Day after day of experiments still yielded no results. Marcel—no, Vacher, the president of the Chambre de Commerce de Calabre, looked at the records in his hand, his face contorted in anger and frustration.
More than twenty years ago, during an underwater expedition, contact with the primordial waters of the Primordial Sea had taken his lover, Venier, from him.
And the farcical justice of the Palais Mermonia further fueled his rage.
No matter how much he explained, how many times he filed a report, the Gardes treated his experience as a "joke."
How could a person dissolve into water?
… Hehe… hehe… hehe…
They couldn't dissolve into water…
Years of experiments, all to retrieve his lost lover—Vacher used this excuse to convince himself, as he tormented innocent girls, inflicting the misfortune that had befallen him upon them.
Was this for his experiments, or simply revenge against those who had ignored his pleas and dismissed his suffering with laughter?
Vacher didn't want to think about the difference. Seeing the Gardes in a frenzy did bring him pleasure, but his original intention, to retrieve Venier, remained unchanged.
For this, he didn't care what sins he committed, how many innocent lives he had to take, how many girls' futures he had to destroy.
As long as Venier could return to his side, as long as everything could return to the way it was,
What did those lost lives matter?
"Another failure." Vacher looked at the record labeled "Lemonie" in frustration.
—Undoubtedly, he was the one responsible for Lumine's inexplicable appearance in the defendant's seat.
But it wasn't intentional. Just like in the past, he had simply chosen that newly debuted artist girl as his target, and Lumine had just happened to stumble upon the scene.
This was an unexpected bonus. He didn't even need to prepare a scapegoat; there was an unknown fool who took the blame for him.
It was a pity that the girl didn't seem to be from Fontaine. Otherwise, she would have made a good next test subject.
Next test subject… next test subject…
How about Callas's daughter?
Navia's image appeared in his mind.
Vacher felt no gratitude towards Callas, who had once helped him. He only felt disgust and loathing—after all, that old dog had interfered with his plans.
And that old dog's daughter wasn't any easier to deal with.
Hmph, since she cares so much about her dead father, sending them to reunite seems fitting—this can be considered repaying that old dog's kindness, letting their family of three be together!
Besides—he had looked after that little girl for so many years on behalf of that old dog. Out of "gratitude," having his daughter as a test subject didn't seem excessive, right?
Marcel, one of Fontaine's top humanoids, a sinister smile appeared on his face.
However, although he had a next test subject, the issue of funding deeply troubled him.
In the past, he had obtained substantial funds for his experiments by selling the addictive beverage "Pneuma." He had thought that after eliminating Callas, he would be able to operate freely, but that old dog's daughter was just as stubborn.
Under the Spina di Rosula's strict control, it was difficult to distribute Pneuma in Poisson, its initial market. And within Fontaine, the Gardes and the Steambird were also cracking down, making it impossible for Vacher to operate, even with his connections to certain Fontaine nobles.
That annoying Chief Justice was too strict in this regard.
"I'll have to borrow some from the Northland Bank first," Marcel sighed, making his decision.
Snezhnaya's Northland Bank had branches throughout the Seven Nations, and he, being a Snezhnayan himself, was quite familiar with it.
Suddenly, he stopped, narrowing his eyes at two figures in the distance.
"Ah, Uncle Marcel!" Navia, in a dress, saw Marcel, and a flash of anger appeared in her eyes, which she quickly concealed, greeting him enthusiastically as usual. For her, who had learned the truth from Jiang Qiao, it was incredibly difficult to speak to this seemingly respectable humanoid ape without wanting to bash his head in with her parasol.
"Oh, it's Navia."
Marcel didn't notice anything unusual. He, who had just been thinking about making Navia his next target, could still greet her amiably.
"What a coincidence. And this is…"
His gaze fell upon the blonde girl beside Navia—Marcel was clearly no stranger to her. After all, he had just seen her in the defendant's seat not long ago, a position she had been put in thanks to him.
However, to avoid suspicion, Marcel maintained a facade of unfamiliarity, feigning surprise.
"Mmm, Lumine. You know."
"To clear her name, she's currently searching for evidence."
"Oh, I see." Marcel nodded "understandingly," then probed, "And you? This shouldn't have anything to do with you, right?"
"You know, my father was involved in this case, so wherever I can be of assistance, the Spina di Rosula will definitely help." Navia said with a forced smile.
"That's true. Sigh, Mr. Callas was such a good man. I also believe he was wrongly accused." He feigned regret and anger, his indignant expression looking incredibly genuine.
Of course, while saying this on the surface, Vacher felt disgusted inwardly.
As expected of Callas's daughter, just as difficult to deal with as that old dog… Hmph, he should have eliminated this loose end earlier.
But it wasn't too late now.
Navia smiled,
But her eyes, looking at Marcel, held a murderous glint, which she concealed by lowering her gaze and feigning sadness.
… This hypocritical bastard, putting on such a show…!
Although she wanted to kill him on the spot, remembering [Furina]'s instructions, she suppressed her urge.
"Hehe, you know my relationship with your father. If you need any help, I'll definitely assist you."
"Mmm, mmm, I definitely won't hesitate to ask."
"Speaking of which, Uncle Marcel, we do have some leads." Navia's words stopped Marcel, who had been planning to leave and figure out how to deal with Callas's daughter.
"It seems my father left behind a clue regarding the serial disappearances case before he died."
"Oh? Is that so?!" Marcel feigned surprise, but inwardly, he gritted his teeth.
… That old dog!
The reason he hadn't eliminated them completely back then was because that old dog had vaguely sensed something. To avoid any problems, he had spared Navia.
He hadn't expected that even after that old dog's death, his daughter would become a problem.
"This is the first time I've heard of this. Who told you?"
"Mmm, it was a letter left by my father. There seems to be an address on it… I suspect it might be related to the mastermind behind the serial disappearances."
… Hmph! As expected!
Marcel's gaze turned colder. He felt the need to eliminate this nuisance immediately, even abandoning his plan to use her as a test subject for his dissolving experiment.
"Indeed… Are you planning to report this to the Gardes?" He asked curiously, but he was actually quite anxious.
Although Marcel believed he hadn't left any clues at his base, and everything related to the name "Vacher" should have been destroyed, even if they found his base, they would only find the primordial waters of the Primordial Sea, Pneuma, and some of his experiment records and "trophies."
But he wasn't sure about the Melusines of the Steambird.
Those little things, although not powerful, had a unique vision that could find clues in the most unexpected places. If they reported it to the Steambird, it could cause problems.
Even if they found nothing, losing his base was unacceptable.
His source of materials for the dissolving experiment came entirely from the primordial spring. If the Palais Mermonia discovered it, they would definitely seal it off.
Even if he had some reserves elsewhere, they wouldn't last long.
Besides—the primordial waters of the Primordial Sea were the main ingredient for Pneuma.
And Pneuma, the highly addictive "commodity," was his money-making tool.
Only by selling Pneuma could he continue his dissolving experiments.
If this pillar collapsed, the meager profits from the Chambre de Commerce de Calabre wouldn't be enough to sustain his research—in reality, his business dealings were all shady and underhanded.
After the Palais Mermonia's crackdown, his business had plummeted.
"Mmm, the Steambird are more professional in this area, after all." Marcel didn't immediately reject the idea, but said cautiously, "Those Melusines' unique abilities are indeed impressive… However, I don't think this is a good idea."
"Why?"
"You know Mr. Callas's situation. It's not that I'm belittling the Palais Mermonia, but their methods are hardly trustworthy. I remember you're not fond of Lady Furina either, right?"
"And although Melusines are good at investigating, their combat abilities are lacking. If you bring Melusines, you'll definitely need guards."
"Since that place is closely related to the clues Mr. Callas discovered about the culprit, judging from the fact that the culprit hasn't been caught for twenty years, he must be very cautious and have a group of people behind him."
"If it's an important place, it must be heavily guarded."
"If you inform the Palais Mermonia, and they go there with a large group, alerting the enemy wouldn't be good, would it?" Not noticing his increasingly urgent tone, Marcel tried his best to dissuade Navia from reporting it to the Palais Mermonia.
Navia nodded admiringly, as if she had learned something.
"Indeed… I didn't expect you to be so experienced, Uncle Marcel."
"Hehe, doing business and traveling all over, one naturally gains experience."
"If you really want to investigate, I suggest taking fewer people and sneaking in, catching the potential mastermind off guard." Seeing his words taking effect, Marcel became even more eager to offer suggestions.
At the same time, he sneered inwardly.
Heh, this little girl is nothing like that old dog Callas.
Back then, if it weren't for his connections with the Fontaine nobles, he might have been caught red-handed by that old dog.
Even though he loathed the man, Marcel had to admit his talent and keen senses.
But Navia… this little girl wasn't even half as capable as Callas!
He could easily manipulate her!
"That makes sense… Lumine, how about we go together?" Navia nodded in agreement and then extended the invitation to Lumine.
The Traveler naturally wouldn't refuse.
After all, this was all part of someone's plan.
"That won't do!"
"Although I suggested taking fewer people and sneaking in, it's too dangerous for just two young girls to go to such a place!"
"Don't underestimate Lumine, she's very strong." A sweet, childish voice chimed in from the side. Marcel, although finding Fairy Ely strange, didn't pay much attention to her.
He simply assessed Lumine after hearing this… evaluating her combat strength.
The conclusion was—not a threat.
Although Lumine puffed out her chest proudly,
After noticing that she didn't have a Vision, Marcel completely disregarded this seemingly mute girl.
Honestly, Navia was more of a concern. After all, that old dog's daughter had a genuine Vision and could wield elemental power.
Everyone in Teyvat knew that the combat strength of a Vision holder was on a completely different level compared to someone without one.
No Vision, and her arms didn't even look like they belonged to someone with combat experience—Marcel, a former adventurer from Snezhnaya, although not particularly powerful himself, had a good eye for such things.
"No, absolutely not, don't say anymore… Mr. Callas was kind to me, and I've watched Navia grow up. I can't just stand by and watch his only daughter put herself in danger."
"…If you insist on going, then I'll go with you!" Marcel had originally intended to maintain the image of a caring elder, but then he thought—What if I overdo it, and they actually don't go?
Therefore, he "compromised"—putting himself on the line.
The image of an elder risking his life out of concern for his juniors, just to repay a kindness, was undoubtedly deceptive, wasn't it?
Knowing Navia's personality, this fool definitely wouldn't refuse.
"…I didn't expect you to care so much about me, Uncle Marcel… In that case, alright, if you want to go, then go in my place." Navia's eyes widened in surprise, then she said with gratitude.
"…?"
Marcel was stunned, then confused.
… This… this isn't right!
Was the plot supposed to develop like this?
Shouldn't it be a scene of him reluctantly accepting after repeated persuasion and refusal?
How did it become him going in her place?
… Could it be… that I've been exposed?
Marcel's first reaction was that his identity had been discovered, but seeing Navia's sincere and unconcealed expression, he felt it was unlikely.
After all, he had erased all traces of his past, and the name "Vacher" didn't even exist in the Palais Mermonia's records—the nobles were quite efficient when it came to taking money and doing their job.
All traces of "Vacher" had been completely erased from Fontaine's records. Even if the Chief Justice investigated, he would only find nothing.
… Could it be… that I overdid it?
Marcel frowned, but now wasn't the time to think about this. He was more concerned about how to change the situation, lure this persistent girl to his secret base, and then get rid of her.
Weeds must be uprooted, or they will grow again.
He had learned this lesson three years ago, and this time, Marcel didn't want to make the same mistake.
Navia must die!
But he couldn't back down now.
He could only force himself to put on a look of realization and then relief:
"Mmm, good, this is good too."
"Mr. Callas was incredibly kind to me. I can't let his only daughter put herself in danger. Since there's something I, this old man, can do, then to clear Mr. Callas's name, I'll gladly do it."
At this moment, Marcel appeared incredibly noble, his selflessness on full display.
Of course, this was intentional.
He knew Navia's personality well; she was quite a strong-willed girl.
She hated being treated like a delicate flower.
Navia, coming from a gang-like organization, was essentially a mafia princess, the type who wouldn't hesitate to break a few legs (for sure).
As long as he provoked her a little, this thorny rose would definitely take the bait.
"I'm not a delicate flower!" Navia frowned, her voice filled with displeasure.
She held her parasol, the bright yellow Vision on her shoulder gleaming, as if in protest.
"Indeed… Navia has a Vision. If Mr. Callas's spirit in heaven knew, he would be very proud." Marcel flattered her.
Of course—inwardly, he felt even more resentful and angry towards this daughter of Callas.
Although what Marcel sought wasn't a Vision, but simply his lover, Venier, as an adventurer, hadn't he also envied this treasure that could change a person's destiny?
But in the past, with Venier by his side, he hadn't cared about such things.
And now, with Venier dissolved into water, although Marcel pursued technology, in a sense, he also sought "power."
Sometimes he would wonder—if he possessed the power of a god, would things have been different?
This simple delusion was just a fleeting thought, but for someone whose mind was already twisted, it only festered and grew.
Especially seeing the person he loathed "flaunting" that power, Marcel, as an ordinary human, was driven mad with jealousy.
But then, he smiled serenely.
So what if she had a Vision?
Even with a Vision, that damned old dog's daughter wouldn't escape death!
Thinking of this, Marcel felt a surge of excitement.
But the next moment, Navia said, "Oh, right… we have another companion."
"…?!" The excited Marcel froze, his expression turning serious.
This concerned his secret base. Every additional person increased the risk. He instinctively wanted to know more, and Navia, as if knowing his concerns, explained, "He was recommended to me by a friend. I heard he's very professional in exploration and infiltration, a true expert."
"Look, he's here."
Marcel nervously followed Navia's gaze. It was a man in overalls, with blond hair, looking rather ordinary. Of course—it was worth noting that his eyes held a hint of "benevolence," as if saying "I'm a good person."
He subconsciously assessed the newcomer, but didn't see anything special.
His muscles seemed quite firm, indicating decent combat ability, at least well-trained. No Vision… then he was just small fry.
And with his harmless appearance, he seemed like an ordinary person.
As if encountering someone familiar, after judging that he wasn't a threat, Marcel immediately relaxed.
And the newcomer, seeing them, smiled brightly—
"Ah, two beautiful ladies and a handsome gentleman~ Virgil, at your service."