If you didn't have the time to get to all these files, why didn't you come ask me for help? I would've been more than glad.

Don't worry, there wouldn't be anything in it for me if I left Rhodes Island, at this point. You're free to get up to whatever it is you usually do, never mind the fact I'm here. And as recompense for your trust, I won't leak a single detail of your work. Now come on, chop-chop. I'm deathly concerned for you, what with that doorstopper of a document.

'Darling Rita.' I assume you're curious, if you bring it up? You know those certain few students who always leave their mark on you in your school years? I took quite a fancy to one of them—such an excellent soldier she turned out to be. Still, we have the space to keep out of each other's ways here, and that suits my fancy just as well.

Anything you'd like of me, Doctor of Rhodes Island? If it's in my power to deepen our bilateral trust, then I would be willing to stop gazing out at the window scenery, and focus a little instead on whatever it is that's vexing you.

Shame you're short on people with a shrewd eye for Londinium affairs—I was quite curious what they'd think of me. After all, a medical organization like Rhodes Island, unaffiliated with any nation, opting to work with us? Either you did it out of sheer idiocy, or if not, then you must've known a little too much.

So what's your next step? Keep throwing yourself into the maelstrom of Victoria, or continue to build the peaceful paradise that Rhodes Island hopes for? The Leader once gave me a display of land torched to ash by her fires, and I'm ever so curious. If you had flames, what color would they be?

'Reed.' Such a darling codename—I can practically guess what was on her mind when she came up with it. Still, I'd be more the fool for claiming the prospect of a book club partner drove me here. She just happens to be somebody very useful, hence my need to protect her.

Just making a little bookside conversation, but... how do you regard the act of dancing? You know, when hands rest on collars, and gazes lock, and involuntary reactions let slip the true intentions of you or I—my my, your heart's hardly fluttering at all. No wonder The Leader's so interested in you.

I've gone through the files on my desk. Not at all surprised Rhodes Island would be going after my true reasons for coming here. That said, you were kind enough to drop the papers off with me? You must not be planning to boot me out any time soon, let alone hand me off to a duke. So, what is it you want me to do for Rhodes Island, or perhaps, for you?

Hm-hmm, time to paint my nails. What pattern shall we go with?

Pleased to meet you, and my codename is Harmonie. Here's a dossier on Victoria for Rhodes Island's perusal, as a gesture of goodwill. Don't umm and ahh about it, now—that's basic etiquette for when someone thanks you. May we get along smashingly in the days to come, Doctor.

Oh, what a splendid war command.

Ah, well, thank you very much. It's my honor to receive your endorsement.

What you're doing here has me startlingly curious. What could you be up to, placing me in this position?

What would you have me do for Rhodes Island?

I thank Rhodes Island for its trust.

I do hope none of you turn on the waterworks anytime soon.

Get yourselves ready.

Present.

Received.

Operation commencing.

On your command.

Take a breath, go on. It's not as if I'm crushing your throat.

Stop flailing about, and do as I tell you.

Now now, close your eyes.

This'll all be over before you're bored of it.

If I hadn't seen the battle for myself, I just might have been shocked by your command style.

I'm sure if The Leader saw you now, she'd be delighted.

Oh, there's a rare sight. Maybe you have other things on your mind?

Right, what else can I do here?

Minimalistic, but not at all design-deficient. I have to laud your tastes.

Tut...! Ah. Was something the matter, Doctor? Do tell.

If you're free, we could always chat about your bookshelf.

Arknights.

It's a day worthy of celebration, and I'm here on a certain noble's behalf to gift you this. I will say, though, I've been watching this entire scene unfold, and it makes me think back to my student days, dancing with my classmates at whatever functions the school put on. Those were indeed times...

Hello, Dr. {@nickname}. Cup of tea?

You really do seem to have the utmost confidence in the future you're cooking up. A paradise, is it? You starry-eyed people and I may only be together so long, but make no mistake, the way your endgame will pan out makes me very curious.