the same layout as her own. She had initially thought that being dressed in red might bring her some preferential treatment, but it seemed that this was just Takina conjecture based on her personal feelings.

In this not-so-large room, Typhon, who had only learned the concept of 'pajamas' yesterday and was simply wearing a Typhon T-shirt casually draped over his body, was rubbing his eyes and looking this way... Miss Why-Why-Whys quickly followed his gaze and asked the first question she had asked Takina that day:

"Takina, you're dressed so strangely... Is that supposed to be 'pajamas'?"

"... This is today's work uniform; you'll have one too."

Having learned from last night's encounter what a curious girl this Sarkaz was, Takina had gotten used to Typhon asking about everything he saw, sometimes even the most basic and trivial questions.

She must have had a good rest yesterday. After that restless feeling of wanting to fight someone at any moment disappeared, Takina was able to demonstrate her professionalism as an elite member of the Lycoris.

For now, it's just tolerating a country boy, which Takina can still handle.

"But... don't tell me you just slipped out of our room and came here to the officer wearing this bare-chested T-shirt?"

"... It wasn't just wearing this nightgown... I also brought a bow and arrow."

"Your bow is still in the room... That's not the point. I want you to know that no matter how close you are to your superior, as an adult, you still need to maintain a basic sense of distance..."

While Takina seemed to be explaining very seriously, Typhon scratched his messy purple hair, looking completely bewildered.

"I don't understand what you're saying, Takina. But, I didn't come here because I wanted to get close to Nana... You were 'preyed' last night Takina."

Okay, I don't understand it at all.

Seeing Typhon begin his childlike, abstract description, it was Takina's turn to fall silent... She could even make a mental joke, but Typhon was completely oblivious to the girl's perfunctory "yes, yes, yes, okay, okay" attitude.

"However, although I can't 'hunt' them right now, Nana can... so I quickly brought 'them' to Nana ... and at the same time, I left my Old Mother's love for you... with Lady Anma's protection, you should have slept well last night."

"Um... I don't understand either... although I did sleep quite well..."

"Huh? Don't you understand? Lady Anma's love should be placed on that little glass plate next to your pillow..."

Just as Takina and Typhon were staring at each other, the bathroom door opened... Although Nana could tell from his wet hair that he had just come out of the bathtub, the fact that he was dressed in underwear and pantyhose still made Takina's blood boil. Her boss was really too indecent.

Of course, it's also possible that Takina realized the water stains on her phone were related to that brat Typhon, and her blood pressure instinctively started to rise... But compared to that, Nana in red is definitely more irritating!

Seeing that Takina was dressed in the same maid outfit as Eileen and seemed angry for some reason so early in the morning, Nana said speechlessly:

"Simply put, Typhon came to me yesterday to deal with some things... that might affect you... Although you Takina, are Typhon's good teacher when it comes to common sense, you can't get involved in Typhon's 'hunting'... It's that simple."

"So, there was an enemy invasion last night?"

You can understand it this way...

"And what about the enemy?"

Seeing that Takina seemed to have transformed into a contrarian, determined to argue with her to the bitter end, Nana quickly rubbed her blond hair with a bath towel to dry it off. Then, she put on an oversized T-shirt, the same style as Typhon's, and kicked the beige suitcase that was now in the center of the room for some reason.

"... That's... Typhon's..."

Uncharacteristically ignoring the question from his first friend in the city, Typhon nervously flicked his tail, which was covered in tangled scales, and hesitantly asked:

"Can I show this to Takina?"

"If she wants to know, just show her... I already said yesterday that she probably won't leave us in the future, so a deeper understanding of us will actually help her cooperate better."

As she spoke, it was as if an invisible hand opened the beige suitcase. As Eileen, who brought Nana's new uniform, showed a slightly wary expression, something that could barely be identified as a bow, but was obviously cut in half and densely wrapped with 'talismans', appeared before Takina's eyes.

Although Takina, as Firearms Operator, was unfamiliar with classical magic, the sight of what appeared to be a cursed item still made her unconsciously take a step back.

"Wh... what is that?!"

"Well, rather than explaining what this is and preparing you... it's more accurate to say that its characteristics dictate that you need to first resolve to accept reality before trying to understand it... I don't think you're ready yet."

As she spoke, the beige suitcase closed automatically, even locking itself with a click... This bizarre scene made Takina unconsciously take a few steps back again.

Although Eileen and Typhon thought it was just Nana and that cat Dead Soul scaring the new member, and their expressions were somewhat subtle... the good news was that Takina seemed to have accepted the situation, and she didn't continue to bring up the incident of Typhon Nana's bed yesterday.

After all, discovering that Takina's nightmare in the middle of the night had even woken Typhon up, and the source of the nightmare was Typhon's giant bow projection, what could Nana say? She could only bring Typhon into her bedroom to let the child get a good night's sleep, and then she would obediently sit on the sofa and rest as usual.

That is, Eileen and Frostleaf switched shifts in the morning and brought an inexpensive T-shirt that could serve as a temporary replacement. Nana then said that while everyone was resting, she would take a bath in the small bathroom in the dormitory to relax... She really shouldn't have listened to Eileen's encouragement. If she had just taken a quick shower like she used to, this situation wouldn't have happened.

Nana feels like she sighed more on the first day she went home this year than she sighed all year last year... Although this description sounds a bit like a hellish joke, Nana really does have the feeling of taking care of a rebellious teenager.

"Anyway, let's put this matter aside for now... Eileen, tell me about the results of your and Frostleaf's overtime work last night..."

Hearing Nana change the subject, and remembering her own job, Takina quickly asked, "Wu..."

"And Lady Eternal Constant... Is she really safe?!"

Seeing that Takina was so anxious that she even had pimples on her face, Nana waved her hand and said: Qi

"She's currently being led towards Trimounts by some 'friends'... and whether she's safe depends on our work here and the state of the ICA... the more unstable the ICA is, the less safe she is... if you're really in a hurry, then we'll call her once she arrives... for now, let's look at that unfortunate guy named Mike you caught yesterday. You should remember the detail that he seemed to know you."

Nodding, Takina was calmer than yesterday. She could even sit properly on the bed that originally belonged to Nana but was now being used by Typhon, as if she were in a war room, without even caring about her maid outfit.

Compared to this child who always does everything so seriously, Nana probably prefers Typhon's Typhon, playful antics.

"From your description, it seemed like a purely subconscious action, with a very low probability of tactical deception... I messaged Anna to emphasize this point, and as for the result... Eileen?"

With a slight bow and a step forward, under Takina's slightly wistful gaze, the maid who had once served in Theresa's subordinate Council displayed her professionalism: [The text abruptly ends here, likely due to an incomplete sentence or a missing section.]

"Mr. Mike does indeed know that 'Eternal Constant' lady."

In other words...

Seeing the nervous Takina, Eileen, who hadn't agreed to reveal the information but instead relied solely on her memory, shook her head:

"However, contrary to the worst-case scenario of our organization's high-ranking members' identities being exposed, Mr. Mike's acquaintance with Takina and that high-ranking member is quite intriguing... As a criminal who once caused headaches for the Laisenton Police Department, Mr. Mike admits that he once worked for that lady... the lady, and also the lady Takina calls the Eternal Constant... as an informant."

"An informant?!"

"Yes, but that was a long time ago, and the last contact with that woman's subordinates dates back five years... He said that Atlas was a desperate measure to make a living, and he even said he could swear to God that he didn't know that the organization Atlas was targeting was that woman's faction."

"... So, he saw me... no, he panicked and fled for his life because he saw the Eternal Constant... isn't that a bit too much of a coincidence?"

Seeing that Takina seemed somewhat unable to accept it, Nana smiled and let Typhon dry her hair with a towel while explaining to Takina:

"Perhaps it should be said that this explanation can only be attributed to coincidence... I will verify whether there was such an informant, but whether this informant betrayed us after the defection is not up to him to decide... After all, sometimes a leak only requires two unconscious descriptions, and he may not even realize it himself, so even exhaustive interrogation will not yield any results."

Watching Nana begin to comb her hair, then take a red ribbon from Eileen's hand and braid it into a small braid, Takina clenched her fist and asked:

"So, shall we continue our investigation?!"

"... No, we're here today to help Sister Mary contact the Executor at the Laterano Notary Office."

Although Takina thought she understood her superior's unusual thought process, she still found it very difficult to adapt to his seemingly incapable ability to read the room.

"... Sister Mary again... ah, the one from yesterday?"

"Look, you haven't even recognized everyone... What kind of dream do you have to complete the mission in this state?"

At that moment, Takina lowered her head in shame, the heat on her face making her wonder if she had been too hasty.

After taking a deep breath to calm herself down, Takina looked up and asked:

"I'm sorry, that was indeed my mistake... So, what is Sister Mary's relationship with our struggle against Atlas ...?"

"It's okay... but if we don't make an appointment today, tomorrow's the weekend, and the Laterano Notary Office will be closed... Hey? Takina, what's wrong? Do you have a headache?"

Covering her forehead, Takina seemed to hear a hint of amusement in the tone of this mischievous guy... She really shouldn't have had any expectations of this person.

Just as Takina was pondering this, and starting to wonder if she should just slap her to remind her of her duty as a Lycoris if there was a next time, there was another knock at the door... Then Sister Mary's soft voice came through the wooden door to everyone's ears:

[Um... breakfast is ready! I made sandwiches for everyone, but I don't know if they'll suit your tastes...]

Hearing the nun's voice, for some reason, Takina and Nana's eyes met. Looking at the other's eyes, which seemed to say, 'Can you refuse a request made by such a voice?', Takina tilted her head... Clearly, she couldn't.

Seeing Takina's somewhat resigned and silent demeanor, Typhon, though unaware of the "Red Light, Green Light" game his friend was playing with the Kitty Teacher, was quite enthusiastic when it came to eating:

"We're coming right away!"

P. S.: I'm starting to slow down the pace... but slowing down the pace might make people think it's too long... but to slow down the pace without making it seem like it's too short... it seems like the only way is to update more often... but at the beginning of the month, my stomach hurts so much... QAQ

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

5th Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 166 Whether she's Ghost or not is unknown, but she's definitely an assassin.

Perhaps Nana's teasing of Takina went a bit too far, because this loud and talkative 'unhappy' lady seemed somewhat absent-minded throughout breakfast.

Of course, Nana just wanted her to relax a bit, but given the current situation, Lycoris... or rather, her manager, clearly meant something extraordinary to Inoue Takina.

[In fact, many children have such simple and straightforward ideas. Sometimes, what might be a minor change of plans or an acceptable cost for us adults is, for children, a failure as if the sky has fallen.]

'Besides, it seems the manager didn't even tell Takina about her plans... Leaving it unattended could become a lifelong psychological trauma for her...'

As she silently conversed with Cole in her mind, Nana used bread to wipe the plate in front of her that had previously held fried eggs clean. After eating the last bite of bread, she turned to Sister Mary, who seemed to sense the awkward atmosphere but was still maintaining a kind smile, and asked:

"Regarding what I told you before about contacting the Laterano Notary Office... have they responded yet?"

"Ah~ Yes, following Nana's advice, I told them I had clues about the details of that priest's accident three years ago, and they said they would send their most elite Executor to see me as quickly as possible..."

"... It's just a rhetorical device; the main thing is to see who they sent... They should have given you a name or a code for contact..."

Hearing Nana's reminder, Sister Mary glanced at the ceiling for a moment, then suddenly realized and tapped her palm:

"It seems like that's true... I remember it was a name, something like... 'Federico'?"

Nodding, Nana silently memorized the pronunciation:

"That sounds like a person's name. They said they came here to find you?"

"No... this one isn't available yet..."

As she spoke, Mary glanced at Eileen and Typhon with some concern:

"Although you said not to worry too much... for everyone's sake, I'll just say that I don't have a fixed place to rest... if possible, I don't want to cause any trouble for Eileen and Typhon."

While it is true, as Nana previously stated, that there's no need to worry too much about the ethnic hatred between Laterano and Sarkaz... although it does objectively exist.

But on Rhodes Island, Nana had already witnessed Outcast and Rhodes Island's Sarkaz operators raising their glasses together in celebration... In addition, Columbia is essentially a country of immigrants, so it's quite common for Laterano and Sarkaz to live and even work in the same neighborhood.

Mary was simply influenced by the Victoria environment, which valued 'birth' above all else.

However, since this is ultimately for the benefit of others, it cannot be considered a bad thing.

"Well... it's just a matter of having that Executor come to the store to meet up later... But it seems like we're waiting for further news about Mary, so let's talk about Frostleaf in the meantime... Actually, according to the original plan, I should have started looking for your former boss today... But I'm sorry, as you can see, I have some other things to take care of right now..."

Seeing Nana's slightly apologetic expression, Frostleaf, who had just been monitoring Mike repeating his statement in the basement, shook her head while chewing on bacon. She even carefully wore a children's napkin that fit her size while eating, afraid that the sauce would drip onto the Rhodes Island Human Resources Department's uniform.

"It's alright. Besides, it seems your situation is a bit more complicated, so you can focus on yours first..."

"You trust me that much? Thank you~"

"... After all, I know what kind of monsters and monstrosities you've dealt with in the Snowfield, so since you said your situation is urgent, it seems it really is..."

At this point, the Little Fox, who was still leaning against the greatsword at the table even while eating, scratched her cheek, seemingly a little embarrassed:

"Besides, I'm not some unemployed disabled soldier. Compared to those people, I have a job, a place to live, and even three meals a day and a salary... So I have nothing to rush. I trust you, Minister, will handle this well."

"You've made me a little embarrassed, but thank you for your trust... I wish someone around your age could trust me like you do."

As she spoke, Nana glanced at Takina, who still refused to pay attention to her, and could only turn her gaze to Eileen:

"So, finally, there's Eileen... What kind of authority has your agent given you? To what extent has your logistical support been provided and what are the permitted limits?"

"That lady gave me the contact information for the ICA and Lycoris. We will act as Lycoris's peers and a subordinate organization of the ICA, focusing on Rhodes Island, and will replace the ICA's original Logistics Department to support all your operations."

"... It sounds like a large portion of the autonomy has been delegated to me..."

Hearing this, Nana sighed, a reaction that puzzled Takina greatly.

"All the Lycoris Red-Clad Chiefs have their own logistics and intelligence support personnel... Why does it seem like you're only now starting to build your own team, Commander Nana?"

"... Because I've always operated alone in the past, and my logistics and intelligence support personnel... she's currently in Trimounts."

Ignoring Takina's questioning look—"Why would the organization's supreme commander act as a logistics and intelligence support officer for a single red-clad individual?"— Nana solemnly interlaced her fingers, and the atmosphere at the dining table suddenly turned somber.

"Furthermore... forming our own logistics team means something truly terrifying..."

"Because yesterday we had news like Eternal Constant being taken away, which would scare people to death if it were released, I'm not afraid at all right now... Just tell me what's on your mind."

Takina's mood-ruining remark seemed to cause Nana's expression to twitch slightly. The blonde girl sighed and said:

"Without an agent's support... it means we have to support ourselves... Eileen, did she really not give us anything except contact information?"