Offscreen, a familiar announcer's voice rings out:

"...According to the Belobog hotline, there's been a major breakthrough in the shocking 'Echihazo Aventurine Case'. The suspect is now in custody."

"This fraud case has implicated multiple departments of the Interastral Peace Corporation and the Intelligentsia Society, resulting in a massive waste of human and material resources, causing significant financial losses to the company."

"The suspect hails from Tzigane-IV and is one of the survivors of the 'Second Katika-Evgeny Extinction Event'. They do not possess an Interstellar Refugee Travel Permit."

"At the behest of the Strategic Investment Department head 'Diamond', the company has arranged for appropriate accommodation based on the spirit of the 'Charter', and will continue to investigate to further ascertain the suspect's motives..."

[Boothill: Meow your darling, so the culprit was secretly let go? Kaka vasha, meow! I thought I'd heard that name before.]

[Himeko: I have some recollection of this matter as well. It's no wonder the company has taken in someone talented enough to successfully deceive multiple departments of the Interastral Peace Corporation and the Intelligentsia Society. As your Strategic Investment Department likes to say: talent is the most valuable investment, right?]

In the luxuriously decorated, somber atmosphere of the Strategic Investment Department's conference room, Jade sat at the table, her brow furrowed in deep contemplation. She was acutely aware of the gravity of this incident—despite high-ranking officials like Dr. Ratio of the Intelligentsia Society being fully aware of Aventurine's background, they had chosen to cover up this improper conduct.

This would undoubtedly have a negative impact on the company, especially in terms of public credibility.

Suddenly, the viewing screen shifted to a brightly lit room.

Amidst the dazzling light, a graceful figure slowly emerged. It was a lady of elegant demeanor and otherworldly charm. She wore an enormous round hat atop her head, with pink hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders, silky smooth and shimmering with an alluring luster. These strands naturally curled, undulating like waves, each one exuding a unique allure.

The lady sat upright behind a podium as imposing as a judge's bench, her posture erect, yet her gaze languid as she regarded Aventurine below.

"What beautiful eyes!" Jade exclaimed softly, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Tell me, do they glow enchantingly at night?"

Faced with the inquiry, Aventurine's lips curled into a faint smile. "If I could, I'd sell them in a heartbeat," he replied nonchalantly.

Jade's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features, clearly taken aback by Aventurine's response. After a moment of silence, she continued, "You don't know how many people wish you'd close your eyes forever. As a slave, you shouldn't have rebelled against your master... yet you killed that man."

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Jade's brow remained furrowed, her surprise still evident. After another brief pause, she added:

"No lawyer dares to defend you. Perhaps you should try to plead your own case for innocence?"

"It wouldn't be difficult, but it would be pointless," Aventurine replied, his face impassive.

"Quite confident in your eloquence, aren't you? Is that how you felt when deceiving the Intelligentsia Society?" Jade's lips curved upward slightly, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she posed her question.

Faced with the accusation, Aventurine showed no sign of panic. He responded with calm composure: "I merely got what I sought. You wanted perfect building materials, I simply offered a possibility, a small gamble."

"With luck, the company could have found anything in the sands of Echihazo, even the remains of the Sand King. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on your side."

Jade didn't dispute this point. However, her mind was still filled with questions. "I won't deny that. But what intrigues me is why such an elaborate scam ultimately benefited no one—not even the perpetrator himself?"

Hearing this, a confident smile played across Aventurine's lips. He looked directly at her, his tone firm and frank: "Madam, I've already obtained what I wanted—to be brought before you, to initiate the next high-stakes game."

Jade narrowed her eyes slightly, studying the golden-haired youth before her, curiosity and caution flickering in her gaze. She responded softly, "Then let's discuss this second gamble. Tell me, what are you wagering this time?"

Aventurine took a deep breath, then answered solemnly: "My life. I bet you won't send me to the gallows."

Jade's brow furrowed slightly, seemingly surprised by this wager, but she quickly regained her composure. She asked with interest, "Hmm... and what exactly do you hope to gain from this gamble?"

The golden-haired youth fixed Jade with a piercing gaze, enunciating each word clearly: "I demand to see your 'Ranna'. I have important matters to discuss with him face-to-face." His voice carried an undeniable resolve.

[Sushang: What does 'Ranna' mean?]

[Dr. Ratio: It's a term in some local indigenous languages, equivalent to chief or leader.]

"And then?" Jade prompted.

"I want money," Aventurine responded, his face expressionless, his voice as calm as still water, without a ripple of emotion.

Jade couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised. She had expected him to make more demanding or complex conditions. Yet, this man before her had stated his needs so plainly. Her lips curved into a playful smile:

"It can't be that simple."

Aventurine raised his head, his gaze fixed resolutely on Jade, as if trying to convey the depth of his determination. He repeated, "It is that simple. Thirty Taam-ba, the price of half my life, no more, no less."

He took a deep breath and continued: "With this money, I can climb to a position higher than yours, wield more wealth than you... I bet you don't dare give it to me. So, call him here."

As he finished speaking, a glint of challenge and confidence flashed in Aventurine's eyes. Jade's smile faded, and she regarded the man before her thoughtfully. After a moment, she said softly, "Hm, interesting."

"Unfortunately, Diamond won't see you. No one can. So at this moment, I am Diamond's proxy, making decisions on his behalf."

Before Aventurine could react, Jade continued:

"You're wrong. Thirty Taam-ba, I'll give you that and far more. Wealth, status, power... the company will give you everything you want and don't want."

She sighed softly, "Kaka vasha... it's a good name, but destined to be buried in the earth. But you deserve to live, to create more wealth for us."

Jade stood up and walked to Aventurine's side, patting his shoulder as she spoke earnestly: "Go on, pick out some clothes you like, choose an identity that suits you... and then make good use of them, child."

"May your schemes never be exposed."