While Jeanne and Lemuen were taking their leave, Mostima and Fiammetta concluded their conversation with Velliv and prepared to exit the Cardinal's office.
"I truly appreciate the cooperation from both of you. There shouldn't be anything else required of you for the time being. I wish you a pleasant festival!"
Following what appeared to be a very agreeable exchange, Velliv saw them off with her trademark smile. The meeting seemed, on the surface, to have been a complete success. The two visitors bid her a polite farewell, exchanged a quick look, and walked out side-by-side.
"Do you think there was any problem with what we said?" Fiammetta sighed, glancing at Mostima once they were clear of the office. "I'm not sure if our words might prompt the Cardinal to take some... extreme international actions."
Though she hadn't spoken with any malice, Fiammetta couldn't quite gauge the Cardinal's thoughts. Throughout the entire debrief, Velliv had maintained that same inscrutable smile, showing no emotional fluctuation whatsoever. Since Fiammetta didn't have much experience dealing with her, she had to rely on Mostima, who was far more familiar with the Cardinal's temperament.
"Relax, there was nothing wrong with what we said," Mostima replied. "Besides, she was just consulting us for our opinions. What she chooses to do with that information isn't something we can control."
Mostima understood Velliv better than most. Having had her own run-ins with the woman in the past—and having come out on the losing end a few times—she knew that Velliv's plans wouldn't be easily swayed by a simple conversation. Their views on Jeanne were merely a reference point for whether the Cardinal should take a hard or soft approach if issues arose.
Furthermore, even if they couldn't influence the Cardinal, Velliv still had the Pope above her. She probably wouldn't be able to do anything 'extreme' to the Saintess. As the Cardinal herself had suggested, rather than worrying about politics, they were better off enjoying the festival. Opportunities to return to Laterano were rare, let alone during such a grand celebration. Why not enjoy the moment?
Mostima figured she could always give Jeanne a heads-up later; for now, they would just have to adapt as things progressed. Besides, if the Pope had the leisure to invite Jeanne for afternoon tea, the situation couldn't be as dire as Fiammetta feared.
"Come on, we've got some free time now. Is there nowhere you want to go? You're not planning to follow me even now that we're back in Laterano, are you?" Mostima looked at Fiammetta. Surely her friend didn't intend to maintain her "surveillance" mission in the safest place in the world?
"My duty is to monitor your movements at all times," Fiammetta replied with her standard retort, one she had used countless times before. "There was no clause stating this work could be slackened while in Laterano. Unless, of course, there are exceptional circumstances."
Mostima could guess what Fiammetta was really thinking. The "monitoring" was largely an excuse.
"Besides, given your track record, who knows how much trouble you'd get into without me around?" Fiammetta added, looking at the heavily cloaked and hooded Mostima.
It was true that Mostima's appearance was problematic. While average Sankta might not recognize the signs of a Fallen immediately, her Sarkaz-like traits were a major issue. A person appearing in the city with such features would usually be hauled off by the Notarial Hall instantly. It was easier for Fiammetta to stay by her side than to receive a call halfway through the day asking to bail her out.
"Is that really necessary? That guy wouldn't dare show his face in Laterano," Mostima shrugged, ignoring Fiammetta's look as she stepped onto a familiar street.
Fiammetta remained silent, walking beside her. She stayed close because she suspected that "he" might actually be hiding somewhere in Laterano, waiting for Mostima to return so he could make a move for the two artifacts she carried.
As they navigated the winding, familiar streets, Fiammetta's mind wandered, causing her to miss the gaze fixed upon them. The stalker was highly skilled, never lingering on them for more than a second at a time. Normally, a focused Fiammetta would have noticed such intermittent surveillance instantly.
Mostima, however, had noticed from the start. She didn't say anything, but she began leading them toward a more open, deserted area. She wanted to see exactly who was tailing them. Was it one of Velliv's subordinates checking on them, or was it someone else? Perhaps even him?
Eventually, Fiammetta snapped out of her thoughts and noticed the gaze too—it was fixed directly on her, making it much easier to track than the one on Mostima. She glanced at Mostima's smile and immediately knew her friend had been aware all along. That smile was starting to irritate her; it reminded her too much of the Cardinal.
"Come out! It's a bit inappropriate to keep hiding after following us this far, don't you think?"
Finally, they reached a clearing. Fiammetta spoke up first, her hands already reaching for her weapons—two uniquely shaped hand-crossbows, gifts from her elders.
Mostima, by contrast, wasn't overly guarded. She sensed that while the person had followed them the whole way, they hadn't shown any intent to attack, even when she had provided several perfect opportunities. Either they had a more elaborate plan, or they were here to talk.
"Long time no see, Fiammetta. Your temper is as fiery as ever."
After a few seconds of hesitation, a figure stepped out from the shadows. Despite the greeting, the tone was anything but friendly.
"You're... Patia? I thought you were with the Garrison. What are you doing here?" Fiammetta recognized the short-haired Liberi as a junior who had joined the Garrison after her.
"Oh, an acquaintance! In that case, there's no need for such hostility, right?" Mostima said lightly. "Why don't we find a place to sit and catch up?"
Despite her words, Mostima didn't relax her guard for a second. Patia didn't look like she was here for a friendly chat.
"There's no need for that. I just came to see my former senior. It seems you haven't been doing all that well," Patia said, her eyes falling on Fiammetta's slightly raised arms before she fell silent.
"Since I'm not welcome, I'll take my leave. But we will meet again, Fiammetta... senior!"