"Do you dare to swear on the Path?" Miss Herta pressed relentlessly, her eyes fixed on the silent Ruan Mei.
At that moment, Miss Ruan Mei was somewhat hesitant.
On one hand, she genuinely wanted to learn about the life of the Aeon of Causality, Lord of Samsara. After all, she held some doubts about the information her family had provided regarding the Lord of Samsara.
On the other hand, the man before her, Mr. Yun Fan, was openly an emissary of Causality—the first emissary of the Aeon of Causality, no less. His value in her quest to understand the essence of life was unparalleled.
But if she agreed to Herta's terms and swore on the Path, then she would… wait!
Miss Ruan Mei's eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had realized something, and a faint smile appeared on her beautiful face.
However, that smile quickly vanished, as if it had never been there.
"I agree to your terms, Herta. I swear on the Path not to harbor improper thoughts toward Yun Fan in any form or method."
"Good," Herta nodded with satisfaction, her tense heart finally easing.
Now that Ruan Mei had sworn on the Path, she would surely not break her vow. If she did, she would be forsaken by the Path, losing her status as a Pathstrider and an emissary of the Star God.
"Now, my boyfriend, please tell us about the life of the Aeon of Causality, Lord of Samsara."
Herta turned around cheerfully, her gaze carrying a hint of smugness as she looked at Mr. Yun Fan.
The black-haired youth couldn't help but give a wry smile. He hadn't expected Lady Herta to be so possessive.
But, Herta, oh Herta, you've overlooked something. Ruan Mei can't actively harbor improper thoughts toward me, but if I take the initiative, it won't trigger the Path's backlash, will it?
— — — —
Shifting our focus to Penacony, the so-called Star of Festivities…
With twenty-one days remaining until the opening of the Harmony Festival, numerous distinguished guests and invited artists and singers had already begun checking into Penacony's Daydream Hotel.
Among these guests were politicians, merchants, artists; doctors, educators, villains…
It could be said that people of all kinds had gathered in Penacony, this vast melting pot, each hoping to shine in their own way at the upcoming festival.
"Child, how is that plan progressing?"
In the Dewlight Pavilion, a hidden night thrush flapped its wings and landed on Sunday's desk. It gazed at Sunday, who was staring blankly out the window, and spoke in a human voice.
"Is Lord Dreammaster referring to the matter of usurping the Harmony's incarnation, 'Dominicus'? Rest assured, Lord Dreammaster, the power of Order is subtly altering the Harmony. In five or six days…"
"Child, you're a clever one. You know that's not what I'm talking about," the Dreammaster 'Gopher Wood' shook its head, speaking earnestly.
At this, Sunday fell silent. He naturally knew what the Dreammaster meant—sacrificing Robin to win over the Emissary of Causality.
He had already made up his mind regarding the Dreammaster's proposal—or rather, he had no choice.
As the head of the Oak Family, as the 'Child of Order' bearing the fate of 107,337 kin, he had no other option.
However, deciding was one thing; actually carrying it out was another.
"Child, we're running out of time. There's no more time for you to think or hesitate."
"If our secret is exposed to outsiders, you know the consequences. It won't just be you—your sister will be implicated as well. We…"
"No need to say more, Lord Dreammaster."
Sunday raised his hand, making a gesture to stop. Then, the head of the family closed his eyes, the wings by his ears shimmering with a faint white glow. At the same time, he murmured.
"O soul of threefold visage, hear the creed you hold dear. Transcend the boundaries of time and space, and convey my thoughts."
The moment Sunday's words fell, Robin, who was practicing the Harmony Festival's anthem at home, felt a jolt in her heart.
The wings by her ears emitted a faint glow, and sensing the familial bond transmitted through her bloodline, the girl's heartstrings stirred.
"Brother, why are you calling me at this time?"
Glancing at the sky outside, the so-called 'Golden Hour'—an eternal twilight, unchanging no matter how time passed.
"Welcome to my world~" (Welcome to my world!)
"Renew your definition"
(Redefine yourself!)
"Cough, cough, cough…!"
Robin, in the midst of singing passionately, suddenly broke into a violent coughing fit. The girl hurriedly grabbed the water glass beside her sheet music, taking small sips until she'd drunk half of it. A trace of confusion flashed in her eyes.
"Why? Why is my song, the song of Harmony, suddenly…"
At the same time, in the Dewlight Pavilion…
"Lord Dreammaster, I've sent the message to Robin. I believe it won't be long before she arrives here in person," Sunday said, one hand behind his back, bowing slightly to the Dreammaster 'Gopher Wood.'
"Well done, child. You've made the right choice," the Dreammaster nodded with satisfaction.
"You don't need to worry too much. I've secretly observed that Emissary of Causality, and among emissaries, his character is undoubtedly among the finest."
"So you needn't fear he'll harm Robin. In fact, your decision ensures a safeguard for that child."
At the mention of a safeguard, Sunday's pupils flickered slightly. The so-called safeguard… was protection for Robin in the event of their plan's failure.
Seeing Sunday's silence, the Dreammaster 'Gopher Wood' flapped its wings and continued.
"The power of the [Harmonic Choir] Dominicus is undoubtedly formidable, but we still face the possibility of failure."
"If our plan and secrets ultimately end in failure, the wrath of the Family, the Company, the Alliance, and other major factions will come crashing down."
"At that time, including your sister Robin, we will all be inescapable sinners."
"But if she has that connection with the Emissary of Causality, at the very least…"
"At the very least, she'll survive."
Sunday finished the Dreammaster's sentence.
"Yes."
'Knock, knock, knock…!'
As the two conversed, a clear knocking sound suddenly interrupted their thoughts.
Turning their gazes to the office door, Gopher Wood looked at Sunday and said.
"It seems the child has arrived."