After Daelan, Clorinde, Lumine, and the others exchanged a few words, it was ultimately decided that Lumine and her group would determine their own journey.
Of course, as Fontaine's advisor and out of respect for the walking human disaster… er, no, the Traveler, Daelan's office would remain open to them indefinitely.
This meant… if they encountered any issues in Fontaine they couldn't handle, this highly reliable adult male would have a chance to step in and help.
"Oh, right, Daelan, I keep hearing something about… 'trials' on the streets. Do those happen often in Fontaine?"
Paimon looked curiously at the man who maintained a constant smile and asked.
"Ah~ 'Trials' are one of Fontaine's traditions. We hold public hearings for all 'cases.'"
"We allow the accused and the accuser to engage in direct cross-examination and debate, with the final verdict delivered by the 'Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale' and Chief Justice Neuvillette together."
"And the venue for these 'trials'… is the Opéra Epiclese. If I recall correctly, isn't Mr. Lyney about to perform there soon?"
Daelan said, turning his gaze to Lyney beside him with a smile.
Lyney nodded lightly in response, then asked, "That's right, Lord Daelan. Lynette and I have prepared a magic show this time. I hope you'll grace us with your presence."
"Hahaha, no need for such formalities. I'm just like everyone else, at best an ordinary person who's lived a bit longer."
"As for the performance… I'll definitely be there."
Daelan gave Lyney a meaningful smile, as if hinting at something.
But the smile didn't last long, fading almost instantly, making Lyney wonder if he'd misread it.
As Daelan introduced Lumine to Fontaine's customs and traditions, he led the group to the Aquabus dock, then said with a light chuckle, "Everyone, board the Aquabus, and ahead lies the true Court of Fontaine. I have some matters to attend to here, so I won't accompany you further on your tour of Fontaine."
"If you run into any problems later… feel free to visit me at the Palais Mermonia. I'm always there."
With that, Daelan tapped his cane on the ground symbolically, exchanged a glance with Clorinde, and slowly walked away.
He had spotted an old acquaintance.
Someone… he felt guilty toward.
…
Paimon, meanwhile, kept her attention on Daelan's retreating figure, murmuring softly, "What a responsible and approachable advisor…"
Lyney nodded in agreement, saying quietly, "He recently established an orphanage directly under the Palais Mermonia for Fontaine's orphans."
"He also worked with the Chief Justice to pass laws on abandonment and neglect. Though they were only enacted in recent years, they've significantly reduced the number of orphans in Fontaine."
Hearing this, Lumine couldn't help but sigh, "What a remarkable advisor…"
Paimon nodded vigorously, then shifted her focus, saying, "By the way… Lyney, I just found out you're a big-shot magician! And you're performing at the opera house?"
Lyney waved his hands dismissively, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face.
"Haha, you're too kind. I just do some tricks to make a living. Lynette's my magic assistant."
"But… this is our first time having the honor of performing at Fontaine's highest stage, the Opéra Epiclese."
Paimon's little brain struggled to keep up with Lyney's words.
"But… didn't Daelan say that's where trials are held? Why would…?"
"Ah~ When there are no cases to be publicly tried, the opera house reverts to its original purpose, hosting all sorts of performances."
"Besides… in Fontaine, the line between 'trial' and 'performance' is a bit blurry."
At this, Lyney flicked his hand forward, and two ornately decorated tickets appeared in his palm.
"In that case, Lumine, Paimon, may I invite you two new friends to watch my show?"
Lynette, who had been silent until now, nodded.
"After all, Brother gets more excited the more familiar faces are in the crowd."
Seeing the siblings' coordinated act, Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison.
"Sure, sure! We don't have anything planned anyway, and we were already thinking of visiting the opera house."
Lyney beamed with delight, handing the two tickets to Lumine with a grin. "That's great! In that case… why don't we stick together for now? I can show you around…"
But before he could finish, Lyney seemed to remember something, scratching his head sheepishly.
"Uh… actually, I have some things to take care of right now…"
Lynette sighed softly, shaking her head.
"Brother's old habit acting up again."
As if Lyney's words flipped a switch in this walking disaster of a person, Lumine's golden eyes lit up instantly.
"If I can help with anything… I'd be happy to~"
"Really?! Then I won't hold back!"
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Ye Zhi watched the unfolding storyline, a peculiar expression crossing her face.
"Something's fishy…"
"Everyone in the chat, don't you think Lyney's acting a bit strange? Like… he's trying to rope someone into something?"
"And Daelan just vanished… I'm getting a whiff of conspiracy here."
With that thought, Ye Zhi nodded emphatically, then continued, "Whatever, whatever. As a female streamer, I'm starting a live poll to see who the chat likes more: the great magician Lyney or the advisor Daelan."
With a click of her mouse, a bar graph appeared on Ye Zhi's screen.
Almost instantly, the blue bar for Daelan and the red bar for Lyney began rising, while the chat erupted with messages.
"I'm a face-con! Lord Daelan is so handsome and gentle, gimme a hug!"
"Not just that, building an orphanage under the Palais Mermonia? I'd empty my wallet for him."
"Exactly, he feels like a Dehya-type character, just… Daelan's vibe is softer and more direct."