Alhaitham said, "Because for people who just want to live peacefully, any external factor can be a variable."
"While you were investigating, I noticed someone who was very wary of Cyno's status and power."
"But she also knows very well that there are staunch supporters of King Deshret in the village. Showing too much closeness to the Village Guardians would easily make her a target for the radicals."
"I wonder if you remember—she deliberately emphasized that she couldn't see clearly in the dark. I also confirmed with the headman that the incident where the Village Guardians protected Aaru Village happened late at night. That means that woman wasn't asleep at the time."
[Cyno: Damn it. I can't believe I missed such an obvious lie.]
[Alhaitham: The title of 'fool' suits you well.]
[Paimon: I wonder how Alhaitham used to conduct investigations before.]
[Alhaitham: Though I don't know the specifics, I can guess—it must have been very rash. For example, seeing me talking to the Grand Sage and attacking me without a single thought about my motives.]
[Lumine: That's... actually true.]
[Dehya: The General Mahamatra isn't only good at tracking and fighting, is he?]
[Paimon: His investigative skills really aren't great.]
[Ningguang: Perhaps Cyno could study abroad in Liyue and learn from Yelan for a while.]
[Cyno: Who's Yelan?]
[Ningguang: In terms of ability alone, she's your senior.]
Paimon spread her hands. "But why would she lie?"
Alhaitham explained, "The answer is simple—getting involved with outsiders means the possibility of being targeted by someone. As for why she cares about that... it's better to just talk to her directly."
[Nahida: There were such complex considerations? Humans really are complicated creatures.]
[Lumine: Yes. Humans are complex and contradictory beings.]
[Nahida: Perhaps I'll need a very long time to learn.]
[Lumine: You just haven't had much contact with humans. Once you're out, you'll understand quickly.]
Cyno suddenly spoke up. "Wait. In that case, I won't go this time."
"According to what you said, she's afraid of me. So I'll leave this to you."
Paimon puffed out her chest. "Don't worry. Leave it to us."
Lumine and Paimon followed Alhaitham back to Miss Shani's house.
Alhaitham said outside the door, "Hello. As I mentioned before, I've brought a helper with me."
A sigh came from inside, followed by Shani's voice. "Mr. Alhaitham, I already understand your standpoint. But can the friend you've brought truly be like you?"
Paimon was confused. "What does that mean? Do we need to express some kind of standpoint?"
Alhaitham didn't explain. Instead, he said, "You can communicate directly. You'll get the answers you're looking for."
"Go ahead. Earn her trust."
Paimon walked over with a pout. "Is it really that easy to earn trust?"
Shani's voice came from inside. "May I call you Traveler?"
Lumine said, "Yes. Hello, Miss Shani."
Shani asked, "Hello, Traveler. I want to ask you a question. Do you think King Deshret's resurrection could really bring change?"
[Nahida: What does everyone think?]
[Furina: Perhaps it depends on King Deshret's intentions. We know nothing about him, do we?]
[Nahida: Furina, you are a true sage.]
Lumine said, "No."
Shani asked, "Why not?"
Lumine said, "Because that would bring war."
Shani said, "Your answer is very close to Miss Candace's. I know you're friends, which is why, even though I've held back, I'm still willing to talk to you."