Tris and Rose—both of them felt strikingly similar, or so Rin thought.
Of course, the similarity had nothing to do with their appearance.
Their height and faces were completely different, and even their genders were not the same.
What Rin sensed as their resemblance was perhaps their personalities—or at least, that was her first thought.
However, after a moment of reconsideration, she realized it wasn't their personalities, but more precisely, their way of thinking.
When speaking with Rose, Rin often felt as though she were conversing with her Master himself.
The way both of them easily perceived what the other was thinking or about to say, the way they guided the flow of conversation, and many other subtle traits difficult to describe—all of these were astonishingly alike.
Upon realizing this, Rin's first reaction was not excitement or joy, but caution.
She knew all too well how dangerous her Master could become when necessary.
At home, he might appear lazy, lounging with a book all day, seemingly uninterested in anything else.
At such times, even the smallest effort of movement or thought seemed discarded without care.
But Rin understood that this was only his relaxed state.
Whenever a serious matter arose, or when facing someone directly, her Master could instantly transform into a cold, calculating schemer.
During their training sessions, when he controlled the puppet "Servant," he had used every trick of deception and cunning against her.
Back then, Rin had to be wary of even the smallest word or pause from his mouth, suspecting hidden traps.
And that was only training. Against a real enemy, Rin could hardly imagine what he might do.
She even pictured, with a shiver, the idea of her Master suddenly approaching a stranger with friendliness, knowing full well it would likely be a façade hiding some ulterior motive.
The impression left by those training sessions was simply too strong and unforgettable.
Now, back to the present situation.
If someone powerful, bearing uncanny similarities to Tris, suddenly approached you with friendly words—what should you do? (￣_￣|||)
That was the very question Rin wrestled with in her mind, hoping for an answer.
Of course, she wished she were simply overthinking, and that Rose truly was just a kind girl seeking new friends.
However, her past life in the slums, along with the direct lessons from her Master, had taught her that one must never trust others carelessly—any hint of naivety could easily come at a heavy price.
Better to suspect and be wrong than ignore and later regret the consequences of carelessness.
Sweating inwardly despite the winter chill, Rin smiled at Rose and said:
"I'm glad to have met you today. But I think it's time for me to leave. I hope we can meet another day again."
She chose the tactic of retreat.
Rose: "I'm glad to have met you, too. Where are you staying? Let me help take you back."
Rin: "No need. I can get back on my own. Besides, I have some personal matters to attend to first."
She emphasized the word 'personal' firmly, making her refusal clear.
Rose: "I'm free right now, so it's no trouble. What are you busy with? Do you need help?"
Rose still seemed intent on accompanying her.
Rin: "No, thank you. I have a private meeting with someone I know. That person wouldn't like meeting strangers."
She silently apologized to her Master for using him as a shield, invoking him as an excuse to dissuade Rose.
Rose: "I see. That's unfortunate."
Hearing this, Rin breathed a sigh of relief, thinking her plan had worked.
But Rose's next words startled her:
"The person you're meeting—is he a boy with black hair and a rather delicate face?"
Rin couldn't hide her shock.
Seeing her expression, Rose took it as confirmation and continued:
"You must be wondering how I know, right?"
She covered her mouth while letting out a soft laugh, as if she had found something immensely amusing.
Though her eyes remained closed, Rin felt as if Rose's gaze was piercing her, scrutinizing every detail of her reaction.
'Once again… it feels like facing Master,' Rin thought stiffly.
Her palms grew sweaty beneath her gloves as anxiety mounted.
She tried to think of a proper response, but the short time, her lack of experience, and the string of surprises left her unable to find one.
Seemingly unaware of Rin's unease, Rose took her hand.
Rose: "Come on, let's go meet him together."
She smiled innocently, pulling Rin along.
Her smile shone like sunlight in the cold winter day. But instead of warmth, Rin felt only chill.
Her earlier doubts now seemed all too real.
Worst of all, she felt completely overwhelmed, unable to devise any countermeasure.
And then, Rin saw her Master returning, walking toward them from afar.
Seeing him was like a drowning person finding a lifeline.
With that support, Rin breathed easier, relieved she wouldn't have to face Rose alone.
Yet worry quickly followed—what would happen when Rose and her Master met?
Of course, Rin deeply trusted her Master. Strong and wise, he always proved reliable in every kind of situation.
Even so, Rin felt that Rose was an existence far too difficult to fathom.
With her beauty alone, Rose could easily overwhelm those before her, leaving them feeling constrained and pressured.
But beyond that, even in the brief time they had spent together, Rin sensed that Rose possessed a mind equal to her outward perfection—and that was truly terrifying.
Reflecting on this, Rin felt ashamed for burdening her Master once more. Especially after she had just begun to feel proud of being useful, no longer merely a burden.
With a heavy heart, Rin stepped closer to Tris, meeting him again after only a short time apart.