Everyone turned toward the voice. It was the woman who had interrupted the moment of silence earlier; she had risen to speak.
People asked around about her identity. Quite a few people in the Nobility Academy seats had seen her before, but no one understood why an inspector's family member was here. Then more definite news came from Old Irene's side—she was no accompanying family member at all. She was Jane Hesta herself.
Kovishik and Trion's pupils contracted on the spot.
"Order! Order!" Tang An had no choice but to bring down the gavel again. "Please, everyone, quiet down!"
On the enormous screen, Kendall remained unmoved. Not even a ripple crossed her gaze. "Who is speaking to me?"
"The current AHgAs Special Affairs and Chelated Disease Security Inspector assigned to District 12," Hesta said. "There is no need for more Quicksilver Needles to enter this place. At present, I believe District 12's own strength is enough to resolve the situation here."
"When did you take office? I don't recall receiving any relevant notification."
"It's not good to keep forgetting this and that," Hesta said. "After the meeting, ask Office Number Five. Don't waste everyone's time here."
Arevalo coughed on the screen, then spoke again. "In fact, if the Quicksilver Needles could also join the military operation against the southern rebellion, it would clearly benefit the protection of the Mother City—"
"Don't even think about it," Kendall said darkly. "AHgAs will never alter its neutral stance."
"But," Hesta said, "AHgAs's neutral stance exists only so long as it itself remains unharmed. If that condition no longer exists, then neutrality need not exist either."
A flicker of unease crossed both Kendall and Arevalo's faces.
Arevalo picked up the cup beside him. He tried to take a sip, but choked on the water