Chapter 327
Aldraya, whose gaze was still fixed on Ilux, began to speak in her usual flat tone.
However, the content of her words immediately redirected Theo's focus from external observation back to their own internal matters.
She brought up a practical issue that had yet to be resolved.
According to her, there was a possibility that the skirt she was currently wearing still showed a trace of the aftermath of her recent "menstruation."
There might be a lingering damp stain, or a faint mark that could become visible under the harsh glare of the midday sun.
Then, with logic that suddenly felt very worldly and steeped in social consideration, Aldraya asked for permission.
She wanted to remove the stain or mark, but not in this place.
Her reasoning was explained plainly.
If she did it out here in the open, using her ability to manipulate matter or clean it away through magical means, it could attract attention.
More specifically, she mentioned the presence of "many lecherous men" who might "lustfully stare" at the shape of her body, especially her groin.
Her understanding of the concept of lustful gazes, which she may have learned through observation or worldly memories, revealed an awareness of her body's vulnerability as a woman within human society, something that stood in stark contrast to her indifference toward the biological process she had just undergone.
Her request to go to the restroom was a solution that sought privacy, a step to preserve her appearance and avoid creating new problems, while also acknowledging that even though her body was different, other people's reactions to it were still something that needed to be anticipated and managed.
'Such close timing.
Erietta just went to the restroom, and now Aldraya is following with the same request.
But her explanation is logical. I can't forbid her simply because of baseless suspicion.'
"I understand."
Even though a feeling churned within his mind that this coincidence was a little too perfect, even somewhat suspicious, Theo chose not to question it further.
His thoughts quickly weighed the situation.
Was Aldraya lying?
Highly unlikely.
Aldraya barely possessed the concept or need to lie about something like this.
If she said there was a stain, then there must be a stain.
And her desire to clean it in the restroom, even if it sounded like a repetition of Erietta's reason, was actually reasonable.
It was the natural place for matters of privacy and personal care.
Therefore, without any visible hesitation, Theo gave his permission.
He nodded, a small yet decisive gesture that conveyed his approval.
He had no intention of obstructing her.
After all, this was Aldraya's personal matter, something she should handle herself if possible.
"Wait a moment, Aldraya. There are two things you need to pay attention to."
Huuuuh!
"Make sure Erietta doesn't realize that you're in the same restroom—let alone become aware of our presence here.
Then, while you're dealing with your skirt, observe and listen to her behavior.
Report immediately if there are any strange words or actions."
Before Aldraya could fully turn around and step away from their hiding place, Theo's voice sounded again, low yet filled with clear instructions.
He called out to Aldraya one last time, not to revoke his permission, but to deliver specific directives, exploiting this coincidental situation for the benefit of their surveillance.
The first instruction went straight to the core of their disguise.
Theo firmly reminded Aldraya that no matter what, Erietta must not know that Aldraya was at this snack market, much less that she was in the same restroom.
This was a fundamental rule of tailing.
The subject must not feel watched.
If Aldraya's presence in the women's restroom were discovered by Erietta, it would not only ruin the mission but also raise questions that would be extremely difficult to answer.
Theo made sure Aldraya understood the importance of this by emphasizing his tone, which grew noticeably serious.
The second instruction was more offensive in nature, taking advantage of this rare opportunity.
Theo asked Aldraya not merely to clean the stain, but also to carry out a secondary surveillance task.
He instructed her to eavesdrop and observe Erietta's movements.
Furthermore, Theo even hinted at a prediction or assumption.
He said, as if foretelling it, that Erietta might end up talking to herself in front of the sink mirror.
When alone and possibly feeling unwell, people often release their internal monologues, complaining or whispering prayers that sometimes slip out aloud.
It is in moments like these that defenses drop and emotional truths may leak out.
'Spying on a woman in the restroom is considered a vile invasion of privacy under human values.
Even so, Theo's order was not born of malicious intent, but purely for operational purposes.'
Uuuuh!
'For my existence, his command is something that must be carried out, as long as I understand its logical basis.'
"Alright. I will execute both tasks carefully."
Even though he caught the faint murmur within Aldraya's mind that might have viewed the order as a violation of privacy, Theo paid it no heed.
He was fully aware that instructing her to eavesdrop and observe Erietta in the women's restroom could be perceived as a serious ethical breach.
However, his sharpened surveillance instincts placed mission success above all other considerations.
To him, this was a golden opportunity that could not be wasted, a gap where the target was at her most vulnerable and might reveal something valuable.
His resolve was firm, and the RWIA residing deep within his consciousness reinforced that conviction.
Aldraya herself, though she briefly muttered inwardly about her suspicions regarding Theo's motives, ultimately chose obedience.
She nodded lightly, accepting both instructions without further protest.
Her trust in Theo, or perhaps her understanding of the tactical logic behind the strange request, pushed aside the troubling moral questions.
Her body, already half-turned to leave, now moved decisively away from their hiding place.
Her steps were measured and relaxed, blending perfectly into the flow of market visitors passing by, as if she were merely an ordinary girl heading to the restroom, not an observer about to infiltrate the target's private space.
"The mark has dried and grown even fainter. For now, it's safe."
Baaaak!
"Calm down, Erietta—calm…!"
Hhhh!
"I don't have much time. This has to be finished before someone comes in or starts to suspect something."
Aldraya calmly stepped into the women's restroom area.
The humid atmosphere and the scent of disinfectant greeted her, a stark contrast to the bustling noise of the market outside.
Her sharp eyes immediately performed a quick scan, ensuring the room was empty before she proceeded.
She did not stop at the sink or handwashing area, instead heading straight toward one of the closed toilet stalls at the far end.
Her movements were efficient and silent, like a shadow slipping through.
Once the stall door locked behind her, Aldraya acted immediately.
She gathered her concentration, feeling the subtle yet powerful flow of Lu Core energy circulating around her.
With a gentle and precise movement of her hand, she channeled that energy into the surface of her skirt.
A soft warmth spread, perfectly drying every remaining damp spot without damaging the fabric fibers.
The faint stains that could have served as visual clues faded away, vanishing as if they had never existed.
The entire process took only a few seconds, a swift and complete adjustment.
Just as she was about to unlock the stall door and step out, a sound from outside made her freeze.
Hurried, slightly unsteady footsteps, followed by the sound of another stall door opening and closing quickly.
Aldraya recognized it as Erietta's.
It seemed the girl had just arrived, meaning Aldraya had reached the restroom first.
To be continued…