A faint smile immediately appeared on Mr. Yuto's face when he heard Miss Furina say that.
Although there was still external reliance involved, it was already quite good to be able to take this step.
Thinking of this, Mr. Yuto slightly adjusted the expression on his face to prevent any strange diplomatic incidents, and then continued:
"If you absolutely must know the state of your colleague... I do have a plan."
Hearing this, Arlecchino's gaze fell on Mr. Yuto, her strange black and red eyes quietly watching him, waiting for his next words.
"However, before I reveal this plan, I'd like to hear The Northland Bank's attitude towards the 'suggestions' I proposed in Steambird Newspaper."
Mr. Yuto said with a gentle smile.
Arlecchino's eyes narrowed slightly, watching Mr. Yuto's polite and confident smile, and she sighed silently.
She knew this would be the outcome.
This Assistant Administrator was just as the rumors described: regardless of whether the conversational rhythm was in his hands, he would choose the method to seize control of the discourse based on the situation.
If he was at a disadvantage, he would use very clever, leading statements to grasp the rhythm in his hands.
If he was at an advantage, he would, like just now, seize the rhythm in his hands in a very unreasonable manner.
This feeling was similar to: "You asked that question? Oh, then you answer my question first, and then I'll consider how to answer you."
Although this method might sound a bit underhanded at first, it was a common tactic in diplomacy.
Since both sides wanted to tear off a piece of benefit from each other, it was natural to compare whose wrist was harder.
With this in mind, Arlecchino opened her eyes and said softly:
"Within the next half month, The Northland Bank's Fontaine branch will be equipped with nine 'Marks' belonging to different Harbingers."
"Whichever Harbinger is in charge of the branch, all the Marks will belong to him during his period of responsibility, for accountability."
"In addition, The Northland Bank will also strengthen its supervision over the use of loans, ensuring that every mora is used for the purpose stated on the application form."
Here, Arlecchino paused slightly, and then continued:
"These are The Northland Bank's replies. Now... I'd like to hear what Mr. Yuto's plan is."
Looking at the expressionless Arlecchino, Mr. Yuto shrugged slightly and said quite casually:
"It's actually very simple: find someone who has some connection to the Vanguard and whom Palais Mermonia can trust to help you see what's going on."
Mr. Yuto's words made Arlecchino instantly realize something, her slender index finger rhythmically tapping on the table filled with various desserts, seemingly in thought.
"You mean... the Traveler?"
"Precisely. She has some connection to Tartaglia, so she naturally wouldn't lie about this matter, and she just resolved a major case for Fontaine, so she is naturally someone Palais Mermonia can trust."
"This way, the doubts of both our sides will naturally be dispelled, and there will be no 'problems'."
As Mr. Yuto spoke these words, a faint smile still hung on his face, as if everything was within his grasp.
—If he couldn't achieve a complete victory in such a favorable situation... then his four hundred years of schooling would have been in vain.
Hearing Mr. Yuto's explanation, Arlecchino nodded slightly, then slowly said:
"Since the issues I wished to resolve at the 'Tea Party' have been appropriately handled, I shall take my leave first."
"Goodbye, Mr. Yuto, Miss Furina."
Arlecchino said as she slowly rose, walking quickly towards the reception hall door without the slightest hesitation.
Mr. Yuto also didn't say any polite farewells like "take care" as he used to, but instead elegantly picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip of black tea.
Since Arlecchino so desired to define this diplomatic meeting as a tea party... then Mr. Yuto naturally wouldn't disrespect her.
Seemingly sensing that Arlecchino had completely left, Furina let out a slight sigh of relief, saying with some weariness:
"Finally gone..."
"Didn't you do quite well today? Last time The Knave came, you were evasive, but this time you were able to refute her normally with reason and evidence. Isn't that good?"
Mr. Yuto said with a smile, looking at Furina, who looked as if she had just survived a disaster.
Hearing this, Furina slightly raised her head, her beautiful eyes glancing at Mr. Yuto, and an involuntary smile appeared on her face.
To be honest, if it weren't for what Mr. Yuto had said to her before entering the reception hall...
She might still have been stammering and unable to make sense due to fear of Arlecchino.
Thinking of this, Furina slightly raised her head, placing her gaze on the table in front of her, which was laden with various desserts, seemingly intending to have her afternoon tea there.
However, before she could reach out, Mr. Yuto, who was sitting nearby drinking black tea, spoke:
"Furina, the quality of these items is not good enough for you to enjoy. If you plan to enjoy afternoon tea... please wait for me a moment."
Mr. Yuto said as he got up and walked towards the kitchen, and soon he placed a new pot of black tea and his carefully made special small cakes in front of Furina.
"Only the best desserts and black tea are worthy of gracing a God's table, honorably becoming a God's afternoon tea."
Mr. Yuto then placed the desserts from the table onto a nearby trolley, preparing to hand them over to Sedna, asking her to distribute these pastries to the Shadowy Court members who were on duty.
These items were also fresh enough; if anything, it had been less than three hours since they were baked, which was considered very fresh for desserts in an outside bakery.
"Consider it their employee benefit~"
Mr. Yuto thought to himself.
Looking at the familiar cakes and the black tea emanating a rich aroma, Furina felt a moment of trance.
It wasn't until Mr. Yuto temporarily left the reception hall, pushing the trolley full of desserts, that she finally came back to her senses, saying in a voice so small only she could hear:
"Only the best Assistant Administrator... is worthy of becoming a 'permanent guest' at the God's table, enjoying afternoon tea with her..."
"But if I no longer have this identity... will he still treat me the same way?"
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