Chapter 354: Two Embraces
Chapter 354: Two Embraces
After the sudden death of Marquis Golden Falcon, rumors and speculations ran rampant in the capital, as the intricate web of power behind the scenes made it nearly impossible to pinpoint the truth.
However, upon learning of Leonard's demise, Emma wasted no time in identifying the culprit... or rather, the benefactor.
"Lyon!"
After knocking on the office door, Emma, with tears in her eyes, addressed Lyon, whose expression remained unchanged, with a customary greeting.
"Good morning..."
Hearing this seemingly ordinary yet uniquely significant opening line, Lyon was momentarily taken aback before responding with a brilliant smile.
"Good morning, Senior Emma!"
Gazing at Lyon's serene face, Emma's heart raced, and she took a deep breath, clenching her palm tightly. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Have you... heard about the Golden Jay Clan's situation?"
"Yes."
Understanding that Emma was asking a question she already knew the answer to, Lyon smiled and decided not to hide the truth any longer.
"Congratulations. From now on, the clouds will part, and the mist will clear."
"Thank you... truly, thank you!"
Through Lyon's gentle gaze, Emma confirmed her suspicions. Suddenly, her vision blurred, and hot tears streamed down her cheeks.
She took a step forward and gave Lyon a tight embrace, burying her face in his shoulder. She sobbed uncontrollably until Lyon's legs began to feel numb.
After a good cry, Emma wiped her tears and, instead of forcing a smile, bit her lip and spoke seriously.
"Lyon, this won't do."
"Huh?"
Before Lyon could ask, he felt a slight softness in his palm, and Emma's voice transmitted through their palm contact.
'The death of someone with Spirit Art is a serious matter. Even though headquarters has already been sealed, investigators from the main bureau will arrive within a week.
Although Leonard's status won't prompt them to bring something like Time Rewind, after identifying all suspects, they will use the anomalies they carry to specifically investigate the "speech" and "actions" of those suspects over the past few days.
For example, if you had admitted to doing it the moment you saw me, it would trigger Honest Speech or Unhidden Speech, and their anomalies would mark it immediately.
Even if you're extremely cautious and haven't confessed to anyone, if you've committed obvious acts of killing or coercion, you'll still be marked by their anomalies...'
After briefly explaining the Purification Bureau's investigation process, Emma, with concern in her eyes, warned Lyon.
'Lyon, think carefully. From that time until now, have you physically harmed that person, forced them to drown themselves through words, or confessed the truth to anyone?'
'No.'
Lyon, who had intentionally gathered intelligence on this matter before taking action, held Emma's hand and replied confidently.
'Everything happened in a dream. I was over ten meters away, and I only gave a vague response. I did nothing else, and I haven't admitted anything to anyone.
I only had a brief chat with the Black Goat on the table before you arrived, but all communication related to that day occurred between souls and won't be detected by anyone.
So rest assured, Senior Emma. I wouldn't have taken action without confidence in evading responsibility.'
'As long as you're confident, just be extra careful!'
Seeing that Lyon had indeed prepared accordingly and wasn't acting on impulse, Emma felt relieved. With a guilty conscience, she softly instructed him.
'Also, if... I mean, if the investigators come and suspect you, just confess that I ordered you to do it. Don't take the blame yourself!
In Olivia's absence, I'll temporarily handle the Virgin Bureau's affairs. I gave you the task out of personal grudges, and you followed through due to your trust in your senior. This will minimize your culpability.'
'Emma, I...'
'You can't refuse this!'
After tightly squeezing Lyon's hand, Emma blinked her slightly reddened eyes and spoke solemnly:
'I already feel terrible for letting you go this far for me. If something really happens, and you still plan to take the blame yourself, then I'll turn myself in! At that time, both of us, as accomplices who violated the regulations, will have to face internal execution!'
'And if you say I was the one who instructed you, then at least one of us can survive!' Emma continued, 'I'll send you an assignment order later, and you must keep it with you at all times. Did you hear me?'
'...'
'Speak up!'
'Um...'
Seeing Lyon's reluctant nod, Emma's serious expression finally softened into a smile.
Feeling the reassuring warmth of his hand, Emma, who had never felt so relieved, couldn't help but tease him in a soft voice:
'Lyon, I just remembered, the reason Ellie made that wish on her birthday, asking me to spend the whole day with her... was it your idea?'
'Yeah.'
Lyon scratched the back of his head and then nodded, admitting frankly:
'I was worried that you would go after Leonard for revenge after Ellie fell asleep, so I came up with a plan to keep Ellie occupied with you for a day.'
And then you went to the Emerald Feather Estate that night and took care of everything, right? 'Even using a child...'
After giving Lyon a soft glance, Emma bit her lower lip and said:
'When I left home, Ellie also asked me what gift you were going to give her. I want to see what gift you're planning to use to appease her this time!'
'As for the gift...'
Seeing the usually gentle and composed Emma showing a rare moment of playful annoyance, Lyon rubbed his nose and smiled as he replied:
'Give her the body of a normal child, one that won't turn transparent in the sunlight. A body that can go to school, grow up, and live a normal life... What do you think of this gift like that?'
'?!?!'
As Emma's expression turned from surprise to delight, Lyon held her hand tightly and explained his discovery in detail. Then, with a hint of apology, he added:
'After finding Ellie... I wanted to bring her back right away. But that day, I was working overtime at the bureau and shouldn't have been at the Emerald Feather Estate, nor should I have taken something that was originally in the lake.
Moreover, with the death of the Marquis of Golden Falcon, Little Ellie regained her physical body, which might also raise suspicions among the investigators about you. So, I didn't bring her directly...'
'Enough! That's enough, Lyon! You've already done so much for me and Ellie!'
Suddenly, Emma, overcome with emotion, hugged Lyon tightly and said with teary eyes:
'You've done more than enough for us. I... I really don't know how to repay you! I... or maybe...'
"Boom!"
Just as Emma, overwhelmed with joy, was about to say something, the door to Lyon's office was suddenly pushed open, and a voice filled with delight came from outside.
"Haha! Incredible news!"
The red-haired director, covered in yellow mud from head to toe and looking exhausted, pushed the door open, his voice brimming with excitement:
"Water Bottle... um... you two?"
(End of Chapter)
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