The night in Tokyo was as bustling as ever, as if nothing had changed, but in fact, everything was quietly changing.
Firstly, the existence of 'ghouls' was no longer a 'default existence' but an existence completely recognized and publicly acknowledged by the authorities. The reason for this situation was naturally not Lancer suggestion, as his suggestion did not have such influence. The real reason for this outcome was the CCG's recognition of Dr. Chigyo Koyomi's research.
「Through the induction of a special virus called 'Dragon Virus' by the Washuu family, human somatic cells can mutate. This mutation is irreversible and extremely dangerous. Once the mutation occurs, humans may turn into ghouls, but once the number of 'Dragon Virus' in the body is excessive, ghouls may mutate into 'Dragon Remnants.' Research suggests that 'Dragon Remnants' are likely puppets controlled by the 'Dragon Virus,' extremely dangerous, and impossible to communicate with...」
Dr. Chigyo Koyomi's research report caused many dropped jaws. After all, the CCG's consensus had always been to 'protect humans from the terrifying man-eating monsters, ghouls,' but no one expected that the so-called 'ghouls' could possibly change from humans...
Furthermore, extending Dr. Chigyo Koyomi's research might lead to finding more connections between humans and ghouls, but this research was classified as SSS-rank confidential and could only be conducted at the headquarters by the discoverer, Dr. Chigyo Koyomi, and trusted researchers seconded from various branches.
Almost everyone could guess that once this topic was fully deciphered, it could overturn the entire history of humanity.
No one could guarantee that they, their ancestors, or their descendants would be completely unrelated to 'ghouls,' so almost everyone tacitly agreed to the 'publicity' efforts. At least, it prepared a way out for themselves.
Moreover, through the help of the three organizations in Tokyo—'Devil Ape,' 'Black Dobers,' and 'Black Goat'—as well as a large number of unaffiliated ordinary ghouls in the suppression efforts this time, the CCG also began to consider whether to hire a portion of ghouls as their employees. After all, a qualified CCG investigator requires a significant amount of time to cultivate and also requires expensive equipment, but ghouls do not require so many things.
In the end, the Neon branch initiated the first 'pilot project,' and a portion of ghouls began to join the CCG's work...
The 'information' Lancer brought sparked the first wave, but everything that happened afterward was no longer within his control. After all, this tsunami, which was enough to affect the whole world, could not be influenced by one person.
However, he didn't care, as this was already enough. His goal was already completed for him.
Humans began to face ghouls squarely, and ghouls also began to integrate into human society because of the 'ghoul food' he brought. Most importantly, because of the 'information,' the people of this world are now facing the relationship between humans and ghouls squarely. The two sides are no longer existences that are completely incapable of integration.
The cycle of hatred between humans and ghouls will not be easily broken, but at least, through his efforts, cracks and gaps have begun to appear in this cycle of hatred. Everything is moving in a good direction...
So, what was Lancer doing after Tokyo had basically calmed down?
At this moment, Lancer was sitting in his office with a serious expression, and there were three people sitting on the sofa in the office------Akira Mado and Ryouko and Hinami Fueguchi.
Akira Mado's expression was complicated. Although Lancer had confessed his relationship with Ryouko Fueguchi to her, and she herself didn't want to leave Lancer, a woman's instinct is not so easily erased. There was no doubt that she did not want to share Lancer with anyone else. This was beyond question.
Ryouko Fueguchi's expression, on the other hand, was very calm. Although Lancer hadn't told her about Leone when they became intimate, Ryouko Fueguchi had already sensed from Lancer actions and other aspects that Lancer was not a 'magician,' so she was somewhat prepared for this. She just didn't expect Lancer to be so 'honest' as to directly seek her out and talk about this openly.
'Is Lancer an idiot?'
Not only Ryouko Fueguchi, but even Hinami Fueguchi thought so. After hearing Lancer 'greedy' declaration, she looked at Lancer with a look of disdain without hesitation, but then her eyes became a bit complicated. After all, although Lancer statement was a bit bastardly, didn't this mean she also had a chance?
'No, what am I thinking? What's so attractive about this bastard? He's just a little stronger, appears in front of me every time I need him, and is an idiot who can't even lie...'
The more Hinami Fueguchi thought about it, the more confused her heart became, until finally, she lowered her head and said nothing.
At this moment, Akira Mado, sitting on the sofa, was the first to speak.
"I will not let go."
Akira Mado's expression was extremely serious at this moment, and a surprising aura even emanated from her body, like a large beast before a hunt.
Ryouko Fueguchi, sitting opposite Akira Mado, also smiled and shook her head.
"I will not let go either."
Although Ryouko Fueguchi was as gentle as a typical Yamato Nadeshiko as always, she was also unmoving like a rock in a stormy sea, with her usual gentle smile on her face. It took a great deal of determination for her to take this step. Just like how she preferred to work to raise Hinami back then, there is no doubt that she is a woman who is outwardly gentle but inwardly strong...
The statements of both sides represented their respective attitudes. At least on this matter, they shared the same attitude.
Lancer, sitting between the two, was sweating profusely. He had indeed thought that if these two could say, 'As long as the lord shows equal favor, I am willing to serve the lord with my sister/younger sister,' but thinking carefully, although this world has developed somewhat strangely due to the existence of ghouls, it still adheres to monogamy. This was clearly a scene that only happens in dreams.
Just as he was sweating profusely and almost scratching his head bald, the office door was suddenly pushed open.
"Lancer! I heard you're well. The drinking party tonight..."
Amon Koutarou, who was originally smiling excitedly, was instantly stared at by four pairs of eyes as soon as he pushed open the door. His expression instantly became extremely subtle, and then------
"Cough cough, I'm feeling a bit unwell..."
Muttering to himself, he closed the office door, and Lancer expression instantly changed from surprise to depression. Then, he silently picked up the landline phone next to him.
"Hello, Hide? Help me notify Captain Misato Gori in the 13th Ward and tell her that Amon is feeling a bit unwell right now. Mhm, that's all. You don't need to say anything extra. Oh, right, after the fact, remember to casually let slip in the bureau that Amon's health isn't too good..."
After hanging up the phone, Lancer depressed expression slightly improved. There is no doubt that the best way to improve one's mood when one is in a bad mood is to put another person in a similar predicament.
On the other side, Akira Mado's expression became subtle, seeing Lancer noticeably improved mood. She naturally knew who Lancer was referring to as 'Captain Misato Gori.' The other party was one of the few female investigators in the 13th Ward, but unlike her, the other party belonged to the 'standard female investigator' type, simply put, a tough woman.
Moreover, the other party had once had contact with her, and the reason for the contact was to try to gauge whether she liked Amon Koutarou. Of course, Akira Mado directly stating that she had someone she liked was the end of that, but now Lancer specifically reminded the other party and also asked his assistant to remind others in the bureau... Akira Mado could almost guess Lancer 'sinister motive,' but she didn't have the extra energy to care about Amon right now.
But just then, she suddenly noticed the tattoo on Lancer neckline...
"Lancer."
"Here!"
As the saying goes, if you don't do anything wrong, you don't fear a knock on the door, but Lancer undoubtedly belonged to the type who had done something wrong. When Akira Mado called out, Lancer reflexively responded.
"You... will still leave, right?"
"..."
This time, Lancer did not answer directly but nodded in silence. Indeed, although the 'System' did not give him a time limit to leave this time, he could not stay too long. After all, he still didn't know what the 'System' was, and he didn't know what would happen if he delayed for too long. But he did know one thing: if he wanted to be with Akira, Ryouko, and Leone forever, he couldn't stop moving now.
Sometimes, not answering is the best answer, and Lancer silence had already explained many things.
An immature young girl might choose to act spoiled and ask the other party to stay with her, but Akira Mado did not do that, because the person she liked was the Lancer who could bravely charge forward with his spear even against a strong enemy, not a coward soaking in a gentle paradise.
"Lancer, I have something I want to talk about with Ryouko-san. Can you step out for a moment?"
"Um..."
"Hinami, you go out too."
If Lancer had originally wanted to insist on staying, after Ryouko Fueguchi asked Hinami to go out with him, Lancer said no more. He just stood up with a helpless look, and Hinami Fueguchi also nodded and followed behind Lancer as they left the room.
"Click~"
The door was pulled open, and Lancer saw Amon Koutarou, Hideyoshi Nagachika, and Takizawa Seidou, who were listening with curiosity pressed against the door. Their expressions visibly became awkward when they saw Lancer, but then they quickly stepped aside and pretended they didn't know anything, shuffling towards different directions.
Lancer expression was extremely unpleasant, but in the end, he didn't erupt. He just sighed. He wasn't in the mood for that right now.
Only Lancer and Hinami Fueguchi were left in the hallway. Lancer stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall, lost in thought. Just then, Hinami Fueguchi somehow stood beside Lancer.
"Mr. Lancer, if Mother chooses to leave, would you let go?"
Hinami Fueguchi's words made Lancer frown deepen, but he still shook his head.
"I will never let go. I am a selfish man, but since Ryouko chose me, I will use all my strength to make her happy. Even if I can't give her 100% of my love, I can guarantee that the love I give her will be more than someone else's 100%."
After answering, Hinami Fueguchi did not express any opinion. In Lancer opinion, she was probably unsatisfied with his answer, but Lancer might just be an idiot. He couldn't speak sweet words. He was just showing his purest self.
Lancer stood at the door like this for almost 20 minutes. Just as he was considering opening the door for the umpteenth time, the door was opened.
"Come in."
Akira Mado's expression at this moment showed no hint of what she was thinking, and Lancer walked in with some trepidation. It was strange to say, but he was even more nervous now than when he first met the Emperor of the Empire.
Seeing Lancer nervous face, Akira Mado also looked somewhat helpless.
When she asked Lancer that question earlier, she had considered one thing------since Lancer was still going to other worlds, it meant he would meet more people. She couldn't guarantee that Lancer wouldn't meet someone better than her, and Lancer somewhat 'shameless' answer was actually the best answer.
If Lancer easily gave up on someone, then she might also be abandoned one day. Akira Mado didn't like promiscuous men, but she hated irresponsible men even more. Once a vow is made, it shouldn't be broken.
"You have to promise us one thing------"
"No..."
Lancer was about to agree instantly before Akira Mado finished her sentence, but Akira Mado covered his mouth with one hand and shook her head.
"A simple guarantee is meaningless, Lancer. I only want you to promise me one thing."
"What is it?"
Lancer expression was a bit nervous at this moment. Was it showing equal favor...
"I can't stop you from helping others, and I also can't stop other women from liking you, but you must promise me that even if a woman confesses to you, you must tell them that you are a married man."
How should one put it? Akira Mado's request was completely unexpected, but...
"Is that all?"
Akira Mado rolled her eyes at Lancer attempt to gloat after getting a bargain.
"Can you promise me that you will only love me?"
"..."
Seeing Lancer awkward expression, Akira Mado tapped him on the chest.
"Don't think too highly of yourself. Ryouko and I agreed that whoever is unwilling will withdraw. Don't think you've already won."
When she said this, Akira Mado turned sideways and revealed Ryouko Fueguchi behind her. Lancer scratched his head with a helpless look at the two of them.
"I will try my best."
From a certain perspective, the fact that Ryouko Fueguchi and Akira Mado could reach a consensus was already a surprise to Lancer. Could he ask for more? The only thing he could do now was to prove his actions to the two of them through his efforts.