[ "…Such a valuable item is probably even more expensive than other returns." ]
[ Aventurine: "But as you know, if you want the truth to come out, a certain amount of high risk is necessary." ]
[ At this point in the conversation, Sunday suddenly asked a question that seemed completely unrelated to the topic: "Mr. Aventurine, when you are out and about, do you always pay attention to your appearance? The tie should be in the center line, the shirt must not slip out of the vest, the trouser creases must be straight and always aligned with the direction of the toe." ]
[ "Of course." ]
[ "But I won't, because this is 'improper'—you should ensure everything is in perfect order when you are out, never deviating." Sunday calmly shook his head. "I never take any risks. The Cornerstone must be kept by the Family." ]
[ Aventurine frowned: "No room for discussion?" ]
[ Sunday still had a calm smile on his face: "Don't make me refuse a second time." ]
[ Aventurine let out a long sigh: "…Fine. Just returning the gift money is also okay. You should at least give me that. A merchant without trading chips will find it difficult to move an inch." ]
[ Sunday nodded in satisfaction: "Your compromise came faster than I expected. Unfortunately, compared to a merchant… a gambler needs chips even more. I can give you the gift money, but before that, I want you to tell me personally—" ]
[ Sunday slowly walked in front of Aventurine's package and the box: "—what exactly is stored in this box that you so decisively abandoned?" ]
——
Hunter x Hunter.
"Interesting. This man called Sunday is actually more dominant than Aventurine."
In the palace, the Ant King's gaze swept across Sunday's unwavering face, a faint smile hanging at the corner of his mouth. It seemed every step Aventurine took was within his expectations.
"He not only understands Aventurine, but also seems very familiar with the methods and style of the Company people, completely pinning the opponent down. However…" The Ant King's pupils slightly contracted as he glanced at the blond youth beside his guard, "What was that about appearance and center lines he mentioned earlier?"
Pouf respectfully bent down and bowed deeply: "My King, those are merely human habits… nothing special."
The Ant King narrowed his eyes: "Oh? Is that so? I don't believe Sunday would say something completely unrelated at this moment. I'm afraid these habits contain some deeper meaning that I still cannot fathom…"
The Ant King had only been born not long ago and maintained a strong interest in human knowledge. He would probably be cramming books on clothing and such next.
But at this moment, the Ant King noticed that Yupi's expression beside him was somewhat subtle.
He seemed a bit dissatisfied, like a squashed persimmon. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest, but he was muttering something under his breath.
"Yupi, what are you muttering to yourself?"
"Ah, my King…" Yupi, whose small expression had been caught, suddenly became flustered and quickly lowered his head. "…This subordinate is just a little disappointed in this human called Aventurine."
"Disappointed?" The Ant King repeated with interest. "Where does the disappointment come from?"
"This Aventurine previously acted so aggressively and full of confidence, but when faced with the even more resolute Sunday, he compromised so quickly? This subordinate was still looking forward to a evenly matched confrontation between him and Sunday. Now it seems… he is nothing more than a showpiece sent by the Company."
Pouf also echoed from the side: "Indeed, my King. But this is the nature of humans. Humans always like to bluff, but at critical moments they reveal their weakness and willingness to compromise. My King, I think you don't need to expect too much from this person."
——
[ Aventurine did not answer, only smiling as he looked at him. ]
[ Sunday slowly closed his eyes. His lips parted slightly, reciting an ancient and obscure prayer: "O soul of the threefold visage, brand his tongue and heart with iron so that he cannot fabricate lies or make false oaths." ]
[ Aventurine suddenly felt a subtle sense of dissonance—like someone lightly brushing the back of his neck with a feather, yet he couldn't find the hand. He immediately became alert: "…What did you do?" ]
[ "Under the light of [Harmony], all evil has nowhere to hide. I implore Him to descend His radiance and, on His behalf, ask you questions. Next… you have 113 seconds to prove your innocence and gain my trust." ]
[ "What if I refuse to answer?" Aventurine refused to yield. ]
[ "Then try it—see if [Harmony] will reject you." Sunday smiled calmly. ]
[ Aventurine's gaze darkened. He knew the man before him was not joking. ]
[ Sunday began his first question: "Question: Do you hold a Cornerstone?" ]
[ "Yes." ]
[ "A very concise answer. You also understand the principle that the more you say, the more mistakes you make." Sunday nodded in satisfaction. "When you entered the border, did you hand the Cornerstone over to the Family?" ]
[ "Yes." ]
[ "Does the Cornerstone you handed over to the Family belong to you?" ]
[ Aventurine frowned: "Yes." ]
——
Marvel Universe.
"Wow." Tony raised an eyebrow and took a sip of wine. "This is way more advanced than a lie detector."
Strange, on the side, was not as relaxed as Tony. Through the Celestial Screen, they could clearly see the image in Aventurine's eyes under the influence of [Harmony]. Tiny noise points began appearing at the edge of his vision, combining into three-colored wave patterns like ocean waves. In his ears echoed a low-frequency buzzing, sounding like millions of bees flapping their wings or electromagnetic noise from a distant galaxy.
"This is very similar to the ability Robin used on Stelle back then, but the effect is completely different… Does [Harmony] have this kind of usage?"
"So, magician…" Tony shook his wine glass, "Among those flashy spells of yours, is there anything similar? Something that makes people tell the truth?"
"Why, if there is, do you want to try it yourself?"
"Hah, better use it on enemies." Tony shifted his gaze back to Aventurine's face. "But seriously, this kid is completely done for this time. In front of such an unreasonable ability, no lie can escape. I can't even think of how he'll turn the tables this time. If Sunday wants to… he can get Aventurine's entire plan."
In confrontations between people, intelligence is often the most critical thing. Tony deeply understood this. Aventurine had lost this round completely. He probably never expected Sunday to have such a simple and brutal interrogation method.
But what shocked Tony was not this ability.
From the meaning in Sunday's words, it seemed he could directly connect with Xipe of [Harmony] and ask questions on behalf of the Aeon. If what he said was true, wouldn't the Family have become the Aeon's designated spokesperson?