Return

On the morning of the first day of the new year, after the revelry of the previous New Year's Eve, the entire Fangting City was still in a state of tranquility.

In the past, Eastern Hua Prefecture had a tradition of setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the New Year. People placed their hopes on these simple explosives to "drive away Aberrant Beast," letting their wishes echo through the city's streets and alleys with the crisp sounds of the New Year. However, with the changing times, some research has shown that these stimulating explosions are more likely to arouse the Aberrant Beast hiding underground in the city, increasing unnecessary losses. Thus, this tradition, originally meant to drive away Aberrant Beast, has declined because of the existence of these Aberrant Beasts.

On this rare occasion, Lin Yun also had a few days of not-quite-complete vacation. It was incomplete because he still had to visit the Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau from time to time to check on the staff and ensure the normal operation of the entire Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau. It was a vacation because apart from the inspections, he didn't have any more complicated work, so he had quite a bit of personal time.

So, Director Lin, who didn't need to go to work, got up very early on the first day of the new year, drove alone through the almost deserted streets, and went to the commercial office building next to the Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau.

"So, you've come here to seek refuge?"

Controlling a doll that resembled a pure-blooded Fairy, Emerald propped her head up from the research table filled with pipes and asked in a languid tone.

"What's with this strange term 'refuge'? I'm just here to fulfill a promise."

While expressing doubt about Emerald's words, Larkspur took out a purplish-black crystal from her sleeve and placed it in front of Emerald: "Here, I've finished using this thing, now I'm returning it to you."

"What is this... Oh, the Beast Source."

Emerald muttered in a deep voice, flicking the purplish-black crystal twice with the doll's paw, then holding it upside down in her paw and staring at it as if observing something. "It's good that you returned it on time, but there really wasn't a need to be in such a hurry."

"Who was that person last night who practically wanted me to return everything right after I was done with them?"

Larkspur couldn't help but lower her eyelids. "Because you emphasized it so much back then, I specially drove over on a holiday morning to deliver it, and now you're telling me it wasn't necessary?"

"Ah... well, actually, it's all thanks to you guys."

Emerald dodged the question, "Originally, I only had the Beast Source, so naturally all the experimental data had to be derived from it. But because you guys fought with that young man with the Claw Mark last night, I also collected quite a bit of data on-site. Oh my, it's unexpectedly useful."

"On-site? Data?"

Emerald's key words made Larkspur frown instinctively. "So you were there too?"

"Yes, but not really."

Emerald continued toying with the Beast Source in her hand, "I still have a few backup clones, although their performance and quality are far inferior to the one I'm using now, they can still complete some simple tasks without any problem. I just randomly sent one clone to accompany you to the outskirts of the city. If you can win, I can just collect some data; if you can't win, I can't really let Claw Mark kill you, can I?"

Her words sounded logically sound, but no matter how hard I tried, Larkspur didn't seem right. One of the core issues was, could Emerald really be that kind?

You think I could really be that kind, right?

Emerald seemed to have read minds, and suddenly asked a question.

"How did you know?" Larkspur was caught off guard, but she wasn't annoyed at all and asked bluntly in return.

"Just a guess, after all, you young man always wear your disbelief on your sleeve whenever you see me."

Emerald glanced at her sideways. "I have no intention of reiterating my noble qualities as a veteran magical girl, but I have the right to take this opportunity to tell you that I have always been sincere about the deals I initiate."

"Specifically, how is this manifested?"

"This is reflected in my strong emphasis on completing transactions; I establish a series of safeguards."

Emerald carefully placed the Beast Source in her hand into the container on the research table and stored it away. "In this process, I also paid close attention to the self-will of the trading partner and did not do anything unnecessary. For example, in our transaction, have you felt my protection over these two months?"

"No."

The Larkspur looked at the Emerald with suspicion. "Putting aside whether I sensed it or not, what you're doing sounds more like 'surveillance' and 'tracking' than 'protection', doesn't it?"

The two of them paused simultaneously.

"No, that's absolutely unacceptable, young man."

After a pause, Emerald quickly intervened, saying, "If you disregard my good intentions and presume to judge my actions with malice, then an irreparable rift will appear between us."

"In other words, if we disregard any 'good faith' intentions, you did indeed stalk me?"

Larkspur widened her eyes slightly. "Your Excellency, I'm not trying to be rude, but although I thought I had a good grasp of the Gem Scepter's moral limits, this... have you really gone this far?"

"What do you mean by 'already done to this extent'? Don't talk like I've completely failed as a person, okay?" Emerald reacted fiercely.

"No, but we can be said to be trading with each other, and for now we're practically half allies. But behind your back you've been tracking and 'collecting data' and all that, calling it 'transaction protection.' Just hearing that sounds like pure despicable behavior, doesn't it?"

Larkspur, expressionless, pointed a finger at the Fairy Doll in front of her. "Now I'm actually a little curious. What exactly is this level of 'protection' you're talking about? Is it only when we're on field missions? Or when I'm at the Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau? Or perhaps...?"

"Only field staff! Only field staff!"

Emerald waved the doll's short paws. "Think about it for a second, I certainly wouldn't go and spy on the Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau and your magical girl base, right? It wouldn't do me any good, and I have no reason to care about your personal lives, right?"

"Really?" Larkspur put one hand on her hip.

"Really." Emerald nodded repeatedly.

"Well, regarding this topic, I have one last question," said Larkspur calmly.

"Um... excuse me?" Emerald reluctantly agreed.

Larkspur nodded slightly, keeping her hands on her hips, and said calmly, "When I first arrived, you said I came here to 'seek refuge.' What exactly did you mean by that?"

Silence.

In the vast laboratory, the only sounds for a moment were the faint hum of the numerous instruments in operation.

"Haha, it's probably because I was still asleep when you came, and I was half asleep, so I brought my sleep-talking into reality, right?" After a while, Emerald, like a broken machine that had finally started working again after a malfunction, scratched her head and laughed.

"I see, so it was just sleep talking. Now I understand."

Larkspur clapped her hands in agreement, her face beaming. "Presumably, it wasn't because she overheard someone's conversation while monitoring the magical girl base, nor was it because she saw someone's family affairs while monitoring the Anomaly Countermeasures Bureau, right?"

"Of course, need I say more?" Emerald seized the opportunity to back down.

"... Let's get back to the Claw Mark."

Seemingly knowing that continuing to argue on this topic was pointless, Larkspur sighed, as if she had truly let it go. "If the identity of the Claw Mark leader is really as you say, then this person... well, I don't know much about her. In your opinion, is it likely that she will continue to send people to Fangting City?"

"Are you worried that if White Wolf fails this time, you'll send even more men next time?" Emerald, no longer the half-asleep, half-awake slumber she had been a few minutes earlier, spoke thoughtfully, like a seasoned elder truly concerned for the safety of Fangting City.

"Um."

"Based on my personal understanding of her, the possibility of this is not small, because White Wolf is a person who will not give up until she achieves her goal. Once she sets her mind on something, she will definitely find a way to accomplish it, no matter how complicated or tortuous it may be."

"That's truly admirable." Larkspur said expressionlessly, "So you're saying the Claw Mark will definitely come back?"

"Yes, definitely." Emerald said with certainty, "Of course, there are variables, such as who comes and how many people come; the final result will likely be different."

"Are there many people like Yuan who Claw Mark?"

Which aspect are you referring to?

"They all have it: strength, personality, principles... Although it's not appropriate to ask you this question, her type of Claw Mark probably contain..."

"You should ask that old hag from the Investigation Institute about that, young man."

Emerald spread her hands and said, "After all, I don't manage the Investigation Institute. Even if I have a rough understanding of the backgrounds of these rogue magical girls, I can't investigate each of their information as thoroughly as the Investigation Institute."

"What about the percentage? Do you know?"

"Probably less than one percent, just a very rare case."

Emerald said helplessly, "To be honest, I advise you not to expect the next group to be these so-called 'moderates.' White Wolf himself knows he made a mistake in choosing his men, so the next group he sends will only be the most vicious kind. Rather than hoping for the enemy's mercy, we should strengthen ourselves. We should go to the Kingdom as soon as possible and heal your wounds."

"I know, I was just asking, I wasn't expecting any mercy from the enemy."

Larkspur calmly said, "Although I remember very clearly that I don't recall mentioning to you that this enemy is a 'moderate' faction."

Silence fell over the lab once again. This time, however, it lasted longer than the previous two times combined.

"You don't need to tell me this. After all, the enemy has been able to stay in Fangting City for so long without doing anything wrong. Could they be some kind of extremist?"

After waiting for a while, Emerald finally managed to speak, "Besides, I also had a double watching her when she was active in Fangting City. It's not difficult for you to deduce this conclusion, right?"

The Larkspur remained silent, staring intently at the Emerald.

"Hey, at least say something in response!"

Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, the Emerald couldn't help but protest, "I've already tried so hard to come up with a reason, can't you, young man, be a little more considerate at a time like this?"

"More than the issue of scale, what's troubling me now is figuring out the best way to react."

Larkspur shook her head. "Although I've always had some expectations about the Chief's moral bottom line, it's still hard to believe after it's actually confirmed. And in principle, I shouldn't condone your behavior, but the business relationship is there, and I don't seem to have any reason to unilaterally terminate it. This leaves me unsure of what expression to make."

"Could you please be a little more understanding, at least say something like 'I don't mind' to save face for the old man in his final moments?" the doll asked, tilting its head.

"Although I would love to do this, it concerns my personal privacy and safety, and I don't want to be evasive."

"Oh, you young man."

Emerald sighed, "Didn't I say before? Dwelling on this topic will only create a rift in our partnership. If you insist on digging into the details, won't that just make things awkward for everyone?"

"I actually have another plan," said Larkspur.

What plan?

"Let's have an open and honest discussion. For smooth cooperation in the future, I need your formal commitment."

Pulling a small chair over, Larkspur sat down. "I've figured it out. For me right now, whether for myself, my companions, or the city, it seems that only by finding a true partner and ally can I feel a little more secure. I want to know if it's possible for you and me to become allies with more aligned interests."

"Allies with aligned interests..."

The doll on the swivel chair scratched its chin in a rather human-like manner. "I see, you mean you need to confirm that you and I are on the same side?"

"It's not a confirmation, but an exploration."

The Larkspur remained firm. "If the outcome of our discussions is that we can cooperate more deeply, then I can turn a blind eye to this 'protection.' If the outcome is that we are on different paths, then our deal may have to end here, and I will not go to the Kingdom according to your plan."

"That's a bit unreasonable."

Emerald's eyes widened. "Sending you to the Kingdom was to help you heal your wounds, clearly for your own good. How did it turn into a bargaining chip with me?"

"For me it's 'healing,' but for you, for the Research Institute, or even for the entire interest group associated with you, is it really that simple?"

The Larkspur looked at her calmly. "We both know my true identity, and we both understand why I am in this situation. The impact of me stepping into the Kingdom again should be greater than I realize. If I'm not mistaken, my healing is just the first stop on my journey, and the so-called 'assessment' is just the last. What other arrangements await me in between?"

"Hmm... surprisingly, I can't find a point of rebuttal, but I don't think this issue needs to be discussed."

Emerald pondered, "After all, it's supposed to be a transaction, but right now I should be the only one making an offer, shouldn't I? I should have the right to negotiate the price."

"If that's what you're asking, then you actually have two competitors bidding against you."

The Larkspur held up two fingers. "The first one, without a doubt, is the White Wolf. Although I don't know why, the Claw Mark have clearly extended an olive branch to me, which is an option for me."

"White Wolf? Her?"

The doll looked at him with disbelief. "You really think you can run away and Claw Mark at this crucial moment?"

"If I had any other choice, I wouldn't go."

Larkspur closed her eyes, then opened them again, her gaze lowered. "But if it's for the safety of me and my companions, and when there are no other options, I might consider White Wolf's suggestion."

"I don't think she, as the bidder, has the same competitive advantage as me."

Emerald concluded, "I need to hear about your other rival."

"You don't know?" Larkspur asked, puzzled.

"How would I know? It can't be Black Ash Dawn, can it?"

"Hmm... how should I put it?"

"Don't joke around, young man, it can't really be Black Ash Dawn, can it?" The doll's eyes widened in surprise.

"No, of course not. Claw Mark are already below my bottom line for me, and Black Ash Dawn is not an option at all."

Larkspur denied it, saying, "I was just thinking, if we don't discuss stances and sins, but only reputation and character, who is more trustworthy, the Dean or Black Ash Dawn?"

This question made Emerald ponder as well, and after a while, she tentatively gave an answer, "... Black Ash Dawn?"

"Really?"

Larkspur seemed to have reached the same conclusion. "But for me now, it doesn't seem like it's a bad idea to try my luck."

"That old hag clearly didn't offer you a price; I didn't get a single tip-off."

Emerald was clearly not satisfied with this answer, "If you think that simply bringing up my old rival is enough to negotiate a price, you are seriously underestimating me, young man."

"His Excellency the Dean has indeed not discussed the issue of in-depth cooperation with me."

Larkspur acknowledged what Emerald had said, "However, I can also be certain that if I go to her now, I can definitely get a corresponding offer from her."

"Impossible." The doll shook its head. "Absolutely impossible."

I don't think so.

Larkspur remained unmoved. "Although her attitude has been ambiguous so far, and even somewhat hostile, I trust her sense of self-interest, and I am well aware of my value as a political commodity."

"It's rather pathetic to call yourself a 'political commodity,' young man."

"Am I not?" Larkspur asked casually.

"You... sigh."

Emerald seemed to want to say something, but stopped herself at the last minute. "Forget it, I'll just tell you directly, that old hag won't offer you a price."

"Why?"

"There's no why. If there really has to be a reason, it's that my offer is her offer."

Emerald shook her head. "I've already revealed everything, so I won't repeat myself. Do you understand?"

"I see... It seems I am indeed more valuable than I thought." Larkspur blinked.

"Hmm." Emerald remained noncommittal.

"In other words, I do indeed have the power to raise prices arbitrarily."

From this, the Larkspur concluded. "So, it's not a problem for me to stand up right now and pour me a cup of tea?"

"Hey, don't go too far!" Emerald immediately protested.

"No?"

"Look at my short arms and legs, do I look like someone who can pour you tea?"

The doll stretched out its round body, displaying its short legs and paws. "And I don't have any tea in my lab!"

"Then give me an Echo." Larkspur looked directly at her.

The doll immediately jumped off the swivel chair, rummaged through drawers and cabinets, pulled out a small box from some unknown corner, ran back to the experimental table, and poured out a pile of Aberrant Beast Echo, pushing it in front of the Larkspur.

"I told you, don't go too far!" she emphasized again.

"If you want to make some tough statements, I think it's best to save the action for later... But never mind."

Larkspur finally sighed, "I already know."

"Just tell me if you have any other requests!"

Emerald, with a defiant attitude, declared, "Anyway, once you make your request, you can forget about jumping ship again after today!"

Larkspur wanted to say that she already understood, and that everyone was sensible, so there was no need to pretend to be confused unnecessarily. But before she could speak, a sudden idea flashed into her mind.

She suddenly thought of a question she could ask.

"Your Excellency, Chief."

"What?" Emerald said irritably.

"You should know what happened at our stronghold in Fangting City last night, right?" Larkspur suddenly asked.

"What happened? Which one are you talking about? Is it the incident where those two young men in Bai'an City knocked over the hot pot while clearing the table, or the incident where the tallest girl in your team washed the dishes twice because she got distracted, or the incident where your daughter asked in her room if she could call you 'Mom,' or the incident where Morning Glory was calling your name in her room..."

"It's about my daughter!" Larkspur immediately interrupted, giving Emerald a knowing look.

"You don't need to stare at me like that. Although I admit I did look, I have to clarify that I'm not a voyeur. I just wanted to know if you had any injuries after fighting Claw Mark, and whether Bo Xue's condition was stable."

Emerald crossed her arms. "In short, if you're just trying to use this to attack me, I will absolutely not admit it."

"I'm not naive enough to think I could use something like this to attack the character of someone who owns a Gem Scepter."

Larkspur shook her head. "The reason I brought this up is because my next question is related to it."

"Huh? What do you mean? You want me to do family relationship counseling?"

As if flipping a switch, Emerald leaped up from her chair with a somersault. "You want to ask me what advice I have for your parent-child relationship? That's something I'm good at."

No, it's not that one either.

Larkspur pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Exactly, if you feel you can't do what I'm about to say, just pretend you didn't hear it."

"Hmm... what do you mean?"

"That is..."

Larkspur paused for a moment, then hesitantly asked, "If I really intend to provide the child with the emotional care of both 'mother' and 'father' in the days to come—that is, I want these two identities to coexist in certain situations—do you have any useful equipment?"

"I'm not saying I'm planning to have the two identities form a family or anything, but since I really intend for the magical girl identity to act as the child's mother and provide her with the missing part of family affection, then I might need to consider the occasional identity conflict issue. In other words, if we need to cover it up... are you listening?"

Emerald wasn't really listening to what Larkspur said after that.

Of course, as for why she wouldn't listen and what was on her mind, it's actually quite simple, just one word.

--"ah?"