Love Is Truly Grand

"Another peaceful day."

Lee sat by the window, gazing at the distant forest. She had to admit, the Fire Moth had given her a top-notch room. Spacious, comfortable, with a stunning view.

A wealthy organization doesn't skimp on these things.

"Sister Lee."

Griseo's voice caught Lee's attention. She turned with a smile.

"Finished drawing, Griseo?"

"Mm." Griseo nodded obediently, holding up her drawing. "For you."

"Wow, for me? Thank you so much, Griseo~" Lee feigned exaggerated delight, then bent down and patted Griseo's head, taking the drawing. "Let's see what Griseo drew for me. Hmm… a ring?"

Griseo was quite artistic, but sometimes her creations were… abstract. And this was a prime example.

Fortunately, Griseo's abstract art wasn't the kind of "postmodernism" that left people completely baffled. Lee could generally make out what she'd drawn.

"A glowing ring of fire in the darkness—no, is it the sun?" Lee tilted her head, studying the drawing. "But why is the center of the sun black?"

"Because Sister Lee's heart isn't shining." Griseo looked at Lee with her calm, wide eyes.

Well, that's Griseo for you. A child, but with the sharp eyes to see right through the facade.

The moment Griseo spoke, Lee understood. The drawing wasn't just the sun, it was Lee herself.

The reason the sun looked like a ring of fire was because its center wasn't as bright and burning as its exterior. It was dark, bleak—just like Lee.

Though she always appeared confident and gentle, giving strength to those around her, she was actually quite pessimistic, a side she rarely showed.

But that was just Lee's persona, the part she allowed others to see. Her true thoughts were protected by the system, inaccessible to anyone.

Even so, it meant Griseo understood Lee's true nature better than anyone else in this world.

"…Little Griseo, you're such a good artist." Lee stared at the drawing for a moment, then ruffled Griseo's hair with a smile. "Thank you, Griseo. I love it. But let's keep this drawing our little secret, okay?"

"Mm." Griseo nodded seriously, though she didn't understand why.

This kind of item needs to be saved for later, for when something happens. Then it'll be even more proof that I haven't changed. They just never noticed.

Surely, those who care about me every day can see what little Griseo can?

Thinking of the potential energy payout in the future, Lee couldn't help but smile.

"Come on, Griseo, I'll take you for something delicious~"

...

"Doctor, the data for this serum…"

"Mm, it's a little more effective than before."

In his office, Dr. SPACY took the report from Su, but after a glance, he set it aside.

"But it's no longer necessary, Su. Humanity already has the perfect solution."

Su wasn't angry or surprised by this. He'd expected it.

"Is it the Fire Moth's new serum?" At Dr. SPACY's gesture, Su sat across from him. "They claim a 100% cure rate for the Honkai disease, complete recovery within two minutes of injection… I haven't seen it myself. Is it really that miraculous?"

"In fact, it's even more miraculous."

Dr. SPACY smiled, opening a drawer and pulling out two vials—one red, one white—placing them before Su.

"Anti-Honkai Serum [Saint's Blood]."

"What about this white one?"

Su picked up the vials. One shimmered like a ruby, the other glowed with a warm, jade-like luster.

Beautifully packaged, beautifully colored… but for some reason, holding them made Su feel uneasy.

"The other one is exclusively for the leadership. It not only clears Honkai infection but also strengthens Honkai resistance." Dr. SPACY chuckled. "Amazing, isn't it? Honkai resistance, once almost impossible to enhance artificially, now achievable with a single injection."

"That's… quite amazing." Su quietly put down the vials. "I've never heard of this version."

"Of course. The required materials seem rare, so it's not for public use. It's only circulated among those fat cats." Dr. SPACY shook his head, amused. "Whether they use it or it ends up spilled on the ground makes no difference to me… A high-ranking official trying to win me over gave me this one."

"Even the regular [Saint's Blood] far surpasses our research…"

"But its existence is enough." Dr. SPACY shrugged. "For the Fire Moth, capable people can acquire it, and those who can't… well, their deaths are inconsequential."

Su remained silent. Dr. SPACY continued,

"I wanted to test you with the Honkai disease research project, but there's no need now… You've always wanted to join the Fire Moth, haven't you? I can submit your application, but as you can see, it's not some grand, benevolent organization. It might be completely different from what you imagine… Are you sure you want to join?"

"Of course." Su didn't hesitate. His goal was never the Fire Moth itself, but a certain someone within it.

"Well, love is truly grand~" Dr. SPACY leaned back in his chair, a teasing smile on his face. "Though your goal is a bit… ambitious, I support you."

"D… Doctor, what are you talking about? I don't understand…"

"Don't play coy. I saw your phone wallpaper." Dr. SPACY chuckled, watching Su blush. "Managing to get a picture of that Lee in a maid outfit, you're quite resourceful."

"But I must warn you, Lee hasn't left HQ since her injury. Even if I recommend you to the Fire Moth, you might not see her often, being assigned to my lab."

"…Then, Doctor, can you introduce me to someone at HQ—"

"No."