Chapter 77: Kisara's Black and Saitenshi's White
"You really went overboard, my dear Darling No. 2."
"Did I? It was pretty average, I didn't even try that hard."
In the morgue basement of Gouda University Affiliated Hospital, Yotsuba Mahiro was enjoying coffee brewed with an alcohol lamp, basking in the air conditioning.
Across from him, Sumire Muroto, as always, sat there in a tight outfit under her white coat, propping her chin with one hand, while playfully sweeping back her wavy long hair as if teasing him, and speaking with interest:
"The naval fleet was completely annihilated, the army suffered thirty percent losses, electronic equipment was damaged due to strong electromagnetic radiation, causing billions in economic losses. And because the glaciers in Tokyo Bay cannot melt, the climate in the Tokyo area has undergone a semi-permanent change...."
Sumire Muroto stirred the bubbling coffee in her beaker, listing the losses from the Scorpio battle as if counting her own treasures.
"Is that so? Only such small losses? I originally thought it could directly bring the Tokyo area to a semi-paralyzed state."
Yotsuba Mahiro clicked his tongue in regret, making it hard to tell if he was joking or serious.
"But then again, since it's a miracle, isn't it normal to pay a price? There's no such thing as a free lunch, and it's better than being wiped out by Scorpio, right? What's more... sacrificing so little to take down a Zodiac Gastrea, it's a huge profit no matter how you look at it."
"Heh heh... a miracle?"
Sumire Muroto smiled meaningfully, then turned her head and gestured with her eyes, "If killing Scorpio was the miracle you created, then what about that child? Whose miracle is she?"
Following the doctor's gaze, he saw a naked young girl lying on a cold dissection table not far away.
She appeared to be about six or seven years old, and like the abandoned Cursed Children, she looked very frail. If there was any difference in her appearance from other children, it was that she had short blue hair covering her eyes.
Mahiro had found this child in the sea after Scorpio's body dissipated, and he had sent her here along with the syringe.
"With over six hundred thirty thousand types of Gastrea factors in her body, and an erosion rate exceeding fifty percent, she can still maintain a human form. Young man, you've truly created an incredible miracle."
Sumire Muroto stood up and walked to the dissection table, her fingertips gently tracing the girl's body, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.
This girl was even more astonishing than the deceased Scorpio.
According to Mahiro, this girl was the remnant left after Scorpio was eliminated.
But both she and Yotsuba Mahiro knew very well that this girl was Scorpio itself!
Although it was hard to believe, even Sumire Muroto was startled when she first reached this conclusion.
"How is she doing now?"
"Currently, her vital signs are stable, the Gastrea virus erosion rate shows no signs of increasing, and damaged nerves in her brain are repairing, but I'm not sure how long it will take for her to wake up."
Sumire Muroto's findings were almost identical to his own analysis. As for the reason for her unconsciousness, it was also due to the influence of Cocytus, which had frozen her mind.
But what was peculiar was that the girl's mind already showed signs of gradually reviving.
Perhaps the life activity of Stage Five was just that powerful, even the mind could reactivate....
Or perhaps because he had granted Saitenshi a miracle, the world also returned a miracle to him....
As he thought of this, a heartfelt smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
"Young man, how about occasionally sharing some of your compassion with the people of the Tokyo Area?"
Sumire Muroto suddenly blurted this out.
Unbeknownst to him, she had already returned to her swivel chair, her legs crossed.
The narrow, hip-hugging skirt highlighted the voluptuous curve of her thighs.
Her long, firm legs were tightly encased in ultra-thin black pantyhose, their slight curve outlining an alluring line.
"Doctor, are you planning to plead for those people?"
After admiring her beautiful legs for a moment, Mahiru-kun finally averted his gaze, rose from the chair, and looked directly down at Sumire Muroto: "Do you think those people deserve my compassion?"
"You look just like the Tendo Family's avenging ghost," Sumire Muroto met his gaze, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
She was well aware of Tendo Kisara's past, as well as Rentaro's past.
However, it was precisely because she understood Tendo Kisara's experiences that she said he was like an avenging ghost.
There was just one thing: although she knew where Yotsuba Mahiro's hatred for the Tokyo Area came from, she still couldn't quite understand it.
Would anyone truly become an enemy of an entire area for the sake of those children?
"I don't think it matters," Yotsuba Mahiro picked up his jacket from the table, putting it on as he spoke: "Aren't the stolen generations also avenging ghosts? So, what difference does one more of me make?"
"Your philosophy is completely opposite to Rentaro's."
Sumire Muroto seemed to have seen through his thoughts, and said with a sigh of emotion, "I think you two will eventually come to blows over this kind of thing."
"So what? If I can't even overcome this small obstacle, how can I set my sights on the entire world?"
With his back to Sumire, after putting on his clothes, before she could even speak, he said again: "I'm going to attend the Saitenshi's celebration banquet in a bit, so I'll be leaving now. Oh, by the way, Doctor, I've left the Stage Five blood here for you; I'm counting on you for everything.
Also, that girl, I'll temporarily leave her in your care, Doctor."
"You really are a heartless man... Don't forget my payment!"
"Yes, yes, I'll remember, you improper old hag."
Accompanied by Sumire Muroto's complaints and exclamations from the basement, Yotsuba Mahiro left the hospital and headed straight for the Holy Residence.
Several days had passed since Scorpio's arrival, and the chaos of that night had gradually subsided.
Just as the Doctor had said, due to the intense electromagnetic radiation from the Fourth Phase Shift, many electrical appliances in the Tokyo Area had been burned out.
And under the influence of the ice, the climate had undergone a semi-permanent change.
The previously hot weather had now become very cool.
As for the temperature inside Tokyo Bay, Yotsuba Mahiro wasn't sure, but the wind blowing towards him was quite cool. Even when the weather gets hot in a few days, he probably won't need to turn on the air conditioner.
And the glacier he froze had become an artificial wonder.
-------------------------------------
"You're slow!"
As soon as he arrived, he saw Kisara, dressed in an evening gown, standing at the entrance of the ceremonial hall, hands on her hips, her slightly displeased eyes filled with a hint of reproach.
Her appearance was completely different from when she returned to the office a few days ago.
At that time, Kisara had given him a big hug, and afterwards, blushing, said it was just a nominal hug to thank him for fighting for the Tokyo Area.
And honestly, President Kisara's expression was quite amusing.
Of course, Enju and Asaka were also present at the time. Enju expressed great dissatisfaction with Kisara's actions, while Asaka looked at him with eyes full of resentment and blame.
"Mahiru-sama, you big idiot!"
She instantly rushed over at a speed that was almost invisible to the eye, like a dump truck, crashing into his arms.
The girl, her face buried in Mahiru-kun's chest, neither looked up nor let go, accusing him in a tearful voice.
She blamed him for not taking her with him.
And for doing such dangerous things.
It would have been better to just run away... What if he accidentally died!
But with the Saitenshi, Kisara, Asaka, Enju, and the children of Arcadia behind him, how could he possibly run away?
"Hey, I feel like your gaze is a bit strange!"
Kisara suddenly spoke, interrupting his thoughts. Mahiru-kun smiled, "How could it be? I just think President Kisara's dress is very beautiful today."
Although it was to cover up the fact that he was zoning out, he had to admit that Kisara's attire was indeed very charming.
The long dress with ruffles like black rose bouquets was bound to her delicate body, outlining a graceful and exquisite figure. The open-neck, off-the-shoulder design perfectly exposed her collarbones to the air, making them appear even fairer against the black of the dress.
And she had tied her hair up high with a black ribbon of the same color.
Black itself carried a sense of mystery and nobility.
And for today's banquet, Kisara had uncharacteristically swapped her easy-to-move boots for high heels.
"It would be great if you could dress like this normally. Don't always wear uniforms; it's a waste of such a great figure and face."
"How is that possible, idiot! Don't you need money for that?"
Kisara muttered softly, still the same as ever, a miser even when she had money.
"Besides, today is different. For today's banquet, I woke up early to prepare. Where do I usually have so much free time?"
As she spoke, she naturally puffed out her chest, and the peaks covered by the black sheer fabric bounced slightly a few times.
Hiss—
Is it really that bouncy?
Perhaps only Mizuki could compete with her?
"It's you, though. Didn't I already tell you? Today, Saitenshi is personally holding an awards ceremony for the IFA who achieved great feats. Didn't I tell you to dress appropriately?"
"Am I not dressed appropriately?" He looked down at his attire.
It was indeed a formal suit, and a custom-made one at that.
"At least wear a tie, seriously! You and Satomi are both so troublesome. Let me help you, don't move!"
As she spoke, Kisara had already come before him.
Her hand, covered in black sheer gloves reaching to her elbows, reached for his neck, helping him button his shirt while also pulling out a gift box from her handbag. Inside was an expensive tie.
"This is a gift for you defeating Scorpio..."
That's what she said.
Then she took out the tie from the gift box and helped him tie it.
Only, during this process, the distance between them had become very close.
Perhaps it was because Kisara had sprayed perfume today, but her body scent was more intense than usual, emitting a very alluring fragrance, a sweet aroma stimulating his nasal passages.
Even she herself didn't notice how ambiguous their posture was at that moment.
If Mahiru-kun were to lower his head slightly, he would be able to see her ample chest through the off-the-shoulder dress.
"I say, we're a bit too close."
"Don't disturb me. Seriously, why is tying a tie so difficult?"
Alright, let him retract his previous statement. Kisara also noticed the awkwardness between them, and her fair cheeks were gradually flushing.
And the strength in her hands involuntarily increased a bit, pulling hard on the tie.
"It's no good, this kind of work isn't suitable for me."
Kisara had almost tied the tie into the shape of a bow, but just as she was about to give up, Mahiru-kun suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Don't give up so easily, President Kisara."
He sighed, then, like a puppeteer, manipulated Kisara's hands to move in front of his collar.
First, he untied the messy tie, then, according to his memory, he interlaced and tied it correctly.
"See? It's done, isn't it? President Kisara, you were just too nervous."
"...Doesn't this just mean you tied it yourself?" Kisara said faintly: "Also, if you know how to tie it yourself, don't make me do it."
"Didn't you ask me to?" Mahiru-kun spread his hands innocently.
"...Never mind."
Kisara didn't intend to dwell on the topic further, instead pulling a pocket watch from her handbag.
"Time's up. Listen, although I've told you before, I'll say it again. Basically, this ceremony is held by taking away Saitenshi's precious administrative time, so everyone has a tacit understanding to end it as soon as possible.
So for her questions, you only need to answer 'yes' or 'no', answer as concisely as possible, and absolutely do not ask questions. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Good answer."
Under Kisara's repeated admonitions, as his accompanying partner for the banquet, he linked arms with Kisara and finally stepped into the white Holy Residence once more.
However, as they stepped through the gate, Kisara suddenly turned her head, revealing a gentle smile and saying to him:
"Although I've said it before, I still want to say it again—thank you, Mahiru-kun, for everything you've done for us."
This time, he didn't answer, responding with a smile of his own.
At the same time, the door behind them had closed, and they followed the attendant's lead deep into the Holy Residence.
Ahead, there was a curved marble staircase, covered with a red carpet, and the Saitenshi sat serenely on the throne at the top.
The room was spacious with a high ceiling, and gentlemen and ladies of high society milled around tables beside the honor guard.
"Mr. Mahiru, welcome."
The Saitenshi, dressed in pure white, rose from her throne and walked down the steps with a radiant smile.
Although it wasn't the first time he had met the Saitenshi, and he had even been in closer contact, he had to admit that her beauty was many times more solemn than viewing it through a monitor.
She was as pure as a saint, a completely different feeling from Kisara's pure black.
It was said that the queens of the Holy Residence were renowned for producing beauties, and the current Saitenshi was the most beautiful of all time.
"Thank you for attending this banquet amidst your busy schedule."
"You're too kind, Saitenshi."
"Then, as the savior of the Tokyo Area, what are your thoughts?"
"No special thoughts, just pay me when you have time."
As soon as these words were uttered, Kisara below was immediately met with a barrage of gazes, as if they were blaming her for how she taught her employees, as if they were just a bunch of rude fellows.
And Kisara herself couldn't help but palm her face.
Although... even if the payment hadn't been settled, such words couldn't be spoken on this occasion.
However, she still believed deep down that Mahiru-kun was very reliable, not forgetting the payment even at this moment.
Completely unlike a certain Satomi!
"Hehe, Mr. Mahiru still likes to joke so much. As for the payment, we naturally won't break our promise. It will be paid in full after the banquet."
Joking?
He wasn't, these were his true feelings, but since she was already prepared to pay, it was fine to treat it as a joke.
"However, to have someone of your talent in Tokyo makes me, as the head of the Tokyo Area, feel very honored. Mr. Mahiru, thank you for everything you have done for the Tokyo Area. I hope you will continue to fight for the Tokyo Area in the future."
The Saitenshi originally wanted to ask, "Will you continue to give your all for the Tokyo Area in the future?" but she couldn't bring herself to say it and changed her words.
Based on past interactions, the Saitenshi had some understanding of his personality.
Perhaps her own idea was a bit narcissistic, that sometimes, as herself and not as the head, she could also motivate Mr. Mahiru, but more often than not, it was because of money.
And, many times, Mr. Mahiru simply didn't care about her status as the head.
Just like now—
"Thank you for your praise, Saitenshi."
Mahiru-kun bowed.
The gentlemen below were already in an uproar. Logically speaking, a knight's kneeling bow should have been performed here, but Mahiro only bowed slightly?
This is disrespectful to the Saitenshi!
It's simply too arrogant!
Such thoughts emerged from these people.
But the Saitenshi didn't care at all. She gracefully stepped forward, raised her hands, and solemnly declared,
"Ladies and gentlemen, have you all heard? The hero standing here will continue to fight for the Tokyo Area.
—He defeated Zodiac 'Scorpio', defeated Hiruko Kagetane and Hiruko Kohina, who were ranked 134th in the original IP ranking, and killed three mechanically modified soldiers from the Five Wings Association. Based on the above reasons, I and the IFA have agreed to recognize this military achievement as a 'Special First-Class Military Achievement', and have decided to raise IFA Yotsuba Mahiro's IP sequence to 134."
Although the audience below was not that happy, they still applauded enthusiastically.
The Saitenshi then turned her gaze to Mahiro and smiled.
"Mahiro-kun, do you accept this decision?"
"It is my honor."
The Saitenshi chuckled mischievously and whispered, "To be able to rise from 970th to 134th, this speed of promotion is probably the first in history, isn't it? Perhaps it will be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.
However, I'm sorry, I did not publicize your miracle, but rather sealed off the information. Mahiro-kun, you won't blame me, will you?"