Lorne studied the girl before him, lost in thought.
In theory, every Beyonder had psychological problems.
Having to resist the corrosive influence of a potion's power left every Beyonder a little abnormal in one way or another.
And the higher their Sequence, the worse it became.
But Tracy struck Lorne as somewhat different.
There's a strange sense of disconnect.
She's clearly been trying to seduce me all along, and she's expressed her displeasure at my refusal to take the bait.
But I can also sense a measure of happiness mixed into that supposed displeasure.
She skillfully uses her identity as a beautiful girl to gain advantages, yet she loathes that identity to her very core. Every time she flaunts her charms, she betrays a self-disgust she can barely conceal.
Like... an actor forced to play a role, hating the costume but having no choice but to wear it onstage.
I don't understand...
There must be something wrong with her sense of self.
"Lucky, offering food to build a bond really is a good idea."
"But don't do anything rash." Lorne rubbed Orange Cat's head and said quietly, "She's a high-level Assassin. You're no match for her."
"Meow?"
"Besides, we're drifting out at sea. We're better off not fighting among ourselves."
"It's not because I fancy her, you know. I'm telling the truth." Seemingly sensing Orange Cat's unusual mood, Lorne offered an explanation.
"Meow..." Orange Cat gave him a meaningful look, then lowered herself and curled up.
"Ugh... ah..."
Tracy's sudden moan made Lorne tense all over.
"This doesn't look good." Lorne looked at Tracy, who lay motionless nearby.
"Miss, are you all right?"
No answer...
"Miss?"
Out of caution, Lorne did not approach to check on her. Instead, he activated Spirit Vision to examine Tracy's condition.
The colors of her