Mission 115 (
Summary[]
The Shopkeeper becomes interested in Wilker's third file
Director Wilker of the SSS arrives at a mansion in the woods, where he meets with the Shopkeeper. After making some small talk, Wilker shows the Shopkeeper a briefcase containing files for job requests, mostly coming from Ostania's prime minister. The first is about the left-right power struggle the prime minister is facing while the second is to have Garden's members represent Ostania in their soccer team for the upcoming East-West games. The Shopkeeper turns them both down until he reads the third file, a poaching case on Miteran elk in southwest Ostania.
The Shopkeeper reminds Wilker where Garden's allegiances lie
The Shopkeeper accepts this file, explaining to Wilker that the entire southwest region was once Imperial land and how they have been searching for the poachers, adding that a portion of the forests are demilitarized zones between the East and West and could cause friction between the nations. Wilker agrees with the Shopkeeper's choice and asks him to consider the other files, but the Shopkeeper rejects him, reminding him that Garden acts in service to the nation, not to a politician. While leaving the mansion, Wilker remarks that the Shopkeeper's loyalty is to a dead empire.
Yor catches Hemlock's knife
Later, Yor and Matthew look at the flowers in the Shopkeeper's garden. After seeing a flower that can help one sleep, Yor considers suggesting it to Melinda. A ladybug appears and lands on Yor's hand. As she admires it, Yor intercepts a throwing knife thrown by Hemlock, a fellow assassin who dislikes bugs. Hemlock explains that he is here to report the completion of his mission, while Matthew and Yor are to have their regular meeting with the Shopkeeper. Another assassin, Gympie, appears to also make her report. Hemlock comments that Yor does not appear to have done too much work lately, and although Matthew explains that they work at the Shopkeeper's orders, Yor senses the piercing intent of her fellow assassin. The Shopkeeper interrupts the tension with his arrival and moves everyone to the gazebo for their meeting.
Hemlock threatens Yor
After Hemlock and Gympie's reports, the Shopkeeper introduces their next assignment: protecting the Miteran elk from poachers. The Shopkeeper explains that poaching has become a source of income for organized crime syndicates and that the poachers are also conducting business with the West. While the poachers are not formidable, they are numerous, and Garden cannot dismiss the possibility of border control, who are also partaking in the poaching, intervening on the poachers' behalf. Additionally, the wildlife itself will present a danger to the assassins. Suspecting that their work will need to be divided over multiple missions, the Shopkeeper tasks Yor and Matthew with the first. When he decides to add another member for support, Hemlock volunteers to go. While Matthew plans to make arrangements at city hall in case their mission goes on for longer, Yor accidentally provokes Hemlock after expressing her concern about bugs, prompting Gympie to remind the two to get along.
Characters[]
Trivia[]
- The SSS director's surname as "Wilker" is revealed for the first time.
- Belle, the seal that first appeared in Chapter 103, is revealed to have finally returned to the ocean.
- Two Garden members, Hemlock and Gympie, appear for the first time. Another member, Thistle, is also mentioned for the first time.
References[]