Council Room — Two Weeks After the Festival
Kaito was reviewing production reports when Drake entered.
"Commander. Dame Kristina and Lord Theron request a private meeting."
"About what?"
"Their final reports. They leave tomorrow."
Kaito processed the information.
The months of observation were ending.
The final verdict was approaching.
"Tell them to come in."
Five minutes later, both observers entered.
Kristina looked different from her initial arrival.
Less rigid. More... human.
Six months in Neudämmerung had transformed her.
Theron too — more relaxed, less formal.
They sat down.
Kristina unrolled a scroll bearing the Council's seal.
"Lord Kaito. We have completed the observation."
Her voice was formal but warm.
"Our reports have been written, sealed, and will be presented to the Council in three weeks."
She paused.
"But we wanted to... talk. Before everything becomes official."
Kaito nodded.
"I'm listening."
Theron spoke first.
