Therefore, regarding Stelle's answer, Scotch subconsciously reinterpreted certain illogical parts according to his own understanding.
Thus, as he understood it, the gist of what Stelle said was: after Kafka's experiment succeeded, she placed Stelle in the laboratory of a lady named Herta (likely a codename, perhaps in a partnership with Kafka). This lab was inside a high-tech building (a Space Station was obviously impossible). Then, Auntie Himeko and Uncle Yang took her along with them (he guessed this was likely to observe Stelle's behavior).
Afterward, they must have confirmed that Stelle was in good condition (a point on which Scotch had reservations) and took her away again, making her join the Organization. Perhaps she was to be used as a secret weapon or experimental material.
Although Scotch couldn't imagine what kind of capabilities a young girl who didn't seem to have undergone rigorous training could possess, no one knew what the boss of the Black Organization was thinking.
"Stelle, you said your mother is Kafka. What kind of person is she? Is she good to you?" Seeing that Stelle had shared her experiences without much defensiveness, Scotch lowered his guard slightly. After a moment's thought, he asked her another question.
"What kind of person? Hmm..." Stelle rubbed her chin and pondered with a conflicted expression for a while before answering frankly, "I don't know."
Seeing that Scotch didn't seem to believe her, Stelle put her hands on her hips and defended herself. "I've only met Kafka twice briefly, okay? The only time we spent a bit longer together, she only answered two of my questions. I still don't even know if her answers were true.
As for how she treats me... I think Kafka is quite good to me. According to Blade, Kafka did a lot of things just to keep me alive until now. In that sense, I should be quite important to her."
Scotch: "..." He didn't think so.
From Stelle's words, he only gathered that Kafka seemed to have performed many experiments just to maintain Stelle's vitality.
And meeting only two or three times in nearly two years—that counts as treating her well?
Thinking of this, although he knew he shouldn't, Scotch couldn't help but feel a surge of pity for Stelle.
There was a high probability that Stelle was an experimental subject with no freedom so far; even joining the Organization hadn't been her choice.
Suddenly, the car slowly came to a stop.
"We're at the intersection." Bourbon signaled for Scotch to look out the window. "There's a convenience store nearby. You can take this trash-digging slob to the store first to buy some toiletries."
Stelle didn't mind Bourbon's rude way of addressing her. Instead, she marveled, "Bourbon, I didn't realize you were so thoughtful."
"Heh!" Bourbon sneered, ignoring Stelle's praise. As soon as Stelle and Scotch got out of the car, he immediately floored the gas and drove away.
"Is Bourbon in such a hurry to get home?" Watching the car speed away without a word, Stelle didn't even consider the idea that she was being shunned.
The convenience store was indeed not far from where they got off. Scotch walked with Stelle for a few minutes before they saw it.
He bought Stelle some basic necessities like a toothbrush, towel, and pajamas for the emergency, then took her back to the Safe House where he was currently staying and let her sleep in the guest room.
It was already very late. After washing up, Scotch lay in bed, recalling the day's events, and couldn't help but sigh.
The Black Organization was truly inhumane, conducting such evil experiments. He wondered if the technology regarding Stelle had matured and hoped there would never be a second experimental product like her.