Before "Justice" Germaine Sparrow could respond, Audrey, maintaining her upright posture, slowly added a few more words: "heavy... painful... ashamed..." Klein listened quietly, offering no comment on Germaine's remarks, and with a tone more gentle—closer to that of D'Artagnan—asked: "Why did you suddenly decide to conduct such a test?" "It's not a test," Germaine shook her head. "I simply wanted to bring to light some details I've deliberately concealed and avoided, so that you could see clearly what a real me looks like to others." Pausing, she moved her lips without a smile: "Since our last conversation, I've truly been trying to formulate a plan—secretly maneuvering, so that the nobility, merchants, the royal family, and the church could collectively provide sufficient grain." "This situation—just stating it—is easy. But when it comes to actually doing it, I realize I can't be as resolute or as decisive as I imagined. Some of them are my uncle and aunt, others my cousin and nephew, others friends I've known since childhood, others elderly relatives who've always been kind to me, and others people I frequently meet at galas and charity events—warm, friendly individuals who have shaped my childhood, who have given me so much, who are an essential part of my growth, who carry with them so many cherished memories of the past. Moreover, their stored grain wasn't taken by force; their explanations actually hold a certain degree of validity. To simply aim at them and try to take away part of their wealth—something I truly can't bring myself to do, at least not yet." As she spoke, Audrey's voice naturally grew stronger, as if arguing with someone. She immediately noticed her slight lapse in composure and remained silent for two seconds before continuing: "So, I'd like to get a deeper understanding of myself, to strip away the veneer of warmth, and under different perspectives, ask myself what I truly desire—whether my past thoughts were impulsive, insincere, naive, or genuinely rooted in strong conviction." At this point, Audrey, representing "Justice," suddenly smiled: "Though this hasn't yet reached a conclusion, the very act of trying has already yielded some unexpected benefits. I used to believe I strictly adhered to the principle of 'you're merely playing a role,' but now I realize I've almost become consumed by playing. Unlike other paths that require me to assume different identities and professions, the 'audience' path involves a blend of role-playing that is seamlessly integrated into my everyday life—sometimes it's hard to distinguish the two. "The simplest example: who among us doesn't long to be loved by everyone?" Thus, when facing different people, I wear different masks, using the ability of the "audience" approach to shape an image most aligned with what they hope to see. As this happens more and more, and as I begin doing it with every single person I meet, I find myself increasingly immersed in the act of performance—nearly losing myself in the process." Kline nodded gently. "That's a wonderful gain." He offered no evaluation of the "Justice" lady's earlier remarks. Audrey remained silent for a moment, then slowly added, "Recently, I've gone through my father's previous investigations on the East District again, and now I have a fresh perspective on many things. Before the war, many working-class people, laborers, and farmers actually lived conditions similar to today's—long suffering from hunger and hardship." The revisions to the Poor Law, the mandatory requirements for working hours and working conditions, and efforts to address air pollution have indeed brought about some improvements—but only some. "Until the war ends, if we manage to defeat the end of days, will similar things happen again?" Audrey said, pressing her lips together and falling into silence. Klein sensed the bewilderment and confusion in Miss Justice's voice. After a moment's thought, he didn't offer his own answer, but spoke softly: "All the questions you've raised, including your most genuine thoughts just now, must be answered by you yourself—no one else can do that for you. I can only offer you a few suggestions: go out to the fields and observe the farmers at work, visit the factories and see the workers toiling under difficult conditions, immerse yourself in the East District, and carefully read through old newspapers and relevant books in the library." Audrey listened intently and nodded seriously. "I'll try to do that." She immediately rose and bowed formally at the head of the weathered table—though the Sir of Folly had already departed, Odile believed He was still watching here. As she waited for the Sir of Folly to return her to the realm of reality, the world, Germain Sparo, suddenly spoke: "Wait a moment." "Hm?" Odile inquired, her voice nasal. Kaine watched her and manifested a sheet of paper: "This is a description of the nature and behavior of a mythical being. I hope you can assist in analyzing His responses under various circumstances." "Very well," Odile replied without hesitation, agreeing. As she took the paper and read through it, Caine paused to add, "Regarding what you just said, I have one more suggestion: Your concerns and questions actually fall into two categories—some are truly urgent, while others aren't as pressing and can be addressed once the situation settles down. Indeed, when people are under pressure, they tend to make mistakes. You should distinguish between them clearly." Audrey thought for a moment, then nodded seriously. "I understand." After that, she suddenly smiled. "I thought you were going to stop me and wish me well—wishing that even after I've seen all the truths, I would still love this world." Caine was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and asked, "You seem to have read quite a few novels by the Emperor Roxel." "He is an outstanding novelist, yet a very complex and contradictory person," Audrey offered with a gentle smile. "Justice," she added. Klein nodded slightly, speaking slowly. "If I were to wish for you, I wouldn't say that. I'd say, 'May you love your family and friends even after you've seen all the truths.'" Audrey froze, her lips moving as if repeating those two words. After a few seconds, she closed her eyes and said, her voice slightly husky, "Thank you..." A sudden, violent tornado emerged, lifting the blue sea and the streaks of silver brilliance, coiling them like a long serpent that surged skyward, colliding with a massive fire ball. Thunder! The water exploded, cascading down like rain. Aljere then locked onto one warship, opened his mouth, and roared. With a thunderous crash, the vessel was suddenly lifted into the air by the fierce waves. Seizing the moment, the hull cannons of the "Erebus of Azure Revenge" automatically activated, firing continuously. Seeing the other warship's extraordinary being still attempting to use the fire ball's recoil to shift the vessel's position, Aljere sharply pulled down with his right hand. A thick, brilliant silver lightning streak descended, scorching the extraordinary being, leaving him blackened and trembling. Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! One after another, cannonballs struck, and the warship shattered mid-air. In that instant, Aljere felt momentarily dazed, and instinctively looked down at his right hand. That's the power of a "Cataclysmic High Priest"—that's the feeling of being half-god, half-human? He murmured it to himself, slightly enchanted, then quickly regained his composure and ordered the "Azure Avenger" to pursue the enemy. An hour later, the intense naval engagement concluded, and the Luon forces once again secured the Rosted Islands. Aljer was in high spirits. After the "Azure Avenger" returned to port, he invited the sailors to disembark and headed to one of the still-operating taverns for a hearty drink. —Luon had implemented a wartime wine rationing policy to conserve grain, but for the sailors, wine was essential. Thus, in the storm church's stronghold, the ban wasn't strictly enforced. Moreover, Rosted Islands were well-supplied, with a moderate population and well-managed maritime routes, ensuring sufficient grain supplies at present. As they walked a short distance, Aljer's gaze suddenly froze. The street in front of him was under heavy bombardment, with several buildings already collapsed—among them, a concrete sports field had developed massive depressions, and the four-story building beside it was reduced to rubble. Aljere's smile faded gradually. Wednesday afternoon, 3:00 in Beckland time. Deep crimson glows surged up from either side of the bronze long table, solidifying into somewhat blurred figures. Once all members had bowed to the "Fool," and since there was no Roscel diary and no accumulated issues, the meeting proceedings moved directly into the transaction phase. Emlyn, representing "The Moon," sat up straight and surveyed the room. "Madams and gentlemen, I have a commission to present." "Which 'King of the Wizards' would you like to pursue?" asked Gautheris, the "Wise One," directly addressing the essence of Emlyn's inquiry. “….” Emlin took two seconds to digest the other's question, maintaining a graceful smile and said, "You're quite right." "the Hidden One" Gadelia nodded lightly. "Then, what kind of compensation can you offer?" Emlin again found himself at a loss, slightly hesitant to deliver the prepared response. At that moment, Gelman Sparo, the 'World' at the very base of the bronze long table, suddenly spoke up. "You've collaborated with someone from the Roses' School of Temperance?" Emlin breathed a quiet sigh of relief internally and replied, "Yes." "I can take on this commission," said Gelman Sparo, as this was a matter concerning the messenger lady, Sharon, and the others—thus, Cline orchestrated the dummy 'World' to proactively accept the assignment. "Of course, a certain medium will be required." Before Emlin could respond, he turned to the 'Magician' lady and instructed, "Prepare accordingly." The 'Magician' Fols, who had been fully immersed in the theatrical experience, stared at him, utterly bewildered.