In the end, the two of them still couldn't finish all those hundred-plus dishes.
After all, although one could ignore the feeling of fullness in a dream, no matter how delicious or exquisite the food was, a person's taste buds would still grow tired after repeated stimulation.
"A-Fan, thank you for treating me. I had a really great time today. Thank you."
"Bye-bye. See you next time."
After the meal ended, Yun Fan smiled and bid farewell to Firefly. At the moment of parting, the girl showed him a smile that came straight from her heart. Then her figure gradually moved farther away, disappearing beneath the setting sun.
"Goodbye, little Firefly…"
Watching the girl leave, the smile on Yun Fan's face slowly faded. His expression turned somewhat complicated as he murmured to himself.
"It's hard to imagine that such a gentle and considerate girl is suffering from such a serious illness in reality. Could this be called… the unfairness of fate?"
Entropy Loss Syndrome—a disease originating from genetic defects. The patient's physical structure would enter an irreversible process of chronic dissociation.
This was an insurance measure set by the Glamoth Republic to prevent their highest state secret, the 'Glamoth Iron Cavalry,' from falling into the hands of other factions.
No matter whether the war ended in victory or defeat, the Glamoth Iron Cavalry—created as weapons of war—would ultimately dissipate from the world.
"The fall of the Skyfront, the destruction of the Glamoth Republic… In the unseen currents of fate, there is predestination woven within causality."
"In the end… it's retribution, one for one."
For the vast majority of organizations, factions, and even Aeon Emanators, Entropy Loss Syndrome was an extremely troublesome—or even unsolvable—problem.
But for Yun Fan—for an Emanator of [Causality]—this was not a major issue at all.
Although Yun Fan did not know how to repair genes or mend defects, the power of [Causality] could transcend time, transcend outcomes, and trace everything back to its root origin.
As long as the 'genetic defect' was erased at the very source of Firefly's birth, Entropy Loss Syndrome would naturally be resolved.
It was just… not now.
The timeline of events in Penacony had not yet concluded. Once everything was over, he would naturally resolve the threat of Entropy Loss Syndrome for Firefly. For now, it was enough to draw closer to this 'little girlfriend.'
— — — —
In the Family's forbidden ground, within the secret tomes library, the standoff between Herta and Sunday continued. The clash and entanglement between [Erudition] and [Order] showed no sign of stopping.
The two remained locked in this stalemate, while Ruan Mei stood off to the side, calmly watching them with a peaceful gaze, apparently having no intention of getting involved.
Time passed minute by minute. Finally, Herta chose to take a step back. This single step marked the end of their confrontation, and the situation finally moved into the next phase.
"Thank you for yielding, Lady Herta."
When others show me respect, I return it twofold. Sunday understood that even with the power of [Order], he could only roughly match Herta—neither gaining nor losing the upper hand.
If the standoff continued and Ruan Mei joined in, the one who would ultimately lose would certainly be him.
"Hmph. Fine, you win this round, Family Head Sunday. Go ahead and say what kind of compensation you want. But let me warn you upfront—if it's too excessive, I absolutely won't agree."
Herta also had no desire to escalate the matter. After all, no matter how you looked at it, she and Ruan Mei were the ones who had broken into the Family's secret tomes library first. In terms of reason and justice, they held no advantage.
As for using Sunday's status as a remnant of [Order] to threaten him… what a joke. She, Herta, was not that kind of person. Moreover, she herself had no particular fondness for [Harmony].
In fact, the moment she saw Sunday use the power of [Order], Herta's first thought was not about the remnants of [Order], but rather—what kind of sparks would fly when [Order] and [Harmony] collided here on Penacony?
"Compensation? Since the two ladies have graciously given me this face by holding back, if I were to actually demand compensation from you, wouldn't that make me far too tactless?"
Sunday smiled gently. This Family Head—who held absolute political authority over Penacony—positioned himself remarkably low, almost to the point of seeming humble.
"However… I do have one small request. Of course, this is only on a personal level."
Sunday's tone suddenly shifted, becoming somewhat deeper.
"Since the two ladies have already witnessed my identity, I hope that during the great changes about to come to Penacony, you will both act as bystanders and witnesses."
Sunday's words were extremely clear.
You may remain in Penacony as observers and witnesses, but regarding the grievances between [Order] and [Harmony], you cannot be participants.
"Agreed."
Herta accepted Sunday's 'request' without the slightest hesitation. As someone who walked the Path of Erudition, she had little interest in disputes over power.
In other words, whether Penacony ultimately fell under the rule of [Harmony] or [Order] made little difference to her or to Ruan Mei. What they truly wanted to observe was the process of this struggle itself.
"Seconded."
After a brief moment of hesitation, Ruan Mei also agreed to Sunday's 'request.' The three reached a consensus and exchanged knowing smiles.
"In that case, may our cooperation be pleasant." Sunday gave a slight bow, performing a gentlemanly salute.
"Then I shall take my leave first. Oh, and by the way—the Family's tomes may be browsed freely by the two of you. After all… we no longer have anything left to hide."
Without further concern for the two, Sunday departed the Family's forbidden ground with light, measured steps. As he stepped out through the library doors and gazed at the bright sun slowly rising on the horizon, this Family Head murmured to himself.
"With this, the issue of the two Emanators of [Erudition] has been temporarily resolved. As for the Emanator of [Causality]—with Robin there, it should not require my attention for the time being."
"However…"
At this point, Sunday's brows furrowed slightly as he recalled something his subordinate had reported to him not long ago.
A high-ranking member of the Annihilation Gang—the 'Duke Inferno' Ifrit, who had also received an invitation from the Family—had been unexpectedly killed. The entire Ever-Flame Mansion had been reduced to ashes by flames.
Although Duke Inferno was not an Emanator, he could be considered among the absolute top tier beneath that level. Moreover, he possessed a treasure capable of temporarily touching upon Emanator-level authority.
Yet such a figure had been completely wiped out—along with his stronghold…
"Nameless, Interastral Peace Corporation, Masked Fools, unknown parties… The coming days in Penacony are going to be quite lively indeed."