After a brief encounter with Amiya, the leader of Rhodes Island, Kal'tsit seemed to notice the change in the way Steven looked at her.
Almost immediately, she found an excuse, claiming she had more to discuss with Amiya, and quickly instructed Outcast to take Steven and Gladiia to receive medical treatment.
She looked just like a mother cat protecting her kitten.
Steven really wanted to clarify one thing—he wasn't some kind of monster who treated murder and arson as a daily routine. He wouldn't just target this girl simply because of her title.
It's not like she had done anything to provoke him, right?
But considering that explaining his knowledge of these matters would be tricky, Steven shrugged and decided to put the issue aside for now.
With Outcast, a Rhodes Island elite operator, leading the way, Steven didn't have to worry about getting lost in this massive and complex mobile ship.
However, at the same time, it meant he had fewer opportunities to explore the place on his own.
Fortunately, Outcast had mentioned that after Gladiia's medical examination and a brief introduction to their dorms, they would be free to explore within the permitted areas of the landship.
Steven could understand the precaution—after all, no one would feel comfortable letting a total stranger wander around their home unsupervised.
He had plenty of time anyway. He could explore the place slowly.
"Since Dr. Kal'tsit already gave instructions, we don't have to go through the formal reception process. Up ahead is the medical room. After we finish the check-up for the lady beside you, I'll take you to familiarize yourself with the dorms."
After walking for about ten minutes, Outcast finally stopped in front of a room. Behind her was a wide corridor resembling a hospital ward.
Judging from the people dressed as doctors occasionally walking out, these were most likely patient rooms.
"There's something I've been really curious about—what exactly does this so-called Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals company do?"
Steven paused just as he was about to lead Gladiia inside, turning instead to the angelic-looking woman whom he had grown somewhat familiar with, his curiosity piqued.
They called themselves a pharmaceutical company, yet whether it was Kal'tsit's strange pet, Outcast's firearm, or even this bizarre landship, everything seemed more like some kind of terrifying bioweapon organization rather than a simple medical company.
If he had to compare it to something familiar, Rhodes Island felt eerily similar to Umbrella Corporation from Resident Evil.
"Of course, we help the Infected. More specifically, we are dedicated to developing treatments for Oripathy and curing those afflicted by it."
Outcast casually answered, mentioning several unfamiliar terms that piqued Steven's interest.
She could understand why he was asking—sometimes, even she found it odd how the things she did connected to the mission she claimed to be following.
"I don't really understand the specifics, though. I'm getting old, and I don't want to think too much about these things. If you're that curious, ask Kal'tsit. Or Amiya. If all else fails, go ask PRTS—it's an AI, so it should be more than happy to answer your questions. Just don't torture an old woman like me with them."
Clearly unwilling to continue the topic, Outcast waved him off impatiently.
Seeing no other choice, Steven simply shrugged, then led Gladiia through the alcohol-scented doorway into the medical room.
Before Steven could even reach for the handle, the so-called medical room door suddenly flew open on its own. A girl with long brown hair shot out like a bullet, dashing right underneath him.
She was incredibly fast, but not to the point that Steven couldn't react.
While avoiding a direct collision, he caught a clear glimpse of her dog-like, perked-up ears atop her head, as well as the bottle clamped between her teeth, exuding a strong scent of alcohol.
Before he could even process the situation, something strange—something resembling a hammer—came hurtling toward him.
"Ceobe! How many times have I told you that the medical room's alcohol is not for drinking?! Do you really want me to knock out all your teeth so you can never eat your favorite honey cakes again?!"
A voice—clear and firm, yet carrying a tinge of exasperation—rang out right as the hammer-like object came flying.
Now was hardly the time to ponder the details. Steven instinctively raised a hand and caught the object that was supposed to smack him right in the head.
'Gotta say, that thing packed quite a punch… though the aim left much to be desired.'
"Miss, before you go chasing after that girl, shouldn't you at least apologize first?"
Steven was willing to believe that the green-haired girl now rushing out of the medical room hadn't meant to hit him. But still, that didn't mean he was just going to let it slide. If it had been someone else standing here, they might've ended up seriously hurt.
"Huh?"
The green-haired girl froze for a moment, clearly not expecting to run into someone right outside the medical room.
Realizing her mistake, she quickly bowed in apology, her face filled with embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! I really didn't expect anyone to be standing— Normally, this time of day is break time. I'm truly, truly sorry!"
She bowed repeatedly, clearly aware of her mistake.
Steven, still holding the hammer-like object, decided not to make a fuss about it.
Her sincere apology, coupled with the fact that it was unintentional—and that he technically hadn't knocked before approaching—made it hard for him to hold a grudge.
However…
As the green-haired girl looked up at him with hopeful, pleading eyes, Steven simply extended his hand, palm open before her.
"Compensate me, and I'll forgive you."
"Huh?!"
"It's because of the mental distress and physical treatment fees—you decide how much."
Steven's tone remained calm and indifferent, showing no sign of being swayed by the girl's beauty.
Wrong is wrong. She had to take responsibility for her actions.
This wasn't him being petty—it was simply a matter of principle!