"It seems the puzzle I prepared was still too simple for you, emissary from the Interastral Peace Corporation."
Sunday stood with his back to Aventurine, hands clasped behind him and a smile on his face, preventing the latter from seeing the other emotion hidden in his eyes.
"Hahaha, I am truly terrified by the Family Head's praise. You went to such great lengths to welcome me, yet… Mr. Sunday, your methods don't seem like something a person who sincerely extends an invitation would do."
"Invitation? Heh."
Hearing Aventurine's words, Mr. Sunday chuckled softly, then turned around and looked into Aventurine's beautiful eyes as he spoke.
"Mr. Aventurine, you really are a noble who forgets easily. If I remember correctly, it was clearly you who submitted the application to me. Why has it now become me who invited you?"
Sunday scoffed.
"However, I don't really care about that. I already have a general understanding of your purpose for coming. So before our conversation officially begins, I first need to confirm whether you, as an emissary, have the qualifications to negotiate with me. That is the meaning behind the puzzle."
At this point, Sunday's gaze shifted slightly to the side, landing on Dr. Ratio, who stood silently with his eyes closed, minding his own business.
"I suppose this friend beside you helped you quite a bit, didn't he, Mr. Aventurine?"
"Of course. You should know that better than I do. He has faithfully fulfilled his duty, right?" Aventurine spread his hands and answered truthfully.
"Hmm, you could say that. Earlier, the professor vouched for your character. He said that both of you have upright hearts and are trustworthy individuals to the Family."
"And now, Mr. Aventurine, you have successfully overcome numerous obstacles to stand before me. This is already enough to prove your wisdom and courage. Therefore…"
"Please prove your value to me. Prove that you are qualified for me to regard you seriously."
Sunday's tone was mild and gentle, yet he gave off a chilling feeling, as if… the person before him was like an emotionless machine.
Facing Sunday's icy gaze, Aventurine merely smiled faintly, then spoke with full confidence.
"Mr. Sunday, there is no need for us to beat around the bush. Over these past few days, I have roughly grasped the current situation of the Family."
"Let's speak openly. Regarding [Death], and regarding your sister, Miss Robin. As far as I know, she has not appeared in the public eye for several days now."
At this point, Mr. Aventurine paused. Seeing that Sunday did not speak, he felt the other party's thoughts had already fallen into his rhythm, so he pressed his advantage.
"I believe you have your own difficulties, Mr. Sunday. After all, as the head of a family, your position is also a kind of restraint. But don't worry, I am on your side."
"Heh, Mr. Aventurine thinking so considerately of me truly makes me feel honored. Then a generous person like you surely wouldn't ask for anything in return, right?"
Sunday stood with hands behind his back and gave Aventurine a meaningful look. His gaze was sharp, as if wanting to see through the man from skin to muscle, and from muscle to bone.
"Of course. You won't lose anything. I only want to take back what I should have owned—what rightfully belongs to me."
"My personal freedom, the personal belongings under Family supervision, that bag of gift money, and…"
"The box containing the 'Cornerstone.'" This sentence was spoken by Sunday. He had already anticipated what Aventurine would say.
The "Cornerstone" was a treasure of the IPC. Even though the power sealed within it could basically not affect him much, to ordinary people it was already an existence that could be called a divine weapon of the nine heavens.
"'Cornerstone.' I have heard that it is a valuable asset of the Strategic Investment Department, sealing the authority of the Preservation Emanator and held by the 'Ten Stonehearts.' Such a precious item is probably even more expensive than other returns."
"I know, but Mr. Sunday, for the matter to be settled, occasional risks are necessary."
"Heh heh heh…"
Hearing this, Sunday chuckled and shook his head again.
"Mr. Aventurine, your proposal is very tempting, but I never take any risks. It must be kept by the Family. There is nothing to discuss."
"Nothing to discuss?" Aventurine crossed his arms and asked tentatively.
"I don't want to repeat myself a second time."
Aventurine: "…Then, just taking back the gift money is also fine. That shouldn't be a problem, right? As a businessman, if I have no chips in hand at all, I will truly be unable to move an inch in Penacony."
Shrugging his shoulders, Aventurine put on a helpless expression.
"…Your compromise came faster than I imagined. However… compared to a businessman, it is gamblers who need chips."
Saying so, Sunday walked toward the round conference table, looking at the box and gift money bag on the table.
"I can return the gift money to you, but before that, Mr. Aventurine, I need you to tell me personally—does the box that carried the Cornerstone truly contain a Cornerstone inside the box you decisively abandoned?"
"Hmm…" Aventurine nodded slightly.
Sunday naturally did not believe Aventurine's words. He leaned forward slightly, a faint smile on his face. In the next moment, Path power surged.
"'Soul with three faces, brand its tongue and palm with hot iron, so that it cannot fabricate lies or make false oaths.'"
"Ugh—!"
As Sunday's words fell, a seductive power instantly swept through Aventurine's mind, causing his consciousness to sink.
"…What did you do?" An ugly expression appeared on Aventurine's face, and a trace of coldness entered his tone.
"Don't try to struggle in vain." Sunday spoke expressionlessly.
"Under the light of [Harmony], all evil will have nowhere to hide. I implore Him to shed His light and ask you on His behalf. You now have two minutes to prove your innocence and thereby gain the trust of both me and Him."