The corners of Kaguya Sumeragi's eyes really did seem a little damp.
"Kallen, Area 11's future may be in your hands."
Kallen's chest tightened. She had received many orders throughout her life and heard countless appeals to act for Area 11, for her people, for the resistance. But the woman standing before her was Kaguya Sumeragi, the symbol that this nation still existed, a royal she acknowledged from the heart.
"As long as it's something I can do," Kallen said earnestly, "I won't back down, no matter what the mission is."
That was exactly what Kaguya Sumeragi had been waiting to hear. She lifted her head again, the moisture in her eyes disappearing suspiciously quickly.
"Good. Then start by writing Regent Lin a personal letter wishing him well."
Kallen froze.
"What?"
"Don't write a list of design requirements for the next version of the Guren Shen Hu, and don't start by scolding him for acting rashly without authorization."
"Your Highness, those are all facts."
"You can write those things later."
Kallen finally realized something was wrong.
"Lady Kaguya, when you said Area 11's future was in my hands, you meant you wanted me to write him a letter?"
"Of course that isn't all. When he returns to Luoyang, visit him in person. At the next Joint Conference, sit beside him. If the Palace Television Bureau proposes publicity photos for common defense, don't refuse. When he says something shameless, you may scold him, but don't reject him so bluntly every single time."
Kallen's face slowly turned red.
"Are you asking me to... seduce the Regent?"
Kaguya Sumeragi blinked, then adopted an almost offended expression.
"He isn't even an adult yet. What are you thinking?"
"But you just-"
"I asked you to build personal trust, not trade your body for military aid