["I told you early on, I have no interest in the struggle for the legacy. I came to Penacony purely for work. I need to recover some lost assets for the IPC—you know… the ownership of the [Border Prison]."]
["Thanks to the Stellaron, this has long become a bad debt. The IPC has tried several times to sit down and talk, but The Family won't even open the door." Aventurine put on a troubled and helpless tone. "You don't know how difficult these people are to deal with. Let me put it this way—they were able to conceal the existence of [death] before, so they can definitely cover up Robin's death this time as well."]
[Regarding this, Aventurine needed Stelle's help, but Stelle said she had her own plans.]
["It's fine, I'm not forcing you. But what I want isn't much. Why don't you listen to me first, okay?"]
[Aventurine's smile gradually faded, and a sharp, hawk-like glint appeared in his eyes. "I have only one goal: The Family's gate is a high wall. To push it down, I need to chisel a few holes first. Once there are flaws, the IPC has plenty of methods."]
["Now, the opportunity has come. As long as we can uncover the truth behind [Robin's Death], we can give the deceased justice while also gaining leverage for negotiations, forcing The Family to the table."]
["A once-in-a-millennium opportunity… I've been investigating everywhere in Penacony and making friends far and wide, all for this moment."]
——
Akame ga Kill!
"If you ask me…"
In the Empire's hunter organization, Wave was tasting the scone Black gave him and spoke with his mouth full: "I actually quite admire this guy Aventurine. Although he doesn't look like a good person, his ability to get things done is really good."
Black tilted her head upon hearing this, seemingly quite puzzled by Wave's view: "…But I feel like he's just a playboy who only knows how to talk."
"How is that possible? Black, look…" Wave extended one hand and started gesturing. "He's a high-ranking IPC executive. The first time he comes to a place like Penacony, carrying so much money on him, yet his first priority isn't to enjoy himself but to work! How self-disciplined is that!"
"Uh… Wave, it's normal for a country bumpkin like you to be dazzled, right? Isn't it possible that this kind of luxurious life is already nothing new to Aventurine?"
"It's not just that." He wiped the cookie crumbs from the corner of his mouth. "As soon as he arrived in Penacony, all his luggage was confiscated. It's like showing up completely naked yet planning to wage war against the entire Family! This is simply—"
"Simply super cool, right?" Ran smiled slightly from the side, picking up the young man's words. "He's like a wolf whose teeth have been pulled and claws trimmed by The Family, yet even so… he still tries every possible way to bite through the Family's throat. I have to admit, that is indeed quite admirable."
"But isn't there also Professor Ratio helping him?" Black mumbled as she stuffed a piece of candy into her mouth.
"From what we've seen so far, that professor hasn't made any moves yet." Ran picked up her teacup and blew on the steaming hot air. "That professor doesn't seem like the type who would obediently follow Aventurine's orders… Perhaps the two of them are on equal footing when handling matters in Penacony?"
——
["This terrible news is extremely unfavorable for The Family, so they will definitely spare no effort to obstruct outsiders from intervening, especially the IPC. But I also believe there are a few factions that are exceptions. This is why I need all of you. The Astral Express has a life outside, and [Harmony] will give you the fairest evaluation."]
[This was not something Stelle could decide alone. Aventurine said it was fine and that she could discuss it properly with her companions. As he spoke, he gave Stelle his contact information and forcibly stuffed 50,000 credits into her hands in the name of investigation expenses.]
[Stelle asked Black Swan for her opinion. She believed this transaction was probably not as simple as it appeared on the surface.]
["He still doesn't know about Miss Firefly's matter—but from your reaction, he may have sensed something and intentionally steered the topic toward [the truth of death], drawing you into his logic."]
[Black Swan couldn't help but praise: "Quick reaction, clear logic… I must remind you that cooperating with that man is very dangerous."]
["I must give Firefly an explanation." Stelle said firmly.]
["I agree with that point… But no matter what, be cautious. In a dark forest surrounded by wolves, you must first ensure you can escape alive."]
["Have you noticed any other abnormalities?"]
["In an extremely short period of time, two victims have appeared one after another… The matter itself is far too abnormal. There are two possibilities: The collapse of Penacony's dreamscape is accelerating, making [death] unusually restless and The Family's protection beginning to weaken; or, all actions are within someone's plan."]
——
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.
"Everyone's actions are within someone's plan…" Frieren repeated meaningfully, instantly feeling a chill down her spine and a hair-raising sensation that everything had been calculated to death.
"Could it be someone from The Family?" Stark suddenly asked.
"Idiot… How could The Family do something like this?" Sein curled his lips. "What benefit would killing Robin bring to The Family? Isn't that shooting themselves in the foot? Besides, from Sunday's attitude, he doesn't seem to know about it."
"Lady Frieren…" Fern's voice was soft, like autumn frost on grass leaves. "I actually think… both possibilities are happening."
"—The former is inevitable, while the latter is somewhat related to Miss Acheron. After all, as an [Emanator], she probably bears a mission and responsibility that is difficult to speak of."
"But Acheron doesn't look like someone who can scheme everything behind the scenes, does she?"
Stark scratched his head. "Her memory is so bad. Even if she could come up with an incredible plan, she'd probably forget it in a few days, right? She can't even remember the way to the lobby… Rather than believing her, I'd rather believe Firefly is the big shot scheming everything behind the scenes."
——
[Black Swan led Stelle out of the Dream Hotel. After parting ways here, the two completely separated.]
[However, before leaving, Black Swan gently stroked Stelle's earlobe, leaving a cool sensation. Then, she placed a card into Stelle's hand.]
["This will do. A small parting gift. If one day you unfortunately sink into the deep sea of the Memoria domain without a Memokeeper by your side—it will guide the way for you in my stead."]
[Saying this, Black Swan smiled gently: "I also value human relationships quite a bit… Consider it compensation for me hiding things from you."]
["Thank you."]
[Black Swan said she still had some private matters regarding that Galaxy Ranger to handle, so the two would part ways here.]