Chapter 589: Interrogation Ends

[Dehya said: "…I'm still clear-headed, so I can't do what they do—point the spear at someone who hasn't done anything wrong."]

Dehya was absolutely right—don't point the spear at someone who hasn't done anything wrong. The fault doesn't lie with the desert or the rainforest; the fault lies with the Akademiya!

It could only be said that Dehya truly was the intellectual type; her words were clear-headed, and she grasped the main contradiction beautifully, pinning it directly on the Akademiya.

Everyone really disliked the Akademiya; after reading the later parts of the story, no one expected that the disgust toward the Grand Sage could still rise further.

Although there was no way to deal with the Akademiya yet, there was a way to deal with these radicals.

The three 'Three Magi' in the story were in for it—because after bringing them back to Aaru Village, the one interrogating them would be Candace.

It could even be said that they hit the jackpot this time—not only would Candace interrogate them, but Cyno would be assisting right beside her.

It could only be said that Sumeru's most professional people were all here; if they could invite Yelan, Lisa, and Wriothesley too, it would be perfect.

OK, then let's kindly ask for some intelligence.

Candace's voice during the interrogation was extremely gentle and friendly—that voice and those words made people feel comfortable and relaxed just hearing them; it was practically a succubus voice.

It was just a shame that the ones being interrogated weren't in the mood to enjoy it; the pig-like screams of agony inside drowned out Candace's gentle voice.

The Traveler and Dehya waited outside; Dehya had complete trust in Candace's interrogation skills—she knew this friend very well.

Dehya liked Candace a lot, so she unabashedly praised her lavishly, but while praising Candace, she subconsciously 'belittled' herself a bit.

[Dehya: "I think only someone with strong convictions can be as focused and dutiful as she is."]

["Unlike us mercenaries—our days are pretty muddled."]

Dunyarzad frowned—you can praise her all you want, but why belittle yourself again!

What do you mean 'unlike us mercenaries'—what's wrong with mercenaries? Hmm… though I don't really like other mercenaries, I know you're really, really good!

Fortunately, Paimon was also the leader of the praise squad; faced with Dehya's self-deprecation, she immediately hyped her up.

[Paimon: "I actually think you're great too."]

Paimon's emotional intelligence wasn't high, but she was a good person, so most of what she said was pleasant to hear.

Everyone approved of her praising Dehya—well done; she should be rewarded with a lollipop. Someone really needed to properly praise Dehya.

She was clearly such a good person, yet she always liked saying she wasn't, portraying herself as someone who only cared about profit—what if this led to a distorted self-perception?

The few of them were chatting very amicably here, while Cyno was actually standing right nearby.

He had just interrogated the prisoners together with Candace; this matter might not be very friendly to the prisoners, but the exchange of insights between the two of them was still very friendly.

Last night, Candace and Cyno had conducted an experience-sharing session on the prisoners—academic exchange, with a harmonious academic atmosphere.

After Cyno and Candace's great memory restoration technique and 'Sumeru chiropractic,' the three became much more honest; they remembered everything.

Now things were good—everyone had become very friendly, and communication had become much more straightforward.

Since everyone was so friendly, it was time to go inside and ask for some intelligence.

But the moment they entered the room, Paimon was startled by someone unfriendly—this person was Candace:

["Candace, we… waah, you look so angry!"]

[Candace, in a gentle tone: "Hm? I couldn't hide it?"]

In the illustration, Candace was touching her face, seemingly trying to cover up her 'lapse.'

As the saying goes, this little one Paimon was always spot-on when reading people; Candace tried her best to conceal it, but she still couldn't fool Paimon's eyes.

[Dehya: "You know, murderous intent is the kind of thing that leaks from the corners of your mouth even if you cover your eyes."]

The readers nodded in agreement—though what leaks from the corners of the mouth isn't just murderous intent; there's also drool.

Readers didn't know how many times they'd drooled looking at the prophecy book illustrations—Ayaka's dance, Nilou's dance, the Geo Archon—all vividly memorable.

Though everyone's drool points were a bit different; for Liyue folks, it was still the divine-attired Geo Archon during that Sea Lantern Festival that made them drool more.

Back then, there were clearly three beauties present, but Liyue people couldn't help committing a sin against the Geo Archon—it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he outshone all the beauties.

Sumeru people drooled too, but not because of Nahida—it was the refreshing satisfaction from having their thirst for future knowledge fulfilled.

It wasn't that they didn't like Nahida; in their eyes, Nahida was extremely cute—so lovable it was unbearable.

But the problem was exactly there—little Dendro God was too cute; cute to the point that drooling over her felt a bit criminal—that would truly be committing a sin.

Liyue people committing a sin against the Geo Archon was fine—human nature.

But if Sumeru people committed a sin against Nahida, then… open the door, Corps of Thirty.

Got off track—let's talk about Delavar and the others who had just committed a sin and gotten punished.

[Engur trembling in fear: "Please don't hit us anymore… we'll die…"]

Comment from the abyss: This line looks familiar.

So 'people will die if they're beaten'—this is the wisdom of scholars.

Candace's level was still high; in just one night, these three became this obedient—the Traveler couldn't help but praise:

["A master produces outstanding disciples!"]

This line was also very high in emotional intelligence—one sentence praising two people.

It said Cyno was a renowned master and Candace was an outstanding disciple—emotional intelligence! Paimon wouldn't be able to say something like that.

Candace found the Traveler's praise acceptable, but her focus was still on Engur and the others; seeing them like this, Candace couldn't help but sneer.

["You fear death yourselves, yet you can put others in danger. How ridiculous."]

Yes, it was too ridiculous—these people kept saying how terrible the Akademiya was, but in the end?

In the end, they were using the mad scholars as tools just the same, never caring about others' wishes or feelings—what difference was there from the Akademiya?

If they really managed to overthrow the Akademiya, Sumeru wouldn't become better—it would just be a change of exploiters.

So it had to be said that Sumeru was lucky to have Nahida and Alhaitham—both were beings with little selfish desire.

No—saying they had no selfish desire wasn't accurate; more precisely, they did have selfish desires.

It's just that Nahida's selfish desire was great love, and Alhaitham's was to freely research whatever interested him.

Their selfish desires wouldn't infringe on others' interests, so they appeared as if they had none.

That's why there wouldn't be new academic tyrants during Alhaitham and Nahida's rule.

Sumeru people all had to ask: Alhaitham, without a Grand Sage, how do we deal with Snezhnaya?

Alhaitham strides into the Akademiya, refines it in an instant—simple; I'll just become the Grand Sage.