บท 550: Chapter 550: Night Talk with Reika
At the end of the matter, the tsundere Mordred drew her sword in a fit of rage, provoked by the laughter.
However, Jack pulled her back with a simple "Good children shouldn't kill people at will," and Artoria added, "As her big sister, you should set a good example for Jack," which instantly subdued her.
Just like that, Mordred gained a little sister, and she was utterly smitten by this sister, showing no reluctance whatsoever, demonstrating the powerful charm of Jack.
However—
"I'm not talking about Miss Mordred, but someone else who likes you."
Hearing Reika's words, Jack wrinkled her nose even more and pouted.
"Hmph, We don't like that person."
"Lying is not good, you know. I remember you like her ears and tail, don't you? Don't you want to touch them?"
Jack's body trembled, and she murmured:
"But she said bad things about Papa. We don't like her and don't want to call her Mama!"
The person they were talking about was, of course, Atalanta.
Considering her wish, it's not hard to see how much this ill-fated female hunter loves children. Jack, being so adorable, instantly touched Atalanta's soft spot. Moreover, knowing that Jack is essentially "a collection of the grudges of unborn infants" sparked a strong sense of responsibility in her.
It's no exaggeration to say that in terms of doting on Jack, Atalanta definitely surpassed Reika, Shinji, Artoria, and Jeanne, and could even compete with Mordred, who had awakened her sisterly protective instincts.
However, due to a series of events that had happened previously, Atalanta didn't have a good impression of Shinji. Although the misunderstanding of blasphemy was cleared up, and she was grateful for Shinji's suggestions regarding the orphanage and foundation, the deep-seated dislike couldn't be dispelled overnight.
Shinji, being Jack's papa and her second favorite person after Reika, inadvertently expressed some dissatisfaction, which made Jack dislike her.
She refused to be hugged and ignored this mam" with beast ears and tail, whose cuteness was off the charts. Initially, Artoria, Jeanne, and Fiore all showed varying degrees of resistance to being called mama, and even Reika was taken aback. Only Atalanta actively requested Jack to call her that.
Achilles objected to this, but it didn't matter much since the goddess and protector dynamic was usually in favor of the former. So, when Jack rejected Mama Atalanta, Achilles was outwardly displeased but secretly happy, which was obvious to everyone.
Atalanta was deeply affected, her ears and tail drooping for an entire day. During the operational meeting, she stared at Shinji with a resentful gaze. Shinji had been thinking about how to resolve this but got distracted by the design plans, only remembering now.
"Jack, do you trust Papa?"
"Yes, We trust you. Papa has never lied to us."
Jack looked at Shinji with admiration, just like any daughter looking up to her father.
It's hard to tell if it was due to the absence of the Assassin class's malice or the good teachings of Reika, Artoria, and Jeanne, but Jack was now just an ordinary girl with no signs of anything unusual.
"Then you don't need to worry about Papa. Papa can handle things with Atalanta. You shouldn't dislike someone you like just because of Papa. Putting Papa aside, don't you really like Atalanta?"
Jack tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Not really like, just a little bit, like We like Fiore-Mama, but not as much as Mama and Papa."
"Saying that will make Fiore sad."
"Hehe, We won't tell Fiore-Mama, We'll only tell Papa and Mama."
Upon hearing Shinji's sigh, Jack gave a mischievous smile, prompting both parents to lightly knock on her head.
"You little rascal."
"That's enough. You don't need to worry about Papa's matters. Just do what makes you happy, and if you do something wrong, Papa and the Mamas will correct you."
"Okay, then should We go apologize to Atalanta-Mama now? We just saw her walking in the garden."
"Walking in the garden this late? Oh, I almost forgot, that's Atalanta. Feline creatures love nighttime strolls."
Muttering softly, Shinji ruffled his daughter's hair.
"Go ahead, but be careful not to catch a cold."
"Okay. Papa, don't forget to eat too."
Shinji immediately took action, grabbing the omurice and devouring it.
Seeing her father wolfing down the food, Jack's eyes formed little crescent moons.
"Then We off. Goodbye, Papa, Mama."
As they watched their daughter leave, Reika moved to sit beside Shinji and handed him a bowl of vegetable soup.
"You always know what to do. I've tried to persuade Jack several times, but she never agreed."
"That's because the root of the issue is with me... That child has changed so much compared to when we first met, all thanks to you, Reika."
"It's not just me. Artoria, Jeanne, and the others have taught her a lot. They say I spoil her too much."
"There's nothing wrong with spoiling her a little. But in the future..."
Shinji hesitated, and Reika's expression shifted slightly as if sensing something from his demeanor.
"Are you... going to do something dangerous?"
"You figured it out, huh."
"Yes. Bringing us here, formally requesting Fiore's assistance, and especially encouraging Jack to get close to Atalanta... You're worried that if something happens to you or Artoria and the others, there will be no one to take care of us."
"Exactly. You hit the nail on the head."
Shinji was genuinely impressed. Reika's intelligence and emotional insight were indeed formidable.
"I wish I could rely on you more."
"It's not too late now."
"It is too late. We have no room for retreat now. It's not about outsmarting anyone anymore, but about strength. I messed up, holding a good hand and still ending up like this. It's disgraceful."
"What else can I do for you?"
"Nothing. Just take good care of Jack. If we don't come back, make sure to comfort her."
The bitterness on Shinji's face stirred an unprecedented impulse in Reika's heart.
Why? She didn't know. She only knew that she didn't want to lose the man in front of her, who had saved her and done so much for her and Jack.
Despite saying she would repay him for the rest of her life, she had done nothing but take care of Jack and go on an international trip.
Other than her deceased parents, she had never met anyone like this.
Having seen the ugliness of human nature over the years, she yearned even more for the good side of humanity.
Jack, Artoria, Jeanne—they had changed her, and she had changed them as well.
And it all started with the man in front of her.
"No, I think there's something else I can do."
"What is it?"
"Relieve your stress."
"Huh?"
"I know almost all the ways to relieve a man's stress. How about trying it? You know my profession, so there's no need to worry. Whatever you want me to do, I can do it."
With seductive eyes and a teasing smile, she whispered in Shinji's ear, the charm of that moment making his heart skip a beat.
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