The next morning, Iris was disturbed by what Viktoria had said. Was she subtly accusing Naomi of having murdered Natasha with her poor mentorship? It seemed scarcely thinkable to Iris. But... perhaps she was being too overly emotional in viewing it that way. She thought to ask Viktoria more about this; maybe then she could have more information from which to form a conclusion.
While she was walking out to their next train with Olivia, Iris saw Viktoria and quickly caught up to her. She asked if they could talk in private for a few minutes and Viktoria agreed as they went off. "What did you need?"
"…well, I was thinking over what we talked about yesterday. When you said that Naomi gave Natasha her lack of caution in fights. Are you suggesting what I think you are, about Naomi?"
"Iris, why are you asking me this?"
"You know how Natasha died, don't you?"
"Kate told me, yes."
"I'm just saying it's a serious accusation."
"Of course it's serious. And?"
"And I... I don't know if it's necessarily true. Naomi was only her mentor for two months, even if habits can harden. …I don't know what I expected. Maybe some more background."
"And what do you expect me to answer that you haven't already?"
Iris did not respond for a bit. "…I've just been a bit irritable. I've been sleeping badly. I haven't had much sleep to look things over closely."
"But neither you or myself are so high-strung as to avoid looking at realities, Iris."
Iris nodded and went along with Viktoria to the train station. They soon found their seats, close enough that they could see Olivia & Naomi but not enough that their conversation could be heard. Iris smiled to Olivia.
"Now, after our fight yesterday, I remembered something I had at Urasaria." said Viktoria. "I kept meticulous records of Natasha's training and any new abilities she found with Meteorology. If you would like, you can read over it when we return to Urasaria. You cannot expect improvement without discipline; something certainly lacking in most students."
"You'd give that to me?"
"I did not say give. It's a small museum of Natasha I would like to keep with me, but I would allow you to copy from it when you visit."
Iris felt obligated to continue what little Natasha had with Viktoria, lest she expel her bond to another experiencing her grief. But she felt odd, and looked at Naomi, observing her subtly enough that she wouldn't become aware of the same. "…guessing Naomi doesn't have anything similar."
"I doubt she keeps records for her own protege, let alone mine. Why?"
"No, I'm just moreso starting to dislike her more the more I learn about her. I can see why Natasha kept it from me, and I don't terribly enjoy the way she's using this contract for herself." Iris shrugged. "But, I'm not so stupid to think she cares about my lament, does she?"
"No, she does not, Iris. But the notebook?"
"I suppose."
Viktoria did not know what Iris meant by this and it vaguely annoyed her. With no words, she looked to Naomi and then to Iris, as if to say another acerbic remark they could share. Iris did not react. Once, twice Viktoria thought to attempt conversation, yet of what she did not know. Still they sat in silence.
She thought over what she had overheard between Iris and Olivia the previous day, how already she was advising Natasha's protege. So it seemed obvious for Viktoria; her transfiguration of disappointment into scorn, as she adjusted her seat cushion, for only from her position could she do so.