“I have nothing special..."
“Oh, by the way, did you call me here for something?"
“Take your time, eat slowly, swallow your food before you speak.”
Turing couldn't help but blurt out a sentence to Lulu, then realized he was being a bit nosy. Even though he was from a noble family, he was still a dozen years younger than her. Why was he speaking like an old lady?
【Always pretending to be the older sister... Everyone looks like a younger sister to me.】
Turing silently muttered to himself, then sat up, crossed his legs, glanced into the distance, and stopped looking at Lulu.
After a while, Lulu picked up the bullet glass filled with whiskey, took a big sip, poured the last bit of food mixed with alcohol into her stomach, and considered it lunch finished.
“It's fine... Alright, we're done eating.”
“But, unexpectedly...”
“People describe you as ethereal and otherworldly, not partaking in earthly affairs.”
“Actually, you are quite adorable, not as difficult to approach as they say.”
Lulu paused, pushed the plate of leftovers aside on the table, wiped her mouth with a napkin, clearing both the physical and mental space, ready to have a good chat with Turing.
“Alright, let's talk about business now.”
“You have been with us for three days.”
“The elders of the council are about to arrive... Unlike the nobles, they represent the will of the people of Acadia.”
“So, don't say too much, if they ask you about personal matters, try to answer in detail, don't be afraid.”
“They just want to tell the public that you are living safely, so just respond to those concerned people well.”
“But when they ask about your political stance, it's best to be vague, don't express any leanings.”
“Your influence is too great, and your will may mislead the people, making the already chaotic political situation worse. Don't do that, alright? This is also what Lady Maria meant.”
“As you know, the staff is responsible for the nobles, the army for the leaders, and the council for the people, but the people don't have to account for anyone.”
“Let's leave our factions fighting each other out of this and not involve the common folk, do you understand?”
Lulu's tone was very calm, very gentle, always conversing with Turing in a consultative manner. Her overly soft tone and youthful face gave Turing a feeling that he wasn't talking to an older sister a generation apart, but rather to a talkative little sister.
Turing shook his head, said nothing, gazed faintly towards the depths of the cafeteria, where the prisoners surged in line at the self-serve food counter, resembling a flock of ducks crowded in front of a feeding trough.
“Oh, have you eaten?”
“Do you want me to get you some food from the guard's window?”
Lulu watched Turing's vacant eyes staring into the distance, liking the sight more and more, finding it endearing.
It was a pity that this child happened to be Turing, Turing • Altria.
There was no way for her to have a conversation with anyone other than the warden.
“No need.”
“If I hadn't been sitting at the table with Merka...”
“Eating is meaningless to me now.”
Turing's bright emerald eyes radiated intoxicating orchid hues.
At the age of fourteen, Turing had blossomed into a beauty akin to Oedipus.
"Do not say that. Let's go and get you something to eat at home." Lulu thought Turing was just talking out of frustration. It wasn't entirely unjustified, after all, anyone wrongfully imprisoned would be in a foul mood, let alone a pampered noble from a young age.
But what Turing was thinking about wasn't any of that. She gently held onto Lulu who was about to get up and asked, "What's the matter?"
Lulu looked at her, puzzled. Turing pointed to table not far away where 667 was sitting alone, quietly eating his meal. He ate quickly, pausing every two bites to look around, like an anxious little squirrel.
Although it seemed like he was just naturally eating, upon closer observation, he was also constantly on guard.
"Let's talk about food later. I want to know, has he always been eating alone?" Turing inquired.
