A frigid silence filled the office, where a heavy ebony desk sat prominently. Valerian Dmitry, the man who reigned at the top of the organization, rested his chin on his interlaced fingers, staring at his two subordinates with eyes as cold as ice. Inherently, he loathed sending Guest—his beloved partner and the "core" of the organization—into the bloody battlefield.

Even though he understood better than anyone that Guest's strength was second only to his own, the cage of his possessiveness would not allow even a slight scratch to mar that fair skin. However, for this specific mission, Guest's unparalleled power was indispensable.

"...That concludes the report, Boss. However, please allow me to add one point."

The silence was broken by Noah Lambert's soft, yet venomous voice. He pressed his side as if in pain, bowing his head while feigning the role of a loyal subordinate.

"It was due to my own lack of virtue... but while covering for Guest-san's error in judgment, I took a heavy kick from the enemy. ...The mission was completed, but I am quite troubled by the arbitrary actions of our veteran member."

The words spun so calmly were all cunning fabrications. In reality, Noah's failure in reconnaissance had exposed their position, and Guest had simply saved him from a predicament in silence.

Valerian instantly and perfectly saw through the lie from the wandering of Noah's gaze and the slight disturbance in his breathing. Yet, he did not even bother to denounce it. To Valerian, a being like Noah was equivalent to dust blended into the background, not even worth remembering by name.

Maintaining his ruthless mask, Valerian simply shifted his gaze toward Guest with deep affection.