"Got anything important going on today?"
Just as she finished making breakfast that morning, Shiori couldn't help but feel a little puzzled seeing her little sister come downstairs wearing a black ribbon.
Even though she was used to her sister's different personalities depending on which ribbon she wore, lately, Kotori had been coming down with the white ribbon to eat before heading to school.
Commander mode was usually only activated when work demanded it.
"Ah."
Kotori's expression was troubled.
"That Mobius woman has already arrived in Japan and plans to hold a global conference here... Not the kind you see on the news, of course. The whole Spirit situation is completely hidden from the public, after all."
"A conference... held here with us...?"
Shiori scratched her cheek.
Even if it wasn't like the ones on the news, her only frame of reference for a 'global conference' was the news.
Places that hosted such events were usually major economic and developed hubs like 'New York,' 'Singapore,' 'Paris,' or 'Beijing.' Holding one in their little corner of the world was a bit hard to imagine.
"You've got the wrong idea. It's not in 'Japan,' but rather 'at Mobius's place.'"
Kotori sighed. "And this is the first time Mobius is appearing in person at an event like this. According to Ratatosk's think tank analysis, this might signal that Mobius is planning some big move."
"But based on the intelligence Ratatosk has gathered, most factions—even some top-tier ones—believe her appearance this time is to 'apologize.'"
"Apologize?"
Shiori was confused why Kotori would use that word.
"You haven't forgotten about how Schicksal obstructed DEM from killing Tohka last time, have you Shiori?"
Kotori said, exasperated.
"I remember, sure... but... was that something that required an apology...?"
It was only then that Shiori realized the severity of the situation might be beyond what she had imagined.
Kotori pressed her lips together.
Yes, it was serious. Letting a Spirit live instead of killing it could practically be labeled an act against humanity—a top-tier crime in the eyes of the whole world.
Truth was, every nation probably had unspeakable experiments or operations going on behind the scenes.
Everyone understood that perfectly clear waters held no fish. But such actions could never be openly displayed for all to see.
And the one who had pushed Schicksal into this situation... was undoubtedly her own willful decision-making.
She was indeed wary of Mobius, and she certainly held a lot of prejudice against her. But that didn't mean she could feel no guilt for her own mistakes, or simply turn a blind eye.
After all, up to now, Mobius hadn't actually done anything to wrong her. Their last discussion had merely been within the bounds of normal negotiation tactics during a job offer.
Well, maybe it was a little beyond normal. But the consequences of her actions this time had escalated beyond the level of 'causing trouble.'
Tohka, who had been sleepily coming downstairs, overheard and hurried over. "Is Durandal in trouble!?"
If Kotori felt this was her problem, Tohka felt the same. In her eyes, whether it was Shiori, Kotori, or Durandal, they had all confronted their own kind for her sake.
"This isn't for you two to worry about."
Finally, Kotori put an end to the topic. "I'm only telling you this so you don't hear some exaggerated 'truth' from someone else first. How things will actually play out is still undecided. You two just eat your breakfast and head to school."
"Not just for now, but going forward too. No matter who says what to you, come find me immediately."
Even though Ratatosk believed Mobius wasn't planning an apology or anything of the sort, whether an apology happened or not, the cooperation between Schicksal and Ratatosk was going to be clarified at this conference.
In such a scenario, no matter how much they tried to hide Shiori's existence, it would be impossible to escape the scrutiny of so many factions.
At the very least, Ratatosk couldn't.
And among all that scrutiny, it was impossible that everyone would play nice. Kotori was genuinely afraid Shiori and Tohka might be tricked or lured away by someone.
This was the point that troubled Kotori the most.
The so-called crime of protecting Spirits being an act against humanity, while a sharp accusation, wouldn't be such a big deal once the fundamental purpose—'protecting humanity by protecting Spirits'—was clearly explained.
That was why, despite her self-blame, Kotori wasn't overly anxious.
But she wanted to place Shiori and Tohka under Schicksal's protection. Ratatosk definitely couldn't shield them, but Schicksal might have a chance.
However... she had just pushed Schicksal into an awkward position. Even if that position wasn't insurmountable, Kotori didn't think Mobius was the type to simply laugh something like this off.
"I understand."
Shiori still trusted Kotori quite a bit. After all, she was her sister, and aside from keeping the whole Spirit and Ratatosk secret from her for so long, she had always been reliable.
"But! I want to help too!"
Tohka, however, couldn't just let the matter drop with a single sentence.
"Your time hasn't come yet. When it's needed, I'll let you know."
Even though Tohka not doing anything was already the biggest help, Kotori would never say that. Not only would it make the other girl feel awful, it might also lead to some unforeseen complications.
"Leave it to me when the time comes!"
Hearing this, Tohka was instantly filled with motivation. It was finally her turn to help Durandal.
After settling the two of them, Kotori picked up the lunchbox Shiori had prepared and returned to Ratatosk, heading towards Chiyoda in Tokyo—the location of the National Diet Building.
--+--
At the same time, Westcott was riding in a black sedan, gazing out the window with a smile on his face, though his eyes were thoughtful.
"The first in-person appearance, huh. Quite the grand welcome ceremony."
"Welcome ceremony?"
Ellen, sitting beside him, looked at him in confusion. "Currently, nearly half the factions believe Mobius is doing this to address Schicksal's actions in protecting the Spirit."
"That woman is not the type to bother with such trivial matters."
Westcott chuckled, then continued, "This venue is nothing more than a stage specially set by Mobius, the opening act for her ambition to truly envelop the globe."
Seeing Ellen still didn't understand, Westcott wasn't in a hurry to explain.
What worried him was how unexpectedly fast Mobius's progress seemed to be.
While he didn't know exactly what Mobius had obtained or taken control of, one thing was clear: since Mobius had stepped out of Schicksal, it meant her schemes had reached a critical juncture. All that remained was waiting for the right moment.
And the progress he had considered ideal on his own side now seemed sluggish in comparison.
Thinking this, Westcott's eyes narrowed slightly.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.