Before the gates of the Hollow Operations Section headquarters in New Eridu, Lycaon wore a gentlemanly smile as he handed a sealed document to Tsukishiro Yanagi.
"Miss Tsukishiro Yanagi, this is a secret order from the Mayor. Please do not inform anyone outside Section 6, and relay to Lady Hoshimi Miyabi that she must stay safe during the operation." Lycaon's tone was gentle.
"Understood, Mr. Lycaon."
Tsukishiro Yanagi accepted the envelope with a grave expression, watching the wolf butler as she did. She knew very well that Victoria Housekeeping was effectively the Mayor's private army, but what level of secret order required such a primitive method of delivery?
Was avoiding internal mail meant to prevent leaks?
After a brief farewell, Tsukishiro Yanagi returned to her office with the envelope. She did not open it; it was more appropriate for Miyabi to do that herself.
"Big Sis Yanagi, are you in?"
Suddenly, Harumasa pushed open the office door and walked in.
The corner of Tsukishiro Yanagi's mouth twitched. His left hand was wrapped in bandages, and he held a slip of paper in his right. No need to guess—it was definitely a leave request.
Tsukishiro Yanagi put on the gentle big-sister expression that said, go on, I'm listening.
"Harumasa! Last time, you said you were scratched by a stray cat. The time before that, you said cold water got stuck between your teeth. What's your excuse for taking leave this time?"
"Big Sis Yanagi, it's like this! Last night, on my way home, I saw two shooting stars streak across the sky, and it was as though I glimpsed the truth that humanity would one day return to the sea of stars.
"So I decided to take three days off. ○ God mode activated."
"Approved." Tsukishiro Yanagi adjusted her glasses without