Larkspur gave an answer that, in her understanding, was practically a brush-off.
Yet unexpectedly, Ink Lotus seemed to show no emotional reaction after hearing it.
"As expected, that's how it is."
She merely murmured calmly to herself, leaning back slightly and resting her entire body against the driver's seat.
"That's why I felt there was no need to say it... because I already had a feeling that Captain probably wouldn't agree today."
"Sorry."
Larkspur repeated herself. "I'm very grateful that you think so highly of me."
"No, this isn't Captain's fault. I'm the one who did poorly."
Ink Lotus stared straight at the road ahead, but her gaze was somewhat unfocused. "I... performed terribly today. I kept causing trouble. I invited Captain to dinner, yet I made you pay for it. If I tried to recruit anyone with a performance like that, they'd probably think I wasn't reliable enough."
Since leaving the restaurant, aside from talking about her team and ideals, Ink Lotus had seemed rather downcast most of the time. In her eyes, she had completely ruined today's outing.
Not only had she failed to properly show her dependable side, she had also kept asking questions that put Captain in a bad mood, while constantly causing trouble and breaking things. Without a doubt, she had failed to leave a positive impression of herself and her team on Captain.
"This is my failure," Ink Lotus judged herself.
"I don't think there was anything wrong with your performance. The decision I made actually had nothing to do with how you performed."
However, Larkspur rejected Ink Lotus's assessment.
"I'm not unmoved by your ideals, either. It's just that I already carry many burdens in my current life, and I'm not sure whether I still have the spare strength to make promises to