In the magic nation, while people don't judge others based on gender, it remains an objective fact that males cannot beco Magical Girls. This makes it highly unusual to see a man sitting with three Magical Girls plotting together. Considering these three girls belong to Claw Marks, the identity of this man becos quite obvious:
He cos from Black Ember Dawn.
Despite being a mber of the notorious Black Ember Dawn, the man doesn't appear sinister at all. He looks more like a shrewd businessman. In fact, if not for the eerie black mask covering his face, no one would associate him with "Black Ember Dawn."
His current speech further confirms this impression:
"For people of the nation, the importance of Queen's Year is undeniable. So we shouldn't have expected any security lapses in the first place. Sending Golden Snake to probe earlier wasn't about finding opportunities, but confirming our suspicions."
With hands clasped before his chest, the man spoke thodically: "As for what you ntioned earlier about Black Cat revealing operation details to her forr friend - I find that understandable. Wanting to keep familiar people away from the battlefield to avoid collateral damage is perfectly normal. Aren't we all sitting here together precisely because we share certain passionate ideals?"
Golden Snake didn't respond, clearly unwilling to engage with him, simply taking out her pipe to smoke in silence.
"I don't really care..." Brown said while eating cake, her words muffled. "I'm just worried if Cat Sis's actions end up compromising the mission, we'll have trouble explaining to the boss. She really values this Beast Origin artifact - if we ss up, she'll be furious."
"There will be no failure." Black Cat interjected coldly. "Even if the leader doesn't hold us accountable, I won't tolerate mission failure. If my actions cause problems, I'll take full responsibility."
"...I wasn't trying to make it sound that serious." Brown swallowed her cake and shrugged. "But Cat Sis, do you really trust that old fla of yours so much? I've heard so rumors about that codena Cornflower... wasn't she almost made Scepter of Sapphire before? Would she really tolerate us?"
Black Cat fell silent briefly, seemingly reluctant to discuss this topic. After a pause she said: "She's not an 'old fla.' We were comrades in the sa squad." Her evasive response clearly avoided directly addressing Brown's doubts.
"Cornflower refused to beco a Scepter of Gems, even accepting exile from the nation for it. This shows she doesn't align with the nation's interests." Golden Snake picked up the thread. "In so ways, she shares much common ground with us."
"Are you suggesting Cornflower is worth recruiting? But if she was exiled and our boss still didn't invite her, doesn't that an the boss sees so problem with her?" Brown took another bite of cake. "So complicated... whatever, not my problem since I don't know her."
"Indeed, I think we can end the Cornflower discussion here." Seeing the three Claw Marks mbers disagreeing, the man diated: "When our operation inevitably opposes the entire Royal Court, debating one person's stance becos aningless. In fact, it's precisely because of Cornflower's past actions that we're sitting here now, isn't it?"
"You have opinions," Golden Snake exhaled smoke.
"Boring," Brown kept eating.
Only Black Cat remained, glaring darkly at the table, her amber vertical pupils filled with unfathomable depth. After silent contemplation, she suddenly spoke: "Bee."
This na didn't correspond to any of the three Claw Marks mbers present - leaving only the masked man as its referent.
"Sothing wrong, Black Cat?" The masked man turned toward her.
"Claw Marks accepted your deal with Black Ember Dawn, so we'll treat you as allies. We'll cooperate with your plans, and you'll support ours." Black Cat's tone betrayed no emotion.
"Naturally. Cooperation benefits all. Not all of Black Ember Dawn are mindless lunatics." The man codenad Bee nodded. "Shared goals, mutual benefits."
"I won't pry into your hidden agendas since you wouldn't tell. I only have one demand." Black Cat raised her head slightly, vertical pupils locking onto Bee. "Absolutely do not interfere with the leader's plans. Otherwise, I won't forgive you."
The man fell silent.
None could see what expression lay behind that black mask, only observing it tilt slightly in a nod.
"Of course. Though the Beast Origin artifact originally belonged to us, since Moth couldn't utilize it properly, it should serve soone more capable. We admire Lady White Wolf's abilities and ideals, hence voluntarily helping her retrieve the artifact. Until she achieves her purpose, we won't lay claim to it..."
He paused. "This was our agreent, wasn't it?"
"That's only part of it. My warning is - don't cause unnecessary trouble." Black Cat's voice turned slightly hoarse. "Opposing the Royal Court, challenging what you call the 'false queen' - these are acceptable. But don't harm civilians or children. If you do, our enemies won't just be the Royal Court, but the entire magic nation - all Magical Girls, including that Cornflower you said we shouldn't discuss."
"Don't take unilateral actions that create extra enemies for us." Her eyes narrowed like a predator about to strike. "Or I'll kill the fool who causes trouble first."
Bee fell into thoughtful silence again.
He stroked his chin, index finger tapping the mask's edge before responding:
"Actually, you needn't worry about this. Our faction prioritizes efficiency. We're nothing like those lunatics who think spreading fear brings them closer to the essence of primal magic or earns the Beast Lord's favor."
Spreading his arms in a gesture of openness:
"Besides, you know our goal isn't to 'disrupt' this exam."
"After all, our 'beast cubs' are currently taking their exams, enjoying their youth."
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