Two masterminds, each with layers upon layers of schemes, considered Sylvia's earlier display of what seemed like a lack of cunning.
Given the present situation, it only further convinced these two conspirators that it was all an act.
The purpose was to deceive everyone who came into contact with Sylvia.
To make them mistakenly believe that Sylvia was the type who, though not particularly shrewd, had powerful backing and formidable strength.
Sunday would worry whether it was wise for Robin to befriend such a person.
Meanwhile, the Dreammaster grew wary, thinking that if Sylvia dared to deliberately reveal such an incongruous moment at this time...
Then her ambitions must be vast indeed.
And she was certain they would not expose her affairs.
Caution and prudence.
That was Sunday and the Dreammaster's current attitude toward Sylvia.
A sudden variable popping up at the final stage of their plan...would undoubtedly put anyone's nerves on edge.
Otherwise, the Dreammaster wouldn't have outright mentioned the contingency plan of expelling Sylvia.
It was precisely to make Sunday take this seriously.
The conversation in the room gradually quieted down.
Not long after—
A knock sounded at the door.
Just as Sunday looked over, the raven controlled by the Dreammaster had already vanished from the room without a sound.
--+--
Meanwhile, Sylvia had followed a Family member all the way to the end of the mansion.
Watched as the woman guiding her knocked on the door.
Then the door slowly swung open on its own, with no one pushing it.
Inside was a spacious circular room, furnished with a proper round table. The crimson walls and sturdy pillars lent an air of solemnity.
And there stood Sunday, dressed in his usual impeccable uniform, one hand behind his back, behind the round table. He offered Sylvia a courteous smile:
"Welcome to the Dewlight Pavilion, Miss Sylvia."
"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Sunday."
Sylvia gave a slight nod, her eyes already catching sight of the raven similarly hidden in the room's shadows.
Almost the exact same breed.
Although Penacony's dreams, for the sake of realism, deliberately placed adorable animals throughout the city...
A place like the Dewlight Pavilion was undoubtedly not where one should find ravens.
And given Sunday's gentlemanly, proper style...
He shouldn't allow ravens in his mansion either.
The only explanation was that this raven was under Sunday's control all along.
Sylvia did not use the [Truth-Seeking Sigil] again.
There was no need to confirm.
Right after she noticed the raven, she received Sunday's invitation and saw the same raven here at the Dewlight Pavilion.
Using the [Truth-Seeking Sigil] right in front of Sunday might instead cost her a hidden card.
For Sylvia...
The reason Sunday deliberately sought her out remained a mystery.
So, do less, say less, to avoid mistakes.
Sunday noticed Sylvia's gaze.
Was she reminding him? Or had Sylvia only just confirmed that the one surveilling her was him?
Sunday pondered internally, then gestured to the Family member behind Sylvia.
Once the third party had left the room...
The door behind Sylvia slowly closed.
Sunday stepped around the round table, one pace at a time, coming to stand before Sylvia.
Simultaneously smiling slightly and bowing, he proactively raised his arm, allowing the raven to alight upon it:
"First, I must apologize for surveilling Robin and you, Miss Sylvia."
Sunday bringing this up so proactively took Sylvia by surprise.
She had expected a few rounds of polite niceties before the topic arose.
She'd even been thinking about how to broach the subject of Robin with Sunday.
Never expected Sunday to be more direct than she was.
"So it truly was your doing, Mr. Sunday. Since you've summoned me alone, does that mean Robin is completely unaware?"
Sylvia was somewhat surprised and unsure how to assess Sunday's level of sister complex.
How twisted—to use such covert surveillance even on his own turf.
While Sunday nodded with a smile on the surface...
Internally, his emotions were fluctuating wildly.
By showing sincerity first, he expressed respect toward Sylvia, signaling goodwill from his side.
But Sylvia seemed more concerned about Robin than about being surveilled herself?
And that last line sounded less like a question and more like a confirmation.
Was Sylvia really only confirming the surveillance issue?
If it were anyone else, they'd surely think Sylvia was just standing up for Robin.
But to Sunday's ears...
Had Sylvia already grasped more critical information?
Did she even know that Robin had been chosen by Mr. Gopher Wood as the Divine Singer, meant to offer her voice to Order in their plan?
Was she protesting his pushing his own sister toward sacrifice?
Because the Dreammaster constantly monitored the dreamscape...
Sunday couldn't reveal even a hint of his plan to replace Robin and sacrifice himself instead.
So Sunday was certain Sylvia absolutely couldn't know his plan.
Yet Sylvia's words made it seem she cared deeply about Robin and was concerned for Robin's safety.
This eased Sunday's mind somewhat, but Sylvia's direct questioning also made him tense.
Just how much of the plan had Sylvia uncovered?
She'd done nothing before, but now suddenly sought this meeting.
Was it purely to save Robin?
Thoughts churned in his mind, while on the surface, Sunday offered a wry smile:
"My apologies. Robin has been conducting dangerous investigations alone lately. As her elder brother, I should do my utmost to ensure her safety."
Sunday couldn't possibly say, in front of the Dreammaster, that he intended to betray the plan at the last moment and take Robin's place.
So he could only hint obliquely, conveying to Sylvia that he would absolutely guarantee Robin's safety.
As for Sylvia...
She could accept Sunday's explanation, but it was still just his side of the story.
And back then, that raven was clearly watching her.
Sunday's mention of 'dangerous investigations' seemed to implicitly include her in the 'danger.'
From his tone, was it simply caution because she'd gotten close to Robin?
But considering Sunday might be the mastermind...
Sylvia doubted the reason was that simple.
While ensuring Robin's safety, he was probably also wary of Robin's and her own actions.
Understanding was one thing, but Sylvia didn't like this feeling of being distrusted and monitored.
And as an older brother, surveilling his own sister...
Even if for safety's sake, it was still a bit creepy.
"You should say that to Robin herself, not summon me here alone to tell me."
Sunday clearly picked up on Sylvia's emotions.
Her dissatisfaction with him, her concern for Robin, and a certain clarity about the current situation.
Sunday believed Sylvia understood his meaning and had given her answer.
Sylvia's focus was on Robin's safety, and since it involved Sunday, she was trying to resolve things through conversation.
However, aside from Robin, what other intentions might Sylvia have?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.