It would have been strange for anyone to have any other reaction.
✦ ✦ ✦
“I never knew you had a talent for business.”
✦ ✦ ✦
In the hallways of the Grand Temple, Vera spoke as he walked with Vargo.
✦ ✦ ✦
Then, Vargo snorted and answered.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Do you see it as business? That’s your problem. You look at everything calculatively.”
✦ ✦ ✦
“Isn’t that what you intended?”
✦ ✦ ✦
“Sly one, aren’t you?”
✦ ✦ ✦
Vargo chuckled.
✦ ✦ ✦
Then, he added in a slower tone.
✦ ✦ ✦
“The impression a nation gives is important, especially to the commoners who aren’t leaders. If you ever have to attend an official event, remember what happened today. Those who live in the name of God should exude righteousness.”
✦ ✦ ✦
“You’re not one to talk about righteousness.”
✦ ✦ ✦
“You always have a retort, don’t you? Clearly, you need more spanking.”
✦ ✦ ✦
A stifled laugh escaped Vera’s lips.
✦ ✦ ✦
“That aside, what will we do about the war?”
✦ ✦ ✦
“Now, you’re changing the topic... For now, we need to request support from the Empire. We must finalize the exact cause and effect. If it turns out to be traces of Alaysia, then...”
✦ ✦ ✦
His voice trailed off.
✦ ✦ ✦
Vargo looked into the distance before continuing.
✦ ✦ ✦
“...We’ll have to mobilize all the Apostles.”
✦ ✦ ✦
An intense look appeared in Vargo’s eyes.
✦ ✦ ✦
There was a clear sign of hostility and anger.
✦ ✦ ✦
A pure killing intent seemed to be aimed at some far-off place, making Vera feel as if the hairs on his body were standing on end.
✦ ✦ ✦
But it also instilled a sense of confidence in him, causing Vera to look forward to Vargo’s exploit, and he smiled.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Isn’t this the first time we’ll be fighting together?”
✦ ✦ ✦
“Don’t fall behind.”
✦ ✦ ✦
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
✦ ✦ ✦
In the Grand Temple's underground laboratory, Trevor looked bitterly at Jenny and Annalise, who was in her arms.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Master...”
✦ ✦ ✦
[Stop the chit-chat and just do as I say. You can’t even go to Lake Granice if you’re tied to the evil-sealing circle, can you?]
✦ ✦ ✦
“True, but even so, this is...”
✦ ✦ ✦
[Why are you making it so complicated? You know very well that the farther an artificial body is from the main body, the harder it gets to manifest spells. This is a matter of ’efficiency.’ You seem to have forgotten everything you’ve learned from me.]
✦ ✦ ✦
He hadn’t forgotten.
✦ ✦ ✦
Annalise’s teachings were the soil that formed the present Trevor. They were his roots.
✦ ✦ ✦
How could he forget them?
✦ ✦ ✦
Still, there was one reason Trevor looked so bitter right now.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Do you really have no ulterior motives?”
✦ ✦ ✦
Trevor’s gaze shifted toward the small doll Jenny held out with great anticipation.
✦ ✦ ✦
It was a custom-made rag doll made by Norn.
✦ ✦ ✦
The doll that would serve as Trevor’s artificial body for the upcoming war was unmistakably a ’young boy.’
✦ ✦ ✦
In other words, it was meant to pair with the doll currently containing Annalise.
✦ ✦ ✦
[...It’s for efficiency.]
✦ ✦ ✦
Annalise’s head wobbled in the air.
✦ ✦ ✦
Trevor glared at her for a moment, then sighed deeply before answering.
✦ ✦ ✦
“...I guess there’s no other way.”
✦ ✦ ✦
[A smart guy like you shouldn’t be complaining.]
✦ ✦ ✦
Annalise snorted.
✦ ✦ ✦
Jenny was simply delighted that she could now control Trevor. Because of that, Trevor felt a shiver run down his spine.
✦ ✦ ✦
And so, preparations for the war were slowly taking shape.