[Oh, good. They could drop with the pleasantries, it seemed. Not that Hanako was wanting to hurt Frieda in any way, but sugar coating things often led to people making misunderstandings.

Still… seemed like she was also determined to tell him no.

Instead of heading straight into his plan, however, Hanako simply smiled as he looked towards Yashiro again. That same fondness in his gaze was at odds when he spoke, his tone strangely detached.]

Yashiro… she can’t help getting into trouble, even when she means well. Even when she tries her best… she’s weak. Humans are so fragile, after all. [Some of this, Frieda already knew. It was worth repeating, though, to make a point.] That being said, she’s quite good at endearing herself to others without meaning to. I’m lucky that there are so many kind-hearted people here too. It means… should I fail, someone else will surely keep her safe.

[There was a vagueness to his explanation, yet the hint was there: these people… they would just as willingly protect his assistant simply because of how Yashiro acted and their own goodwill. That was what Hanako was banking on. The fact that there are so many unknowns they face didn’t matter.]