"Well, if it's about this, I could keep an eye out for you guys.
After all, there is an ancient humanoid robot down there in the Robot Settlement. Maybe that's where the technology is leaking from."
Venti expertly volunteered himself for the job. It seemed a bit out of character for him, given his easygoing nature, but in reality, it wasn't that far-fetched.
Once he accepted the task, he didn't actually have to do much—he just had to rely on the lack of communication between the lower and upper zones and periodically pass on some "shareable intel" to Pela.
He had already coordinated things with the esteemed Svarog, and as the bridge between the two zones, his role was merely to aid communication and facilitate more cooperative exchanges.
What mattered most was that he would gain favor with the Silvermane Guards, strengthening his network in the upper zone as a natural next step—
All of this was based on a small lie, yet it benefitted all three parties, making it a winwinwin situation.
"Then, I'll leave it to you. I apologize—this was a lapse on my part as an Intelligence Officer…"
Pela exhaled with a look of relief, her expression visibly easing.
Due to the Supreme Guardian's decree, the upper and lower zones had been cut off for a long time, so no one truly knew what was happening down there. They could only assume things weren't going well, but as for the factions, networks, or key figures?
It was all a blank slate. No matter how capable Pela was, she couldn't pull information out of thin air—unless she wanted to piece together random speculation based on stray information from the lower zone.
While that might've been a decent plan, it could draw unwanted attention prematurely.
Fortunately—Venti was currently the ideal candidate to break through this deadlock.
Though she didn't know how he'd managed to bypass the train line, Pela could tell from their interactions that—
Venti wasn't a bad guy; he was just an airheaded romantic clinging to a sense of freedom in a grim world.
In that light, it felt quite lucky to know Venti.
Or maybe, as Venti had said before, the mechanical bird he'd given her really did have some kind of luck-bringing ability?
Thinking this, she didn't notice the knowing grin on Serval's face.
Meanwhile, Captain Gepard had a more straightforward purpose.
"Since the origin of the technology is sorted out, shall we discuss how to reproduce it?"
His gaze eagerly fell on his sister, but he noticed a mischievous smile on her face.
Following her line of sight, he saw Venti and Pela, absorbed in conversation with an oddly don't-interrupt-them vibe.
To be honest, he was a bit surprised at how close the two seemed to have grown.
While Pela was well-liked within the Silvermane Guards, her circle of true friends was limited—perhaps only his sister, who had since left the Guards.
Many Guards didn't even get her name right.
Not that she minded it much, but it was still a little annoying to hear different people call her different names…
And besides, Pela had some… unique interests.
Liking books wasn't an issue, but the subjects she read tended to be Belobog's forbidden texts.
Awkward territory, indeed. Despite her discretion, some hints of her hidden hobby had slipped through.
Casually bringing up book club meetings, his sister and Serval would often find Pela joining in.
Occasionally, on patrol breaks, he'd spot Pela reading a book with no cover.
To avoid any social disasters from dubious acquaintances, Pela tended to keep her social circle small.
She didn't actively seek out new friends but wasn't overly standoffish either, preferring to observe from a distance.
So, building a close bond with Pela, even as a friend, wasn't exactly easy.
As for Venti… Gepard had complicated feelings.
On one hand, he was Pela's friend and a valuable source of this technology. On the other, he seemed close with Lady Bronya too.
With him, a Captain of the Silvermane Guards, and his sister, a former researcher for the military, it almost felt like there was a hint of favoritism…
Not to mention, Venti didn't seem to fit the image of a mere "wandering bard."
But until recently, he'd never even heard of the guy. If not for his sister, he might not have noticed Venti at all.
After this encounter, he could see that Venti meant no harm. He might even be aligned with them, but more than that wasn't something a short interaction could reveal.
For now, it would be best to observe him with goodwill rather than suspicion; otherwise, wouldn't that just confirm his own bad intentions?
Though Gepard didn't consider himself overly thoughtful, he had proven himself competent in his position.
If he could steer things away from trouble, he'd gladly take on that responsibility.
However, before that—
If he let his sister keep grinning like that, Venti and Pela might catch on.
So, he gently tugged his sister's arm and said seriously, "When it comes to this, I think no one is more qualified than you, Sis."
This praise from her brother made Serval positively glow with pride.
"But of course! Who do you think I am? Even the energy center in the restricted zone is my design!"
"Ahem. Sis, this involves military secrets—how about we continue this conversation somewhere private?"
Gepard lowered his voice.
Serval picked up on his hint, her grin widening.
She shot Venti a thumbs-up, then eagerly dragged Gepard away.
Perhaps it was her age, or the pressure of everyone around her talking about matchmaking; she couldn't help but want to play the part of the big sister and help bring this couple together.
Ah, youth is so wonderful—!
By the time Pela snapped out of her thoughts, only Venti remained in the room, fiddling with an electric guitar, as if contemplating how to play it.
"Huh? Why is it just us? Where did Serval and Captain Gepard go?"
She looked around, only to realize she was alone with Venti.
Romantic tension?
None.
As for romance…
Unless he brought it up, it was pointless to think about.
With no daydreams clouding her mind, she got up and stormed out, assuming they'd gone to discuss their "military secrets" somewhere else.
As if it weren't risky for guests to overhear something, right?
Not to mention, Venti had already done enough to earn everyone's trust.
Once outside, she spotted the two, ready to confront them.
"Serval—!"
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