CHAPTER 416: CHAPTER 354: TWO HUGS

Debates about why Marquis Golden Oriole had suddenly died were rampant throughout the Capital City. Due to the exceptionally complex powers involved behind the scenes and the numerous suspicious aspects, almost no one could ascertain the truth.

Yet, when she learned of Leonard’s demise, Emma had no doubts or hesitation whatsoever. She immediately identified the killer’s—or rather, benefactor’s—identity.

"Leon!"

Upon knocking on the office door, seeing Leon’s demeanor as usual with no change in expression, yet with tears in her eyes, Emma bit her lip and softly greeted him,

"I... Good morning..."

Hearing this very ordinary yet extremely special opening line at this moment, Leon was initially taken aback, then returned a rather brilliant smile to her.

"Good morning, Senior Emma!"

Looking at Leon’s calm face, Emma took a deep breath to steady her swirling emotions, then clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling slightly as she asked,

"Have you... heard about the Golden Oriole family?"

"Yes."

Seeing Senior Emma before him, obviously asking what she already knew, Leon chuckled without further pretense, directly saying,

"Congratulations, from now on, it’s as if the clouds have parted and the fog has cleared."

"Thank you... really, thank you!"

Confirming her suspicions through Leon’s gentle gaze, Emma felt as if the world blurred in an instant. Large, hot tears flowed unchecked from her eyes.

Taking a step forward, she gave Leon a substantial hug. Emma buried her face in Leon’s shoulder, sobbing freely, and she only stopped when Leon’s leg started to go numb.

However, after crying her heart out, Emma wiped away her tears and, instead of breaking into a smile, bit her lip and said seriously,

"Leon, this can’t continue."

"Huh?"

Surprised, Leon hadn’t asked yet, when he felt his palm slightly soften and Senior Emma’s voice came through the contact between their hands.

*’The death of someone with a Word Spirit is a very serious matter. Even though the headquarters has been sealed, investigators from the central bureau will arrive within a week.

Although Leonard’s status isn’t high enough for them to bring something at the level of [Time and Space Retracing], once they pinpoint the suspects, they will conduct focused investigations on all "remarks" and "actions" of those suspected individuals over the past few days using distributed Anomalous Objects.

For instance, our current conversation—if you had admitted you did it upon seeing me, it would trigger [Words of Admission] or [Unspoken Words], directly marking you with the Anomalous Object they carry.

Even if you’re extremely careful and haven’t confessed your actions to anyone, clear [Acts of Slaughter] or [Acts of Coercion] would still be marked by that Anomalous Object...’*

After briefly explaining the Purification Bureau’s investigation process, Emma, her eyes filled with worry, reminded him,

*’Leon, think carefully. Since then until now, have you directly harmed that person’s body, forced him to leap into the lake with your words, or confessed the truth to anyone?’*

’No.’

After clasping Senior Emma’s hands in return, Leon, who had specifically inquired about this intelligence before acting, answered confidently,

’Everything happened in the World of Dreams. I only made a vague sound from over ten meters away and did nothing else, nor confessed to anyone.

Before you came, I merely had a brief chat with the Black Goat on my desk, but exchanges pertinent to that day happened between souls and wouldn’t be detected by anyone.

So rest assured, Senior Emma. If I weren’t confident about escaping culpability, I wouldn’t have acted recklessly.’

*’As long as you’re confident... but still, be very careful!’*

Seeing that Leon had indeed prepared accordingly, not acting impulsively on a whim, Emma was significantly reassured. She then softly instructed, full of the guilt in her eyes,

*’Moreover, if... and I mean if, investigators come and unexpectedly find something, suspecting you, then you should candidly admit it was under my orders, absolutely do not shoulder it alone!

With Olivia absent, all matters of the Virgin Branch are temporarily under my charge. Out of personal vendetta, I gave you the relevant orders, and you, trusting your senior, carried out those orders without questioning. This way, we can minimize your liability.’*

’Senior Emma, I...’

*’You mustn’t refuse!’*

Firmly grasping Leon’s hand, Emma blinked her somewhat red eyes, stating with a serious expression,

*’I’ve already wronged you enough by asking this of you. If things really go south and you’re still planning to bear it alone, then I’ll turn myself in! At that time, as co-conspirators breaking regulations, both you and I will face internal discipline!

But if you claim it was at my behest, at least one of us will survive! Leon, later, I’ll issue you a directive order in writing, and you must keep it with you at all times, understood?’*

’...’

*’Speak!’*

’Alright...’

Upon seeing Leon’s reluctant nod, a smile reappeared on Emma’s previously serious face.

Feeling the reassuring warmth from her grasp, her heart had never felt so light, and she couldn’t help but lightly reproach,

*’Leon, I suddenly remembered, was it you who taught Ellie to wish for me to spend a whole day with her on her birthday?’*

’Yes.’

Hearing this, Leon couldn’t help scratching the back of his head as he nodded, admitting openly,

*’I was worried you’d seek revenge on Leonard overnight after Ellie fell asleep, so I came up with a way to keep Ellie glued to you for a day.’*

Then you went to the Verdant Feather Estate overnight and took care of everything yourself, didn’t you?

*’Even using a child as a pawn...’*

Glancing softly at Leon, Emma bit her lower lip and said,

*’When I was leaving home, Ellie asked me to ask you what you would give her as a gift. I want to see what gift you plan to use to placate her this time!’*

’As for the gift...’

Seeing Senior Emma, who was usually gentle and composed, display a rare hint of playfulness, Leon couldn’t help but touch his nose, then smiled and replied,

*’Give her a body like a normal child, so she won’t turn transparent in the sunlight, can attend school like normal, grow up normally, and live a full life... What do you think of this gift?’*

’?!!!’

Lost in an expression of unparalleled joy, Leon gripped her hand tightly and explained his findings in detail, then apologetically explained,

*’After locating Ellie’s... position, I initially intended to bring her back directly, but I was overnight at the bureau, thus shouldn’t have appeared at the Verdant Feather Estate, nor should I have taken something from the lake.

Plus, with the death of Marquis Golden Oriole, if Little Ellie regained her body, it might also draw the investigators’ suspicion onto you. That’s why I didn’t directly...’*

*’Enough! Leon! Enough already!’*

Suddenly releasing Leon’s hand, Emma, barely able to control herself, gave him another hug, tears misting her eyes,

*’You’ve already done so much for Ellie and me! I... I really don’t know how to repay you! I... or...’*

"Bang!"

Just as Emma, overjoyed to the point of tears, was about to say something, Leon’s office door was suddenly flung open, and a voice brimming with excitement came from outside.

"Haha! Little Leon! Great news!"

Covered in yellow mud, with fatigue all over his face, the red-haired Director pushed the door open and entered, his expression unusually passionate,

"Aquarius... uh... you two?"