“First, Venti, I want to thank you for this gift.”
Pela’s expression was sincere and focused, and Gepard, though he hadn’t delved into the details, also recognized the significance of the two technologies at a glance.
“This technology is critical to the Silvermane Guards. It will help many soldiers survive encounters in the Rift, and for that alone, you have our deepest respect.”
“I’m glad it can help,” Venti said with a playful smile. “After all, if the Silvermane Guards weren’t protecting the city, who’d be left to listen to my performances?”
He winked. “Otherwise, in just three days, I’d be out on the street, lighting matches to keep warm and imagining applause.”
Pela chuckled, unable to resist his humor. “Well, if it ever comes to that, I’ll take you in, you unemployed poet.”
Realizing her words carried a hint of closeness, and noticing Serval’s amused stare, Pela blushed slightly but forced herself to continue without skipping a beat.
“Ehem. Let’s get back on topic. I have a few questions—if it’s inconvenient to answer, feel free to skip them. Does that work?”
“Of course! When it comes to helping friends, I’m an open book.”
Venti’s good-natured response put her at ease.
“Thank you! Now, first question…”
Pela’s fingers glided over the blueprints, pausing on the titles of the two technologies.
“Where did you find this technology—or should I say, the mechanical bird?”
“From a little girl. I traded her for a story!”
Pela blinked, caught off guard. “Wait… that was true?”
She’d assumed Venti was spinning tales; who’d believe such critical technology could be obtained in the lower district by chance?
“Well, it wasn’t just any little girl,” Venti said with a mysterious smile. “She’s Clara, a mechanical genius and the leader of the ‘Robot Settlement,’ one of the most influential groups down there. She supports so many people on her own.”
Everyone fell silent, unsure whether to take Venti’s words as fact or jest.
“Yeesh… you don’t have to butter me up that much, you know?”
Serval scratched her cheek, a faint blush coloring her face.
“No, this has nothing to do with you!” Pela muttered with an exasperated sigh.
“Please, Sis,” Gepard added, attempting to steer things back on course.
Seeing her goodwill going unappreciated, Serval puffed her cheeks in a mock pout and mumbled,
“I was famous as a young genius back in school,” she grumbled. “And the Neverwinter Workshop is my pride—everyone around here brings their heaters for repair, and loads of young people love my rock band!”
The group burst into laughter, and for a moment, the mood turned cheerful.
“…But back to business. These technologies—did she retrieve them from the Robot Settlement?” Pela murmured, piecing the details together.
“But why would that girl trust Venti with something so valuable?”
Could it be that this “Clara” knew Venti and, by extension, Pela, and chose to pass the technology on to them this way?
Or perhaps Venti had simply made an impression on her, but why would she take the risk? The lower district had been isolated ever since the lockdown.
Most people in the upper district had no clue about life below, and even Pela, as an intelligence officer, knew little about the current state of the lower city.
Now that even the city itself was succumbing to Rift erosion, how could the lower district be any better off?
Given these circumstances, Pela’s instinct told her something crucial was being kept from them.
“Uh… can I interject?” Serval, noticing Pela seemed lost in thought, raised her hand.
Her sudden question had the intended effect of snapping Pela back to attention, though she hadn’t anticipated Gepard’s expression of mild horror.
Even Venti’s curiosity was piqued, his clear eyes brimming with a lively spark.
Seeing him look at her that way, Serval, despite being no stranger to compliments, found herself a bit flustered.
“Oh, come on, you all staring like that… it’s making me a little self-conscious.”
“What was that?” Pela asked, somewhat taken aback.
“That you’re making me shy—”
“No, not that part! The sentence before that.”
“Ah? Right! I just meant, can I share my thoughts? It’s not fair for you all to discuss while I just sit here twiddling my thumbs.”
Trying to laugh off her earlier embarrassment, Serval added, “I am the workshop’s owner here, after all. Show me a bit of courtesy.”
“It’s just surprising to see you, of all people, politely asking,” Pela said, her serious tone not hiding the subtle barb.
As Serval’s face fell in a mix of mock disappointment and real irritation, Gepard attempted to smooth things over.
“…Ahem. My sister may be a bit carefree, but she does take serious matters to heart… mostly.”
“While I’m flattered you think so highly of me, did you really need to add ‘mostly’?” Serval grumbled, torn between amusement and frustration.
“Perhaps we should let Miss Serval share her thoughts?” Venti suggested, steering the conversation back on track.
Venti was more than happy to banter for as long as they liked, but for now, they did have a mission to focus on.
“See? Now that’s a sensible reaction!” Serval exclaimed, pretending to wipe away a tear of relief.
“…Fine,” Pela conceded with a sigh, “we’ll let you chime in.”
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