The relationship between Blue Gold and Platinum was… complicated.
Even Revy, an outsider, could see that.
Officially, they were both assassins of Kazimierz's Headless Alliance—colleagues, equals, and rivals. But the tension between them suggested something more volatile, something teetering on the edge of friends, foes, and maybe even mortal enemies.
Blue Gold's expression was visibly uncomfortable. Yet she still allowed Platinum to walk beside her.
That alone was... remarkable.
Of course, a good part of that was Revy's fault—for not kicking Platinum out on the spot.
But Revy, of course, would never admit that.
"Mr. Regulus, aren't you curious why Ms. Blue Gold and I—despite her being my mission target—are walking together so peacefully?"
Revy tilted his head.
"I just know the last Platinum died because she fell in love with her target."
"Piss off!"
Blue Gold spat instantly, having clearly picked up the teasing tone in Revy's voice.
"You think every Platinum is a lovestruck idiot waiting to be betrayed?"
Revy just gave her an innocent shrug, as if to say: "Isn't that possible?"
That earned him a long, exasperated glare.
"If that really were the case, then Platinum's name would disappear from the Alliance in no time."
Blue Gold looked over at Platinum, who was smiling sweetly back at her.
"Or maybe…" Platinum mused, "that's not such a far-fetched scenario after all, Ms. Blue Gold~"
"Wha—you—You're into girls?!"
"Just kidding~" Platinum giggled, eyes twinkling with mischief.
She shifted her gaze between Blue Gold and Revy, clearly sizing them up.
"A Sarkaz Prophet, one of the most infamous men on the continent... and a fellow Kuranta assassin. If I had to choose between you two… well, I wouldn't like my chances in a fight."
"If that's how you feel," Blue Gold replied coolly, "you should've ambushed me before Revy arrived. Maybe then you'd have had a shot."
"That's so brutish." Platinum flipped her hair."If I did that, I'd be no better than a thug. The name 'Platinum' deserves a bit of grace, don't you think?"
"So instead, you joined us to wait for the right moment to strike?"
"That's part of it, sure." Platinum gave a sly smile."But truthfully, I've decided I won't complete the mission."
"Oh?"
"I've got time to kill. Instead of mindlessly carrying out orders, I thought I'd enjoy a vacation—and get a little 'closer' to Ms. Blue Gold while I'm at it~"
"Tch."
Blue Gold snorted in annoyance, clearly unconvinced.
Revy raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly.
"You don't trust her, but you're still letting her walk beside you?"
Blue Gold sighed.
"Better a visible threat than an unseen arrow from above. As annoying as she is, she's easier to manage this way."
She cast a sidelong glance at Platinum.
"Let's just hope she doesn't mess up your plans, Boss. But if she's agreed to help, at least you can use her without worrying—she won't tarnish the name 'Platinum.'"
"I'll keep that in mind."
Revy nodded.
Then, without another word, he turned a corner and walked into a nearby restaurant.
"...You two not eating? It's lunchtime."
"...Fine."
—Scene break—
"Sir, our scouts report that someone from Rhodes Island has arrived."
"Oh? How many?"
"Just one elite operator—Regulus Harvey. Former Catastrophe Messenger. Very well-known, but his combat ability is… unclear."
"Doesn't matter. As long as it's not the Doctor, we don't need to be afraid."
"And the Seventh Prince?"
"Still no progress. Something vital seems to be missing from him… but—"
"No 'but'!"
The voice snapped, then paused as the speaker shuddered.
"We know what the Crown Prince said. Do well, and we all rise. But fail…"
The voice trailed off into silence.
Then:
"Let's just say—we can't afford to fail."
—Scene break—
Outside, Revy and the two Kurantas exited the restaurant.
Blue Gold and Platinum both wore grim expressions.
It was a Sichuan restaurant.
Even the fried rice and ice cream were loaded with chili peppers.
Their tongues were completely numb, and both had come to understand that there were multiple levels of spice: mild, medium, hot, blazing, dragon's breath, and finally…
"Blossoming Chrysanthemum."(A euphemism they deeply regretted learning.)
Revy, on the other hand, had thoroughly enjoyed himself.
He'd eaten an entire plate of blood-red, ultra-spicy mapo tofu—including the sauce.
For the record, Platinum had dipped her finger into the sauce once and, after licking it, passed out for five seconds.
"Don't look at me like that. I didn't know you guys couldn't handle spice."
Revy said with a half-hearted shrug.
But the gleam in his eye gave him away.
…Sorry. I'd do it again.
"Hmph."
The two girls snorted in unison, glaring at him with a kind of telepathic understanding.
That's when Revy's phone rang.
The moment he answered, his entire demeanor changed. Gone was the laid-back joker. His gaze sharpened instantly.
"...It's me. Yes. Okay… understood…"
He hung up—and turned to the girls.
They looked at him.
"Plan's changed. We're heading to the East Capital Guard Bureau—"
"—They've detained one of my people."