Mission 103 (
Summary[]
With Anya now on her school holiday, she becomes indolent, lying aimlessly on the couch and refusing to assist Yor with chores. When Loid arrives home and spots her lazing around, he quickly gets her to study. The two then see the TV with news coverage of Belle, a Nordic seal that has recently appeared in Berlint at the Eber River, and citizens have flocked to the area to get a look at her.
Loid agrees with Yor
Before Anya can even ask to see the seal, Loid immediately shuts her down. Anya throws a tantrum, compares Belle's appearance to Bond, and says she will do her animal research project on the seal so they can go see her. Loid remains adamant against it and tries changing the channels, but is astounded that they are all covering Belle, and Yor tells him that it shows how peaceful the world is now. Agreeing with Yor and seeing that he is free from other duties, Loid relents and decides to take the family on an outing to see Belle for Anya's project.
Anya sees Becky with Martha and Wiesel at the river
The Forgers arrive at the Eber River, where they run into Becky, who is also there to see Belle and is accompanied by Martha and Wiesel. As Loid greets the ladies, Becky quickly squeals at the sight of him, but holds herself back from plotting to steal him away to be a "grown-up" like Martha, who reminds her to return the greeting. Seeing a newscaster nearby, Becky invites Anya to go closer to them to be on TV, but Loid turns down the offer, reasoning that Eden Academy is strict about students making media appearances while thinking about his and Anya's dubious backgrounds. Anya, reading his mind, declines Becky's offer, much to her disappointment. Time passes, but Belle never appears. Becky grows annoyed and loudly threatens to send a submarine into the river for Belle. Becky gets held back by Martha, then decides to return home.
The Forgers get a moment of peace
Anya gets bored waiting for the seal and runs off to play with Bond until then, so Loid and Yor sit on the grass to rest. Loid admits to also being restless, so Yor tells him to stop worrying for a bit and relax. As they do, the couple reminisce about how they did this before, shortly after their marriage, and Yor teases Loid for always having wrinkles in his brow. The Forgers then get a moment of tranquility as Loid and Yor take in the view of the landscape while Anya and Bond play together.
Their break gets cut short when Loid spots Anya and Bond heading to the riverbank, so he follows after them with Yor. At the riverbank, Anya and Bond are surprised to find Belle, who becomes startled by their appearance. Anya tries to call Belle over but is quickly grabbed by Loid, who then notices the seal. As the family wonders why Belle is here, Anya hears her thoughts expressing fear toward humans for chasing her. Anya notes this aloud, so Loid suggests leaving her be while watching quietly.
Belle brings the Forgers a crawfish
The Forgers watch Belle play in the water and comment on her appearance. After observing that she is alone, Loid surmises that Belle got separated from her herd, so Yor points Belle in the ocean's direction. In response, Belle disappears into the water and surprises the family by emerging in front of them with a crawfish before swimming away. As Yor wonders if that was Belle's thanks to them, Loid thinks about the seal's intelligence and remembers his conversation with Sylvia about Project Apple's research teams still in operation. However, after watching Bond get his nose pinched by the crawfish, Loid believes he may be overthinking things. The Forgers head to their car to return home, and Loid and Anya talk about working on her research project as they drive off.
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