"If we hadn't passed by," Bronya muttered, "would you really have rushed into the breach alone?"
Seele shrugged. "Yeah. What's the fuss? I've done it plenty of times."
Bronya frowned. "It's reckless. Silvermane Guard regulations require a minimum four-person team to enter the Fragmentum. Only commanders are permitted to go in alone."
Seele smirked. "You said it yourself—that's your rule, not ours."
Bronya: "…"
Meanwhile, Elysia had somehow conjured a watermelon and was now sharing it with Bronya and Stelle, watching the two argue with a serene smile.
Seele turned around and blinked. Are they… eating melon? In the middle of a mission?
And it wasn't just any melon—it was deep red, almost like diluted blood. Elysia sliced off a clean piece and offered it to Seele, who awkwardly declined.
Bronya hesitated, then accepted a slice. One bite and her eyes lit up—icy, sweet, and unexpectedly delicious.
Seele watched them munching away, too embarrassed to ask for a piece herself. "Eat quickly," she muttered. "I'll go ahead and wait for you."
Elysia spat seeds into a nearby trash can, then summoned a stream of water to wash her hands. Stelle didn't even blink—she'd seen stranger things—but Bronya was quietly stunned.
Stelle asked Elysia to wash her hands too, and the group finally arrived at Liuding Town.
Seele glanced back at the trio, who looked more like they were on a picnic than a supply run. "Hey! Are you here to play?"
Elysia smiled, gently rinsing Bronya's hands with a delicate stream. The attention to detail made Bronya blush.
Seele stared. What is going on between those two?
Bronya finally pulled her hand back. "I think it's clean enough."
Stelle, watching from behind, felt a chill. That was…
Back on track, the group began searching Liuding Town. They found signs of recent rummaging—someone had been here first.
"Damn," Seele growled. "Someone beat us to it."
A noise echoed nearby. Seele spun and sprinted toward it. "Who's there?!"
The figure tried to flee, but Seele—without hesitation—threw her head forward (literally), tackling the person to the ground.
"Eric?" she gasped.
Eric looked panicked. "It's none of your business! I can go wherever I want!"
Seele spotted a stash of supplies behind him. "You hid all this? Impressive. But without clearing the monsters, you'd be trembling in a corner."
Elysia leaned toward Stelle and whispered loudly, "Wow～ Seele's so fierce. Poor kid might cry～♪"
Stelle nodded. "Definitely～"
Eric twitched. "I don't need your help! I escaped on my own!"
Seele crossed her arms. "Then why hoard supplies in a monster-infested zone?"
Eric stammered. "I… I had a plan…"
Elysia whispered again, "Stelle, look at Seele's eyes. She looks ready to eat him～♪"
"I think so too～"
"Hey! You two! Is gossiping behind my back fun?"
Elysia stuck out her tongue. "Oops～ We were caught～♪"
Bronya sighed. They call that whispering?
But she understood—they were trying to defuse Seele's anger. And it worked.
Seele exhaled. "Don't be fooled. He's a known thief. That outfit? Stolen from another kid."
Elysia and Stelle exchanged glances. Huh?
Seele continued. "We need those steel plates to save lives. What do you want for them?"
"…200…" Eric mumbled.
"Excuse me?" Seele blinked.
"Give me 200 Winterfell Shields and I'll hand them over."
Elysia checked her wallet. "Uh… how much is that? I only have credit points～♪"
Bronya added, "Not much. But I don't have my wallet either. Credit points… alien currency?"
"Yup～♪"
Seele groaned. "You're seriously considering paying him? He pulls this stunt all the time."
Eric protested. "This time's different! I need money—my dad—"
"Don't bring up your dad again," Seele snapped. "He knows what you do. You won't get away with it forever."
Eric fell silent, tears welling up.
Bronya stepped forward. "Seele, that's enough."
She turned to Eric and held out a medal. "Here. Take this."
Eric blinked. "What… is this?"
"A medal," Bronya said gently. "Awarded by the city builders. That blue stone? Pure crystallized marrow. If you need money for your family, this will help. Anyone with sense will know its worth."
Eric sobbed. "Thank you… thank you, sister…"
Bronya's voice hardened. "But you must promise—no more stealing. Ever."
"I promise! I swear!"
Bronya smiled. "Good. If you break it, I'll personally lead the Guard to arrest you. Now go. This place is dangerous."
Elysia watched, moved. Such pure kindness… If I hadn't taken care of her, she might've become even stronger.
She stood and asked, "Is that medal important to you, Bronya?～♪"
Bronya hesitated. "It is. But his promise is more important."
Elysia smiled. "Then let me see it. I'll make you an exact copy later～♪"
Everyone froze.
Eric, stunned by her confidence, handed it over. He didn't want to take something precious. Even thieves have limits.
Elysia took the medal, her smile mysterious.