Carlotta clapped her hands: "This isn't the place to talk. Please, follow me."
As Carlotta ascended the long steps, she continued while walking: "I've already learned of your intentions."
"I also need to express the family's gratitude on their behalf. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the family."
Rover shook her head slightly: "We have our own reasons."
Carlotta smiled faintly: "To meet Imperator, is it?"
"Though it's somewhat difficult, if you can claim the Laureate at Carnevale, there will still be an opportunity to speak with him."
"But along the way, you should have noticed as well."
"Some people do not wish for Carnevale to proceed smoothly, so for those of you who can communicate with the Sentinel, you've ended up on the same boat as me."
"Though it's due to circumstances, I'm still very pleased to have Resonators of your strength as allies."
Entering the main gate of Averardo Vault, Carlotta smiled: "Welcome to Averardo Vault, the heart and pride of the Montelli family."
The entire service hall was extremely spacious, like a magnificent palace.
In the center was a circular counter, surrounded by display cases for numerous artworks.
The staff moved back and forth, appearing very busy, yet not chaotic—instead, highly orderly.
As the group took in their surroundings, Carlotta turned to Zani:
"Miss Zani, could I trouble you to make a trip?"
"Deposit the evidence you've gathered into the storage room, and while you're at it, fetch some 'jewelry sets' and 'perfume' for me."
Zani hesitated for a moment upon hearing this: "Jewelry sets and perfume? You mean..."
Clearly, Zani understood the implication in Carlotta's words; this might be another term for something not convenient to say directly.
Carlotta cleared her throat lightly: "That's right. You know where the 'dressing room' is, don't you?"
"Tell the makeup artist that these are for me; she'll prepare them for you. Once you've got them, wait for us at the vault's side entrance."
Zani nodded slightly: "Alright, I understand. I'll go handle it right away."
With that, Zani turned and strode away with her long legs.
Lucian watched Zani's retreating figure, pondering briefly. Had something happened?
Once Zani had left, Carlotta turned her gaze to the group:
"I'm sure you've already realized that behind the Fisalia family and the Order of the Deep, there's a sinister shadow..."
As she spoke, Carlotta's eyes shifted to Phrolova in Lucian's arms.
Phrolova remained expressionless: "So in Miss Carlotta's view, Fractsidus is a malevolent force."
"For an orphan adopted by the Montelli family's decision-maker to evaluate us this way, it's truly an honor."
Phrolova's words instantly froze the atmosphere, tensing it once more.
Back when the two first met, things had already turned somewhat unpleasant.
But it could only be said that Fractsidus was indeed an organization everyone wanted to beat down; it wasn't strange for a power like the Montelli family to despise Fractsidus.
Especially given the current clues: Fractsidus was scheming and providing aid behind the Order of the Deep and the Fisalia family, attempting to halt Carnevale.
For the Montelli family, which sought to develop private terminals, this was naturally unacceptable.
Carlotta paid no mind to Phrolova's veiled sarcasm: "Mr. Lucian, you are a distinguished guest of the Montelli family."
"To ensure your safety, how about entrusting such a dangerous individual to the Montelli family for safekeeping?"
Lucian chuckled awkwardly: "Actually, we're holding onto her precisely to lure out Fractsidus members..."
"But unfortunately, aside from one blond, green-eyed person, no other Fractsidus members have come looking for her."
"Though carrying her around has been a bit tiring, fortunately, her feel makes up for that part, easing the strain somewhat."
Carlotta: "?"
She cleared her throat: "Mr. Lucian, lust is a knife above the head."
"When it comes to a dangerous organization like Fractsidus, it's best to treat it with caution."
Rover explained: "Miss Carlotta, it's not that we don't trust the Montelli family."
"It's that Phrolova's abilities are quite special; it would be difficult for you to restrain her."
Carlotta glanced at the rope binding Phrolova and nodded slightly: "I see..."
"I trust in your strengths, but if you encounter any issues, you can always seek assistance from the Montelli family at any time."
"In short, your interests align with ours."
"You wish for Carnevale to proceed smoothly, thereby meeting the Sentinel."
"And we Montellis seek to develop private terminals, breaking free from Ragunna's shackles."
"From that invitation letter to now, I'm sure you've seen the Montelli family's sincerity."
"If you're willing to reach a consensus with me, that would be ideal."
Along the way, the goodwill extended by the Montelli family had been evident to them.
Including but not limited to inviting them to Ragunna, providing startup funds, dispatching Zani to guide and protect them, and more...
Perhaps from that invitation letter onward, the Montelli family had anticipated this very moment.
At the very least, now Lucian believed that while the Montellis' goals differed somewhat from theirs, the process to achieve them was the same.
Thus, cooperating with the Montelli family temporarily was a good choice—especially since the Montellis were one of Ragunna's most prosperous families.
Lucian exchanged a glance with Rover, then nodded slightly in agreement.
Carlotta smiled: "Excellent, then we're on the same boat once more."
She then looked at Phrolova again: "However... you two are distinguished guests and partners of the Montellis, but Miss Phrolova is not, so..."
"There are some things I don't want Fractsidus to see."
Lucian chuckled: "That's easy to handle."
With that, Lucian pulled out the comical eyepatch and noise-canceling headphones, placing them on Phrolova's head.
Phrolova: "…"
Her ears filled with crosstalk and singing, her vision plunged into darkness.
The comical eyepatch's effect left Phrolova's mind utterly serene.
Carlotta nodded slightly; she'd long heard that Lucian not only possessed some wondrous abilities but also a collection of bizarre little gadgets.
This way, Phrolova shouldn't be able to hear or see any Montelli secrets.
"I need to hand over you all and the evidence Zani collected to Mr. Capollo —my uncle."
"He's currently handling matters related to Carnevale, as well as negotiations with the Fisalia family; I'm sure he'll be very interested in intelligence on Fractsidus."
"Please wait here a moment, or feel free to wander the hall and experience the vault's services and operations—make yourselves at home."
With that, Carlotta turned and headed toward the counter.
Lucian and Rover exchanged a glance, then began touring the spacious service hall.