In the Spina di Rosula stronghold within Fontaine's Fleuve Cendre, a young girl with strikingly long golden hair pushed open the door and walked out.
Her slightly reddened eyes and fragile appearance were accentuated by the lavish dress she wore.
The two people waiting outside, their faces filled with concern, saw the sadness on the girl's face and hurried over to comfort her.
"Miss Navia, the dead cannot return. Please try to pull yourself together."
"If Monsieur Callas were still with us, he wouldn't want Miss Navia to remain trapped in pain because of his death."
Both men wore black uniforms and black bowler hats. One was quite elderly with graying hair, but still carried himself with vigor. The other appeared slightly younger.
"But I refuse to believe my father would kill his friend! I swear I'll find the true culprit who framed him!"
The sorrow in Navia's eyes was overwhelmed by intense hatred, her expression hardening into determination.
"You're right. I shouldn't dwell on my father's death. Even if it's just to find the real killer sooner, I must pull myself together."
As Navia gradually exuded the same aura as the former Spina di Rosula boss, the two men felt as if they were standing before Monsieur Callas himself. Tears welled up in their eyes.
"That's right, Miss Navia! Pull yourself together. You still have us, and all the members of the Spina di Rosula."
"We'll support you just as we did Monsieur Callas!"
Hearing their words, Navia nodded with overwhelming emotion.
"Thank you, Melus, Silver."
After expressing her gratitude, Navia's heart gradually found peace.
In truth, the matter of her father Calles had occurred some time ago, but she had been unable to emerge from her grief and face reality.
Now, however, Navia had come to a resolution. Regardless of whether her father had been falsely accused or truly the murderer of his friends, she would uncover the truth.
As for the members of the Spina di Rosula, she would do everything in her power to care for all those who supported them.
The people living in the Fleuve Cendre already endured tremendous hardships. Without sticking together for warmth, their future held little hope of light.
"Melus, has anything been troubling the operations of the Spina di Rosula recently?"
At Navia's question, Melus immediately responded.
"Miss Navia, the organization's operations remain stable overall."
"However, it appears a certain faction has taken an interest in the Fleuve Cendre for unknown reasons. As the rumors spread, people's emotions have become increasingly unstable."
Before Navia could ask further, Melus proceeded to explain the recent events in Fontaine.
When Navia finished listening, a surge of anger erupted in her chest.
"Excellent! So you vipers all slithered out after my father's death, did you?!"
"You think the Spina di Rosula eats only grass? Those bastards hiding in the shadows will all be dragged into the light by me, Navia!"
Though the deceased weren't actually under the Spina di Rosula's protection - not even Melus had fully investigated their backgrounds - as the current mistress of the organization, Navia refused to remain passive.
Whether they'd been protected or not, anyone who dared touch the Fleuve Cendre was declaring war on her Spina di Rosula!
"The Maison Gardiennage... hah, still as incompetent as ever. Unable to find evidence to clear my father's name, and..."
A bitter-sweet expression crossed Navia's face. Her rational mind told her not to blame others, but she couldn't help it.
"Never mind. We'll handle this ourselves."
"Let's go. We'll head to the Maison Gardiennage immediately to get details from Thierry."
"Yes, Miss Navia!"
Seeing the renewed vitality in Navia's body and the restored liveliness in her face, Melus and Silver let out a collective sigh of relief. Soon after, faint smiles appeared on their faces.
The trio quickly left the Fleuve Cendre and arrived beneath the Palais Mermonia. They then looked curiously at the endless fence surrounding the palace's base, noting that security guards seemed stationed at regular intervals along its length.
Judging by the extension of the fence from another direction, it appeared to encircle the entire area beneath the palace.
"Melus, what's going on here?" Navia asked.
Hearing Navia's question, Melus opened his mouth but found himself unable to speak. He was just as confused about the situation as she was.
Next, Navia turned her gaze toward Silver. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, he still felt his face burning up. He quickly jogged over to her.
"Miss Navia, please wait here. I'll go over there and ask for information."
Seeing Silver's quick response, Melus relaxed slightly. He then cleared his throat with a couple of coughs and began to explain.
"Miss Navia. You know well that during this period, Silver and I have been constantly by your side. With the additional responsibility of overseeing the Spina di Rosula's operations, I haven't been fully aware of Fontaine's recent movements."
"However, based on my observations, this matter likely involves Miss Furina."
"It might be some new method of making her debut."
Hearing Melus's analysis, Navia nodded in agreement. This situation indeed seemed like something Furina would orchestrate, especially considering the involvement of the Maison Gardiennage. This made it even more plausible, as ordinary individuals couldn't command the guard forces. The Spina di Rosula had previously paid a substantial price to place an informant within the Maison Gardiennage.
"As expected from you, Melus. You've deduced the exact cause so swiftly. I'm certain you must have assisted Father greatly in the past."
"Miss. You flatter me too much. I merely performed my duty as I should."
At Navia's praise, Melus's face lit up with a smile. He felt rejuvenated, as if he could serve under Navia for another twenty years!
At that moment, a commotion sounded in the distance. Melus spoke up.
"Miss, look! Silver's back."
"Silver's capabilities are impressive too. To think he's already finished his investigation so quickly. You truly are Father's left and right arms."
Navia, who had initially felt nervous and worried about suddenly taking over the vast Spina di Rosula, found her anxiety gradually easing. With Melus and Silver's help, she was confident she could manage the organization well!
However, what struck Navia as odd was why Silver had brought along so many Maison Gardiennage officers. Their numbers seemed quite substantial.
What struck her as even odder was why Silver appeared to be caught between two men. The officers seemed to be holding him in an uncomfortably tight grip...
Suddenly, Silver, his neck flushed red, shouted across the room:
"Miss! Run!"
The moment Silver's cry faded, the officers' eyes blazed with murderous intent. They surged forward in unison, quickly surrounding the bewildered Navia and Melus.
"Girl, you're still so young. Why would you think of such things?"
"Old man, if you can't afford food, our Maison Gardiennage will take care of you. If you have no family, I'll be your son. You mustn't think of such things!"
Navia and Melus: "???"