"Why not?"
A bright smile bloomed on Firefly's face. The corners of her lips curved into a sweet smile as she hugged Yun Fan's arm, looking very happy.
"Like Ah Fan, I am also that Lord's Emanator."
"The Aeon of Causality, 'Lord of Samsara'…"
Upon hearing this, Sunday's expression changed slightly, his face shifting between light and dark.
He had considered Firefly's identity—perhaps an Emanator of [The Hunt], [Erudition], or even [Preservation]—but he had never imagined she would be the same as Yun Fan, an Emanator of that 'Lord of Samsara.'
If she was also an Emanator of [Causality], then his little sister's position would be in danger.
Moreover, by his estimation, this seemingly harmless girl before him likely possessed strength that surpassed even Yun Fan's.
'I'm sorry, Robin. It seems your brother cannot help you.'
Sunday silently apologized to Robin in his heart. He had originally wanted to use his status and power to lightly warn the other girls around Yun Fan.
But now, it seemed that goal would be impossible to achieve.
"So you are an Emanator of Lord 'Samsara.' I have been rude."
After saying this, Sunday politely apologized once more, then turned his gaze to Yun Fan—his prospective brother-in-law—standing beside the girl.
"Mr. Yun Fan, please forgive my presumptuousness, but may I ask: have you come to stop my plan?"
After pondering for a moment, Sunday asked tentatively. He already had some guesses as to why Yun Fan had come to find him at this time.
He had used the power of [Order] to construct 'Ena's Dream,' enveloping the entire Asdana star system and pulling all Dreamchasers, along with the Astral Express and Robin, into the dream.
Yun Fan was Robin's future partner and also a Nameless of the Astral Express. Seeing his fiancée and companions dragged into 'Ena's Dream,' he definitely would not sit idly by.
Thinking of this, Sunday hesitated for a moment. After weighing the pros and cons, he continued.
"Mr. Yun Fan, how about this: I will release my sister and Miss Himeko and the others from 'Ena's Dream,' allowing them to safely leave the Asdana star system."
"In exchange, I hope that Mr. Yun Fan and Miss Firefly will not interfere in the dispute between [Order] and [Harmony]. How does that sound?"
After listening to Sunday's proposal, Yun Fan crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, examining Sunday with interest. At this moment, the Family Head of the Oak Family had lowered his posture considerably.
"Are you negotiating terms with me?" Yun Fan asked indifferently.
"Not at all."
Hearing this, Sunday straightened his body and gently shook his head. Then, right in front of Yun Fan, this proud Family Head actually performed a 'gesture of submission.'
Yun Fan's face showed clear surprise. At the same time, he sighed inwardly.
'As expected of someone who could become the Family Head of the Oak Family. He knows when to bend and when to stand tall—a true sign of someone destined for great things.'
"Relax, Brother-in-law. I am not here to sabotage your plan."
Yun Fan smiled lightly, then turned around and swept his gaze across the vast Penacony Grand Theater.
Because the battle between Himeko and the others against Sunday had taken place inside the dream, the real Penacony Grand Theater had suffered no damage or destruction. It remained as magnificent and resplendent as ever.
"I will not stop your plan. On the contrary, if we speak purely from ideals, I am actually quite interested in the 'Seven Days of Rest' you proposed."
Hearing Yun Fan's words, Sunday's golden eyes brightened, and a touch of delight entered his voice.
"Does that mean, Mr. Yun Fan, that you wish to help me construct 'Ena's Dream'?"
Sunday's heart leaped with joy. If Yun Fan was willing to help him build 'Ena's Dream,' that would be the best outcome possible.
If he could obtain the help of one—or even two—Emanators of [Causality], then not only the Family, but even the IPC would have to think twice before making a move against Penacony.
"No, I have no intention of helping you," Yun Fan denied.
Sunday: '???'
If you're not planning to help me, then what do those words even mean…
Sunday felt somewhat speechless. He had the distinct feeling that Yun Fan was toying with him.
"Hahaha, Brother-in-law, don't make that face. I won't help you, but I also won't help the Astral Express."
"Why? Aren't they your companions?" Sunday frowned, not quite understanding Yun Fan's meaning.
"Hmm… they are indeed my companions. However, they also need tempering. Without experiencing wind and rain, how can one see the rainbow?"
As a publicly known Emanator of [Causality] and the actual Aeon of Causality, if Yun Fan were willing to act personally, he could effortlessly clear all obstacles for the Express crew.
But if he truly did that, the Express crew would become flowers in a greenhouse, unable to withstand any storms.
If one day (just if), one day Yun Fan were to unexpectedly leave this world, then without his protection, the future of the Express crew…
"I understand."
Sunday was no fool. On the contrary, he was very intelligent—this had been personally acknowledged by the Dreammaster Gopher Wood.
Yun Fan wanted him to become a whetstone for the Express crew, helping the Nameless grow faster. That was his purpose.
"Mr. Yun Fan, I now understand your intention. I can help you temper them. However, I have one small request."
Sunday paused slightly. The image of his little sister appeared in his mind—Robin's smile, every frown and every smile, all surging forth from his memories.
Recalling those beautiful past days, the corners of Sunday's mouth could not help but curve upward slightly, and a gentle look appeared in his eyes.
"I hope you will treat my sister, Robin, well… She is the only one I do not wish to see harmed in any way."