Book 2: Chapter 152: Persuasion

Vol 2 Chapter 152: Persuasion

"I think I understand your intentions now." Veronica took a deep breath. "Thank you for your high regard and favor, but unfortunately, there are two reasons why I cannot comply with your request."

As she spoke these words, she felt the faint vibration of the floor beneath her feet—clearly, the airship had taken off during their conversation.

Given the current atmosphere, Veronica's response was rather ill-timed. After all, both Emerald, the current authority figure, and Folding Crane Orchid and her subordinates had shown considerable enthusiasm about "nominating Veronica as the new Scepter of Sapphire." A refusal now would be equivalent to slapping them in the face.

But as Veronica herself had stated, she had compelling reasons to decline.

Fortunately, even after such a blunt rejection—which visibly disappointed several members of the Magical Affairs Court—Folding Crane Orchid's expression remained unchanged.

"Please elaborate," she simply replied, still bowing her head.

Seeing her rationality, Veronica knew further explanation was unnecessary and went straight to the point: "First, I am still officially a banished individual prohibited from entering the magic nation. This decree came from the Rose Palace, and I have already expressed my compliance. In fact, my presence here now is only possible because I essentially smuggled myself across the Boundary. Therefore, I cannot violate the nation's regulations, nor would the magic nation ever accept someone who 'should be exiled.'"

"Yes, that is indeed an issue we need to address," Folding Crane Orchid nodded in acknowledgment.

Veronica continued, "Actually, there was originally a third reason: my disapproval of that person... or rather, my disapproval of this nation's Royal Court. At least twenty years ago, I refused to work alongside them and become one of those scheming sycophants."

"I see. So what changed your mind about the third reason?" Folding Crane Orchid inquired, genuinely playing the role of a listener.

"Because over these twenty years, I've learned that turning a blind eye won't make the ugliness and decay disappear on their own."

The trembling floor reminded everyone of their increasing altitude, so Veronica shifted slightly and rested her hand on the back of a chair: "Someone must step forward to take action, and I'm willing to seize the initiative this way. Only then can I change certain things and prevent the outcomes I find most unacceptable."

Folding Crane Orchid listened silently, seemingly deep in thought. Before long, she looked up and met Veronica's gaze earnestly: "Understood. Then, if I may, allow me to summarize Your Excellency's stance."

Veronica nodded, gesturing for her to proceed.

Folding Crane Orchid began her summary: "...The two remaining issues you mentioned are both external obstacles: the first being your identity, and the second being the vengeance you carry."

"As for the originally existing third issue, you've stated it no longer exists. May I then interpret this as... once the first two problems are resolved, you would be willing, in principle, to become the Scepter of Sapphire?"

"Yes," Veronica answered bluntly.

"Then, permit me to report that regarding these two issues, both the Chief and I have already prepared contingency plans."

Folding Crane Orchid smiled. "Neither of these problems need be obstacles."

"Go on," Veronica raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Certainly. In fact, this was the main topic we wished to discuss today. Please, have a seat first."

Folding Crane Orchid guided Veronica and Emerald to the seats of honor at the dining table, then naturally positioned herself beside Veronica's chair and continued calmly: "First, regarding your second concern, I believe none of us present are particularly troubled by it."

"Perhaps you assume that as a Scepter of Gems, one must bear the weight of an institution's decisions and responsibilities—that to maintain the Magical Affairs Court's operations, we would need you constantly present handling affairs."

"But in reality, that's not the case. The Magical Affairs Court does require its own Scepter of Gems, but once appointed, the Scepter's actual location or activities become irrelevant."

"On this point, perhaps the Chief could share her personal experience."

Having passed the conversational baton, Emerald didn't put on airs. She simply cleared her throat and picked up where Folding Crane Orchid left off: "She's telling the truth."

"The truth?" Veronica turned to Emerald.

"You mean to say that once a Scepter of Gems assumes office and becomes an institution's central authority, she can essentially do as she pleases afterward?"

"Theoretically, yes."

Emerald nodded. "Though in practice, you'd still need to make important decisions, most routine matters can be handled by subordinates. In fact, for most Magical Girls, it's common to work in an institution for over a decade without ever seeing what their own Scepter looks like."

"Then why do you imprison yourself in your research lab every day like a prisoner?" Veronica asked pointedly.

"What nonsense! Imprisonment? It's because my passion lies in academics and research!"

Emerald rolled her eyes. "Use your brain, youngster. If the Five Great Courts truly required their Scepters to micromanage every detail, do you think the Finance Court could still function after all it's been through? Or that lunatic Pigeon Blood could handle the Civil Administration Bureau's endless trivialities? Impossible."

"I see. So if I become the Scepter of Sapphire, I could still leave to pursue vengeance whenever I choose."

Veronica nodded. "But what if you elect me and I end up dead? Wouldn't all your efforts be wasted?"

"Then don't go get yourself killed!"

Emerald wore an expression of exasperation, as if dealing with hopeless stupidity. "You'd be a Scepter of Gems—can't you bring more subordinates for your revenge? Can't you ask that old hag from the Investigation Court for reinforcements? Can't you have me equip your team? Must your vengeance be a solo act? Is outside help forbidden?"

"I never thought that way. As long as I can personally kill my enemy, I don't care what methods I use."

Veronica shook her head. "But this is my personal grudge. I don't think others should risk themselves for my private matters..."

"Enough, stop right there."

Emerald narrowed her eyes and raised a hand to cut her off. "Let me ask you—is this vengeance for your teammates? For Sakura?"

"Yes. Not just Sakura, but also other comrades who sacrificed themselves to uncover the truth, like Sakura's teammate Fringed Pink..." Veronica added.

"Good. Then whether it's Sakura or this Fringed Pink you mentioned, were they Magical Girls? Shouldn't they theoretically fall under your Magical Affairs Court's jurisdiction?" Emerald pressed.

"Technically, yes." Veronica began to see where this was going. "Are you suggesting that once I become the Scepter of Sapphire, this matter would become official business rather than personal vengeance?"

"It's always been official business."

Emerald snorted. "The Investigation Court even lost an Inspector Envoy early on because they investigated too aggressively—they were like rabid dogs biting everywhere in the Boundary and material world at that time. They captured and killed an Ember Servant from Black Ember Dawn. Who dares say they weren't handling it officially? They just lacked competence, ultimately concluding with the useless verdict that 'the perpetrator was already dead.'"

"This happened?" This was the first Veronica had heard about the Investigation Court's actions regarding Sakura's death. Previously, all she'd gotten from Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye were bureaucratic evasions and empty formalities.

"If you truly become the Scepter of Sapphire, that old hag probably wouldn't mind telling you more."

Emerald smirked coldly. "As you know, telling people what they want to hear is her specialty."

"I understand."

This time, Veronica was genuinely persuaded.

If becoming the Scepter of Sapphire could indeed reopen the investigation into Sakura's death, allowing her to harness the magic nation's resources to find and even take revenge on the killer, then perhaps she really needed to do this. Even if it might all just be a sweet temptation.

"Then what about my identity?"

There was no point dwelling further. Thus, she raised her final question.