Under Olga lead, Mami and Kyubey crossed the courtyard. Both were scanning the strange plants growing in the garden, though for different reasons. One was purely curious; the other was investigative. Unfortunately, no matter how much Kyubey looked, it couldn't identify the species. It suspected these were part of the "defense system" Olga had mentioned.
If Lancer had seen Kyubey expression, he would have died laughing. While others didn't know, Lancer knew very well: the yard was planted with Silver Vine (Matatabi) from various worlds. If Lancer hadn't wrapped the villa in a magical barrier, every cat in the city would have swarmed the place.
In reality, the true defenses were Runes carved into specialized stones buried underground. This place was already Lancer custom-built Magic Workshop.
As the two entered the house, they saw Lancer sitting calmly at the dining table, and—two cats?
"Welcome. Care to join us for a bite?"
"Meow~"
"Meow."
Aru was as lazy as ever, while Jack gave them a glance before going back to waiting on his chair for breakfast.
Two cats wearing clothes with human-like expressions were undoubtedly eye-catching. Mami gaze drifted toward them.
"Are these your... partners?"
She added at the end, "Are they the same as Kyubey?"
"Haha, no, they aren't. They are comrades-in-arms to whom I can completely entrust my back—and my life."
Lancer was actually quite annoyed by Mami words, comparing Jack and Alu to Kyubey. But since she was ignorant of the truth, he didn't press the issue.
As Lancer stroked their heads, Jack and Alu let out satisfied purrs—whether it was because of what he said or because his cat-petting skills met their standards.
Mami, however, felt something was off.
"Mr. Lancer, you seem to... not like Kyubey very much?"
"Correct."
Lancer had long since learned to control his emotions, but he wasn't a robot. He couldn't maintain a perfect poker face 100% of the time, especially after discovering those souls being eroded by negative emotions inside the Grief Seed last night. His fury toward Kyubey had reached its peak; he just hadn't found a way to deal with the creature yet.
"Did Kyubey do something to offend you, sir?"
"We've only just met, so there are no personal grievances. I simply find its presence unpleasant."
"Why?"
"Children like you are being made to gamble your lives against those monsters. Do you think it's possible for me not to be angry?"
Lancer matter-of-fact tone stunned Mami. She had grown so accustomed to fighting Familiars and Witches that she never felt it was particularly "wrong." To her, it was just like going to school. She couldn't grasp Lancer perspective.
"While it is dangerous, still..."
"Naive!"
At that moment, an abnormal pressure erupted from Lancer, causing Mami to flinch back in fear.
"The arrogant are already on the fast track to destruction. If you cannot respect your opponent, your next battle might very well be your last. Do you have any idea how many people I've seen die because of their own pride?"
Was Mami Tomoe weak?
Undoubtedly, among the core five—excluding the "cheating" Madoka—none were stronger than her. Her ability, "Connection," could easily become "Binding" when used on enemies; the ribbons were merely the medium for her spells. Even Homura Akemi, despite her time-traveling, had to remain wary of her.
But this same Mami Tomoe would eventually die at the hands of the "Charlotte" Witch. It was undeniably due to her carelessness. The appearance of potential "juniors" made her focus more on showing off and interacting with them, causing her to forget the basic vigilance required of a warrior.
From the moment Mami entered the room, Lancer maintained a dominant, forceful attitude. He seemed the polar opposite of the Magus who had shared intel with them the night before. Mami even began to wonder if the Lancer from last night had been an act.
Just then, Kyubey, who had been sitting on Mami shoulder, hopped down and walked toward Lancer.
Almost simultaneously, Alu and Jack—who had been lounging lazily—snapped their eyes open. Their dangerous gazes were like those of apex predators.
Kyubey stopped in its tracks. Its intuition told it that if it took another step, these two felines would tear its body to shreds instantly. But this was close enough...
"Mr. Lancer, haven't you noticed that something is wrong with your condition?"
Kyubey voice was something it had specifically crafted to better interact with young girls, just like its appearance. To make it more deceptive, it currently sounded like an innocent child.
"That is why I came here with Mami. You've noticed it, haven't you? That Grief Seed is constantly eroding your emotions. If you continue to let it affect you, you might become the nourishment for a Witch's rebirth. I think it would be best if you let me keep it safe."
It wagged its tail as if it truly cared for Lancer well-being. But internally, Lancer let out a scornful sneer. He was certain that if he handed over the Grief Seed, that final sliver of hope for the soul inside would be extinguished. Kyubey would surely trick another Magical Girl into transferring the negative emotions from her Soul Gem into this Grief Seed...
"Sorry, I refuse. As a Magus, how could I give up such an interesting 'research material'? As for the 'negative emotions' you mentioned, I have my own ways of handling them. No need to worry."
Lancer words made the already awkward atmosphere turn frigid. Fortunately, Olga Marie, now dressed and ready, stepped out from her room.
"Ahem—Lancer, it's getting late. I'll just eat breakfast on the way. Can you drop me off at school first?"
"No problem."
With that, Lancer stood up and walked toward the door without looking back. Jack and Alu followed close behind, and finally, Tiger, wearing a chef's hat, followed out of the kitchen as well...
Only three remained in the living room. Olga Marie walked over and patted Mami head.
"Mami-san, don't worry. Lancer strength is far beyond your imagination. Since he's doing this, he has his own reasons and confidence. Come, let's go to school together."
"Okay."
Neither Mami nor Kyubey noticed the flurry of thoughts flashing through Lancer eyes as he walked away...