Kirika Tachibana stepped forward inconspicuously, moving closer to Luo Shu while glaring displeasedly at Meer:
"What exactly is going on here?"
Kurumi Tokisaki had joined Luo Shu's Hidden Management Department? Why was she only learning about this now from the involved parties themselves?
Moreover, the most crucial point—even Lacus only found out upon arriving. Was this Luo Shu keeping secrets, or had Intelligence made an error?
Meanwhile, Meer, under Kirika's glare, puffed out her cheeks indignantly:
"Luo Shu-kun is being very naughty."
Meer did possess intelligence regarding Kurumi Tokisaki, but it only extended to Kurumi's clone being captured by Sharon and Luo Shu working together, then being detained in the Hidden Management Department.
Because of this, when surveillance initially showed Kurumi Tokisaki present, Meer hadn't paid it much mind.
After all, this intelligence had been personally submitted by Luo Shu. Trusting him implicitly, she hadn't probed deeper about Kurumi's presence, instinctively choosing to believe him.
But now, she's actually joining the department? What was this about?
Was Kurumi Tokisaki lying?
Yet judging by Luo Shu's awkward expression, that didn't seem to be the case.
So Luo Shu hadn't informed her?
How outrageous. Just yesterday he'd been asking when she'd come over to play in the evening, and now he was hiding something like this.
To draw a comparison, this was like keeping a mistress before even getting married?
Hence, Meer's accusation of Luo Shu being very naughty. Not even telling her, his designated lover? This was utterly unacceptable—a severe case of deception.
Miss Meer was already considering whether to administer some punishment to Luo Shu.
For instance, deliberately provoking Luo Shu's temper and then slipping away? Or perhaps reporting to Lacus that Luo Shu had spent another night at Utaha's place.
Meer pondered these punishments internally but outwardly did nothing, knowing that with Lacus present, the matter wasn't hers to handle.
"So Miss Tokisaki has joined the Hidden Management Department? That's wonderful."
"By the way, why don't we throw a welcome party? It's been ages since I last attended one."
Lacus clapped her hands lightly, her gentle tone suggesting something that made Luo Shu's face twitch involuntarily.
Not only did Luo Shu look uncomfortable, but even Kirika Tachibana's expression stiffened.
'My lady, don't you see the problem here? The Truth Astronomy's internal purger, directly under the chairman, has joined our SDS. At best, it's Luo Shu successfully poaching talent. At worst, what if this is a false defection, and she's here to assassinate you?'
'Given your current stance, it's clear you're trying to shield Luo Shu and overlook this dereliction of duty, isn't it?'
Just as Kirika was silently exasperated, Kurumi Tokisaki chimed in with a similarly cheerful smile:
"A welcome party? Sounds perfect! After all, we must celebrate our new member!"
Kurumi's oddly suggestive tone made it seem as though she were the host and Lacus the newcomer.
Hearing this, Lacus blinked and turned to Luo Shu.
Though Luo Shu didn't understand why Kurumi was sabotaging him, he hurried to explain:
"Kurumi's situation is similar to Sharon's, so I temporarily withheld the report."
"After all, this isn't something that can be explained in writing."
Without Kurumi's interference, the attendees would likely have been limited to Luo Shu, Lacus, Kirika, and Meer, with perhaps Yukino Yukinoshita as the secretary. The rest would have been security personnel.
After Kirika and Meer escorted everyone here, it would have been just Luo Shu and Lacus alone—albeit under security surveillance, but still alone.
Luo Shu had planned to discreetly brief Lacus during this private moment.
But Kurumi's meddling disrupted the sequence, leaving him in an awkward position.
Telling Lacus privately, "I've recruited a mole within Truth Astronomy," was one thing. Having the mole announce her own defection without Lacus's prior knowledge was entirely different.
The former earned him credit; the latter risked accusations of concealment.
At the very least, Kirika's tense vigilance—as if fearing Luo Shu might betray them and attack Lacus—left him exasperated.
Still, it was understandable. It was like Kirika visiting, only for Luo Shu to suddenly pull out a bomb. Anyone would be startled by such a sudden turn.
"A situation similar to Sharon's?"
Lacus didn't seem particularly surprised, merely narrowing her eyes mischievously as she teased Luo Shu:
"So, this was supposed to be today's surprise for me?"
Seeing her reaction, Luo Shu sighed and nodded helplessly...
"I see." Lacus's expression cleared, though a hint of disappointment lingered in her heart.
If it weren't for Kirika Tachibana and Meer accompanying her, or even security personnel tagging along, and she could be alone with Luo Shu, this news would indeed be a pleasant surprise.
Of course, she'd probably be even happier if Luo Shu were willing to bring some flowers or small gifts.
Unfortunately, with so many people accompanying her, what should have been a joyous occasion turned into something rather unpleasant.
Yet Lacus couldn't refuse Kirika Tachibana's demands regarding her security arrangements.
Not just Kirika—even Meer, her doppleganger, disapproved of her going out without security.
Lacus was well aware of the troubles that could arise from venturing out alone. It was simply an unavoidable consequence of her status.
Still, she couldn't openly show her frustration. She'd have to wait for the right moment to confide in Luo Shu.
"Anyway, welcome aboard, Miss Kurumi Tokisaki."
Lacus smiled and extended her hand towards Kurumi Tokisaki.
At this, both Kirika Tachibana and Meer turned their gazes to Kurumi, watching her intently.
Meanwhile, Luo Shu was also observing Kurumi, puzzled by her unusual behaviour today.
Faced with such scrutiny, Kurumi merely smiled meaningfully and said:
"If anyone should be saying 'welcome aboard,' it ought to be me, Chairwoman Klein."
"?"
Lacus blinked, clearly sensing something hidden in Kurumi's words.
Then, Kurumi smiled and asked:
"Before the so-called surprise inspection, could you spare some time for a chat?"
"Somewhere with just you, Luo Shu, and me present."
Hearing this, Lacus's expression gradually turned serious.
She vaguely understood that Kurumi's goal seemed to be creating a situation where the three of them could be alone.
Trusting Luo Shu, Lacus replied softly:
"Alright, I agree."