---o---
That night, at Fu Li's home.
As he repeatedly watched the interrogation video, Fu Li's brows would occasionally furrow, then relax, finally melting into a helpless sigh.
Seeing him like this, Snakey, who stood to the side, inquired, "Boss, are you dissatisfied with the results of the interrogation? Or do you feel there's a problem?"
"No... it's actually fine." Fu Li sighed, putting down the video he had watched countless times. "Snakey, as you know, I used a slight influence of [Discipline] on her. It's impossible for her to lie, but that's precisely where the trouble lies."
"Trouble? What do you mean?"
"The trouble is that Otto, that bastard, definitely knows about Mei, but for the sake of reviving Kallen Kaslana, he won't give a damn about the people of this city."
Fu Li sighed again, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. "But here's the problem: if Otto is unwilling to act, I can't find any faction capable of evacuating this city."
"Schicksal is decadent, Anti-Entropy is inept, and even World Serpent, with Kevin yet to return, is merely lurking in the shadows for now."
"And my methods of controlling those higher-ups won't work on Otto. After all, that guy is already a robot, one with an independent network that can't be hacked, unless..."
"Unless what?"
Watching Fu Li lost in thought, Snakey averted her gaze guiltily, her eyes landing on a nearby flowerpot.
She had to admit, seeing Fu Li so utterly unsuspecting of her, Mobius felt a pang of guilt in her conscience.
Fu Li trusted her so completely, yet here she was, using her familiarity with him to help others desperately cover up the truth behind his back.
But... they were doing all of this for Fu Li's own good. To prevent his tragic final end, this deception was necessary.
At worst, she would just have to compensate him properly with her body afterward.
Having convinced herself, Snakey straightened her posture, the guilt on her face vanishing without a trace.
Meanwhile, Fu Li had picked up a notebook and began to jot things down, speaking as he wrote, "Unless I can create an Artificial Herrscher of Corruption in this era."
"If I can successfully corrupt Otto, I can use his life as a threat, leveraging him with the line, 'Otto, you wouldn't want to be unable to see Kallen again, would you?'"
"Oh, I see."
Watching Fu Li note down the key points for the next simulation, Mobius nodded without the slightest burden on her conscience.
For a man like Otto who was prone to betrayal, this was the most direct method, one that could strike at his very lifeline.
Moreover, given Fu Li's extremely protective nature, he only granted a certain level of trust to anyone outside his close circle after gaining absolute leverage over them.
But... as for an Artificial Herrscher of Corruption, there's one right next door—that little fox who betrayed herself...
Though she thought this, Snakey certainly wouldn't say it out loud. She simply changed the subject. "By the way, boss, when are you planning to start the next simulation?"
"The next simulation..." Fu Li looked up and smiled.
"Let's set it for tomorrow night. After all, when it comes to multiple personalities, Vill-V is definitely the best teacher. While I might not necessarily get her in the simulation, I can still use the spare time to ask for her guidance."
"I see." Snakey nodded, gazing at the city outside the window. As if remembering something, she said, "Say... did we forget something?"
"Forget something? I don't think so."
"Oh, you're right."
---o---
The next day, at dusk on the weekend, in the commercial district.
Mei, having just gotten off work, rubbed her sore shoulders and walked dazedly through the streets. For the first time, she felt just how exhausting it was to be a corporate slave.
If this were back when she was still a young heiress, she would probably be doing whatever she pleased right now.
Perhaps practicing kendo, accompanying her father on a fishing trip, or brewing a pot of fine tea in the garden, leisurely spending the afternoon watching the fish in the pond.
Unfortunately, those days were gone forever.
Lost in these thoughts, Mei found herself standing before the entrance of a circus.
Outside the circus tent, hurried crowds rushed past, while inside, the air thrummed with the urgent beat of drums and the dazzling glow of spotlights.
Within, many parents who had toiled through the week were with their children, finding relief from their mental and physical fatigue in the joyful performances and the enthusiastic clowns.
Sadly, the liveliness belonged to them. She currently lacked the financial means to indulge.
But speaking of which, when did Nagazora City get such a large touring circus? And in the bustling city center, no less.
Watching the children accompanied by their fathers, the light in Mei's eyes dimmed slightly. Just as she was about to leave, a woman's voice reached her ear.
It sounded like an ostentatious magician's, deliberately drawn out before a grand reveal—a whisper full of mystery and temptation.
"Greetings, beautiful young lady! Welcome to the Helix Circus. I see you seem quite eager to step inside and have a look. Why not follow your heart and come in for a bit of relaxation?"
"This..."
Hearing the voice, Mei turned around awkwardly to face the woman behind her.
She was a beautiful girl wearing a black top hat, with a rare split hair color of black and white. At this moment, she was blinking her lovely eyes—a mix of light gray and dazzling pink—at her.
Combined with her steampunk-style adornments and the strange sense of novelty she exuded, she was a girl of absolute charm.
However, Mei's heart belonged to Fu Li, so she paid this charm no mind. In fact, she had the subtle feeling of being entangled with someone troublesome.
"I'm sorry. While I am curious about your circus, I... I probably can't afford the ticket."
Yes, that should do it.
Although admitting she was broke was embarrassing, Mei wanted to quickly get away from this girl who already seemed like a handful, so she chose this direct reason.
Circus performers needed to make a living, after all. A customer who couldn't afford the price of admission wouldn't be welcome anywhere, right?
That was what Mei thought. Just as she was confidently about to wave goodbye, she saw the woman clap her hands together, an excited expression on her face.
"My lovely spectator, why worry about something as trivial as the price of a ticket? As the master of the Helix Circus, as long as you help me with a small favor, you may watch any performance herein to your heart's content."
"Eh, wait, that's not what I meant!"
"Oh, my! No need to be shy. After all, the Helix Circus was founded for the sole purpose of showing its audience astounding magic. All I desire in return are flowers and praise."
Mei had intended to make a quick escape, but the woman before her was faster. She deftly grabbed Mei by the wrist and, half-pushing, half-pulling, dragged her into the circus tent.
Author's Note: I overslept yesterday, covering my face in shame.