Hesta could not help giving Kovishik another look. Kovishik almost immediately sensed a different meaning in that glance. He vaguely felt that this topic seemed to have stirred Hesta's interest.
"Your position is a special one," Kovishik immediately pressed his advantage. "It easily attracts people with ill intentions toward you."
"...Is that so?"
"That is precisely why you should be cautious of people who suddenly appear at your side," Kovishik said. "Even old acquaintances who have spent years with you may, in the course of things, end up standing against you—"
Kovishik abruptly fell silent—Hesta had suddenly shot him a glare.
"I know these words are unpleasant to hear, but you would do well to believe me," Kovishik said. "Because I am on your side."
Hesta laughed despite herself. "You were just saying that my position makes it easy to attract people with ill intentions toward me—how do I know you are not one of them?"
"I am not afraid of such suspicions in the least. In fact, I would welcome you putting me to the test." Kovishik spoke in an almost devout tone. As he answered Hesta, he carefully watched himself as well, worried that if he lowered his stance too much, she might instead look down on him.
"Many people still cannot tell exactly what you intend to do, so they are watching and waiting. But no matter what you intend to do in District 12, everyone will eventually find out. When that time comes, your situation will become dangerous," Kovishik said. "For example, you are currently living in such a crowded, loose-tongued farmhouse. If you were to encounter an assassin..."
"What would be the point of assassinating me?" Hesta asked. "The moment I die, a more experienced Quicksilver Needle will come to take my place."
"You are