After clearing the wall, Kiichi and Tasia landed hard in the courtyard, gravel flying under their feet as they got closer to Sévon and Esme.
Kiichi wasted no time.
"What was that?You mentioned that she was in line with the Puppeteers, I believe.They are manipulators. information intermediaries. parasites.They don't fight each other directly. They don't create methods.So give an explanation."
Sévon just stared at Kiichi and did not give him any response, silence came after. Esme and Tasia did not want to disturb the rising tension that was about to arrive.
"Well, why are you being quiet?"
Sévon sighed before giving his answer.
"Yes, you're right I did say that she might be part of The Puppeteers.But as we already know… your listening has always been selective."
Kiichi's face changed.
"What?"
This time, Sévon avoided looking at him.
"I think I mentioned I was not 100% certain of the information before explaining the operation," he said coolly.
There was no accusation in the words.It was clearly replayed in his memory.
"I'm still not entirely sure about what I know."
He let out a slow breath. He had only heard Sévon say "fight" and "restrain," without paying attention to the warning.
There was a long silence.
"You did," Kiichi finally acknowledged.
His shoulders became less tense.
"I overreacted."
A brief silence.
"I made a mistake."
Esme gave him a quick glance. Tasia remained silent. Sévon finally turned to face him. He shrugged a little.
"Noted."
Then he turned to face the destroyed house. His eyes narrowed a little.
"There is no strategic reason to stay since she decided to withdraw."
Esme tensed up a little.
"So we're just heading out?"
"For the time being," Sévon remarked.
He turned and started to move in the direction of the compound's outer wall.
"We're going back to Kurayamiya."
None of them disagreed with Sévon's statement. They were all in agreement with Sévon's assertion. They merely nodded.
Without saying anything more, he turned and started moving in the direction of the compound's outer gate. Softly, the gravel moved under his feet. Silently, the others trailed behind him.
In the darkness, the shattered house remained motionless. The only evidence of what had just happened was the broken beams and ripped window. One by one, they went through the gate. The last person to leave was Esme. She stopped for a moment and looked back at the shadowy building. She turned away and gave a gentle click of her tongue.
The agency was silent the following morning. As usual, Pixia sat behind the front desk with her legs crossed and looked mildly interested as she flipped through a glossy magazine.The door parted. She raised her gaze.Sévon went in first, followed by Kiichi and Tasia.
With her hands in her pockets, Esme entered last.Pixia's expression instantly brightened.
"Well, take a look at this," she exclaimed. "Everyone returned."
Halfway through the magazine, she closed it.
"How was the job and what was the win percentage, more importantly?"she inquired.
There was no response. Tasia strolled silently by. Pixia gave a blink.
Sévon gave a small smile.
"Pixia, good morning."
He moved in the direction of the desk.
"I see you're still the same as always."
She cocked her head. "That didn't address my query."
Sévon's smile faded a little.
"Is Shuren present?"
Pixia noticed the change in tone right away. Her face softened.
"She's in her office."
pointing to the corridor.Sévon nodded slightly.
"I'm grateful."
He passed the reception area without waiting.Without saying anything, Kiichi trailed behind. Tasia's footsteps were almost noiseless. Esme stayed a moment longer. Pixia leaned forward a little.
"So?" she muttered.
Esme looked back at her.
"There is no percentage."
Then she turned to leave. Pixia lowered her magazine slowly.
"Oh."
They came to a halt outside Shuren's workplace. Compared to the rest of the agency, the hallway seemed quieter. Sévon gave a single knock.
From within:
"Go in."
He let the door open. Kiichi instinctively moved forward, but Sơon blocked him without even looking by slightly extending an arm.
"What?"
Sơon swiveled his head just enough to meet his eyes.After maintaining eye contact for a moment, Kiichi let out a breath.
"All right."
He took a step back. Sévon turned to look at Esme. a tiny two-finger motion.Esme froze.
His gaze remained fixed. Her confidence from the previous evening wavered. She walked past him into the office after straightening a little. Sévon trailed behind. With a gentle click, the door shut behind them.
The hallway was silent. Kiichi gazed at the entrance.
Tasia gazed at Kiichi.Kiichi gave his head a scratch.
"Want to grab a bite to eat?"
Tasia rolled her eyes.Tasia let out a sigh.
"Do you consider food during a period like this?"
He gave a shrug.
"All right."
Together, they strolled down the corridor.