Paimon said, "Nahida, it seems you really do understand the human heart quite well."
Nahida replied, "It's just some theoretical knowledge from the Vahumana school that I lack practical experience in. But I've found that many of those theories don't hold up when interacting with you all. I really don't get it."
"Anyway, let's not dwell on that. Let's hurry and follow her."
Then Lumine possessed Akim.
At that moment, Setaria asked, "By the way, you mentioned earlier that you wanted me to help you find work. Which field was it again?"
Lumine said, "Bricklaying."
Setaria nodded. "Right, following in your father's footsteps. I almost forgot about that."
[Dehya: The path to education for desert children is a hundred times harder than for Sumeru children. She's a once-in-a-century academic genius from the desert. Her memory couldn't possibly be that poor.]
[Nahida: She definitely noticed something was off. But it was probably just a simple probe—she didn't suspect possession.]
[Paimon: That was close. Good thing we rehearsed beforehand and knew some basic information.]
[Nahida: Adequate preparation reduces risk. That's a very important principle.]
[Layla: So the reason experiments fail is insufficient preparation?]
[Nahida: That might be part of it. But aren't most experiments exploring the unknown destined to fail?]
[Ningguang: Every failure builds experience. Now, when I see a business opportunity, I can roughly judge whether it'll succeed or fail before even trying.]
[Paimon: No wonder Ningguang became such a great merchant.]
[Ningguang: That's because I remembered every failure and absorbed the lessons from each one.]
"How's your father doing? Has he recovered any?"
Lumine nodded. "Much better. He can walk much more easily now."
Setaria said, "That's good. I've been worried about him. If I had time off, I'd really like to go visit him."
"Speaking of which, he's still in Port Ormos, right?"
Lumine said, "Yes, he's still in Port Ormos."
Setaria advised, "If you get the chance, remind him that recently, starting from Port Ormos, faith in King Deshret has been spreading. He's stubborn and a follower of the Dendro Archon. I'm worried he might clash with those King Deshret followers over differences in belief."
[Paimon: Concern for family. They must be really good friends.]
[Nahida: That's why her words carry more weight.]
Lumine asked, "Then what's your stance? The Akademiya or King Deshret?"
Setaria stammered, unable to answer.
Lumine seized the opportunity. "Sigh, I envy you. You were born a child of King Deshret. But you've turned your back on him and chosen to side with the Akademiya."
Setaria couldn't believe it. "Akim, are you also a follower of King Deshret?"
Lumine said, "What? Is there something strange about following the great King Deshret? If anything, it's you, with your wavering convictions, who's the strange one."
[Nahida: That was a harsh accusation. Is it really okay?]
[Lumine: That's how we get her to firm up her convictions. It's necessary.]
[Navia: Yes, this method is often used in business negotiations too. You have to put on a stern front. If you're too gentle, the other side won't budge.]
[Paimon: Exactly. Being too nice won't make them give in.]
[Navia: And it'll waste a lot more words too.]
[Paimon: And it'll waste a lot more words too.]
[Nahida: I still don't understand humans. Good thing Lumine is here. If it were me, I'd definitely mess up.]
Setaria lowered her head, said nothing, and left.
Paimon was delighted. "Wow, Lumine, I didn't expect you to be so talented at this!"
Lumine asked, "Did I go too far?"
Nahida commented, "You simply brought the issue right before her eyes. It was very direct and effective."
"But after this is all over, I'll visit her consciousness one day and explain everything. For now, let's keep following her."
Then Lumine possessed the server.