Ramonu took a few steps forward after the conversation, but stopped dead a couple of meters ahead. The hallway wasn't as empty as she had thought.
"You can come out," Ramonu said calmly.
There was a slight movement next to one of the columns near the window.
Mejiro Ardan appeared with a small bow of her head, as if she had been caught doing something that wasn't quite a misdeed.
"I am sorry," she said softly. "It was not my intention to listen... but I did not want to interrupt, either."
Ramonu showed no surprise.
"How much did you hear?"
Ardan hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Only parts."
It wasn't completely a lie.
Ramonu observed her in silence. Not harshly, but with a measured attention, as if evaluating something beyond her words.
"And what did you understand?" she finally asked.
Ardan lowered her gaze slightly, thoughtful.
"That you do not see him like the others do," she replied. "And that... you are waiting for something."
Ramonu didn't answer immediately.
"That is fine."
Ramonu's answer was simple, and that seemed to reassure Ardan more than expected. Ramonu turned slightly toward the window. The morning light outlined her figure with precision.
"I hope we can keep this conversation between us."
Ardan smiled faintly.
"As you wish, sister."
There was no doubt in her voice.
Ardan admired Ramonu more than anyone else in her life.
Ramonu stayed silent for a few seconds.
"You know, Ardan. The others focus on the obvious," she said. "And while that is not a mistake, it is not enough either," Ramonu completed softly.
She looked at her out of the corner of her eye.
"I understand."
The exchange was brief, but fluid. Natural.
Ardan took a small step closer.
"Sister, do you think he is dangerous?"
The question held no tension. Only sincere curiosity.
Ramonu considered it.
"No, not yet."
Ardan nodded slowly. Her eyes drifted toward the garden, visible at the end of the hallway. In the distance, some figures could be seen moving.
"Today... you think something will happen, don't you?" Ardan asked.
"Yes."
The answer was immediate.
Ardan delicately clasped her hands together.
"Then I will be watchful."
Ramonu observed her for another moment.
"That is what I will need from you."
Ardan blinked, slightly surprised.
"Hm?"
"That you observe," she clarified. "As you do now. That you be attentive."
There was no pressure in her words.
But there was intention.
Ardan tilted her head.
"I want you to get close to him and observe well from within."
"From within...?"
Ramonu took a step toward her, closing the distance, but without invading her space.
Ardan looked away for a second, as if processing the idea.
"Do you want me to... be with him?"
"I want you to be present."
It wasn't an order, but it felt like more than a casual suggestion.
Ardan looked back at her.
"I am not as perceptive as you," she admitted. "I might not notice what is important."
Ramonu shook her head slightly.
"You notice what others overlook; that is your strength."
That made Ardan smile, just barely.
"Do you think so?"
"I know."
The answer was firm.
Unembellished.
Ardan stayed silent for a few seconds. Then she nodded softly.
"Then... I will get close to him."
She didn't ask what for, nor did she question the intention.
She simply accepted.
Ramonu took a step back, restoring the space between them.
"The others are already in the garden," she commented. "We shouldn't take long."
Ramonu shifted her gaze outside.
"You go first."
Ardan hesitated.
"And you?"
"I will follow later."
Ardan nodded.
Before leaving, she stopped for a moment.
"Ramonu..."
She didn't answer, but she didn't move either.
"He... doesn't seem like a bad person."
The sentence was simple.
Honest.
Ramonu closed her eyes for just a second.
"I never said he was."
Ardan smiled softly.
"I know."
And she left.
Her footsteps faded down the hallway, light, almost silent.
Ramonu remained where she was.
Looking toward the garden.