A Guide (before battle)

S-Saude?!

And hey, Pilot… right? You're...

What's wrong? It's like you're all looking at a ghost. Pilot, didn't you tell me that you shared my news with them the last time?

I-I did! I sure did, ma'am!

Oh…! Yeah! He did!

The Sinners each recovered from the initial shock of seeing them again...

... and soon, their faces began to bloom with relieved smiles.

Well, good to see that things haven't changed much around here.

<Saude… We're so glad to see you're okay.>

Tick-tock to you, too. Good to see your gears are turning just fine.

Saude smiled with a familiar grin. She did not seem to have changed much since the last time we met, save for a few minor differences.

Her outfit and her badge, for example.

Last I recall, you were promoted, yes? Allow me to congratulate you.

Uhm... yeah, ha ha.

Or the hints of melancholy, hanging from her smile and flickering in her eyes.

Hey...!

I am merely congratulating her on her promotion and offering a recognition of her excellent accomplishments. I don't see what your problem is here.

But we all know the meaning that promotion carries...

Indeed, and it is very profound. After all, what meaning is there to a promotion attained without spilling some blood?

You… you're a real piece of work…

Let me ask you something, then. If everyone behaves like you do around her, tiptoeing around the facts, keeping it hush-hush about what happened, where's she going to get the bare minimum of the recognition and the consolation she deserves?

…….

Hush-hush would've been nice. I've even overheard some of them whisper that I let my partner die just so I can snag a promotion.

So, in that regard… I appreciate that, Outis.

… Hm.

If we're being technical, I did die... except my brain was intact. Not even K Corp.'s regenerative ampules could've revived me if it wasn't.

...! Then did Effie also -

Apparently they went right for Effie's head when they stabbed him with a prosthetic.

... According to the coroner's autopsy.

…….

K Corp. ampules... Life Insurance... neither of them can revive someone with a damaged brain.

... It is what it is.

Anyways, anyways. Let's not dwell on the depressing stuff.

We're here for work, let's get some work done. So let's talk about work, okay? Pilot?

Uh! Yes ma'am!

W-well, lessee here. Coincidentally, I happened to make friends with a feller who has ties to the Jia family! So I brought'em over!

…….

Hey, … i-is that everything?

Y-yessir. Briefing over.

Just as everyone was reeling in stunned silence at the least informative, least helpful briefing we ever had the displeasure of sitting through...

... Ishmael was the first to catch herself. She looked up at Saude.

... Saude, can we rely on you for some elaboration here?

The briefing was a good demonstration of the necessity of educating the 'Five Ws and One H' principle.

Haha. Looks like we'll have a lot to discuss once we get back, Pilot.

Uhh… Did I do somethin' wrong?!

Shh. Shh! Pilot, buddy, just stop. You're digging yourself a deeper hole with every word.

Gregor quickly leaned in to warn Pilot, but it was likely too late. A nigh-unnoticeable crease had already formed between Saude's brows.

... Prior to commencing this high-priority operation, it was necessary for us to find individuals with connections to H Corp.

So we as the Preliminary Observation Unit were put to the task, and... we managed to establish a connection with an individual.

Ooh~ Someone from my family?

No. We tried, but your family proved to be a rather difficult nut to crack. However, as we were wasting our precious time with all of our leads, Pilot pursued an unconventional method to establish this connection.

I really didn't hold back on compliments then, and this is how you...

Nnh...

Hm. Our collaborator is a former employee of the Jia family. After leaving the family, he now runs a lodging business.

Then it is likely that he is far removed from the family politics; less motivation for him to attack us due to conflicting interests.

Yes. And according to Pilot's report, he still regards the Jia family positively.

How can I not, considering the blessings they have given me?

An unfamiliar voice butted into the conversation, as though to continue Saude's explanations.

I humbly present myself before the fellowship of young master Baoyu. Please, call me Qingtao.

He greeted us in a most polite fashion before bringing his hands together in an odd motion.

<... Oh, is this how people greet each other here?>

Yep, it's called the 'baoquan gesture'. Bringing fist and palm together to express respect and peace toward the receiver.

Aha! Knights greet one another by shaking their hands for the selfsame purpose. Forsooth, thou art indeed one possessed of a chivalrous spirit!

Ah, indeed! Much did I worry about the qualities of people young master has surrounded himself with, but I see that he is in company of those wise in the ways of the west.

I prostrate myself before the vast breadth of your knowledge! What grand generosity it is, to open ajar the waterways of wisdom to quench my barren lands.

<…….>

<... Something feels familiar about this.>

Nah, she's been getting less and less verbose with bootlicking these days... not like this guy, for sure.

<That's true. He's kinda like... how should I put this, uh... a bit much.>

What are you guys talking about...?

Communicating only by the sound a ticking clock... this is something I had already known ahead of time, yet...

... what a most curious exchange to behold in person! Brief this journey may be, yet I shall find myself thoroughly entertained in its entirety! Ha ha!

Maybe it's the subtle sprinkle of disrespect that reminds you of the usual flavor...

... Wait, is this about me? You dare...!?

Ahem...

Was all that bootlicking she did supposed to be a source of pride for her or something...?

Outis shook her head with clear distaste and strode toward me.

We are nothing alike, Executive Manager!

Never have I once said such empty flattery in your presence, filled with nothing but hot air and superlatives - !

I'll leave the guidance of these Backstreets to him. Well, looks like this is where -

Saude fell silent, her eyes lingering on Vergilius who stood somewhat apart from the rest of us.

So I finally get to meet the Red Gaze, in the flesh. I've been looking forward to this day for a long time.

... Effie would've loved to be here.

M-manager...

…….

Vergilius seemed to sense her lingering gaze, and walked toward us after nodding slightly in her direction.

Manager Saude.

Let's not make this any longer than it has to be. I'm not happy to be helping you with your businesses - I'd much rather put this behind me as soon as possible.

Oh, please! It's our historic first collaborative operation, isn't it? Can't you spare a little more time with us~?

The guide bud's... actually doing something? That guy?

Yes. Unfortunately, LCC has our own business to take care of today, so I won't be accompanying the LCB this time. And the Red Gaze will be helping us out to get it done.

Taking Mephi there. Vroom-vroom.

Hm... maybe it's not that unfortunate, now that I think about it. I feel like every mission with the LCB's always been an uphill battle to get anything done...

W-well, you see... back then, we were...

Ha ha, just messing with you. I'm sure we'll have another chance to work together again.

Boss, we don't got much time...!

Wait, before you go... I think you owe us some explanation, Vergilius.

... I will leave the details to miss Faust. I am quite busy.

Very well.

Vergilius turned around and left toward Mephistopheles with an oddly disgruntled expression.

Well, then. I'll see you around.

N-next time, I'll show y'all! I'll show you that I can carry my own weight!

Y-you know, oh boy, the last time we met I really was so darn pathetic...

Pilot. Competence is shown through action, not words.

Saude and Pilot gave us a light nod before following Vergilius.

Some Sinners opened their mouths to speak, hesitated, then closed them again. We let them go without a word.

Perhaps we didn't know what we could say to not make this an awkward farewell.

Very well. Please, this way.

Or maybe we were simply mindful of this guy who was responsible for the quality of our stay.