After introducing Greed to his secret section and witnessing her escape from reality, Daniel sighed and decided to provide her with detailed information about everything he had shown her. He meticulously described each item's properties, pros and cons, as well as the potential business prospects they could bring if brought to the market. Once he had finished, he sent the information to Greed via email.
Later in the evening, after returning from the secret section with Greed, Daniel invited her to stay at his house. From the balcony, Greed sat, gazing at the artificial sunset and the cityscape, seemingly lost in thought like a wise old grandmother questioning the ways of the world.
Curious, Koyuki returned from the barracks with the mischievous troublemaker and Michaela, and upon seeing her friend sitting on the reclining chair, absorbed in the sunset, as if her soul had departed from her body, she couldn't help but ask Daniel, "What did you do to her, Danny?"
"I just brought her to check on the secret section," Daniel replied.
"Did she see the flower plot?" Koyuki inquired.
"Yes," Daniel nodded in response.
Koyuki couldn't contain her laughter upon hearing Daniel's responses. Despite her limited knowledge of the deeper aspects and implications of the Curtained World, she found herself astonished and incredulous when she saw those flowers.
The idea that such small plants could generate such a significant amount of mana into the air and even transform it into elemental mana was beyond anyone's imagination, unless they knew how to harness its power.
Observing her beloved aunt sitting on the reclining chair, lost in thought as if her soul had departed from her body, the mischievous troublemaker, Sylvana, approached her. Determined to cheer her aunt up, Sylvana attempted various methods, such as asking Greed to play games, picking her up and swinging her around, or pretending to play house.
However, there was no response from Greed, who continued to ponder the mysteries of the world. Eventually, Sylvana settled on sitting on her aunt's lap and drifted off to sleep, providing a peaceful presence amidst the contemplation.
"Tomorrow, let's head to the city district office to legalize my business and find a suitable kindergarten for little Sylvana," Daniel suggested to Koyuki, gently grasping her hand.
Koyuki responded with a nod and a smile before making her way inside to prepare dinner. She hoped that the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen would stir her friend from her deep contemplation, as well as awaken the mischievous little troublemaker who peacefully slept on her aunt's lap.
The night passed uneventfully, with Greed regaining her spirit, but she remained silent and lost in thought. It was evident that she was contemplating or scheming about something, keeping her thoughts tightly guarded. Koyuki explained to Daniel that this was a typical state for Greed when she encountered something entirely new and unexpected.
Greed would immerse herself in deep reflection until she found a way to exploit the situation and derive profit from it. Most of the time, she managed to do so without facing any consequences. Koyuki further mentioned that Greed preferred it this way, as consequences could be detrimental to her business. It was simply a manifestation of her 'Aspect of Sin' at work, and she couldn't resist it when she entered this state. Understanding this, Daniel decided to give Greed the space she needed to sort through her tangled thoughts.
— Morning - Above Ground —
Greed appeared engrossed in her task, typing furiously on her notebook in the living room without uttering a word. Recognizing her intense focus, the couple decided to leave her be and allowed her to stay at their home.
After finishing breakfast, Daniel, Koyuki, and Sylvana emerged from the underground dwelling and prepared to embark on their day's activities. They needed to arrange Sylvana's enrollment in kindergarten and attend to the legalization of Daniel's business. As they made their way toward the parking lot above ground, they encountered several members of the Veneziale family and their associated gangsters. The gangsters greeted them politely with smiles, and Sylvana seemed to revel in the attention from these intimidating figures.
This situation left Daniel with a sense of crisis as he didn't want Sylvana to be influenced by the gangsters' mindset, behavior, or language. He quickly ushered Koyuki and Sylvana into the car and drove off in a hurry.
Koyuki, noticing her boyfriend's unsettled expression, couldn't help but chuckle at his paranoia.
"What are you laughing at?" Daniel quipped at his girlfriend while driving his specially built electric car toward the town hall.
Koyuki didn't answer immediately. Instead, she glanced back at the back seat, where Sylvana lay sound asleep, sprawled without an ounce of elegance, occupying the entire space and even drooling, despite having already had a full night's rest.
"No, I didn't mean to annoy you... I just feel happy that we finally have this moment. But you need to think about buying a larger car in case our family expands," she said with a gentle smile toward her beloved who was driving.
"Why bother buying it? I can create a new car myself, one that's even stronger than a tank and still maintains a sleek appearance," Daniel replied to his girlfriend, failing to see the point of purchasing a new vehicle.
"That's true, but I just want to experience the feeling of choosing a new car with you. It's okay," Koyuki nodded and said, realizing she was being a little selfish.
"If it's purely sentimental, I don't mind. You've sacrificed a lot of your youth and dreams since that dreadful night. I'll go with you to buy it, considering it an overdue date that I failed to take you on five years ago. We can always modify whatever we end up getting," Daniel answered with an understanding smile, fully aware of the time they had lost after that fateful event.
"Thank you, Danny... That's why I love you," Koyuki said with a smile, appreciating his understanding and support. They continued their journey in a comfortable silence, occasionally engaging in lighthearted banter until they reached the city hall.
— City Hall —
The city hall stood prominently amidst the urban landscape, its architecture reflecting a blend of vintage charm and functional design. Rather than grandiosity, it exuded an air of quiet authority and efficiency, resembling an elegant office building that harkened back to the colonial era.
The exterior of the city hall showcased intricate detailing and craftsmanship, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Its fa?ade, made of weathered brick, bore the marks of time, while the large windows, adorned with ornate metalwork, allowed natural light to filter in, casting a warm glow on the surrounding area. The entrance, flanked by stately columns, beckoned visitors to step inside.
As Daniel, Koyuki, and Sylvana approached, they were greeted by a modest yet dignified staircase leading to the entrance. The steps, made of well-worn stone, told the stories of countless footsteps taken over the years. The entrance doors, solid and polished, revealed the subtle elegance within
Upon entering, they found themselves in a spacious lobby adorned with vintage furnishings and decorative accents. The polished wooden floors added a touch of warmth to the surroundings, while the high ceilings created a sense of openness. Antique light fixtures hung from above, casting a soft illumination throughout the area.
"How may I assist you, sir?" A respectful and courteous female voice greeted Daniel, assuming him to be the leader of the elegant group before her. The scene portrayed parents who appeared to hail from a noble heritage, reminiscent of Great Britain's aristocracy.
In the present moment, Daniel, Koyuki, and their little troublemaker were dressed in exquisite attire that surpassed the means of any white-collar worker's salary. Daniel even carried a fashionable cane, though it concealed his artifact blade capable of slicing through tank armor when wielded.
Daniel couldn't help but notice that the receptionist who greeted him now was the same woman who had previously regarded him with disdain when he had come to the city hall disguised as a destitute individual seeking government welfare.
While Daniel harbored a grudge, it was not one he considered worthy of his attention or time. He would have likely forgotten about it entirely had he not come face to face with the woman once again.
"Excuse me, may I have a meeting with Mr. Sun?" Daniel inquired, accompanied by a professional smile.
"Oh! Do you have an appointment, sir?" the receptionist asked.
"No, but I am willing to wait," Daniel replied.
The receptionist nodded politely and guided Daniel to the elegant VIP room, gesturing for him to take a seat. The room exuded an aura of prestige, adorned with opulent furnishings and tastefully arranged decor.
Taking his place in one of the plush armchairs, Daniel observed his surroundings while maintaining his patient demeanor, awaiting the arrival of Mr. Sun. Seated beside him were Koyuki and little Sylvana, their expressions reflecting a blend of curiosity and innocence. Sylvana, the ever-curious troublemaker, couldn't resist exploring the furniture in the room and gazing out the window, captivated by the unfamiliar view that differed from their home.
As time passed, stretching into half an hour, Daniel began to wonder if there had been a misunderstanding or delay. However, his musings were swiftly interrupted as the door to the VIP room swung open, revealing a figure of distinction. It was none other than Mr. Sun, the district chief himself, informed by his secretary of the presence of British aristocrats in the VIP room.
Approaching Daniel with a warm smile, Kevin Sun, a middle-aged man of Asian descent who exuded an air of authority, introduced himself.
"Good morning, sir. I apologize for the wait. I am Kevin Sun, the district chief of Sector Alpha City. How may I be of assistance to you today?"
Daniel, displaying his polite demeanor, rose from his seat and extended his hand. "We meet again, Mr. Sun," he said courteously.
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