Clearly, the focused discussion had made the girls oblivious to their surroundings; they hadn't noticed that at some point, Pannis had walked up behind them. Surprised, they turned around and saw Pannis standing there with an indifferent expression, saying, "Don't worry about me. Since I've already said that I'm prepared, I mean it. I'm standing here now because of an understanding between her and me. I know what she wants me to do, and I'm willing to fulfill her wish. She's not cruel, for she knows that only I can be entrusted with this task, only I have the resolve to face her as she is now."
"But this way, you..." Catherine's words got caught in her throat, unable to continue—of course, there was no need, as everyone understood what she wanted to say. What are you going to do then?
