Chapter 325: The Weight of Knowledge
Two weeks had passed since Anthony’s initial intelligence briefing, and the apartment had settled into a rhythm of quiet preparation. The morning sun streamed through the windows as I made my way to Evelyn’s room, carrying a cup of her preferred tea—Earl Grey with a touch of honey, I’ve noticed how Sienna has made her preferences switch from coffee to tea.
I knocked softly on her door, hearing the rustle of papers from within.
"Come in," came her muffled voice.
I entered to find her sitting at her desk, her familiar black blindfold secured over her eyes, surrounded by neat stacks of documents and files. Even without sight, she moved with the precision of someone who had long ago adapted to working in darkness. Her Psychological Insight is really like a cane for her when I’m in the room. Thankfully she could still remove the blindfold when I’m gone. Though I have to deal with that stupid Cain Protocol soon enough.
"Tea," I said simply, setting the cup within easy reach of her right hand.
"Thank you." She turned slightly in my direction, her blindfolded face somehow still managing to convey attention. "I assume you’re here about the UN meeting. Anthony’s preliminary intelligence was... illuminating."
I settled into the chair across from her, noting how she’d organized her workspace. Everything had its place, every document positioned where she could find it by touch. The efficiency was impressive, even if the necessity behind it was tragic.
"I need everything you can tell me about the leaders I’ll be facing. Anthony gave me the priority profiles, but you’ve worked with the government. I’m hoping you know things you’re willing to share."
Evelyn nodded, her fingers dancing across the papers until she found what she was looking for. "Let’s start with the ones Anthony identified, then move to the others who will be there."
She lifted a file, her movements precise despite her blindness. "President Kara Valeska of Poland. Anthony suspects she might be S-Rank disguised as A-Rank Diplomatic Strategist. He’s not wrong to be suspicious."
"What do you know about her?"