Upon hearing Yuto's words, Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances, as if communicating with their eyes whether they should accept this commission.
After a long silence, Paimon tilted her head to look at Yuto, confirming the details of the commission once more.
"So... Yuto wants us to enter Meropide to investigate the Vanguard's situation?"
Yuto nodded. "Exactly. This was also the proposal I made when I met with The Knave."
"As an alternative to her inability to intervene directly, I will send someone to ascertain the Vanguard's specific status and report the detailed situation to the diplomat."
With that, Yuto stroked his chin, a peculiar smile appearing on his face.
"Although she was very dissatisfied with my proposal, due to the various actions of the Northland Bank during this period... she had no choice but to comply with my plan."
Paimon looked at Yuto, who had a faint smile on his face, with a strange expression. She always felt that the person in front of her wasn't a human, but rather a fox—
an old fox.
However, she didn't dwell on it excessively. After shaking her head, she asked:
"Oh, Yuto, I've been wanting to ask, why isn't Meropide part of Fontaine's judicial system?"
Paimon asked tentatively.
"Under fontaine law, the method of punishing criminals is not 'imprisonment,' but 'exile.'"
"Strictly speaking... rather than saying Meropide is a prison for criminals, it's more accurate to say it's a vast place of exile."
"It is precisely because of this characteristic that Palais Mermonia only dispatches guards to monitor and assist in maintaining public order. As for the operation of Meropide and its underlying industrial chain, we have no right to question it."
"That's roughly the overall situation. I wonder, how do the two of you feel about this commission from Palais Mermonia?"
Yuto asked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances. After a brief exchange of looks, Lumine made the final decision:
"We've decided to accept this commission."
"Mm! No matter how you look at it, we're the most suitable ones to do it~ After all, Yuto has helped us so much, we can't make things difficult for him~"
Looking at the two, Yuto nodded without surprise, then continued:
"On behalf of Palais Mermonia, I thank you both for your help. This matter is quite important to Fontaine's current situation, so I hope you two can... keep it a secret."
And Neuvillette, who had been silent until now, spoke up at this moment:
"I sincerely thank you both for lending a hand. Once you've had a short rest, let's meet at the entrance to Meropide on Iliyas Island. We will arrange for a dedicated person to escort you inside."
Hearing Neuvillette's words, Paimon paused slightly, then fell into thought.
"Hmm... what preparations should we make?"
"Perhaps you can take a good bath and have a good meal, after all, the living conditions within Meropide cannot compare to the outside world."
And Yuto also picked up Neuvillette's words at this moment, continuing seamlessly:
"Please rest assured, due to the special nature of this operation and the necessary conditions that indeed reduce your quality of life..."
"Regardless of the outcome, we will provide you both with corresponding subsidies at the highest standard for fontaine law public servants."
At this point, Yuto paused slightly, then said:
"Of course, there are also some personal thanks from me."
As soon as she heard the words 'personal thanks,' a different kind of light sparkled in Paimon's eyes, and she said with some anticipation:
"Ooh... is it a special reward from the Fontaine Vice-Minister! What is it? Can you tell us in advance?"
Looking at the excited Paimon, who was taking small, rapid steps, Yuto couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well... I'll have to keep that a secret for now, after all, there are many rewards you wouldn't expect."
Yuto's words made Paimon a little anxious for a moment, but she was helpless.
"Hmm... fine, but these rewards sound quite worthwhile."
With that, Paimon turned her gaze to Lumine beside her, then spoke:
"Lumine~ Let's go, I want to eat the best meal, to the point where I won't want to eat delicious food for a month, you're treating!"
Paimon's words made Lumine feel her wallet was quite hurt, but she sighed and nodded.
There was nothing she could do; after all, this fellow was her guide.
"Ah, right, consider this part of my personal thanks. If you two don't mind, you can send the bill to Palais Mermonia, and I'll pay for it."
Upon hearing this, Lumine suddenly looked up at Yuto, who was standing not far from her. At this moment, he seemed to be truly glowing!
Lumine nodded gratefully, then quickly led Paimon away from Palais Mermonia.
Originally, she had only thought of eating a little with Paimon, but Yuto's words put her in the mood for a big meal.
—After all, they were going to Meropide to 'serve time,' so they couldn't treat themselves poorly.
...
After Lumine and Paimon left the office, Yuto turned his gaze to Neuvillette, who seemed to have something to say to him.
"What's wrong, Neuvillette? Is there something else you want to say, or a case that needs to be discussed?"
Neuvillette was startled at his words, then slowly asked:
"Mr. Yuto, I want to know... how do you usually express emotions? Or rather... under what circumstances do you choose to express your emotions?"
Hearing Neuvillette's question, Yuto seemed unsurprised. After a slight nod, he said:
"The ways humans express emotions are nothing more than a few: words, facial expressions, and body language."
"As for the circumstances... I can only say that people are constantly expressing emotions, but the most commonly expressed emotion is simply 'calmness.'"
"Emotions are part of human nature. When you can perceive the rise and fall and changes of emotions... you already possess human nature."
With that, Yuto shrugged, a helpless smile appearing on his face.
"To be honest, I don't know how to make you understand this point, but in my opinion... you don't seem to need to express any particular emotion."
"Because you feel sadness, you feel anger, and you remain calm in everyday life. These are enough."
"As for expression..."
Yuto fell silent. He scrutinized Neuvillette from head to toe, then offered his solution.
"Although I don't think you absolutely need to express your emotions perfectly, since this is your wish... I should respect it."
"When you're not in Judgment, go out more, Neuvillette. Go to the coffee shops by the street and listen to their voices, walk on the streets, and experience their joys and sorrows."
"Just like when I was in the bakery back then."
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