The Stable Zone has returned to a state of calm, and Yamori has not caused any trouble since his last escape. Meanwhile, Lin Yi spends his days teaching and guiding Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa, occasionally taking them on simple missions.
A week later, Lin Yi received news from the hospital that Kureo Mado had woken up, so he hurriedly went to visit him. Koutarou Amon, an investigator, had been reassigned to headquarters two days ago. There seemed to be significant activity at headquarters recently, and they were understaffed.
Upon arriving to visit Mado, Lin Yi encountered an unexpected person: Akira Mado, Kureo Mado's daughter. She was dressed in a smart suit, and her black stockings and high heels caught attention. With short blonde hair, sharp eyes, and delicate features, she exuded a cold and beautiful aura.
Akira recognized Lin Yi immediately and casually greeted him, knowing that he had a lot to talk about with her father. After the exchange, Akira excused herself, understanding the need for privacy.
"Investigator Lin."
"Yeah," Lin Yi simply responded, and Akira left.
"Old man, you may not be doing well, but your daughter is truly beautiful," Lin Yi joked upon his arrival. Kureo Mado, lying on the hospital bed with lifeless eyes, suddenly reacted. Despite his weakened state, he sat up and started arguing with Lin Yi. "You disrespectful brat! You should learn to show respect to your seniors. I used to be your superior."
For Mado, Akira was the only light in his dark life, even though he had never shown her any favor since her mother's death. However, Akira had never given him any trouble. She had always been exceptional, graduating as the top student from the CCG Academy. After joining the CCG, she continued to excel and was now a Rank 2 investigator.
"Hahaha, it seems you're not doing as bad as you make it sound," Lin Yi teased.
After venting his frustration, Mado's mood improved considerably. But upon seeing Lin Yi's playful expression, anger filled his eyes. He touched his leg, and his tone softened.
"In the future, I may have to rely on you to take care of her." Mado didn't mention any names, but Lin Yi knew he was referring to his daughter, Akira Mado.
Trying to lighten the atmosphere, Lin Yi jokingly said, "Should I start calling you my father-in-law?"
"Don't even think about it." Mado's eyes widened, but he understood Lin Yi was joking upon seeing his expression. However, he fell silent.
It seemed that Mado couldn't find a young person more excellent than Lin Yi, someone suitable in age, and... His thoughts drifted away.
"Alright, it seems you're recovering well. You should be able to leave the hospital in a couple of months." Lin Yi patted Mado's shoulder.
"It shouldn't take too long. Amon has been handling my work at the branch. I'll take over when I go back. Oh, by the way, what about Yamori? Did you kill him?"
Mado seemed unaware of his own situation, still talking to himself. When he mentioned ghouls, his tone became agitated.
Lin Yi stared at him but didn't respond immediately.
"Old man!"
"I will help you apply for retirement benefits from headquarters. It should be enough for you to live your remaining years. You're getting old now, and..."
"Lin Yi! Who gave you the right to interfere in my affairs? Let me tell you, you're still too inexperienced. Even if I have only one breath left, I will kill that bastard sooner or later."
The hidden truth, like a fragile veil, was ruthlessly torn apart.
Mado began to shout. Even Akira, outside the door, could hear everything clearly. She leaned against the door, feeling disheartened.
Mado hastily climbed off the hospital bed, throwing the blanket aside, intending to get out of bed.
"I'm going back to the branch now. My Quinque is broken, and I need to request a new one."
Thud! As soon as Mado finished speaking, his legs gave out, and he fell to the ground. Prior to his visit, Lin Yi had learned from the doctor that Mado's right leg's soft tissue was significantly affected, causing frequent muscle weakness.
Akira, outside the room, was startled and quickly rushed in to help her father up. However, she was pushed away.
"I'm fine!" Mado said.
Unable to bear it any longer, Lin Yi reached out and grabbed Mado's shoulder. But Mado, still full of anger and disregarding everything, tried to throw off Lin Yi's hand. However, no matter how hard he tried, Lin Yi's hand remained firmly in place.
"Old man, you need to face reality. Holding onto this hatred is unfair to both you and your daughter."
Mado understood what Lin Yi meant. He was too weak, so weak that he couldn't see any hope. He couldn't even compete with the likes of Yamori, let alone kill the One-Eyed Owl.
"As your former partner and superior, I will take responsibility for this matter." Lin Yi's tone was calm, as if he was discussing an ordinary issue.
In that moment, all the strength in Mado's body dissipated. Lin Yi helped him back onto the bed, using no force, and Mado no longer resisted.
"I'm leaving now. There's still a lot of work at the branch that I need to take care of. I'll come to see you again soon." Lin Yi straightened his clothes, turned around, and left. As he was leaving, he added, "By the way, what I said earlier, I will still apply to headquarters when I go back."
On the hospital bed, Mado stared blankly at the ceiling. After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke.
"Akira, go and see him off."
"Okay."
Akira nodded and followed Lin Yi outside. As soon as Lin Yi walked out of the hospital gate, someone called out to him. He turned around and was surprised to see that it was Akira Mado.
~~~
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