"If Ifrit hasn't truly become a Diablo yet, we can't simply use threats to treat her."
It would actually be convenient for Mobius if her mental age remained that of a child.
A child's values and worldview are still unshaped, making them far easier to mold and control.
By evening, Mobius and Saria had booked a nearby hotel.
Naturally, they chose two single rooms.
With no immediate missions, Saria could afford to stay for a while.
Mobius, however, was here for the "Diablo Project."
Rhine Lab had no spare employee dormitories available.
Though many employees offered to vacate their rooms temporarily for the prestigious doctor and the head of the Defense Department, Saria refused. She didn't want to disrupt the normal work and rest of her subordinates.
"I don't like using other people's things. I'm a bit of a germaphobe," she explained.
Mobius, for her part, made no attempt to hide her dislike of staff dormitories.
Mobius's own aversion to using "other people's" belongings stemmed from habit.
In her view, if she made use of something, it meant that the "other" had already become part of "herself."
Personal property was to remain personal.
Public facilities like hotels or restaurants, however, didn't bother her.
Unless absolutely necessary, she would never force herself to sleep in a staff dormitory—
Nor would she take over a stranger's body simply to give it rest.
Even in Kjerag, Kashchey refused to use furniture that others had touched.
For that reason, Kjera had specially set aside her own kitchen utensils, tableware, and a lounge chair just for her.
"You're so troublesome~" Kjera had once complained.
Kjera could never figure out how Kashchey(Mobius) had known—on a later visit—that she had accidentally taken a sip from Kashchey's cup while Kashchey was away.
"It's about mutual respect," Kashchey had replied, never touching that cup again.
---
The next morning, Mobius took Saria to a bookstore.
Saria followed reluctantly, her expression bordering on impatience.
She had planned to visit Ifrit first thing, but Mobius—who had been waiting right outside her door—dragged her along.
"To make up for my mistake yesterday, I've decided to buy a few exercise books for Ifrit," Mobius said.
"I'm not sure how much of her intelligence has recovered, so I need you to take a look. Of course, I'll pay."
Mobius' reasoning was sound enough.
But will this really smooth things over? Saria wondered as they walked side by side, dressed in casual clothes.
When Saria passed by the section on the bookshelf where the latest publications were displayed, she picked up a thin volume from the front row: Morality and Law (Children's Edition) – Written by Koshelna, and began reading it carefully.
According to intelligence from the Defense Department, Koshelna was one of the incarnations of Duke Kashchey.
Saria had once read another well-known book by the same author from a few years back—Morality and Law – by Koshelna. That one, thick as a brick, had solid content overall, though it was riddled with personal opinions.
She was curious to see what this children's version contained.
Signaling to Mobius to wait, Saria finished reading the slim book right there.
…How to put it—she felt the author was simply cashing in.
Compared to the adult version, the children's edition was nothing more than a fairy tale. It was filled with idealistic fantasies reminiscent of the heaven described in the Laterano Bible.
Themes of "good is rewarded, evil is punished," "life is precious but freedom is more valuable," filled the pages—completely different from the adult version's cynical notion that contradictions cannot be resolved, only redirected.
Silently, Saria slipped the book into the shopping bag Mobius was carrying.
This will be perfect for Ifrit, she thought.
"By the way, Saria, I bought Ifrit ten elementary school-level exercise books. Do you think that's enough?"
"…Didn't you say you weren't sure about her exact mental age or level of knowledge?"
"Ah~ I only said that to trick you into going shopping with me~ It's lonely shopping alone~"
Bang!
"Ow… Strange, why has Saria been so quick to hit lately? From my years of experience with her, with this level of provocation she should just be visibly annoyed but pretending to be indifferent…"
---
"Enya, you're translating scriptures again. Take a break and chat with me, okay?"
In a study room at Kjerag's Vine-Bear Court, Enya sat at a table, one hand holding a pen, the other pressed to a book, looking helplessly at her nominal "Chief Maid."
For days, the other woman had worn a pensive expression, falling behind on much of her work.
If I didn't have to clean up after her, I'd be drinking tea instead of working late into the night, Enya complained silently.
Of course, she would never say that aloud—after all, the other person was none other than Kjerag's true god, Kjera.
But recently, Kjera had been absent-minded, even handling her duties as captain with careless strokes, leaving Enya to double-check and fill in the gaps.
"Of course, Lord Kjera."
"Don't call me 'Lord,' it feels too distant… I'm sorry, little Enya. I've been facing a tricky problem lately. Could you give me some advice?"
"If it's difficult for you… can I really help?"
"Uh… it's not that difficult, really. You've met my friend before."
"Yes. Some of Kjerag's religious texts also mention them."
"A lot of what's written there isn't true… So, tell me—what do you think is better? A best friend, or a friend of the opposite sex?"
"This…"
Enya stared at Kjera, a hint of panic in her eyes.
"Please, think twice! What matter between friends cannot be discussed? Don't let a fleeting thought destroy centuries of hard-earned friendship!"
Seeing Enya's slightly flustered expression, Kjera sighed and nodded helplessly.
"Alright, alright, I was only speaking casually. You can get back to translating."
"As expected… short-lived species still know far too little about us."
---
"Director Parvis, are we truly allowing Dr. Mobius to take part in the Diablo Project? There are rumors about her connection with Director Saria..."
"It's fine. Dr. Mobius claims to pursue the truth, but in reality, it's merely a façade. This immortal only values the benefits that technological advancement can bring her. Once the Diablo Project succeeds, she'll gain the optimized cloning technology she has long sought. She won't dare to leak the secret."
"As expected of Director Parvis… even Director Saria and Dr. Mobius are within your calculations."
"Enough with the flattery… Everything is for the advancement of science. Double-check the plan."
"Yes!"