"----"
The atmosphere changed.
It was a change so obvious that even the pedestrians around them could clearly sense it.
One by one, the pedestrians began whispering among themselves and quietly moved away.
Before long, an open space had formed around Fang Li and Stiyl. Only a scant few pedestrians remained, hurrying off as though they wanted no part in any trouble.
Stiyl showed no concern for this. He merely watched Fang Li.
Fang Li, on the other hand, heard Stiyl's words—words that could so easily stir one's emotions—and laughed instead of getting angry.
"Let me guess what gave you the nerve to say something so forceful," Fang Li said unconcernedly. "Don't tell me it's because English Puritanism will reclaim Index if I refuse to compromise?"
Fang Li's indifferent words made Stiyl narrow his eyes slightly.
"...There have been many people who stayed by that child's side. Every one of them was drawn to her kindness and innocence, willing to give everything for her." Stiyl stared intently at Fang Li and said in a low voice, "Now let me see whether you are like those people, or whether you saved her merely because of what is in her head."
Clearly, unlike Index, Stiyl had never fully trusted Fang Li.
That was only natural.
Considering everything Fang Li had done over the past year while concealing his identity, along with Index's special nature, anyone would think that there had to be some ulterior motive behind Fang Li saving a girl he had known for less than a month.
No one would believe it was simple goodwill.
At the very least, Fang Li did not look like that sort of person.
And indeed, Fang Li was neither a good man nor an evil one.
He only extended a hand to those he