Schicksal belongs to Dark Amber, so naturally it's also Amber's.
But since Amber usually doesn't involve herself in management at all, Schicksal is essentially run entirely by Dark Amber and Gray Serpent.
As the hands-off boss, Amber felt it wouldn't be right to outright lay down the law without consulting them.
So, after returning to the hotel, she contacted Dark Amber, intending to explain the recent situation.
Unexpectedly, on the other side of the screen, along with Dark Amber, were the Yamai sisters, both looking thrilled and excited.
Although only Kaguya's expression was exaggerated, seeing Yuzuru—who usually showed little emotion—display even a slight change in expression probably meant she was emotionally stirred too.
"Bianka!"
Seeing Amber appear before them, Kaguya mustered a surge of courage, ready to tell her about the oppression they'd endured from Dark Amber lately.
But before she could speak, she felt a cool, slippery sensation coil around her calf.
Sensing possible danger, she gulped.
"What's wrong, Kaguya?"
Amber, noticing her suddenly stiff expression, was a bit puzzled.
"Uh… something seems off, but also not…?"
Kaguya could barely maintain her usual speech quirk. As much as she wanted to tattle, she knew Bianka wouldn't be back that quickly—and she might end up getting a harsh lesson from Snake Lady before Bianka even returned.
On the other hand, if she kept quiet, not only might she avoid punishment, but Snake Lady might even call off her current penalties.
"…?"
Listening to you is like listening to you—all words, no substance.
"Is there an issue with Ratatoskr?"
After giving Kaguya a small warning, Dark Amber ignored the two sisters and moved on to serious matters.
Yuzuru, having witnessed this classic "punish one to warn a hundred" tactic, lost her nerve and didn't speak up immediately.
"Not exactly."
Amber said, "It's Shiori—she's had an unexpected change of heart. It seems she'd prefer the Spirits to be under Schicksal's protection rather than Ratatoskr's. I asked if she wanted to come along, but she's still hesitant."
"It's because of Itsuka Kotori, isn't it?"
Dark Amber sneered, "Her little sister is still with that Ratatoskr. Having her sister brainwashed—it's only natural someone like Itsuka Shiori wouldn't be able to let it go."
"Actually, Kotori is also considering joining Schicksal, but she's hesitant too."
Amber felt her other self had too rigid an impression of Kotori. "Although she holds loyalty toward Ratatoskr, after our talk at her home, a lot of that 'filter' she had for them has been removed."
Really, what kind of organization keeps their member's older sister under surveillance and even conducts research on her? Especially when that sister is someone she loves.
Kotori has been with Ratatoskr all along, holding a high position and being educated under their influence.
To her, Ratatoskr studying Itsuka Shiori probably seemed like they were helping her.
But once you separate yourself from Ratatoskr, the whole thing leaves a bad taste—especially after Shiori clearly expressed her dislike for such behavior.
Realizing this, Kotori's sense of belonging to Ratatoskr has dropped significantly. Sure, she holds a high position there and has her own authority and military power—the Fraxinus is no ordinary aerial warship.
But all of that seems pretty cheap compared to her sister.
"Hmm~ So, she wants to see what Schicksal's stance is, is that it?"
Dark Amber was much more savvy in this area than Amber and immediately grasped Kotori's line of thought.
"Hearing you say Schicksal is my one-woman rule got her interested, but it also made her wary."
One-person rule has its pros and cons. The good part is, if you're on good terms with that person in charge, you can get a huge share of resources.
The downside is just as obvious—if that person wants to make things hard for you, there's nothing you can do about it.
Why can a board of directors pressure a CEO? Because they can unite as one. But this 'CEO' Mobius doesn't have a single board member under her—cross her, and you're done for.
Right now, none of the management under Mobius has a say—so if Kotori joined, would she have any real voice?
That's probably what worries Kotori the most.
Amber hadn't thought that far; she just figured Kotori was hesitant to gamble on switching sides, especially since she had both connections and authority in Ratatoskr.
"Seems like you're hoping to bring both Itsuka Shiori and Itsuka Kotori into Schicksal."
Dark Amber laughed.
"…Yes, from every angle, they'd be better off with Schicksal than with Ratatoskr—both for our sake and for theirs."
Amber nodded.
After all… Kotori might not know it, but the two of them were well aware: if Kotori joined Schicksal, she'd only gain more authority than she had in Ratatoskr.
There was no particular reason—it was simply because Amber liked them, trusted them, and sincerely hoped they could have better lives.
If it were right after the end of the last world, when she'd just arrived in this one, maybe Amber wouldn't have been so willful in her thinking.
But… having stored her memories through the Fenghuang Down, her current mindset was still quite youthful.
"Heh heh, you know I could never refuse your requests, right?"
Dark Amber sat in her chair, cheek resting in one hand. Her youthful yet aggressive face seemed to carry a hint of malice even when she smiled.
But Amber knew she meant every word.
"Then I'll leave tonight's conversation to you."
This kind of wholehearted devotion for her sake—no matter how many times she realized it, it always moved her.
Still, to maintain her image, she kept her expression calm.
"Bianka! When dost thou plan to return?"
Seeing the two of them pause their discussion, Kaguya immediately spoke up again, "Yuzuru mentioned earlier that she had something to say to thee! Alas, we are confined here and cannot seek thee out!"
"If all goes well, I should be back within a month."
Amber replied with a smile, "I'll bring back gifts for everyone when I return. And I'll also check on your recent training progress."
Kaguya was delighted by the first part, but her expression froze at the second.
She averted her eyes slightly, "Th-That won't be necessary! I've been practicing diligently every day! Bianka, thou mayest take thy time returning!"
"Before you come back, think of a suitable punishment—these two lab rats have been slacking off every day."
Dark Amber showed no mercy, immediately calling out her lie.
Kaguya stared at Dark Amber in disbelief, unable to understand why she'd strike first when she hadn't even tattled.
"Contact me again tonight. Now isn't the best time to chat."
Before Kaguya could react and attempt a loud, mutual-destruction-style accusation, Dark Amber ended the communication.
Seeing Kaguya, who had been about to explode, forcibly swallow her words and look utterly miserable, Dark Amber narrowed her eyes dangerously, "Lab rat, were you just about to say something you shouldn't?"
"…N-No! I merely wished to bid Bianka farewell!"
Knowing her chance was gone, Kaguya didn't dare challenge Dark Amber's betrayal. She quickly put on an 'I don't know what you're talking about' face.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save her from Dark Amber's judgment.
In less than five minutes, the room once again echoed with the indignant cries of two young girls.
Though Yuzuru, as her sister, hadn't done anything, the ever-thoughtful Dark Amber made sure the sisters shared both hardships and consequences alike.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.