Stella: He hit the nail on the head!
Sunday: That's a very accurate assessment... You, you damned gambler.
March 7th: What exactly are the three chips? Do they refer to Stella, Acheron, and Robin?
Welt: It's not that simple, little March. He doesn't have complete control over Stella or Acheron, and as for Robin... that's precisely the excuse the Family is using to pressure him.
On screen, the two ascended the steps and pushed open the door to the room.
This spacious and brightly lit conference hall featured a round conference table surrounded by six exquisite chairs.
On the table lay a mysterious object covered with cloth, its shape suggesting two protruding items. On the floor nearby, a lone box and a travel bag lay isolated.
The walls were lined with bookshelves packed with books.
Sunday stood silently at the far end of the room, his back to the door, motionless like a statue.
At this moment, he seemed to be intently gazing at the ancient and solemn mural on the wall, as if searching for some secret within it. The entire scene was exceptionally quiet, with only faint breathing and occasional footsteps echoing in the air, creating an inexplicable sense of tension.
When Aventurine and Ratio reached Sunday's back, he slowly spoke: "It seems the puzzle I set for you was still too simple, Company Emissary."
"Thank you for the compliment, and thank you for going to such lengths to welcome me, Mr. Sunday. However, this hardly seems like something a person genuinely inviting someone would do."
Aventurine said with a smile, but there was a hint of sarcasm in his words.
Sunday still didn't turn around, only saying indifferently: "So this is not an invitation, but a summons. Before our conversation begins, I need to test your character."
"I suppose your learned friend here helped you quite a bit, didn't he?"
At this moment, Ratio stood to the side, as if admiring the books on the nearby bookshelf.
Aventurine said with a smile: "Of course, you should know that better than I do—he has faithfully fulfilled his duty, hasn't he?"
Sunday, still not turning around, spoke in a slow, deliberate manner: "Hmm, the Professor previously vouched for your noble character. He said that both of your hearts are equally righteous, and that you are trustworthy individuals for the Family."
"I now understand your character very well, Mr. Aventurine. You are diligent, generous, cooperative, and you have successfully overcome many obstacles to stand before me—this gives me reason to believe in your wisdom and courage."
Sunday's words were filled with praise, but Aventurine's expression gradually grew serious; things seemed to be getting a bit troublesome.
He turned his head and looked directly into Aventurine's eyes: "But there is one thing I must question you about, and that is your talent being misdirected, causing you to meet with people you shouldn't, appear in places you shouldn't... and witness tragedies that shouldn't have happened."
Aventurine's expression remained unchanged, but his mind began to race: "You don't look so good. Just to confirm, am I the one making you anxious?"
"If not, then I'm on your side."
"If I'm not mistaken, your words... are a very serious accusation against the Family," Sunday said somewhat sternly.
Aventurine's words seemed to carry a magical power as he explained: "You are indeed not mistaken, for evil is quietly brewing by your side."
"We don't need to beat around the bush; let's talk about your sister. Your sister's talent in the performing arts is unparalleled, but as you know, since returning to Penacony, her voice has been a bit 'disharmonious.'"
"Even more terrifying is that she can no longer sing now. Who did it? People think the culprit is among the outsiders, but I know... you have a different answer in your heart."
As he spoke, Aventurine, as if holding the winning hand, looked directly into Sunday's eyes and continued:
"Now, your noble status has become shackles, preventing you from apprehending the culprit and avenging your sister. You are isolated and helpless, which is why you feel so anxious."
"But don't worry, I'm on your side."
Sunday's somewhat cold expression gradually revealed a hint of a smile:
"It is my great honor that Mr. Aventurine cares for me so much—so a person as selfless and generous as you wouldn't ask for anything in return, would he?"
Stella: Sunday: High praise, here (puts it on Aventurine).
Aventurine: Hahahaha, Stella's so direct, I like it.
Aventurine transferred 100,000 Credit Points to Stella.
Dan Heng: ...
Blade: Dan Heng, I found you...
Dan Heng: ?!
Aventurine explained: "Of course, you won't lose anything because of this. I only want to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me: my personal freedom, and the personal belongings kept by the Family—that bag of Gift money, and..."
Sunday took over the conversation: "The box containing the stones."
"Exactly," Aventurine nodded.
"The stones," Sunday said with a hint of emotion: "I heard they are a valuable asset of the Strategic Investment Department, sacred stones that seal the authority of the Preservation Emissary. Each of the liquidation experts holds one."
"Such valuable items are probably more expensive than any other return."
March 7th: What exactly are the stones?
Diamond: The stones contain a portion of the Preservation Emissary's power, allowing one to gain some of the Emissary's abilities and power.
Welt: I once heard that the head of the Strategic Investment Department, Diamond, is a Preservation Emissary. What a generous Old Woman.
Aventurine's expression remained normal as he explained:
"But as you know, for the truth to come to light, a little high risk is necessary."
Sunday snorted, not taking the bait, but instead posed a question:
"Mr. Aventurine, when you're out, do you always pay attention to your appearance? Your tie should be centered, your shirt shouldn't show from under your vest, your trouser creases must be straight, and always aligned with the direction of your shoetips."
Although he didn't understand what Sunday was saying, Aventurine still agreed: "Of course."
"But I wouldn't," Sunday sneered: "Because it's improper—you should ensure everything is in perfect order before you leave, never deviating."
"Therefore, I never take any risks. This stone must be properly safeguarded by the Family."
Aventurine looked at him with an unwilling expression, as if wanting to try and salvage the situation, so he asked again: "Is there really nothing to discuss?"
However, the answer he received was still unyielding: "Don't make me refuse a second time." The atmosphere between the two instantly grew tense, as if they were about to draw swords at any moment.