Blanche held a glowing Blue Gemstone in her right hand and a needle in her left, smoothing away the scar on Kallen's right shoulder little by little, doing her best to leave no difference in color.
When she finished, she smiled in satisfaction.
She had few romantic feelings for her captain-well, her minister now. It was more an instinctive appreciation and fondness for an attractive, outstanding member of the opposite sex.
To her, quietly admiring the minister's body was something to enjoy.
It was like when Kallen had shared a room with the others on that security assignment. Whether it was Peige sleeping naked or Fanny's see-through pajamas, Kallen would look and find it pleasing to the eye;
but everyone understood that nothing would happen that crossed that line.
Moral restraint was like a preservative, keeping many beautiful things in the world from spoiling so quickly.
Kallen sat up, glanced at the places where his wounds had been treated, and smiled. "Very nice. Thanks for the effort."
Neo had once mocked Kallen for being a grown man who was afraid of scars.
Kallen had mocked him right back: at least he could still get scars, unlike someone whose body quickly recovered no matter how many holes were punched through it, determined to keep his skin soft and tender until the day he died.
Puer, who had been lying on the bed keeping Kallen company during his "beauty treatment," jumped onto his chest and felt it with her paws.
"Hmm, you've gotten so much firmer without me noticing, meow."
"Yes, that's right," Blanche agreed as she packed up her things.
Kallen rubbed Puer's head and reminded Blanche, "When you get back to the Office, remember to tell Aisili to keep an eye on Daina's movements at all times."
"Yes, Minister."
After