"I do not believe in the Titan, nor in the Prophecy, and I will never willingly walk the path they preach. They have never tolerated any dissent, so how could they possibly accept a heretic like me?"
"Ah... I understand your opinion."
Canis said meaningfully, "At least, you and I both agree that this extravagant and tyrannical ruler is the greatest enemy of peace in Okhema."
" The Senate is willing to defend your right to life, just as we defend every oppressed citizen."
"However, regrettably, the sentiment supporting the Chrysos Heirs and Aglaea continues to grow."
"The peace we longed for, and everything we cherish, will turn to ashes of the city and the blood of our citizens..."
Canis asked, "Tell me, Your Excellency: how much power can you dedicate to our noble citizens so that they may defeat the enemies of the city-state?"
"While it's regrettable, objectively speaking, after the attack on the Grove, I became the de facto ruler of the academy."
"To bring down Aglaea, the Senate needs support. And the entire Academy is clearly powerful enough."
"To put it another way, I have long been Grove's special envoy in Okhema, and naturally I retain a crucial vote in the citizens' assembly."
After listening, Canis nodded with satisfaction. "On behalf of Kephale, Okhema thanks you for your sincerity and valuable suggestions."
Now that we've reached this point, you and I should both have a good idea of what benefits we can gain from this debate.
"Let me put it this way: the Senate has always been known for its impartiality, and impartiality is based on sincerity..."
" The Senate swears eternal loyalty to all citizens of Okhema— " Canis changed the subject, staring at Anaxa: "As for you, Your Excellency..."
"How can you guarantee that you'll be worthy of this sincerity, and not betray the invincible people of Okhema at the same time you betrayed Aglaea?"
At that Anaxa found it laughable. "Hmph, my loyalty needs no proof, but the Senate's demand for proof of loyalty is tantamount to betrayal."
"Oh..."
Anaxa was a smart man; he would never fall into such a low-level tactic as the 'self-proving trap'.
In response, ' Lygus ' stepped forward to mediate between the two. "It is my great honor to see the two of you shake hands and make peace in a civilized manner."
"However, please allow me to interrupt briefly--"
' Lygus ' reminded me: 'Under the guise of " Audience of Divine Ordeals," I saw Aglaea " Goldweaver " Agrea on her way to Dawncloud Cliff.'
"Oh? We seem to have a bit too many guests today."
"Unwilling, aren't you, Lady Canis? Senate's High-Ranking Official, Yun Ya, still has to look up to the Chrysos Heirs's whims."
"Ha, I didn't expect you to have a trick up your sleeve. I was outmaneuvered." Canis admitted defeat. "However, I personally am quite pleased to see her appear..."
Tell me, Anaxagoras: Now that you are an ally, what should I do if Aglaea comes to me demanding people?
"You can hand me over and tell her that the Senate only wants to chat with me and has no intention of offending me."
"However, in doing so, the Senate's authority became like a blood-stained papyrus, easily torn, and a precious Core Flame was lost..."
At that Anaxa stroked her chin, correcting her wording. "No, it should be two. After all..."
"At the next citizens' assembly, that girl who has always been a shadow of death will also stand on our side."
"Oh? How can you make such a statement?"
"Is that important? I have plenty of ways to handle things. In my opinion, you should focus more on the imminent threat."
" Aglaea, today she can take me away in front of everyone, tomorrow she can abolish the Senate with a wave of her hand, and everything we were just discussing will become a joke—"
"Is this what you wanted to see, Lady Canis?" Anaxa asked with interest.
"Hehe... I understand. I will handle this matter properly."
"However, Your Excellency, remember this: those who deceive the people will be punished. I will turn a blind eye this time, but there will never be a next time..."
"... unless you have a taste for torture and are adept at contemplating the true meaning of the soul amidst suffering."
"You know what? This is precisely one of my most valuable talents."
"Let's wait and see."
Canis and ' Lygus ' said no more and Borisin.
"Ah, you have truly impressed me once again... However, isn't what you ask for a little too little?"
"Are you that Curiosity what I want to do?" Anaxa, looking at Cerces beside her.
"After all, I am the Titan of Reason, born to seek."
"Don't worry, you'll find out soon. I didn't mention it in front of her because she can't give me what I truly want. After all, 'the onlooker sees most of the game'—"
"The true master of Dawncloud Cliff has always been that ' Audience of Divine Ordeals ' who has a panoramic view."
At that Anaxa stared thoughtfully at ' Lygus's ' back. From the moment they met, the other party exuded an indescribable aura.
He claimed to be a " Audience of Divine Ordeals "... yet one could vaguely sense his impartial 'divinity'; he still knew too little about the Antikythera.
Thinking of this, Anaxa called out to ' Lygus ' who was about to leave.
"... As I expected. Welcome again, Your Excellency."
"Did you know that you could actually skip those trivial debates and directly ask me for an audience with Kephale?"
"Given your previous understanding of ' Eternity '... I have no reason to refuse you, do I?"
"You certainly have no reason, but Canis does. Whoever controls the Core Flame of Kephale will control Okhema..."
"She's wary of me; I need to gain her trust. That debate was absolutely necessary."
"Immovable truth," said ' Lygus '.
Canis smiled. "In my opinion, this boy's elaborate Kephale might just be a ploy to do something untoward to the Titan."
Even so, are you still willing to let this child go?
"Of course, even so, the Olympian of Kephale always welcomes all life; this is the destiny of those Worldbearing One."
"Heh, it's really convenient to be able to hear this guy talking..."
"It is my greatest honor to speak directly with a noble Titan."
"Let's go, Your Excellency, please allow me to accompany you for a while."
' Lygus ' gestured 'please' and, while walking and feeding the two, recounted:
"In ancient mythology, Kephale once answered the questions of believers on the sacred mountain."
"Therefore, believers regard climbing the Abyss of Fate as a way to walk with God."
"Did you hear that? Come, let's climb the mountain with Cerces. This is a rare opportunity; you should sing a hymn of praise."