Léon: The Cat Killer

"Thea? That name..."

She instinctively thought of that prince, but then W immediately dismissed the guess... She knew that this was just an allergic reaction, and her previous desire to tease the child suddenly vanished.

Just as W was thinking about what to say to stop the little guy from ruining his hairstyle, the sudden sound of the cabin door opening silenced the entire lobby.

As the gate opened, the first to emerge was Huang, fully armed like the other shield guards present, followed by the rest of the group dressed in Rhodes Island uniforms.

"Oh... everyone's so quiet, is something wrong? PRTS?"

[No anomalies found. The most recent event log is... Operator Rosemary's... playful interaction with passenger W.]

"play?"

PRTS's description made Huang smile. Just a few days ago, she had fought fiercely with the shield guards attempting to breach the defenses in a narrow passage. Huang herself had sawed through a chain, and one of the shield guards' shields was probably destroyed as well... And now you suddenly let Huang hear these burly men playing and interacting with kittens... A picture immediately popped into Huang's mind. (Additionally...)

The shield guards wearing heavy, round armor are playing and interacting with the kitten... Is it the kind of interaction where they are treated like balls and the kitten slaps them all over the place?

Just as Huang was letting her imagination run wild, Yato, Blackhorn, and the Ranger pushed a folding stretcher out of the corridor. On it were the Yeti members who had just undergone surgery. Sussurro, standing nearby, took off her gloves and handed the post-operative report from her pocket to the black-haired woman in front of her… Felin?

Swinging a tail reminiscent of Lupo, and looking utterly unremarkable except for his heterochromatic eyes, Medic stood in the front row of the Rhodes Island group:

"I'm sorry, we've known each other for so long, but this is still our first meeting. I'm the person in charge of Rhodes Island's educational tour in Ursus, and also the Minister of Personnel and Head of the Emergency Medical Services Department. You can call me Medic... May I ask, are the family members of the surgical patients here?"

“…I am Frostnova, a Yeti officer. Those people are my subordinates. I am their family member…they…” Qi

Nodding to the white rabbit who stepped forward, Nana glanced around the scene, briefly exchanging glances with Afu and Eileen, then smiled and petted the kitten that had run over to rub against her. She then turned to the side so Frostnova could see Sussurro without her mask, handing her the signed surgical report: [The sentence ends abruptly, likely due to an incomplete thought or missing information.]

"Rest assured, the surgery was a success. This is Sussurro, our expert in Oripathy and minimally invasive treatment. She was the surgeon who performed the emergency operation... These patients requiring urgent treatment all had a clear tendency to overuse Originium Arts, which caused their conditions to deteriorate rapidly... More detailed medical reports are here, and this is a complimentary medical record book... Please keep it safe."

Looking at the Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals' red seal on the report, and the detailed medical record showing her daily diet and sleep schedule, Frostnova felt all the questions and things she wanted to say get stuck in her throat.

After being rescued from a mine as a child, Froststar was taught by her adoptive father, Patriot. Although she didn't know much in the Reunion Movement, she was still better than most illiterate people in rural areas... But looking at the things on her medical record, Froststar only felt a little dizzy.

Although the medical records in her hands were only a few dozen pages long, the words on them made Shuangxing feel as heavy as a mountain.

An acute attack of Oripathy has occurred; it is recommended to avoid using Originium Arts as much as possible...

Malnutrition is a concern; it is recommended to supplement your daily diet with high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

For inflammation caused by long-term external injuries, rest is recommended...

Such things, in every little detail... Frostnova couldn't do any of them.

The handwriting on the medical record was like dry tinder falling into a raging fire. Faced with conditions that she could not meet no matter what she did, Frostnova's first reaction was naturally to feel offended... But just as she subconsciously took a deep breath to berate the other person, she remembered that her suffering was actually unrelated to the other person.

Rhodes Island's high-ranking combatants are on par with her adoptive father, and the Rhodes Island Sarkaz who needed her help has already left... The black-haired girl in front of her looks quite ordinary, but her title is clearly that of a department-level cadre of Rhodes Island... Although Frostnova doesn't know exactly what level this title means, she knows that she shouldn't vent her anger on her.

"...Ah, yes, I received it...but..."

"but?"

She opened her mouth, like a drowning fish, but in the end, Froststar said nothing. She just looked down at her compatriot who had just undergone surgery and was no longer struggling with her hoarse voice every day...

Patriot reached out and touched Frostnova, who was holding a stack of medical records. W also sighed and patted the Yeti Princess on the shoulder. The person who was communicating with Rhodes Island suddenly became the leader of the Shield Guard... the legendary warrior, the last survivor of the Kazdel Cannibal Court, Zobokaste.

The two men, one tall and one short, looked at each other for a moment, then Patriot bowed first to express his gratitude for the treatment.

"...Nice to meet you...Medic from Rhodes Island..."

"Nice to meet you, Patriot... or rather, Chbokasti..."

"...You are that child's..."

"……guardian."

As he spoke, he stroked the kitten that had floated behind his shoulder and was pawing at him. Turning back, Medic noticed that Patriot's gaze seemed somewhat unfocused… Making a mental note of this, Medic continued:

"The kitten had a minor disagreement with everyone back then, but now I'd like to call that conflict a case of 'no fight, no friendship'... At least the Shield Guards didn't suffer any substantial losses, and our resistance was almost at its limit... As expected of the elite army that made Ursus what it is, even their infection situation seems much more optimistic than the Yetis'... Of course, besides yourself, I think you also need immediate treatment..."

"...My condition is not life-threatening."

Patriot's decisive rejection of Medic was not unexpected. The black-haired girl flicked her tail, still wearing the smile that Patriot didn't quite like:

"Of course, we respect the patient's choice... but please remember that our current emergency room staff still includes you and your adopted daughter Froststar... and her condition is not optimistic..."

"However, I don't think this is a doubt about our treatment capabilities, so let's talk about our cooperation... Of course, the atmosphere can be a little more relaxed, too much tension is not good for everyone's Oripathy... Also, our doctors need to continue treating other people... For example... this Ms. Sarkaz."

When Medic turned to look at W, the white-haired Sarkaz had just told the other Yetis to watch over Frostnova. Then W's gaze was drawn to the little black-haired fellow before him. As the other looked at him, W spoke:

“…I’ve seen you…it was before Kazdel was attacked, about six months…yes, about six months ago…you and that old…Kal’tsit disembarked and left together…”

Despite speaking with absolute certainty, W looked at Medic with a puzzled expression... because in W's memory, the girl named 'Nana' had also been with Kal'tsit, and W had always thought that person was also Nana... but thinking about it carefully, the one with the halo seems to be... the one who was carried back to Rhodes Island by Kal'tsit?

Because that halo was very distinctive at the time, W was quite certain that she hadn't made a conscious effort to remember it.

So, these are actually two people?

Just as W was filled with doubt, Medic smiled politely, confirming that it was indeed him, and then looked at Patriot again:

"First, let's confirm what we've already agreed on... Our agents should have confirmed that we've taken in some refugees... May I ask, who is the person in charge named Alfred...?"

"it's me."

Medic rose and bowed slightly, and returned the bow, then looked at Huang beside him:

“Huang, take them to the first-floor cabin for PRTS registration. I am authorizing you in the name of the Rhodes Island Personnel Department Minister. Based on the negotiations between Nana and you, I will register you on the Rhodes Island network with Level 1 privileges... But please note that this is only a ‘probationary period’. Regardless of what Nana and you have said, your future decisions will be based on my judgment as the ‘Minister’.”

“Of course, Miss Minister.”

Seeing Alfred's still dashing demeanor despite his age, Nana looked away. Patriots was still waiting for Rhodes Island to speak, while on the other side, W's seemingly scrutinizing gaze made Nana a little nervous.

After thinking it over, Nana decided to deal with W's situation immediately...

Unlike Afu and the others who had spoken the 'secret code' beforehand and seemed to have realized it, W, although she seemed very rational and intelligent when she was quiet, looked at her current confused expression, so Nana assumed that she did not recognize the relationship between Medic and Nana.

In other words, before this static beauty starts to feel stood up and goes crazy, Nana needs to find an opportunity to show that she accepts 'Nana's' recommendation, will continue to cooperate, and take her to see Kal'tsit.

"And then, it's Miss W... right... Nana mentioned the source of your injury... I will treat you properly... but it might not be possible today, your hand is inflamed, we will do some anti-inflammatory treatment first... and we will perform the repositioning surgery for you tomorrow."

After saying that, and confirming that W had been pulled back to reality and returned to static mode, Nana was finally able to turn her attention back to Patriot:

"Next up is the collaborative project that Operator Nana has arranged for everyone... Over the next few days, we will gradually complete the examinations and treatments for everyone for Oripathy and other common injuries... and in exchange for this..."

"...Nana exchanged several 'messages'..."

"...That's certainly not enough...Or are you saying that, after those dangerous details were pointed out, you and your troops are prepared to stand idly by?"

Seeing that Patriot was still as tall as an ordinary person even when he was sitting down, Nana had arranged for Sussuro and Aya to begin examining and treating the injuries of the non-emergency members, while Franka and Kurogane were responsible for protecting them.

After assisting in transporting the patient, the A4 team retreated to the airlock leading to the elevator and stood guard nearby.

Compared to the enormous size of Wendigo, Nana and her adjutant formed a stark contrast... a black-haired kitten and a monster made of steel, a resolute and muscular shield guard adjutant and Jessica, who was also a Feline but was nervously fiddling with her fingers... Ah, it seems that after changing back into her clothes, Jessica's weak personality returned to her, but Nana felt that this did not prevent her 'Stand' from shining brightly and killing everything at crucial moments.

Ultimately, the one that disguises itself best is 'Medic' itself.

The two remained silent for a while, until Patriot finally spoke first:

“Even if you take away the ‘information,’ you don’t want to stop here… If you want to do some research with that ‘contamination,’ then even without me, the Empire will stop you… But clearly, your goal is not the ‘contamination’ itself… What exactly is Rhodes Island’s purpose?”

Faced with the deer-headed monster's serious questioning, the black-haired cat twitched its ears:

"...Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company; we are dedicated to treating diseases..."

Raising her head to meet the other person's crimson eyes with her heterochromatic blue-green pupils, Nana shared her feelings about Rhodes Island:

"But this land is terminally ill."

P.S.: ...Um, I use two sick leave slips at the beginning of each month...because that's...my period...

PS2: ...Also...ah...complaining about the plot in the review section is fine, calling me stupid is fine too...but please don't say Nana is stupid...she's supposed to be smarter than me...at least my math isn't at a university level...QAQ

PS3: Rhodes Island's philosophy is to cure 'diseases'... but judging from the plot, the organization's ideal scope is obviously something much broader... However, the main story is coming out too slowly, which is a big problem.

PS4: Meow Meow Cat

The cat's fur is all puffed up...so cute!

The 4th Blood-Red Warm Winter: 112 The Patriot's Choice

The antler-wearing warrior made no comment on Rhodes Island's ideals, and Medic himself preferred to demonstrate his intentions through actions rather than words.

While the two 'leaders' fell silent, seemingly lost in thought, Sussuro, along with Aya, completed the inspection of the existing Reunion Movement members.

The subsequent signing of the drug dispensing documents was completed in silence, and Patriot's silence finally ended when he received the drug dispensing receipt that required his signature on behalf of the Integration Movement.

"...Medicine...free? Is Rhodes Island like this for all infected people?"

"No, for infected individuals with financial means, Rhodes Island will collect the amount they can afford to maintain company operations and pharmaceutical production... But most infected individuals don't actually have that financial means, so in exchange, Rhodes Island allows infected individuals to exchange labor for drugs and related treatments..."

As he spoke, Medic pointed with his left ear and left hand at Franka, who was smiling and following beside Sussuro and Aya:

"We also have in-depth organizational cooperation. For example, outstanding employees like Miss Franka are handled through an order exchange system... Rhodes Island and Blacksteel International exchange service orders. Rhodes Island provides treatment to the operator, while Blacksteel transfers the outstanding operator to our side to perform missions... This means providing treatment without affecting the operator's work and life... It's a typical service exchange cooperation."

Listening to the explanation from Felin, who was even younger than his adopted daughter, Patriot unconsciously tilted his head:

"...Isn't this a sign that Blacksteel has given up on Volper?"

“True abandonment means erasing your file and benefits along with your social status, and even eliminating you from society. In Colombia, the labor law enacted three years ago clearly stipulates the obligations that companies should fulfill… This situation may be more common in Ursus.”

"Of course, it wasn't that no one said things like 'If we do this, we'll go bankrupt'... Obviously, that's extremely irresponsible. It turns out that this isn't as much of a burden on business owners as people imagine, and the preferential treatment given to those infected is actually part of Colombia's rapid development in recent years."

After giving the Wendigo some time to process the information, Nana continued:

"Service exchange-based cooperation is a rare example of reciprocal cooperation within Rhodes Island's portfolio... Often, Rhodes Island's contributions are unequal, such as in our cooperation with Ursus, and now, in our cooperation with your Reunion Movement..."

"The former allowed commercial organizations that treat infected people well to enter the country, in exchange for us sending an elite personnel team in the hope of changing the discrimination against infected people in society... Obviously, this is not something that can be changed in one or two educational tours; it is related to the political struggle at the Ursus official level... The effects may only appear after the Rhodes Island office network is fully deployed."

"And now, the cooperation with the Reunion Movement is part of the cooperation with Ursus, and it can also be considered an experiment on our side... Lord Patriot, I am aware of your strength. Although the Shield Guards are not numerous, they are a force that can do amazing things when they get serious."

"Out of consideration for the plight of those infected in Ursus, we can provide treatment for you free of charge... This trial can continue until our team runs out of medicine... But how should Reunion proceed?"

Looking at the shimmering emerald left eye of the black-haired film, Patriot cautiously surveyed the surrounding magical environment, confirming that he was not under the influence of witchcraft before continuing the conversation:

"...Rhodes Island wants to change the Reunion Movement's actions?"

"Yes, because so far, all I've seen is you on the path to self-destruction."

"You think we can't fight Ursus..."

"Confrontation? The Reunion Movement's predicament stems from the political situation in Ursus. The 'integration' of the Reunion Movement comes from the maverick nature of the old nobles in terms of political laws. You are merely bubbles stirred up by the struggle between the Emperor and the old nobles in terms of political decrees and even the domestic development path. The two sides are fundamentally not on the same level, so what 'confrontation' is there to speak of?"

Seeing Patriot fall silent again, Frostnova, who had calmed down a bit earlier, returned to the discussion and frowned, saying:

"...Of course we understand the difference between being enemies of Ursus and Ursus being enemies of us, but we can't just sit here and wait to die... Or are you going to bring up what you said before, telling us to leave Ursus?"

"...That can only be called a suggestion. Even with Rhodes Island's help, getting the infected settlement, including the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled, from the northwestern snowfields of Ursus to Columbia...the journey is too long and the risks are too high...but, it is indeed a way out...it's better than you running headlong into an unseen conspiracy."

At this point, the assassin sorted out her thoughts and, based on the report she received from 'Nana,' then used the understanding of the current situation held by Rhodes Island employees to retell the reasons for the current state of Ursus to the Reunion Movement members.

Medic then steered the conversation back to the Rhodes Island mission:

"In order to complete the task given by the emperor, the only right way is to investigate the reasons why the old nobles are spreading such propaganda... In the end, the touring popular science is just a superficial effort, a stupid method for the masses... If we want to effectively change the status quo, the only right way is to let the new noble faction represented by the emperor regain control of public opinion."

"With this explanation, you should understand that Rhodes Island and Infected organizations like Reunion should be natural allies... Our demands, whether concerning the treatment of the Infected or the improvement of the political situation in Ursus, overlap considerably... Whether it's following ideals or pursuing interests, rather than letting Reunion run wild on its own, it's better to integrate you into Rhodes Island's operations. This will benefit both sides' plans."

"So, after all that, I think we can reach some consensus on this... Could your department take us to meet the 'Reunion Movement leader,' who is being driven by the old aristocratic decrees and surrounded by countless unstable elements?"

Honestly, Medic felt he had reasoned with them enough and appealed to their emotions... If they still decided to 'protect' that obviously problematic 'leader' after all this... then Medic would have no choice but to switch back to 'Nana's' disguise and continue his investigation deep into the snowfield.

Fortunately, as the distribution of the medicine was gradually completed, proving that Rhodes Island's 'rescue' was not just empty talk, the Patriots did begin to consider the 'conjectures' Medic had mentioned.

However, before Patriot could reply, Frostnova impatiently slammed her hand on the table: I

“Talulah has been working with us for almost two years, and I believe her actions are far from acting… As for your so-called 'speech'…”

"It's also possible that we're wrong, since there's no concrete evidence." Ling

Taking the initiative to pick up the conversation, Medic looked at Patriot again:

"The situation in the Northwest Snowfield is more complex than we imagined... Coupled with the description of the 'unspeakable thing' in 'Nana's' report, if influenced by that thing, I wouldn't be surprised if the old nobles issued some bizarre decrees... Of course, the reverse is also possible; perhaps those unspeakable things are acting to promote the 'Integration Movement'... That's also a direction for investigation... So I ask again, Your Excellency Patriot, after knowing that that thing is roaming the snowfield, are you still going to remain so indifferent?"

"..."

Indifference—this is how outsiders assess their own actions. (Umbrella)

Previously, Patriot might have dismissed it as mere rhetoric, but after listening carefully to the third party's analysis of the Ursus situation, Patriot had to admit that his actions of merely attacking the mines and rescuing the persecuted infected were perhaps no different from indifference.

This isn't something he's doing alone; other guerrilla groups are doing it too... It's just that the Shield Guard's training level and equipment are what made his guerrilla group a 'Reunion Movement'.

Even excluding interference from external guerrilla groups, given the increasing number of people in the mines almost every month, their patience will eventually reach its limit, and it will only take about three years for them to launch a counterattack against the 'Infected Patrol Team' that manages the mines.

Three years... that's enough time for the number of infected people to gather to be a thousand times greater than the time it takes for their mine managers to manage the mine.

Given such a disparity in numbers, once discontent overflows and the people no longer fear death, all that awaits those oppressors who have been tyrannical and domineering is a miserable death.

What role did the Shield Guard play in all of this?