After a fair amount of fussing, Talulah eventually compromised and donned Jeanne's dress. Fortunately, the dress was relatively long, allowing Talulah to conceal her tail from public view.
However, the constant effort required to walk while controlling her tail to ensure it didn't peek out was simply too difficult. After walking for just a short while, Talulah felt her entire tail go sore, as if it were cramping. She shot an unpleasant look at the smiling Jeanne beside her; the urge to draw a turtle on Jeanne's face grew more intense, and this time, she even wanted to write the word "Pathetic" across it.
But now was not the time for such thoughts. Talulah's strength alone was not enough to confront Jeanne; she still needed to unite others for a joint operation.
While Talulah was lost in these stray thoughts, the two of them arrived at the door of Hellagur's office. Upon entering, they saw the old man sitting inside, looking as though he had been specifically waiting for their arrival.
"I didn't expect you two to arrive so early. I told her there was no rush. Please, take a seat. Would you like something to drink?"
Hellagur rose to welcome them. He had assumed that, at the earliest, Jeanne and the others would arrive in the afternoon. After all, they had participated in such a monumental event yesterday and ought to have taken some time to rest their spirits.
"No need for the trouble. We have nothing else to do today, and hearing that you were looking for us, we came to see if anything had happened. Are the children safe?"
The two sat down with Hellagur. Talulah noticed that the documents on Hellagur's desk, though stacked high, were perfectly organized, and the desk itself was spotless—a stark contrast to the slightly cluttered state it was in during their last meeting. It had clearly been tidied up for this occasion.
"The children are fine. This matter doesn't concern them. The reason I asked you here today... is actually because I wish to ask about the true purpose of the cooperation you proposed."
Hellagur no longer mentioned that Azazel would not cooperate with others. That rhetoric had merely been a necessary choice to protect this fragile territory in such a harsh environment. However, according to the news delivered by "that gentleman" last night, the two women before him were not that kind of people at all. Furthermore, given the intelligence provided in that message, there was a genuine necessity to negotiate with them.
While Hellagur could find a way to move Azazel out of Chernobog, that was a choice of last resort. For now, it was best to see their attitude. Recalling the decisive words he had previously used to reject Talulah, Hellagur felt a twinge of internal embarrassment. He had changed his tune rather quickly.
"Our primary purpose? Naturally, it is to unite the Infected within this city. We believe that as the oppressed underclass of Ursus, both the Infected and non-Infected should unite to resist this fundamental oppression."
Talulah stated her principles once more, words she had already shared with Hellagur. But it was clear that Hellagur wanted to hear more than just that; he wanted to hear the things Talulah hadn't said.
"I do agree with those words, but what I wish to ask now is not that. Miss Talulah, when you came here previously to propose cooperation, what specific role did you want Azazel to play once you take over the management of this city?"
Hellagur laid his question bare, simultaneously informing them of one thing: he already knew what they had done in the city.
Hearing this, the two understood that someone had indeed passed along the details of yesterday's meeting, and had managed to do so within the same day.
"I didn't expect that a consensus we reached only yesterday would reach your ears today, Mr. Hellagur. I am quite curious as to who could deliver news to you so quickly."
Jeanne, sitting to the side, spoke up directly, acknowledging that the plan to take over Chernobog was indeed real. However, she was also curious about which side the old man had received his news from.
In truth, both factions had reasons to send Hellagur information. However, in the eyes of others, it seemed more plausible that someone from the Ursus side had secretly informed him. After all, even Lemuen didn't know the meaning behind the name "Azazel," so they naturally wouldn't suspect a connection to Laterano.
"It was a senior member of the Azazel Clinic who secretly delivered the news to me. As for how he knew, I am not certain. I had never even heard of that old gentleman until now."
Hellagur thought for a moment and decided not to mention the Fallen Angel, Azazel, to Jeanne. Since Azazel had not appeared in the clinic personally, it meant he didn't want them to know of his presence, and Hellagur didn't feel it was right to out him. Moreover, in this era, there were almost no young people who recognized that name. Even Hellagur had only learned of the old man's existence through several letters after taking over the clinic.
However, his words confirmed Jeanne's suspicion that the clinic was indeed shadowed by a Fallen Angel, even if they no longer appeared in public.
"We hope that when the day comes for us to take over Chernobog, the people of Azazel can provide assistance in stabilizing the residents of the slums."
Seeing the topic drift, Talulah spoke up to steer the conversation back on track. Now was not the time to discuss the source of the news. Nevertheless, she remained curious about who had informed Hellagur. She had even secretly asked Kashchey about it, but even the Black Snake seemed unaware of any connection between the Emperor and Hellagur.
"To what extent do you need us? Azazel is merely a clinic. If you want us to force those people to do something dangerous... they likely won't agree."
"We only need you to ensure that the Infected—and even the non-Infected—here do not commit atrocities or carry out evil deeds in our name. I believe this is something you can achieve."
Talulah's request sounded simple, but it was far from easy. Only Azazel could claim to have enough influence to restrain the people here; any other faction would likely be torn apart by the mob. This was why Talulah had come here; she could not allow the Infected to destroy the city recklessly. She needed an organization with enough prestige to stand up and stabilize everyone.
"That shouldn't be a problem. Even if you hadn't mentioned it, we would have helped resolve that issue. As long as you can control your own people and ensure they don't commit such acts."
As he spoke, the old Hippogryph's eyes grew as sharp as blades. He had to worry about such things; just as the Infected could be framed by others, soldiers could masquerade as the city's Infected and commit atrocities. He had seen this happen far too many times. During the wars of the past, he had personally judged officers who committed such acts. In captured cities, they would have their soldiers dress as prisoners or civilians to start riots as a pretext for looting and slaughter.
"I can guarantee you that the Reunion Movement I lead will never do such things. If I find any soldier doing so, I will end their life with my own hands!"