"If I hadn't been cautious, I'd likely be just like that former leader of Ayn Al-Ahmar now—unable to stay conscious or even communicate with others."
Cyno looked at Alhaitham. "So the Sages originally planned to use that knowledge—which drives ordinary people mad—to get rid of you."
[Alhaitham: Indeed. A rather clever trap. Enough to deal with ordinary people. Unfortunately for them, I'm not ordinary.]
[Paimon: That sounds really arrogant...]
[Lumine: It's confidence. Belief in one's own intelligence.]
[Cyno: Arrogant and rude...]
[Alhaitham: Arrogant and rude? That description fits you better, Cyno.]
Lumine asked, "So was our meeting a coincidence?"
Alhaitham said, "I had already put the investigation mission aside. I only told the Sages I would wait for the Traveler at Port Ormos to keep up appearances. But while tracking down the Divine Knowledge Capsules, I happened to run into you—my original target."
Cyno questioned, "Hmph. 'Coincidence' is the most common excuse criminals use."
Alhaitham continued, "Even though it was a coincidence, I had no intention of helping the Sages. Lumine, you should remember that I chose to leave that restaurant to investigate, and you two were the ones who followed me."
Paimon thought for a moment. "That's true. Alhaitham also saved us once. Maybe he's telling the truth?"
Alhaitham looked at Lumine. "If it bothers you, I can apologize. I took the Divine Knowledge Capsule without telling you because I judged it was too dangerous. Until I've studied it properly, it's best if no one else comes into contact with it."
"After all, curiosity is often the most dangerous thing in this nation."
[Furina: Curiosity is quite dangerous in Fontaine too, isn't it?]
[Nahida: Curiosity is the driving force of research. It allows us to explore the world and gain new knowledge.]
[Faruzan: I have the most say on this topic. I was trapped in ruins for over a century. When I finally got out, my family, friends, and mentors were all gone.]
Cyno's voice rang out coldly. "Alhaitham, you should know that curiosity can also put you under suspicion and danger."
"Answer my question. Did the Sages ever reveal their plans to you?"
Alhaitham spread his hands. "Did I not make myself clear enough? Right now, both you and I are people the Sages are keeping a close eye on. What do you think?"
Cyno nodded. "Fine. I won't treat you as an enemy for now. But your suspicion hasn't been cleared."
Alhaitham said, "Suit yourself."
[Paimon: I think I understand why the Sages would be wary of both of them.]
[Ningguang: Because they're both infuriating to talk to?]
[Paimon: How did you know what I was thinking?]
[Ningguang: It's easy to guess.]
Candace smiled. "I'm glad to see you two have cleared up your misunderstanding. Good, good."
"And what about you, Dehya? It's your turn."
Dehya laughed awkwardly. "Ah, sorry. The boys' conversation was so boring I zoned out. As for me, it's simple. I've been resting at home lately—since I know Miss Dunyarzad and Lumine through the Humay family."
"Nothing much happened, so I just came back to Aaru Village for a visit. I was hoping to have a nice reunion with you, Candace, but instead I just saw these two fighting for no good reason. I don't know why, but it got on my nerves, so I jumped in."