She clicked her tongue in warning. "Tch, my gut tells me something's wrong. Seele, don't go sticking your nose in. These waters are deep enough to drown you."
Seele's gaze was firm. "What do you mean, sticking my nose in...? I just want to help a few more people."
It wasn't indiscriminate compassion.
She had grown up surrounded by kindness, and even when shopping just now, she had been given special care.
She wanted to pass that warmth on.
Veliona sneered. "She's already stone cold. Think you can bring her back to life? Save yourself the trouble. It's not like you killed her."
"But isn't that a little too cold-blooded?"
Huh?
Veliona froze, almost thinking she had misheard.
Seele's voice grew a little subdued. "If Bronya hadn't reached out to me back then, I would've vanished without a trace long ago, too..."
"At least I can look into how she actually died. Yes, this might be a trap. But look at it another way: that means there's a secret behind this that can't stand the light of day."
"Thanks. I know you're trying to talk me out of it because you're afraid I'll get hurt."
"But the Seele I am now isn't that little girl who could only hide in a corner and tremble anymore. Whether it hurts or causes trouble, I won't hide. I don't want to have any regrets."
"Of course, I won't push myself beyond my limits, either. This is beyond what I can handle, so I'll report it to Anti-Entropy, and we'll do it together. Okay?"
Those words hit Veliona, leaving a jumble of feelings in her heart.
"Seele..."
She was just about to say something in reply.
Suddenly, a nauseating whisper sounded in her ear.
The voice goaded her with snide mockery. "That's right, just