[Stella: he's touched on the main point.]

[Sunday: Your assessment is very accurate... you damned gambler.]

[March 7th: What exactly are the three chips? Could they be referring to Stella, Acheron, and Robin?]

[Welt: It's not that simple, little March. He doesn't have complete control over either Stella or Acheron, and as for Robin... that's precisely the excuse the family is using to pressure him.]

In the scene, the two individuals ascended the stairs and pushed open the door to the room.

This spacious and bright conference hall contained a round conference table surrounded by six elegant chairs.

On the table lay a mysterious object covered with cloth, its shape suggesting two protruding items. On the floor nearby, a lone box and a travel bag rested.

Bookshelves were embedded in the walls, filled with densely packed books.

Sunday stood silently at the far end of the room, his figure facing away from the door, motionless like a statue.

At this moment, he seemed to be intently gazing at an ancient and solemn mural on the wall, as if trying to uncover some secret from it. The entire scene was exceptionally quiet, with only faint breathing and occasional footsteps echoing in the air, creating an inexplicable tension.

When Aventurine and Doctor Ratio approached Sunday from behind, he slowly began to speak: "It seems the puzzle I set up was too simple for you, emissary of the company."

"I'm flattered by your praise, and I appreciate the effort you've put into welcoming me, Mister Sunday. However, this doesn't seem like something a sincere host would do," Aventurine said with a smile, though there was a hint of sarcasm in his words.

Sunday still didn't turn around, merely saying calmly, "So this is not an invitation, but a summons. Before our conversation begins, I need to test your character."

"I guess your learned friend here was of great help?" he added.

At this point, Doctor Ratio was standing to the side, seemingly admiring the books on the nearby shelf.

Aventurine replied with a smile, "Of course, you should know this better than I do—he has faithfully fulfilled his duty, hasn't he?"

Still without turning around, Sunday spoke in a measured tone, "Yes, the professor previously vouched for your noble character. He said that both of you have equally upright hearts and are trustworthy to the family."

"I now understand your character very well, Mister Aventurine. You are diligent, generous, cooperative, and have successfully overcome numerous obstacles to stand before me—this gives me reason to believe in your wisdom and courage."

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Sunday's words were filled with praise, but Aventurine's expression gradually became serious. The situation seemed to be getting a bit complicated.

Sunday turned his head, looking directly into Aventurine's eyes: "But there is one thing I must question you about. Your intelligence was misapplied, leading you to meet people you shouldn't have met, appear in places you shouldn't have been... and witness tragedies that shouldn't have occurred."

Aventurine's expression remained unchanged, but his mind was racing: "You don't look well. Let me confirm, is it me who's making you anxious?"

"If not, then I'm on your side."

"If I haven't misunderstood, your words... seem to be making extremely serious accusations against the family," Sunday said somewhat gravely.

Aventurine's words seemed to carry a magical quality as he explained, "You haven't misunderstood at all, because evil is silently growing right beside you."

"We don't need to beat around the bush, let's talk about your sister. Your sister's talent in the entertainment industry is unparalleled, but you know, since returning to Penacony, her voice has consistently been out of 'harmony'."

"What's more terrifying is that she can no longer sing at all. Who did this? People think the culprit is among the outsiders, but I know... you have a different answer in your heart."

As he spoke, Aventurine seemed confident of victory, looking directly into Sunday's eyes as he continued:

"Now, your noble status has become shackles, preventing you from apprehending the culprit and avenging your sister. You're isolated and helpless, which is why you feel so anxious."

"But don't worry, I'm on your side."

Sunday's cold expression gradually revealed a smile:

"It's my great honor that Mister Aventurine is so considerate of me—then, as such a selfless and generous person, you wouldn't ask for anything in return, would you?"

[Stella: Sunday: Here's a high hat for you (puts it on Aventurine)]

[Aventurine: Hahaha, Stella is so direct, I like it]

[Aventurine transfers credit points to Stella]

[Dan Heng: ...]

[Blade: Dan Heng, I've found you...]

[Dan Heng: ?!]

Aventurine explained, "Of course, you won't lose anything from this. I only want to reclaim what belongs to me: my personal freedom, and the personal items held by the family—that bag of gift money, and..."

Sunday finished the sentence: "The box containing the 'Cornerstone'."

"Exactly," Aventurine nodded.

"'Cornerstone'," Sunday said with a hint of emotion. "I've heard it's a valuable asset of the Strategic Investment Department, a sacred stone that seals the great power of the Preservation Emanator, with each liquidation expert holding one."

"Such a precious item is probably only more expensive than other rewards."

[March 7th: What exactly is the Cornerstone?]

[Diamond: The Cornerstone contains part of the Preservation Emanator's power, which can later grant partial abilities and power of the Emanator]

[Welt: I've heard that the Diamond manager of the Strategic Investment Department is the Preservation Emanator. What a generous boss indeed.]

Aventurine's expression remained unchanged as he explained, "But you also know that if you want the truth to come to light, a bit of high risk is necessary."

Sunday snorted coldly, not responding to this point, but instead raising a question:

"Mister Aventurine, when you're out, do you constantly pay attention to your appearance? The tie should be on the center line, the shirt shouldn't show from under the vest, trouser creases must be straight, and always aligned with the direction of the shoe toe."

Although he didn't understand what Sunday was getting at, Aventurine agreed:

"Of course I do."

"But I don't," Sunday said with a cold smile. "Because it's not proper—you should ensure everything is in perfect order before leaving, never shifting."

"Therefore, I never take any risks. This Cornerstone must be properly kept by the family."

Aventurine looked at the other with obvious disappointment, seeming to want to make one more attempt, so he spoke up again: "Really nothing to discuss?"

However, the answer he received was still resolute: "Don't make me refuse a second time." The atmosphere between the two suddenly became tense, as if they might draw swords against each other at any moment.