Chapter 15: The Relation Protocol
"That concludes my report, sir."
"Thank you, Inspector Link." The Director held up the packet of papers in one hand whilst focusing on signing another document. "I trust this is the full written account."
"Yes, sir." Link nodded and awaited his eventual dismissal to his regular duties.
However, it appeared the Director was not finished. "By the way, Inspector," he said in a low tone, "I'm given to understand you've developed something of an affair with a particular exorcist. Miss Lenalee Lee. Initially, I assumed the matter was nothing more than empty rumors until I read Exorcist Krory's account of the St. Petersburg mission for myself, and thus, I began to suspect." God, what had the vampire written? What happened in St. Petersburg was born of pure necessity, nothing more. Surely Director Leverrier understood that. Link swallowed as the older man arched an eyebrow, his severe stare never wavering for an instant. "Well, Inspector?"
"I've no intention of concealing it, sir," Link allowed himself to say. It would not do to lie to the man. "I freely admit I have grown fond of the lady exorcist."
"I see. And is this relationship for the benefit of your investigation or out of personal interest?"
He hesitated, considering his answer carefully, before he warily nodded. "Personal interest, sir."
Director Leverrior eyed him suspiciously for several long moments, a cold stare that gave Link the impression he was deciding whether or not to lecture him. It had been a long time since he had received a lecture of any kind. However, his superior merely dropped his head back to his paperwork and continued writing. "All right. I'll trust your judgment for the time being, but see to it this doesn't interfere with your observation of Walker."
Link said nothing, his brow furrowing in confusion before he could think to keep his expression neutral. At his silence, Director Leverrier raised his head again and frowned. "What is it? Central doesn't encourage relations with or between exorcists, but it's not as though we're going so far as to forbid it."
Of course. The edict regarding the celibacy of apostles was abolished well over half a century ago in favor of the Order's hopes the accommodating factor was genetic, which led to the controversial 'breeding program' of the 18XXs. The theory was quickly disproved, yet the mandate had never officially been reinstated, as the opportunity to form relationships with others had led to a distinct rise in exorcist morale. However, there were several ongoing attempts to restore the old order by varying members of the Central Administration. Until now, Link had assumed the Director was among that number. "Forgive me, sir, I thought…"
"I know what you thought, Inspector." Director Leverrier returned his attention to the files scattered across his desk. "And I imagine how you came to that conclusion, but no. As long as the apostles carry out their divine mission to God, the occupation of their free time means little to me. And besides," He raised his eyes again as he signed another the document. "If the developments between Lenalee Lee and yourself are indeed genuine, then perhaps Central can finally inspire true loyalty in our most wayward accommodator."
"With all due respect, sir, through my observations of Walker, I don't have any reason to doubt her loyalty to the Order."
"Yes, as long as her comrades and friends survive," Leverrier corrected sharply. "If she were to lose them all, I have no doubts she would wither away from the loss, and that weakness is something we cannot afford. She's not the only one who's lost loved ones to this war."
Link hesitated, as he always did when it came to the Director's disdain for apostles like Miss Lee. "And you believe I can intercede with her mindset?"
"I believe you can remind her the strong don't break even when the world is burning around them." With that, the man returned his full attention to his documents and waved him away. "Dismissed."
"Sir." He stood to attention, hand flying to his brow in a stiff salute before he turned on his heel and strode primly to the door. The Crow guard stationed there opened it for him, and he exited into the hall to find Walker stretching Timcanpy between his hands. His charge glanced up at him with a relieved grin and shot out of his seat.
"Great talking to you," he said to the Crow in the heavy, crimson robes set to supervise him in Link's absence.
The Crow gave no reply.
"Jeez," Walker grumbled as they made their way down the hall. "Would it kill you Crows to say anything now and then? I'm not going to turn full-Fourteenth just because someone said 'hello.' Anyway, how did it go?"
"Hm?" Link turned to the younger man. "Oh, um…about as it usually did. I drop off my report, give a verbal account, and I leave. That's all." He decided against mentioning the latter topic of discussion Leverrier had for him. Personal interest? He sighed, wondering what had come over him. It wasn't as though he were seeking a connection with the lady exorcist. It was simply that he admired Miss Lenalee. She was a spirited and charming girl, not to mention reasonably pretty, and he was going to kill that weaseling ponce Krory for whatever he'd written in his St. Petersburg report.
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Author's Notes: Don't worry about the St. Petersburg Incident. We'll get there.
D. Gray Man is owned by Katsura Hoshino.