The atmosphere at the Morning Dew Mansion suddenly became tense.
"Really nothing to talk about?"
The Aventurine were still trying to struggle.
Don't make me refuse a second time.
"Sigh~ Fine, I'll take back the gift money, you should at least give it to me. A merchant can't get anywhere without bargaining chips."
Seeing Sunday's overflowing desire for control, Aventurine couldn't say anything; at this stage, besides the Dream Master, he was the highest-ranking official.
"You compromised faster than I expected. Unfortunately... gamblers need chips more than businessmen. I can give you a bribe, but before that, I want you to tell me yourself—"
What exactly is stored in this box that you so decisively abandoned?
Seeing that Aventurine remained smiling and unresponsive, Sunday had no choice but to resort to the ability of [ Harmony ].
"[O soul of three faces, brand his tongue and the palms of his hands with a hot iron, so that he may not lie or swear false oaths.]"
Aventurine paused for a few seconds, not feeling any negative buff applied to his body. To avoid arousing suspicion from Sunday, his expression immediately turned serious:
"... What did you do?"
"Under the light of [ Harmony ], all evil has nowhere to hide. I implore Him to descend His light and to ask you questions on His behalf. Now... you have 113 seconds to prove your innocence and gain my trust."
Dr. Ratio, watching from a distance, noticed that the power of [ Harmony ] hadn't affected Aventurine. Could it be due to the amber crystal in his pocket?
"What if I refuse to answer?" A hint of anger flashed across Aventurine's brows; it was clear his acting was superb.
"Then let's give it a try—see if [ Harmony ] will refuse you."
Aventurine fell silent. He couldn't reveal any flaws in the conversation that followed. Unexpectedly, that cup of milk tea actually worked, managing to resolve the [ Harmony ].
[Question: Do you hold Cornerstone?]
"Yes."
"A very concise answer; you understand the principle that too much talk leads to mistakes."
The subsequent interrogation was easily resolved by the Aventurine. This winged creature really knew a lot; he even managed to find out about his clan.
Until Sunday, the last question:
"Can you swear that at this moment— 'Aventurine Stone ' lies safely and soundly in this box?"
"... certainly."
Upon hearing the answer from the Aventurine, the [ Harmony ] baptism was suspended on Sunday.
"It seems we've found the answer." He thoughtfully handed the box containing the [ Cornerstone ] to Aventurine.
"Open it, Mr. Aventurine... this is your last chance to protect your reputation."
On Sunday, it was indicated that the Aventurine was prepared as instructed, but upon opening the box, no [ Cornerstone ] was found, creating an awkward atmosphere.
"Are these... what you're looking for?"
With a crisp snap of the fingers, two pieces of jade of different colors appeared on the round table.
"I come to offer, I come to refine, I come to embrace, I drape the moment in a crystal coffin, condensing dew into amber... Alas?"
Looking at the two Cornerstone that Fulisina Dreamflux Reef her head.
No, how could she be interrupted while chanting the incantation?! She was performing a sacred 'coronation ceremony' on these two stones!
Wow, how could there be such an unruly person... Wait, this stone seems to belong to the Interastral Peace Corporation. So it seems like she was dishonest, stealing someone else's precious item, and now it's been taken back.
Hmm... wait, it was Blake who stole the stone, what does that have to do with Fulisina?
Why would someone like this be the Chair of the Church of Eternity? As the founder and High Priest of the Church of Eternity, she needs to seriously reflect on herself.
Fulisina looked up at Blake, who was enjoying his meal at the fast food restaurant, and suddenly felt relieved.
Morning Dew Mansion
"So you've finally shown your true colors... By the way, your lifespan is 'temporarily' reduced to only seventeen system hours. Cherish this time and savor the afterglow of defeat," Sunday said, shrugging.
"... You might as well put it more clearly."
"What I just performed for you was a [ Harmony ] baptism. You should have shown faithfulness in His light, but you went your own way, full of lies, turning baptism into judgment... I have no reason to undo it for you."
Aventurine's lips twitched slightly. Thank goodness for that milk tea, otherwise he'd fallen for it; that chicken wing head was too ruthless.
"Is this what they call ' Harmony '?... Built on imprisonment and coercion?"
"You misunderstand, Mr. Aventurine. Punishment is for the scoundrel, but I see your unwavering spirit, and therefore I grant you the possibility of a new life."
"During these seventeen system periods, you cannot leave the dream world, nor can you interact with any companions. You only have two paths to take, which depend on whether you can complete my test within the agreed time limit."
Sunday's words still held sway. "If you succeed, you will be able to join in the festivities and be with thousands of families."
"If we fail, we will suffer the wrath of the [ The Great Septimus ] and fall into an abyss of no return, which is why I specifically emphasized the word 'temporary'."
Suddenly, Aventurine covered his forehead, a bead of cold sweat seeping out.
"... Damn it, it sounds like my fate is going to be the same no matter what."
On Sunday, he slowly approached him. "I do need a servant to help me uncover the 'evil' lurking within the Family from the outside. I will purge from the inside out and bring the true culprit to justice within seventeen system hours."
"When the time comes, verify your findings with me. If our judgments agree, or if you can bring me more... then He will truly bestow love and truth upon you."
The situation demanded that, even though Aventurine felt no discomfort at the moment, his expression turned extremely angry in order to gain Sunday's trust.
"... Shameless hypocrite! You confiscated everything from me, and now you expect me to give you the truth? That's not fair. In your money-grubbing Paradise, nothing can be done without money."
"This should be your personal act of righteousness, without the need for the Family assistance. Your bag is there, please use it. I believe you can exchange this bag of cheap jewels for everything; isn't that what gamblers excel at?"
"Go forth, Mr. Aventurine, you are 'free' now. I will wait here for you to bring the good news."
Aventurine turned around, trying his best to suppress a laugh.
As he expected... as he expected... as he expected...
No, no... he can't laugh yet... he has to hold it in, as long as he gets out of this door...
Before leaving, Aventurine said one more thing to Sunday:
"So, this meeting wasn't an interrogation, but it wasn't a negotiation either... it was a complete lynching, wasn't it?"
"How could that be, Mr. Aventurine..." Sunday smiled as he 'answered Aventurine's questions, "I really just wanted to know what 'discoveries' a 'passerby' who 'accidentally' appeared at the scene of her murder could make, that's all."