“Son? I think this idea was too risky,” Si’s mother said aloud, breaking the silence.

  Luna took a look at her again.

  Si’s mother’s appearance emanated warmth but also strength. She was calm and decided. Si’s mother—how nice.

  When Luna woke up, she felt all right. Her leg felt numb, but it was healed already. Taj was sitting with her; he patted her on her head so many times, she had to stop him.

  He acted calm, but she could tell—Taj was boiling.

  And Si. He was boiling inside as well; Luna could detect it. Somehow, she knew. Good that nothing serious happened. But still, looking at Si, she suddenly wondered—angry Si… that would be terrifying?

  Taj’s first words were about her being a brave shrimp—it made Luna snort very loudly. This was when Si’s mother welcomed her. Snorting loudly, what a way to meet the mother of one’s future husband.

  … Because it was it.

  Luna slightly smiled. At least one was cleared, decided. They talked briefly. After she woke up, Taj left them alone, and they had decided.

  It felt perfect.

  Now, time to get back to politics. She sighed.

  “I am happy it is over; let’s not do it like this again. But do I see it correctly? It was useful, wasn’t it? We know a lot and can decide what’s next, right?” Luna asked.

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  “It uncovered who was looking and for what,” Taj said, and they all looked at him. “Luna is capable of protecting herself well; she managed. What we know thanks to what happened is that it was the OFF. Am I right, Lukai?”

  “Yes. I needed one glance; these were our fighters. I also checked the Gate; no errors possible, my people.”

  When Lukai confirmed it, Luna could tell he felt ashamed. He clenched his fist, and this was huge. Luna knew him well enough to know.

  She sighed even more deeply.

  Taj looked at her, and as if he noticed it as well, he started to speak again. “This narrows it down. They wanted me, but notably, they didn’t expect me to do anything. They used another Crystal; they found a way to do it. However, they weren’t aware that I was me. Is it understandable what I am saying?”

  “Yes, I also recall Yura mentioning many times that he couldn’t grasp what Elder Anders meant, as in his notes he mentioned you, and it could be read as you survived, were alive.” Lukai said. “Yura disappeared. After I return to the OFF—I will take over the organization,” he suddenly added.

  “Good. One step further. Si, what will your next step be?” Taj asked.

  It was bothering Luna as well. What did Si plan to do?

  “I talked to my father. He is unwell. I need to quicken my plan. And what I plan is to take over within two weeks. Father said it should be enough to transfer the knowledge. This also gives us time to test our idea. Taj, did you decide?” Si asked.

  “Yes.” Taj said. “Have you, though? You will provide me with access to vast information; I already possess quite a lot of knowledge that many want to have.”

  “The bigger question is not if we are aware of what we are risking, but if you are ready for it.” Lukai commented on what Taj said.

  Luna nodded. She agreed with Lukai.

  “A good question. Certainly, I am not ready. But I will try,” Taj said.

  “If we succeed, it will be considered a hostile takeover,” Lukai suddenly said.

  “Exactly.” Si didn’t seem worried. “It will change the whole situation. I see it like this; it’s time. If you, Taj, are decided, let’s try at least.”

  Before Lukai could say anything, Si’s mother somehow summarized the entire idea.

  “I trust Elder Shi An—Taj,” she said, and it looked like there was nothing more to add.