Shining's question put Kalifa in a difficult position, but her training as an agent made her "discomfort" look perfectly "reasonable."
Kalifa "calmed down," placed a hand against her chest, and took a gentle, deep breath. She regained her composure.
She was now a Kessoku Band fan as well as a member of the band. She was Shining's fan, and also an excellent secretary.
Her gaze swept between Shining and Hina. She adjusted her glasses and offered a smile with its emotions neatly apportioned.
"Mr. Shining, I don't have any suggestions."
Her tone carried just the right amount of hesitation.
"It's just that I worked at the Galley-La Company for two years. Mr. Iceburg, Paulie, and the others... were my colleagues, after all. With something like this happening, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried."
As Kalifa spoke, she sat on the sofa opposite Shining.
She sipped her tea and lowered her gaze, as though hiding some emotion.
Hina glanced at her without speaking.
In principle, there was nothing wrong with Kalifa acting this way as a "former employee."
Still, Hina had a strange gut feeling.
"I see. Then~ let me put it another way. Would you like me to help your former colleagues~?"
With a mischievous clap of his hands, Shining spoke lightly, his attitude suggesting that she might as well spell it out.
Kalifa's hand paused.
-Did he notice? Not necessarily...
Kalifa remained outwardly unshaken, but began calculating inwardly.
Based on her experience over their years together, this way of putting things was consistent with Shining's habits.
Shining was very "helpful" toward his own people.
But this question had backed her into a corner.
Given Kalifa's current persona, she should have said, "If possible, could I trouble you to help?"
Only that would show concern for her