Found your weakness!
A clear crack appeared in Sellen's reckless resolve, in that all-consuming fervor, when she heard the name "Melina."
Horace continued questioning her, his tone as though he were testing the water:
"What would she think?"
"Would she be afraid of you?"
"She'll gradually distance herself from you. When you meet again, she'll look at you like a stranger."
"Will she stop calling you her senior, stop leaving you little reminder notes, stop knocking on your door with hot milk when you stay up late?"
Sellen's lips began to tremble.
"Melina, she..." Sellen's voice was dry.
"She wouldn't... she understands the importance of True Magic research... she wouldn't hate me!"
"But she respects life," Horace interrupted.
"Every life, including these beings you've defined as 'mistakes.'"
The laboratory fell deathly silent.
Sellen stood there with her head lowered. She remained silent for three full minutes.
When she raised her head again, most of the fanatical fire in her eyes had gone out.
"...For now." Sellen's voice was so soft it was almost inaudible.
"The experiments... will stop for now."
She paused, then added, as though trying to preserve the last of her dignity:
"It's not like I care that much about Melina! It's just... I really have been tired lately, and I need a rest. Yes, a rest!"
But even old Northen, huddled in the corner, could hear the lack of conviction in her voice.
Having finished speaking, Sellen naturally reached out to pick up Doll from the analysis table. That "child" formed from the gathered remnants of her seventy-eight failed experiments.
Then-
Smack!
Doll raised her stiff arm and slapped her hand away.
Sellen froze.
Doll turned her head, presenting her profile to Sellen.
"Hmph!"
Her eyes looked elsewhere, but out of their corners, she secretly glanced at