〘Aventurine〙: Please, everyone, admire the plan I've been racking my brains over for so long!
〘Hanabi〙: Don't go failing now, little peacock.
〘Aventurine〙: I've never lost at the gambling table, Fool.
〘Stelle〙: Will you win?
〘Aventurine〙: Guaranteed.
〘March 7th〙: So, what exactly are the three chips?
〘Aventurine〙: I'll reveal that to you shortly.
〘Dr. Ratio〙: Hmph, looks like a certain gambler is about to burst from not being able to share his plan.
....
『 The two walk up the stairs and push open the room's door.
Before them lies a spacious and bright conference hall. In the center sits a round conference table, surrounded by six exquisite chairs.
On the table rests a mysterious object covered by a cloth, with two protrusions visible. On the floor nearby lies a solitary box and a duffel bag.
Bookshelves are embedded in the walls, packed with dense rows of books.
Sunday stands quietly at the far end of the room, back to the door, motionless like a statue.
As Aventurine and Dr. Ratio walk up behind him, he speaks slowly: "It seems the puzzle I laid out was still too simple for you, envoy of the IPC."
"Your praise is too kind, and thank you for putting so much effort into welcoming me, Mr. Sunday. Though this is hardly the behavior of someone extending a sincere invitation."
Aventurine says with a smile, though his words carry a hint of sarcasm.
Sunday still doesn't turn around, simply replying calmly: "Therefore, this is not an invitation, but a summons. Before our conversation begins, I need to test your character."
"I presume your learned friend here helped quite a bit?"
At this moment, Dr. Ratio is standing to the side, seemingly admiring the books on the shelf or the blue curtains in front of him. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: That curtain is certainly a curtain.
....
『 Aventurine smiles and replies: "Of course, you should know that better than I do—he has faithfully fulfilled his duty, hasn't he?"
Sunday nods. "Mm, the Doctor previously vouched for your noble character. He said both of your hearts are equally upright, and that you are parties the Family can trust." 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Doctor, blink twice if you've been kidnapped.
〘Dr. Ratio〙: This is a necessary sacrifice.
〘Aventurine〙: Doctor, you're making me blush with all this praise, haha.
〘Dr. Ratio〙: Gambler, don't you dare push your luck!
....
『 "I understand your nature very well now, Mr. Aventurine. You are diligent, generous, eager to cooperate, and have successfully crossed many obstacles to stand before me—this gives me reason to trust in your wisdom and boldness."
Sunday's words are filled with praise, but Aventurine's expression turns increasingly gloomy. There should be a but or an however coming next.
Just as Aventurine suspects, Sunday turns his head, looking straight into Aventurine's eyes.
"But there is one thing I must question you on, and that is that your talent has been misapplied, leading you to meet those you shouldn't, to appear where you shouldn't… and to witness tragedies that should never have occurred."
Aventurine maintains his usual smile, but a thousand thoughts flash through his mind: "You don't look very well. Just to confirm, am I the one making you anxious?"
"…If not, then I am on your side." 』
『 ....』
〘Aventurine〙: A sister-complex is truly terrifying…
....
『 "If I haven't misunderstood, these words of yours… are an extremely serious accusation against the Family." Sunday looks at Aventurine sternly.
Aventurine nods, agreeing with Sunday's assessment. "You certainly haven't misunderstood, because evil is quietly festering right beside you."
"We don't need to beat around the bush. Let's talk about your sister. Your sister's talent in the entertainment industry is unparalleled, but as you know, after returning to Penacony, her voice has been consistently discordant."
"What's even more terrifying is that she can no longer sing. Who did it? People think the culprit is among the outsiders, but I know… You have a different answer in your heart."
As he speaks, Aventurine, as if holding a winning hand, stares directly into Sunday's eyes and continues.
"Now, your noble status has become a shackle, preventing you from apprehending the culprit and avenging your sister. You are isolated and helpless, which is why you feel so agitated."
"But don't worry, I am on your side."
A faint smile gradually appears on Sunday's somewhat cold face.
"It is my great honor that Mr. Aventurine would be so considerate of me—then, surely someone as selfless and generous as you wouldn't ask for anything in return?" 』
『 ....』
〘Hanabi〙: Hahahaha, what a high hat to put on someone.
〘Stelle〙: Is this the legendary moral kidnapping?
〘March 7th〙: That hat is about to break through the sky.
....
『 Aventurine laughs upon hearing this, then nods. "Of course. You won't lose anything because of this; I only wish to retrieve what belongs to me: my personal freedom, and my belongings held by the Family—that bag of gift money, and…"
Sunday says the second half for Aventurine: "The box containing the Keystone."
"Correct." Aventurine nods.
"Keystones," Sunday says with a touch of emotion. "I have heard they are precious assets of the Strategic Investment Department, sacred stones that seal the power of an Emanator of Preservation. Each of the Ten Stonehearts holds one."
"Such a valuable item is likely much more expensive than any other reward." 』
『 ....』
〘Belle〙: So what is a Keystone?
〘·HSR· Welt Yang〙: The Diamond of the Strategic Investment Department is an Emanator of Preservation. Under his command are the Ten Stonehearts. Each of these ten holds its own Keystone. These Keystones contain a portion of the Emanator of Preservation's power. Mastering a Keystone grants one a portion of an Emanator's abilities and power.
〘Topaz〙: Correct.
....
『 Aventurine's expression remains unchanged as he explains: "But as you know, if one wants the truth to come to light, a little high-stakes risk is necessary."
Sunday scoffs upon hearing this, ignoring Aventurine's point and instead posing a question.
"Mr. Aventurine, when you are out and about, do you constantly monitor your appearance? Your tie should be on the center line, your shirt must not peek out from your vest, your trouser creases must be straight and always aligned with the direction of your toes." 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Besides a sister-complex, does he also have OCD(Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?
〘March 7th〙: Come to think of it, he really does look quite symmetrical on screen, except for the epaulet on his left shoulder; the left and right sides are almost identical.
....
『 Although he doesn't understand what Sunday is talking about, Aventurine nods in agreement anyway: "Of course I do."
"But I do not, because that is inappropriate." Sunday sneers. "You should ensure everything is in perfect order before you step out, never deviating."
"Therefore, I never take any risks. The Keystones must be kept by the Family."
Aventurine frowns, looking at the other party with a face full of reluctance, seemingly wanting to bargain a bit more. He asks again: "Is there really no room for negotiation?"
"Don't make me refuse a second time." Sunday's answer remains absolutely resolute.
In the end, Aventurine admits defeat and compromises: "…Fine. I'll just take back the gift money; you should at least give me that. A merchant without bargaining chips will likely find it hard to move an inch."
"Your compromise came faster than I expected. Unfortunately, compared to a merchant… it is the gambler who needs chips more. I can give you the gift money, but before that, I want you to tell me yourself—"
As Sunday speaks, he walks over to the box and the case on the floor, turns his head to look at Aventurine, and continues.
"—What exactly is stored in this box that you so decisively abandoned?" 』
『 ....』