Have someone else handle the paperwork and filing. But if you need anyone dealt with, or protected, just give me the list of names. I'll take care of them.

These are clothes and snacks for Lisa, along with gifts for her friends. As for this box of old books her papa insisted I bring, I'm not sure what they're for. I'll just let Lisa decide what to do with them.

Uniform? No, thanks. I don't know why you people need so many pockets. Just as I can't grasp why the Higashinese stuff planks and pillows in their waistbands, making it so terribly hard to move around… Anyway, I'm fine with this outfit, and it has nothing to do with me being Siracusan.

Some of the operators here have unsteady breathing. Perhaps they could try reciting a tanka or two to adjust their breaths as they strike, like: 'Solitude seeps not from autumn shade, but from the mountain pines in red sun's fall.' Or 'I bear no off'ring branch unto the hills, for rich brocades of maple sate the gods.' You think these lines evoke a particular image? Hm. Probably.

No need to hide the Wolumonde story from me. Hm, you look nervous, but I'm not here to cast blame, my daughter knows the meaning of her work. Suzuran is no fragile flower, and I am no hidebound gardener.

My return trip to Siracusa? The perpetrator is dead, so there is little else to say. The man who, in his lust for power, deprived so many of a decent life, did not deserve a decent death.

Lost in thought? Is something wrong? Hm, some business less suited to a so-called pharmaceutical company, is it? If you need my help, do speak clearly now. You see, Doctor, I have only the patience to manage this single braid.

The wine tasting is already finished? I went to freshen up and hurried back as quickly as I could... Ah, sorry, but my work demands it. You see, precision is everything. I must be meticulous about which bastard die at which moment, not a second sooner. Hehe, but we don't need to pick a time for whiskey. Care to stay a while longer?

So much snow on the deck, and yet the corridors are not cold. I detest inconsistent weather, so the landship has been a blessing. I only just realized how long I've been here. You're right, an assassin's vacation is a good thing, for herself, and others.

I'll stay here, just call me if you need something. Hard to believe? Sometimes, I can be very patient, Doctor. Have you ever tried combing nineteen tails in one go?

Hello. You must be 'the incredible Doctor' Lisa always mentions in her letters. Hmm, I've been curious to know what you looked like, and here you are. Which reminds me, could you update me on Lisa's studies, if you have the time?

It's not often I see recordings of myself. I fought my battles in quiet alleyways, with no witnesses.

I appreciate the recognition. But this means those after the bounty on my head will come looking for Rhodes Island. You are not worried?

I accept your medal, Doctor. You needn't say more. I do know the difference between this medal, and the emblems of the Siracusan family.

Leave the toughest one for me.

Just keep yourselves safe, ladies and gentlemen.

My ears are sharp, so when I stop, you stop.

Need to parley with them? But I rarely do such things, whether I'm in Siracusa or Higashi.

I'm all ears.

So much negotiation and we end up talking with our blades.

Splendid day today.

Beautiful place.

Hate and resentment have no place, but in a burst of autumn red.

Flowers imbibed, the lady in suit and tie dance with her blade.

At least make me lose the coat.

Why the rush? The road to the afterlife is crowded enough.

Higashinese shoji screens often run a common theme. The kami created life and land to propagate themselves… A pity they didn't care for what came after. Sorting out this mess is hard work.

There's nothing to clean up. Let's go.

Crawling out of the swamp is hard enough, never mind doing it gracefully.

Leave the rest to me... it's clear why we failed, and I know how to make it even.

The soundproofing of this place is excellent. Was it done for professional reasons?

Hehe, even Lisa has grown out of this by now.

The scar on my face? I wasn't born with it... Let's just leave it at that.

Arknights.

Happy New Year. What a wonderful gathering. Dancing, chatting, making noise just for fun, instead of drowning out a struggle. Hmm… Lisa's making her way here, Doctor. That was sake in my cup and not a double whiskey shot, understand?

Hello, Doctor... Hehe, I can hear your footsteps even with my ears folded.

I first contacted Rhodes Island because it was the best place to treat Lisa. But now, I would send her here to learn, even if she were perfectly healthy. Do not let this landship ever stop, Doctor, not after it has been sailing for so long.