After much explanation, the Maison Gardiennage members finally believed that Navia and the others still had attachments to the world and wouldn't commit suicide. Only then were they able to escape.
Then Thierry took over the task of comforting Navia and the others, leading them outside. With a helpless expression, he asked:
"Ah, why did you appear there at such a critical moment?"
"Because the number of victims in the serial suicide case keeps increasing, and the pressure from above is overwhelming. Every member of the Maison Gardiennage is on edge."
"But I was just asking them what they were doing," Silver whispered.
"The previous victim used a similar method to deceive the guards, so..." Thierry explained.
Silver fell silent, his face burning with shame as he recalled the earlier incident.
"That doesn't mean you need to seal off the entire area around Palais Mermonia, does it?" Navia asked, her expression mirroring the others' disbelief. No one would be pleased to be suddenly surrounded by security guards while walking down the street, accused of being suicidal, and then invited to "have tea" at the security headquarters.
"Couldn't you just station a few guards at the entrance?"
"If you'd seen a sixty- or seventy-year-old woman scaling the walls of Palais Mermonia like a mountain goat, you'd think differently."
Navia: "???"
Melus and Silver: "???"
"Are you pulling my leg, Thierry?"
Thierry sighed.
"If only it were a joke. But our Captain witnessed it with several security guards."
"Perhaps they projected a silhouette onto the wall. From a distance, it might look like someone climbing," Navia suggested, struggling to find a rational explanation for this absurdity.
"Or perhaps that person was actually a Vision owner."
"Could there have been invisible ropes used to hoist her up?"
Melus voiced his own speculation.
"Your theories hold merit, but that elderly woman was a victim of the serial suicide case."
"In essence, under the watchful eyes of the Maison Gardiennage, she climbed onto the high platform before Palais Mermonia. Then, in the very next moment, she leaped without hesitation."
Thierry shook his head with a somber expression.
"The Maison Gardiennage has already investigated. We found the grappling hooks she used to scale the wall in the lawn near where she jumped. Additionally, we discovered climbing marks left on the wall itself."
"Due to this incident, those present at the time suffered psychological trauma."
"Oh, and the person you just met is the new captain of the Maison Gardiennage. The former captain is over there."
As he finished speaking, Thierry pointed toward a group of people crouching in a corner, muttering "Aba Aba" repeatedly.
Seeing the current Captain of the Maison Gardiennage, Navia and her two companions were momentarily at a loss for words.
After a long pause, Navia spoke with some difficulty. "I still can't believe that a victim with such extraordinary abilities would commit suicide. I feel there must be some hidden method we haven't uncovered yet."
"The culprit has been using that very method to keep the Maison Gardiennage spinning in circles."
"Besides, the newspaper has been constantly pressuring us to release the latest case updates. They've even intercepted our officers multiple times for exclusive interviews. We really can't afford to disclose our current conclusions, and we can't deceive the public with false information either. The pressure is overwhelming."
"That's why I said, Miss Navia, you've come at an inopportune time."
Thierry sighed before continuing. "Miss Navia, if you have no other business, please leave quickly. The responsibility of dealing with those ravenous reporters has fallen on me, and I'm on the verge of losing my mind!"
After hearing Thierry's account, Navia gained a general understanding of the Maison Gardiennage's current predicament. She hadn't anticipated this case would be so challenging, and a spark of interest kindled within her.
"Thierry, could you provide me with the Maison Gardiennage's current investigation findings?"
"Miss Navia, what do you intend to do? You can't possibly want to involve yourself in this case, can you?!" Thierry's face betrayed his growing anxiety as he spoke.
Perhaps realizing his tone had become too agitated, Thierry first glanced around to ensure they were alone before turning back to Navia. "This case is far too bizarre, much like the young girl's disappearance case. The Maison Gardiennage has barely any leads."
"Miss Navia, please reconsider carefully. The killer remains in the shadows. If you were to join the investigation, he might target you!"
Thierry's mention of the Serial disappearance case proved ill-advised, as it immediately brought to mind Navia's deceased father. Without hesitation, she countered, "There's no need to dissuade me. This matter now involves the Spina di Rosula."
"Even if it's just for those fallen citizens, I can't possibly stand by and do nothing."
"As for my safety... Hmph, they won't get me that easily."
With a soft snort, Navia drew her sword, twirled it in a practiced motion, and declared with confidence:
"My blade isn't made of paper!"
Once again, Navia found herself invited into the Maison Gardiennage for tea - this time for brandishing her weapon at the entrance.
After receiving a thorough lecture, Navia was finally released. She glanced at Thierry, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Besides my sword, I have Melus and Silver too. In any case, I'll leave this matter in your capable hands, Thierry. Consider it a debt owed by the Spina di Rosula."
Thierry waved his hands in protest. "Please don't say that, Miss Navia. Your assistance with the investigation will be invaluable and greatly relieve the Maison Gardiennage's workload. If anything, we should be the ones owing you a favor."
"Very well, since you've made up your mind, Miss Navia. Thank you for your cooperation."
"I'll retrieve all relevant case information for you immediately. As for the formal registration with the Maison Gardiennage, you can leave that to me."
"Thank you, Thierry. I appreciate your help."