Seroi's smile faded.
"They suspect. But they don't care. To them, you're still a weapon."
"And to you?"
He looked at her again.
"You were my daughter long before you were anything else."
She nodded slowly.
Then looked toward the door.
"Are they watching us?"
"Always."
"And if I leave?"
"Then I'll buy time for you."
She looked at him for a long while.
"Not yet," she said. "I'll stay for now. But not for them."
She stood.
"Only for you."
Seroi felt his chest tighten. The ache was old. Buried. But still there.
He stood too.
"You're stronger than I ever was."
She tilted her head, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.
"I know."
Then they both laughed softly.
Just once.
Just enough.
★★★
Far above, behind walls of surveillance and echoes of secrets, the Operator shut off the audio.
He leaned back in his chair.
"Tsk… So that's the truth."
His eyes narrowed.
He opened a private line.
"Council. I have something to report."
The screen went black.
