"It had nothing to do with me. I wasn't the one behind that project."
That afternoon, in Emerald's laboratory, the round Fairy Doll spread her hands and said rather bluntly, "Even if you ask me a hundred more times, my answer will be the same. The Kingdom Research Institute has never conducted any research project related to the 'Gate to Ascension.'"
"I believe you, Chief, but even if the Research Institute itself never studied the Gate to Ascension, what about the outside projects it funded?"
Seated beside the low table across from her, Larkspur rested one hand on her knee and propped up her chin with the other. "Or perhaps it was some civilian project personally invested in by the Gem Scepter, or private research conducted behind your back by those 'friends' of yours..."
"Of course not. I'm not playing word games with you."
Emerald sighed helplessly. "I'm answering your question quite seriously right now. This matter truly has nothing to do with me, youngster."
Larkspur blinked at that. She said nothing more, merely looking at Emerald with some surprise.
Emerald immediately became a little displeased. "What? Does that sound so unbelievable?"
"It is rather unbelievable."
Larkspur nodded honestly. "After all, you once said something as arrogant as, 'There can't be any technology within a magical girl's capabilities that I haven't mastered.' There's no reason you wouldn't investigate a rumor that sounds this substantial."
"You really should become my chief secretary, little ancestor. My current secretary isn't nearly as good at dredging up my old debts as you are."
The Fairy Doll rolled her eyes. It was hard to imagine such a vivid expression appearing on a doll with such a simple appearance. "But you should also understand that the premise is that it's actually a technology... I'm a scholar,