The next second, Shining's boundless killing intent suddenly vanished. She took a deep breath, controlled her agitated emotions, and returned to her original elegance.
"Whew—I apologize, I was rude. You have many ways to know my identity: the pursuers' confessions, my swordsmanship style..."
Shining released the Staff in her hand, looking at Goki with a hint of apology, yet her brows were filled with sorrow.
"Haha, honestly, you scared me—Skadi, don't be so tense."
Goki shrugged, made a joke, and directly wrapped his arm around Skadi's slender waist, pulling her into his embrace, and gently caressed her small head, soothing her.
It wasn't as complicated as Shining had guessed; in reality, Goki didn't know much about the Absolutionist organization, only occasionally encountering its appearance in the story.
But Goki hadn't expected that merely revealing the name of the organization Shining once belonged to would make this older sister so wary and cautious of him, even to the point of overreacting.
To be honest, he was indeed scared.
Goki hadn't expected that this Sarkaz physician, who was calm and elegant in the game, skilled in both magic and martial arts, and gave people a great sense of security, would have such a fierce side six years ago.
No, to be precise, it wasn't ferocity.
Goki did not remove the "Eyes" rune, and unlike the "Flame" rune which represented the power of Terra's gods, the "Eyes" rune was a power Goki brought from Yharnam, so Goki was naturally more familiar with how to use it.
Relying on his enhanced perception, Goki captured other emotions beneath Shining's anger and vigilance.
Fear, disgust, regret... This feeling was not directed at Goki, but at Shining herself.
It was like... PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
From this perspective, compared to Nightingale's physical trauma, Shining's spiritual trauma was equally significant.
And certain information in their character files also revealed some of their past experiences.
These two Sarkaz civil war veterans were truly sisters in adversity.
But now, Goki didn't dare to say too much more; it would be terrible if he really provoked Shining into action.
Skadi still stared intently at Shining, but her hostility was no longer severe; her small head couldn't help but rub against Goki, who was hugging her from behind, indicating that she had been somewhat appeased by him for now.
"I didn't mean anything else. I know Sarkaz, especially Sarkaz infected, are discriminated against in Terra, so being vigilant is normal, but I have no animosity towards Sarkaz. Look, this is my... daughter, Ifrit."
Thinking of this, Goki took out his wallet and handed a photo of him and Little Fire Dragon playing happily together to Shining and Nightingale.
In the photo, Goki was happily holding Little Fire Dragon on his shoulders, while Silence and Ptilopsis on the side nervously stood guard, fearing the child would fall. The person taking the photo was clearly Saria—the style of Dad raising a child and Moms raising a child is indeed different.
"For my girl, I spent a long time understanding Sarkaz culture. She is also an oripathy patient, and for a period, she was particularly irritable, but now she is healthy and happy—in my opinion, ladies, your current state is just like hers back then, very unhealthy. Don't you yourselves notice it?"
Silently apologizing to Little Fire Dragon, whom he had used as an excuse, Goki decided to bring her more Kazimierz specialties when he went to Kazdel later.
At these words, both Shining and Nightingale fell silent. They weren't particularly aware of their own conditions, but they were remarkably clear about each other's, so they both nodded.
"I understand, but we also have a mission... but it's true that Liz needs rest; her spirit is already very weary."
"...Yes, you are right, Mr. Goki, Shining is indeed not in a good state now; she is more exhausted than I am."
Immediately after, the two Sarkaz looked at each other, their expressions conveying, "I'm not as weak as you say!"
Looking at the two with deep bonds, Goki also hugged the Little Orca who had softened in his arms, and said with a smile to the two.
"See, at least you can see each other's condition—I can confirm that if you walk into the Grand Knight Territory like this, something will definitely happen. Trust me, you don't know how much Kazimierz currently rejects the Infected."
Although in the main story, Kazimierz had already shown some capacity for accepting the Infected, Goki had long since learned through Kaltsit that the Knight Nation was not so easy to talk to when it came to the Infected.
Friendly reminder: The website is about to be revised, which may cause loss of reading progress. Please save your "Bookshelf" and "Reading History" in time (screenshot recommended). We apologize for any inconvenience caused!
"Rhine Lab Field Agent Goki, now officially hiring the two of you as security personnel for this operation. Three meals, accommodation, and payment in Originium Ingots—how about it?"
Pinching Skadi's little cheek, Goki sincerely extended his right hand, inviting the two Sarkaz girls again.
However, Shining pondered for a moment, then still shook her head.
"No, I apologize, Mr. Goki. I believe in your good intentions, but I must be frank: our journey is not to watch the Knight Tournament, but for a more dangerous mission—I do not wish to involve you."
"Deal, pleasure working with you, Mr. Goki."
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"