"I can understand why you don't accept Kirika's methods."
In fact, it was precisely because Lacus worried about this point that she had specially come from America to Japan.
Given Kirika Tachibana's personality, she would inevitably send Luo Shu to the frontlines frequently. In such circumstances, the already limited trust between them could easily collapse due to various dangers.
This was something Lacus had realised before coming. And after meeting Luo Shu in person, she believed the situation was far more serious than she'd imagined.
Although Lacus had only briefly interacted with Luo Shu, she could still discern that he was the type to harbour many secrets and lacked a sense of security.
Such a personality was highly advantageous for Luo Shu personally in this dangerous world, but it wasn't what a frontline operative against the Abyss needed.
The frontlines against the Abyss required soldiers who strictly followed orders, completed missions with full effort, while ensuring their own safety.
With Luo Shu's personality, hiding his true strength and concealing his gains were almost inevitable behaviours. Such actions would cause Kirika Tachibana to misjudge Luo Shu's actual situation.
And based on Lacus's understanding of Kirika, as Chief, she would inevitably test Luo Shu to some extent to ascertain his true capabilities for work assignments. All these factors could lead to a complete breakdown of internal trust.
Fortunately, none of this had happened yet. Or rather, she had identified the problem before it could manifest.
"I suggest you separate from Tokyo's SDS branch and establish your own department - one directly under me."
"Of course, whether this department actually follows my orders will be entirely up to your own decision."
"If you dislike calling it a department, we could refer to it as an operations team or even set it up as an agency."
"I'll provide some financial support and intelligence resources. Naturally, I can also supply some Abyss Artefacts, though since demand is high across all branches, I may not be able to provide particularly powerful ones."
"As for Kirika, I'll handle communications. Coincidentally, the captured demon requires certain protective measures, and the Demon Heart you possess can provide some containment."
"Under these circumstances, having you establish a separate department specifically for demon containment shouldn't be too objectionable to Kirika."
Hearing Lacus's proposal, Luo Shu looked stunned for a moment before responding with a peculiar expression:
"If I didn't know your character, I'd probably suspect you had ulterior motives right now."
"No, given my situation, you should be wondering whether I've used the Demon Heart to hypnotise you."
"...This? I always carry an Abyss Artefact that protects against Mind Control."
Lacuse gently patted Haro, causing the orb to split open with a click, revealing a small compartment inside.
Inside the compartment, a pure white pearl over five centimetres in diameter, resembling a dragon ball, was spinning steadily.
"See? This thing. So please don't worry about my safety."
Luo Shu looked speechlessly at Lacus with her innocent smile.
'Is this about me worrying for your safety?'
'This woman was really too good at playing dumb...' Thinking this, Luo Shu couldn't help but sigh, then raised his head to look at Lacus and said:
"While I fully understand your yearning for peace, using your own resources to support me like this? It's hard for me to comprehend."
"Unexplained kindness is the hardest to understand."
Facing Luo Shu's sigh, Lacus closed Haro and replied with a smile:
"I just hope there will be more comrades standing on the side of protecting humanity."
"Comrades... is it?" Luo Shu suddenly paused, then looked deeply at Lacus and said: "Let me ask you something - can I pursue you?"
"Huh?" Lacus was completely caught off guard by Luo Shu's sudden question, her expression frozen in shock.
However, the next second, realisation dawned on her as she blushed slightly, her expression turning somewhat awkward as she said:
"Why are we suddenly jumping to this topic?"
Seeing Lacus's discomfort, Luo Shu cheerfully twisted the knife further:
"Because I think if I miss this chance, it'll be hard to find another woman as good as you. Well, good on a scale that benefits all humanity."
"Sorry, I don't have such thoughts right now. Ah, I don't mean I'm rejecting you, I just feel... well, can I decline to answer?"
At this point, Lacus looked at Luo Shu with hopeful eyes that seemed to plead, 'Please don't make this harder for me.'
Seeing her like this, it would be strange if Luo Shu wasn't moved. He pinched the bridge of his nose to adjust his emotions before changing the subject:
"By the way, you mentioned earlier about opening a new office under my supervision in the name of guarding demons. Does that mean you want me to take care of Kisara?"
"Kisara?" Lacus gave Luo Shu a puzzled look before turning to glance at the pink-haired girl lying on the hospital bed behind her, then suddenly understanding: "Is that this child's name?"
'This child... she's much older than you, girl...' Luo Shu thought to himself before saying aloud:
"It's the codename Chisato gave her. We can't keep calling her 'demon girl' forever."
Hearing it was Chisato who chose the name, Lacus immediately understood:
"It's a place name, isn't it? The first three syllables of the Kisarazu district?"
"You know Chisato quite well..."
The corner of Luo Shu's mouth twitched before he asked:
"Never mind, let's return to the demon matter. Are you sure it's all right to leave her with me?"
"Aside from necessary health checks and restrictions on aggressive behaviour, I don't intend to do anything to her, even if Miss Kisara is a demon."
Hearing this, Luo Shu asked curiously:
"Why?"
Lacus smiled in response:
"Although she's a demon, she has no criminal record, right?"
"Just because she's a demon with the power to harm others, should we kill her? Could you accept such unreasonable logic, Luo Shu-kun?"
"Of course not." Luo Shu leaned back in his chair.
If he could accept that, he'd be in danger too.
He might not be a demon, but he was at least a stray God, wasn't he? To humans, weren't gods and demons similar things?
If they could presume Kisara guilty and kill her just because of her race, wouldn't that mean they could do the same to Luo Shu?
Taking it further, since Chisato Nishikigi carries guns and could be considered dangerous, would that mean she could be shot on sight?
Only an idiot would agree to such things.
"It seems we've reached a consensus."
Lacus smiled and extended her hand towards Luo Shu.
"We certainly have reached a consensus."
Seeing this, Luo Shu likewise extended his hand and clasped hers.
"Then pleasant cooperation, my partner."
"Pleasant cooperation, Luo Shu-kun."