[Bishop-chan's notes: And here we find something akin to a parallel universe, where events happen somewhat differently...]
Halkegenia Online v2.0 - Ch 10 - Part 7 (34. Pursuit and Counter). The Barrayaran Version.
by Krytherian
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The female musketeer lead them into a conference chamber.
Midori took in the tableau, that paused to look back up at her from around the conference table. Captain Hammond was in the center. Lord Richmond and Prince Wales flanked him on either side, while Lady Asuna stood beside them, pointing at a map of the city, directing the recovery effort with all the skill and finesse she had gained from leading Aincrad's Boss Monster Strategy Meetings. A Griffin Knight was there, and Sir Bowen, amongst some other senior officers all in the formal uniforms they had worn to the gala. Clouds of witnesses.
Midori wanted to be alone with Asuna, to be rid of the whole mob of them. Soon.
Asuna's eyes locked to Midori's, her lips curled in an utterly ironic smile. That was all; and yet Midori's stomach warmed in response, certain of the connection between them. They were in step, and a torrent of words and embraces could not have communicated it any better. Midori's own lips curved up for the first time since the imposter's lunge towards Prince Wales had triggered the frantic chase.
Lord Richmond's hand slapped down hard upon the table. "Good God, woman, where have you been?" he cried furiously.
A morbid lunacy overtook Midori. She smiled fiercely at him, and held up the bag. "Shopping."
For a second, the old man nearly believed her; conflicting expressions whiplashed over his face, astonishment, disbelief, then anger as it penetrated he was being mocked.
"Want to see what I bought?" Midori continued, with a strange half smile, half grimace. She yanked the bag open, and rolled the Imposter's head out across the table. Fortunately, it had ceased leaking some minutes back. It stopped faceup before Richmond, lips grinning, drying eyes staring.
Richmond's mouth fell open. Prince Wales jumped, the staffers swore, and Sir Bowen actually fell out of his chair. Captain Hammond pursed his lips and raised his brows.
Guiche puffed, grinning triumphantly as he laid the last of his recently manufactured bronze swords on the table as further evidence.
Asuna was perfect. Her brown eyes widened only briefly, then she rested her chin on her hand and gazed over Richmond's shoulder with an expression of cool interest. "But of course," she breathed. "Every lady goes to the capital to shop."