Strike in a place unexpected

[jianai]

[One of the transports carrying goods to Alhambra deposits a weary-looking person in a nun's habit. Except that nuns don't normally have horns, betraying that it's actually Ren.]

Ahh, it's good to be back! This place starts to feel like home for me, you know? I'm happy to report that the refugees received as much help and assistance as they should. There's still a lot of labor awaiting them, but that's something they have to do themselves. Their lives and well-being are no longer in any danger.

I must admit, that was some hard work. The living conditions were not ideal, though I'm used to it a little. Still, I don't regret it. In fact...

[Ren smiles embarassingly. Wait, is that blush on their face?]

I'm glad, and not only for those people. I mean, for myself. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful individual.

So, what happened while I was gone?

Comments

[brought_it_back]

Is he a...man of the cloth?

[jianai]

Oh? Ah, no, no!

He's a soldier. I think you met him once, actually.

[brought_it_back]

...?

[jianai]

Do you remember the ESUN team that was captured in a South American jungle? That's where you met me for the first time, and you fought bravely to rescue them.

He was a member of that team. After the assignment was cleared, Mark has been transferred to refugee guarding duty. That's how I met him a second time.

[brought_it_back]

Oh...I see.

...And your wardrobe is different because...

[jianai]

It was my camouflage. The refugees experienced so many worries, I've decided not to add "who is this horned person" to them.

[brought_it_back]

It does not hid them that well...

...I...got in trouble again, but things are...not going badly.

[jianai]

Oh no! What happened? Did you get in a fight?

[brought_it_back]

Yes... [Actually, Eva's right hand still has some bandages on it, which the narrator definitely didn't forget to mention earlier.]

...Don't worry about it, though. Nobody was maimed or killed.

[jianai]

I'm happy to hear that. But you now... fighting isn't good. We're all on the same side here.

[brought_it_back]

You don't say.

[jianai]

I wish I was there. Maybe I could've helped...

But, other than that, you said you were okay? That's a relief.

[brought_it_back]

Probably. It was a rather...pointless thing...

They have requested I see the base's therapist now, which I shall. If you have any advice, for dealing with others...

[jianai]

Hmm...

[Ren can't recommend "treat everyone with kindness and optimism". It's not Eva's style, obviously.]

I'll say this: don't escalate. Even if you have to deal with someone you don't like, don't make the situation worse by saying or doing things that will anger them, or by trying to pick a fight. It's okay if you don't let them walk all over you, but don't try to walk over them, either.

At least, that's my advice. The therapist will probably be able to help you a lot more.