"Sephi, you're back?"
After receiving the news, Lilith hurried over from her office.
After all, this expedition was Babylon's largest military operation abroad to date. She had thought something unexpected had happened.
Only after learning that surveillance target No. 0 had appeared, rather than some other disaster striking, did she breathe a sigh of relief.
"Lily, thanks for all your hard work over the next few days."
Since Sephiroth could do nothing about target No. 0 for now, he figured that, as long as he was back, he might as well make a quick inspection before returning to the Red Tears.
After all, the Red Tears also had a large signal receiver aboard. "Teleporting" back would take him only a few seconds.
"It's fine. Leave everything to us."
Dressed in a women's black suit and looking like an elegant office professional, Lilith struck a muscle-flexing pose.
It looked a little out of place, but it was cute, too.
It helped settle Sephiroth's emotions, which had been stirred up by the news of Pure Gold.
-It wasn't that his side lacked resolve...
This was "eternal life," after all. Who throughout history could face something like that with perfect composure?
Lilith naturally took Sephiroth's hand. Although she did not know what was troubling him, she hoped he could feel its softness and warmth.
Since she did not know the details, she decided not to say too much.
"...Yeah. Thanks, Lily."
They had known each other for over ten years. Even without using Mantra, Sephiroth could fully appreciate her consideration.
"Bella was a little worried about your sudden return, too."
On the surface, Lilith was reminding Sephiroth that, since he had suddenly come back in the middle of such an important expedition, he should greet Bella in person.
But their mutual understanding let