Aventurine's expression turned somewhat disheartened as he lowered his head slightly and said in a dejected tone, "It's just that their methods are much tougher than I imagined. They even prepared a body double for Robin... These two cases will definitely be suppressed."
A feigned look of surprise appeared on Dr. Ratio's face as he teased, "Impressive, Gambler. You're already out of ideas so soon?" His words carried a hint of sarcasm and provocation.
"There are many chips, but they need to be carefully selected. The most straightforward... would still be Robin." Aventurine paused, then asked, "Remember, The Masked Fools told me to find a mute friend."
A glint flashed in his eyes, as if he had recalled something:
"Robin is the 'mute' she spoke of. She lost her voice; most people wouldn't notice, but it wouldn't escape your or my ears. It wasn't her vocal cords producing the sound, but a resonance of harmony."
"Unless that girl practiced singing until her voice was hoarse, there's only one possibility: something is wrong with the Family, or something is wrong with Robin herself. To clarify this, I tried everything to meet her..."
At this point, Aventurine's expression darkened. "But she died, right before my eyes."
"A complete loss—and it sent you to the interrogation table, by the way." Dr. Ratio commented mercilessly, "There were eyewitnesses at the scene. The Family provisionally believed your alibi, but from now on... you'll probably have to live under the Rangers' surveillance."
Hearing this, a bitter smile touched Aventurine's lips, and he let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Things really don't look good, Professor. I'm already breaking out in a cold sweat. Do you think there's still a chance to turn this situation around?"
"If you ask me the probability—yes, but it's close to zero—or, to use a phrase more fitting for Penacony, dreaming."
"But if you just can't keep your hands to yourself and want to try your luck with someone, there just happens to be a suitable candidate..." Dr. Ratio suggested calmly.
"That man wants to see you again."
"Oh? Who?" Aventurine asked back, full of doubt.
He replied concisely:
"Sunday."
"Ah... is it a public confrontation, or a private interrogation?" Aventurine pressed on.
"If it were the former, I wouldn't need to relay the message," Dr. Ratio replied expressionlessly and without ceremony.
"Good... then it's all correct, all correct. See, dead people don't talk, but living ones do—" Aventurine's originally bitter smile suddenly turned somewhat surprised, and he spoke in a light tone:
"Ratio, I can now be sure that there's definitely a problem within the Family. Just wait and see, that man's sister is dead... He won't be able to sit still."
"No time to lose, let's go now—lead the way! The show... is about to begin."
"Guinaifen: Aventurine seems to have a lot of faith in familial affection."
"Himeko: I heard that Mr. Sunday's only relative is his sister, Robin. If that's the case, it would be strange if he weren't angry."
The two stepped out of the bar, and then the camera shifted, entering a magnificent room.
Dr. Ratio spoke, "We've arrived. The Morning Dew Mansion, the Oak Family's stronghold, where the Family Heads convene to discuss Penacony's grand plan."
"Stronghold? That's a good analogy. Not long ago, I dealt with warlords from the Iimaniqa system; their synchronized orbital estates weren't this heavily guarded."
"It suits its owner well. This mansion nominally belongs to Sunday; without his invitation, ordinary guests would never have the chance to set foot here. Take a good look, while you still have a moment of freedom."
"Hey, Professor—with words like that, whose side are you on, exactly?"
"Who can guarantee I won't betray you?"
"Then let's wait and see. Once I meet that overly controlling Oak Family Head, I'll find a way to pry the answers from his mouth."
"Follow me, I'll take you to his reception room. Don't say anything unnecessary; I'll handle the Family members."
After speaking, Dr. Ratio led Aventurine to a door. A doorman stood there, and upon seeing the two, he immediately said, "Hey, you two! This is an important meeting area; no entry without an invitation."
"I brought the suspect as per Mr. Sunday's request. 'Ratio,' he should have given that name."
"Oh, I remember you... Veritas Ratio, your 'Punchy Virtual Particle Clock' is quite impressive."
"What are you talking about?" Dr. Ratio asked back, puzzled.
"The one on your head! Though it's not as good as mine—the 'Mobile Knight's' full-spectrum Fighter Power Armor."
"Aventurine: Watching you two chat makes me want to laugh. No wonder you told me not to speak."
"Dr. Ratio: Sigh... I really should have brought my plaster head. When I see idiots and fools, I just want to die."
"I reminded you last time, that fantasy battle suit of yours doesn't even exist." Dr. Ratio replied expressionlessly.
"It's just that you can't see it! I told you, only 'Family members' can behold the 'Mobile Knight's' radiance—Alright, hurry up, don't keep Mr. Sunday waiting." The doorman didn't argue and opened the door, signaling that the two could enter.
"Sigh... The idiocy index here isn't much better than outside." Dr. Ratio sighed helplessly before entering the room.
They walked through a long and dim corridor, arriving at the second floor of a grand hall. A small Penacony sandbox was placed in the center of the hall, and further ahead was the room where Sunday received guests.
"It's quite grand in here. It seems Mr. Sunday has no intention of presenting a humble image."
Professor Ratio couldn't help but sigh. "Do I need to remind you? This is a dream. No matter how luxurious the decor of this mansion is, it won't affect Penacony in the slightest. Don't pick on the Family in trivial places."
"Hmm, you're right. The Family's flaw can only be 'death,' and Sunday must think so too. Let's go downstairs."
They slowly descended the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the silent air. When they finally reached the tightly closed door, Dr. Ratio suddenly stopped.
Aventurine looked at him, puzzled, and asked, "What's wrong? Did we take the wrong way?"
Dr. Ratio shook his head and replied softly, "Not the wrong way, but this door is locked."
Sighing somewhat helplessly, Aventurine asked, "Friend, did you really make an appointment with him?"
"This is a test. Before a formal conversation, you must first prove your worth to Sunday. If I'm not mistaken, we have to find a way to open the door in this hall, otherwise, this place will be our prison."
"Oh, an escape room, I like it," Aventurine said with a smile.
"Be serious, no one's playing with you. Turn back first; the hint is most likely in that conspicuous sandbox."