Lyra looked at all of them.
Then back at Arthur.
"…You're taking responsibility for it."
Arthur didn't hesitate. "Yes."
"If it becomes a threat.."
"It won't."
She cut him off. "If it does."
Arthur held her gaze.
"…Then I'll handle it."
That was enough.
Lyra exhaled slowly.
That alone made it feel heavier.
Then..
"…Fine."
Commander Lyra smiled.
Not a small one.
A real one.
"…You can keep it."
Silence.
Torren looked at Nox. Nox looked at Selene. Selene slowly turned back to Lyra like she misheard.
"…Wait," Torren said, "that's it?"
He then let out a breath. "That was easier than I thought."
Lyra shot him a look. "Don't get used to it."
Then her eyes returned to Arthur who was still a bit stunned.
He didn't expect that.
Not this fast.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, like he was checking if she was serious.
Lyra noticed and gave a small nod. "I said you can keep it."
Arthur let out a quiet breath, then nodded. "…Thank you."
He didn't overdo it.
