Aventurine's face fell into a dejected expression as he slightly lowered his head. His voice was tinged with disappointment as he spoke:

"Their methods were far more heavy-handed than I anticipated. They even had a body double prepared for Robin... These two cases will undoubtedly be suppressed."

Dr. Ratio's face bore a feigned look of surprise as he taunted, "Impressive, Gambler. Have you already run out of moves so quickly?" His words carried a hint of sarcasm and provocation.

"There are many chips to play, but one must choose wisely. The most straightforward option... remains Robin," Aventurine paused before asking, "Remember how the Masked Fool told me to befriend a mute?"

A glint of realization flashed in his eyes as he continued:

"Robin is the 'mute' she referred to. She's lost her voice. Most people wouldn't notice, but it can't escape our ears. It's not her vocal cords producing sound, but rather a resonance of Harmony."

"If it's not just a case of the girl losing her voice from excessive singing practice, there's only one possibility: either her family or Robin herself is facing some issue. To uncover the truth, I went to great lengths to arrange a meeting with her..."

At this point, Aventurine's expression darkened. "But she died, right before my very eyes."

"A total loss – and it landed you in the interrogation room as a bonus," Dr. Ratio commented mercilessly. "There were eyewitnesses at the scene. The Family may have accepted your alibi for now, but from here on out... I'm afraid you'll be spending your days under the watchful eyes of the hounds."

Hearing this, a bitter smile crept onto Aventurine's lips as he let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "The situation looks quite grim, Professor. I'm already breaking out in a cold sweat. Do you think there's any chance of turning this game around?"

"If you're asking me about the probability — yes, there is one, but it's approaching zero. Or to put it in terms more familiar to Penacony locals: keep dreaming," Dr. Ratio replied matter-of-factly.

"However, if you simply can't resist the urge to try your luck, there happens to be a suitable candidate..." Dr. Ratio suggested calmly.

"That man wants to see you again."

"Oh? Who?" Aventurine asked, his face filled with confusion.

Dr. Ratio answered concisely:

"Sunday."

"Ah... Is this to be a public hearing or a private inquisition?" Aventurine probed further.

"If it were the former, there would be no need for me to relay the message," Dr. Ratio responded, his face expressionless and his tone unforgiving.

"Well then... that's it, that's exactly it. You see, the dead may not speak, but the living certainly do—" Aventurine's bitter smile suddenly transformed into one of excitement as he spoke in a light-hearted tone:

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"Ratio, I can now say with certainty that there must be issues within the Family. Just wait and see, that man's sister is dead... he won't be able to sit still."

"Time is of the essence. Let's depart now — lead the way! The show... is about to begin."

[Guinaifen: Aventurine seems to have a lot of faith in family ties.]

[Himeko: I've heard that Sunday's only living relative was his sister, Robin. Given that, it would be strange if he didn't react with anger.]

The two men stepped out of the bar, and the scene shifted to a grandiose room.

Dr. Ratio spoke, "We've arrived. The Dew Manor, stronghold of the Oak Family, where the Family heads convene to discuss the grand plans for Penacony."

"Stronghold? Apt comparison. I recently dealt with warlords from the Imanika star system, and even their synchronous orbit estates weren't this heavily guarded."

"It suits its owner well. This mansion nominally belongs to Sunday. Without his invitation, ordinary guests would never have the chance to set foot here in their lifetime. Take a good look while you can, before your brief moment of freedom ends."

"Hey, Professor — whose side are you on anyway?"

"Who can guarantee I won't betray you?"

"We'll see about that. Once I meet that control freak of an Oak Family head, I have my ways of prying answers from his lips."

"Follow me, I'll take you to his reception room. Don't say anything unnecessary. Leave the Family members to me."

With that, Dr. Ratio led Aventurine to a door where a doorman stood. Upon seeing them, the doorman immediately said, "Hey, you two! This area ahead is for official business only. No entry without permission."

"I've brought the suspect as requested by Mr. Sunday. 'Ratio' — he should have mentioned this name."

"Oh, I remember you... Veritas Ratio. Your 'Punch Virtual Particle Clock' was quite impressive."

"What are you talking about?" Dr. Ratio asked, puzzled.

"The thing on your head! Though it's nothing compared to my 'Mobile Knight' full-domain annihilation power armor."

[Aventurine: Watching you two talk makes me want to laugh. No wonder you told me to keep quiet.]

[Dr. Ratio: Sigh... I should have worn a plaster head. Seeing fools and idiots makes me want to die.]

"I warned you last time, that imaginary battle suit of yours doesn't exist," Dr. Ratio replied, his face expressionless.

"You just can't see it! I've told you, only 'family members' can witness the glory of the 'Mobile Knight' — Alright, go on through. Don't keep Mr. Sunday waiting," the doorman said, ending the argument and opening the door to let them pass.

"Sigh... The stupidity quotient in here isn't much better than outside," Dr. Ratio sighed helplessly as they entered the room.

They walked down a long, dimly lit corridor and arrived at the second floor of a grand hall. A small-scale model of Penacony sat in the center of the hall, and further ahead was the room where Sunday received his guests.

"Quite impressive in here. It seems Mr. Sunday has no intention of cultivating a modest image for himself."

Professor Ratio couldn't help but sigh, "Do I need to remind you? This is a dream. No matter how luxurious the decor of this mansion is, it won't affect Penacony in the slightest. Stop nitpicking the Family over trivial matters."

"Hmm, you're right. The Family's weakness can only be 'death', and Sunday must think the same. Let's head downstairs."

They slowly descended the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the silent air. As they finally reached the tightly closed doors, Dr. Ratio suddenly stopped.

Aventurine looked at him in confusion and asked, "What's wrong? Did we take a wrong turn?"

Dr. Ratio shook his head and replied softly, "No, we're in the right place, but this door is locked."

Sighing with some exasperation, Aventurine asked, "My friend, did you really have an appointment with him?"

"This is a test. Before the formal conversation, you need to prove your worth to Sunday. If I'm not mistaken, we need to find a way to open the door in this hall, otherwise this place will become our prison."

"Oh, an escape room. I like it," Aventurine said with a smile.

"Be serious, no one's playing games with you. Let's turn back. The clues are likely in that conspicuous sand table we saw earlier."