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Laurelite had much more to worry about than which General was wandering which shadows. She had been on her way back to her office; she had notes to compile, things to research. She had not been much for human contact recently, and even the unprecedented company of a general was welcome after her long hours of interacting with only youma. She did not go out of her way to meet with him, but neither did she change her course. Benitoite came into view rather quickly and she slowed her step. "You're out a bit late, General," she said. Laurelite was estimating the time based on how long she felt she had been gone; she had neither a clock nor any access to the sky and knew only that her body was aching with hunger and fatigue. Her mind was racing, though; every day she spent working was one day closer to achieving their goals.

Benitoite could be out gathering energy. Or maybe he was just here to check on that youma of his. Or maybe he had a reason to be here.

The idea was tantalizing, that the General would have a reason to be down in these drab halls, so the General Queen continued, "Are you looking for something down here or just exploring?"

Laurelite's eyes flickered briefly; he had won her interest.

Her smile lingered and she offered an encouraging nod. "Well then, by all means. My ears are yours, General."

She had heard of Benitoite. She might not have met him personally, but she knew him well enough. Before, when he had been 'a good general'. Then, the disgraced.

He had made a grave mistake, but he had been punished. He had met the punishment, and strived to make amends. He hadn't given up, run away, purified.

The Negaverse had been hard on him, and he had taken what they had thrown at him and improved.

Yes, Laurelite most certainly could make a bit of time for Benitoite. Not just because she was eager for a change of pace, but because the Negaverse could always use more energy.

They needed it now more than ever.

Laurelite listened with seeming indifference, though her blank face hid the cogs working in her mind. She was playing out multiple scenarios in her head, pinpointing pros and cons, isolating weaknesses, planning how to fortify them…

Finally, she nodded. "It is an interesting idea. It would require much work, though if you are proposing the idea to me, I'm certain that you are willing to offer your services."

You could never go wrong with tea, and a teahouse? It seemed like good enough cover to hide Negaverse operations. Any money they put into it was sure to be returned, and with the added benefit of energy with it?

"We can work something out. A cat can be provided. You are permitted to recruit whoever you like to assist in your workings. I expect a report on everything related to the situation. Everything you do, everyone you recruit. Everything. We'll need it for our database." Which she certainly didn't maintain, but she knew exactly who to pass the information off to. "You come from a wealthy family, do you not?" It was a rhetorical question; instead of waiting for a response, she continued, "And yet, I don't suppose you have the funds to manage this on your own. We wouldn't want a paper trail leading back to you, either. Suppose you have the full backing of the Negaverse. Can you promise that our investment will not be in vain?"

For a long moment, Laurelite contemplated the offer. Parts of it were risky, but upon weighing that against what could come of it should the plan succeed?

Some risks were just worth taking.

"I am thrilled to see that you've taken such effort in planning this." It certainly made her job much easier.

"You may proceed with the first steps of your plan. I anticipate a flawless execution. Should you hit some bumps along the way, I expect an immediate update so that I might attempt to remedy the situation before it is out of our control." She turned to face Benitoite, giving him her full attention. "Though, I have faith in you. In fact, it's been a while since an officer proposed something to me to further our cause, so I am proud of you for making that effort. Ambition will get you far. I realize you've made a rather significant error in the past?" The question was rhetorical; she continued without missing a beat. "Though you have expected responsibility and punishment. I would hope that after all this time you've learned your lesson."

The General Queen watched him closely, emotions unreadable behind her steadfast smile. "Do you think that further punishment would benefit you, or are you of the mind that such would only hold you back?

Laurelite listened, judging the weight of each word. She seemed to be debating his performance with his mistakes and then nodded. "I am of the same mind. I think that if you're going to invest yourself in something, you need to be as clear-minded as possible. I will pass the message along to your handlers that I have set you on another task and am terminating your punishment sessions from this day forward."

She spoke more deliberately, with a bit of coldness to her voice when she added, "I know you won't make the same mistake again." There was the hint of a threat behind her sweet little smile, but she seemed in a cheerful mood only a few seconds later. "If that is all, then I have work to tend to. You will excuse me for the time being, but should you need anything, I will make myself available." She brushed herself off, very obviously intending to make take her leave. "Take care of yourself, Benitoite. I look forward to our next meeting."