They finally brought Sakura back to the base and attended to Kevin's wounds first.
Then, under Elysia's "combination of threats and coaxing," Sakura ended up saying nothing at all.
Mei asked, "So, Elysia, you really don't know her background?"
"She's just a friend I met by chance. I only just found out she's actually part of 'Cocoon'~"
Elysia was telling the truth.
Even though she'd long suspected Sakura's identity wasn't ordinary, she never imagined it would be something like this.
Mei pressed further, "Really? Then why were you nearby, and how did you arrive so promptly?"
"Well, that's because I was accompanying Vya…"
As she spoke, Elysia seemed to suddenly remember something.
"Oh no, Vya…!"
Elysia hurriedly ran off without another word, because Vya was still out there and hadn't returned…
Kevin: …
Mei: …
If Mobius found out about this, she'd definitely have a few sarcastic remarks ready.
…
The sunlight over the lake had shifted westward, stretching Vya's small shadow long across the ground.
She was still waiting obediently for Elysia to return.
With nothing else to do, Vya picked up the fishing rod Elysia had left behind and began fishing with practiced imitation…
"Little fish, little fish, bite the hook~"
Vya chanted, but no fish took the bait for a long time. Perhaps there really were no fish in this lake.
From the distant bushes, a squirrel curiously poked its head out, observing the little girl fishing alone. Noticing it, Vya waved happily. The squirrel immediately scurried back into the underbrush.
"Vya!"
Elysia came running over, somewhat surprised to find Vya fishing.
But the fact that Vya was still here was a good thing in itself.
"Big sis, you're back!"
Vya dropped the fishing rod and trotted over to meet her.
"Yes, I'm back."
"And… what about Sakura, Mei, and Kevin?"
Vya had naturally seen Elysia and the others leave together. While fishing earlier, she had even wondered if her sister had forgotten her… but it seemed that wasn't the case.
"They've all gone back. Let's head back too."
"Okay!"
…
Back at the base, Mei decided to speak with Sakura alone.
But Kevin was still somewhat worried.
"Mei, let me go with you."
"No need, Kevin, your injuries…"
Mei said with concern.
"This little scratch is nothing."
"Alright, Kevin."
Mei gave Kevin a look.
"Fine… just be careful."
…
Inside the base's temporary detention room, Sakura remained seated in the same position as when she had arrived. The door opened quietly as Mei walked in alone, closing it behind her.
The sound of metal clicking was especially clear in the confined space.
Looking at the girl before her who had nearly killed her, Mei showed no trace of fear.
"When did you meet Elysia?"
"…"
Sakura was silent for a moment. "Is this an interrogation?"
"If you think of it that way, then more or less."
The room lapsed into brief silence.
"What did she say?" Sakura finally broke the silence.
Mei walked over and sat on the chair opposite Sakura. "She said she was surprised, never expecting you to be the famous assassin."
"I was surprised too, to find out she was with MOTH,"
"A friend of a friend can still be considered a friend, right?"
"One might even say we're fellow countrymen?"
Mei joked, though they truly were from the same homeland.
Sakura averted her gaze. "Don't ask anymore. My mission has already failed…"
"No, you haven't failed. On the contrary, you still have a choice."
"…"
Sakura looked back at Mei, waiting for her to continue.
"I need you—a sharp blade to help me remove certain obstacles."
Sakura knew Mei was clever. As the ace of "Cocoon," she was well aware of her own value: a sword unsheathed only to draw blood.
"You want me to eliminate those who are against you?"
Sakura let out a cold laugh. "And then?"
"And then everything that happened on the lake will be considered a simple accident. You can also join MOTH. From then on, your sister's safety will be guaranteed."
"Did Elysia tell you that?"
Whenever her sister was mentioned, Sakura would react defensively.
Mei didn't answer the question directly, merely meeting Sakura's gaze in silence. That silence itself spoke volumes.
Sakura weighed her options carefully, but her consideration leaned heavily on Elysia's involvement. Otherwise, it would be hard for her to trust.
"…Before that, can I see Elysia?"
"Of course."
But before Elysia returned, the two discussed another matter—or perhaps it was more of a transaction.
By the time the conversation ended, both sides had gotten what they wanted—Mei had gained a sharp blade, and Sakura had secured safety for her sister.
The final outcome was Sakura officially joining MOTH along with Rin.
And Sakura's assassination attempt on Mei would become an "accident" never to be spoken of again. As for those unmentionable events that happened in between, let them scatter with the wind.
…
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