She is not an investigator.

“Buze, I’ve already said it, I’m truly prepared for anything, whether it’s to give my life or something else. This isn’t out of spite, nor is it because I want to prove anything to you. It’s just that this is what I should do. I can’t follow you around forever, doing what you tell me to do.”

Nanko appeared much calmer at this moment. Although he did blame Buze somewhat, this blame couldn't explain anything. He still loved his brother, and their relationship would always be the most precious thing to each other.

"But why? You're still young, with a bright future ahead of you. You shouldn't have wasted everything here. You shouldn't be the one who should have given your life. You didn't do anything wrong from beginning to end, did you?"

“Someone has to come looking for all of this. It’s either you or me. I can’t bear to watch you die in front of me. Besides, if the Noval family only lost me, it might still be able to recover. But if it’s you, Buze… I can’t be everyone’s support. This is my last request… I will absolutely not back down on this matter.”

"Southern Science and Technology..."

That's so cheesy.

Igris felt goosebumps rising on her skin, and she even had a slight urge to escape.

She really wasn't suited to be a bystander at a time like this; every minute and every second felt like torture to her. But she felt that if she were to push open the door and walk out now, it would only make things more awkward, so she might as well continue to play dead here.

She didn't care about any brotherly affection or anything like that; all she wanted was to hear good news after their flirting ended, and then break free from this cycle.

If she were a mouse, she could find a crack in the wall to crawl into instead of suffering here.

Igris had even deliberately left her pocket watch aside, hoping that entering the flashback would at least ease her tense nerves and prevent her from feeling like a super-bright third wheel.

However, perhaps some unseen being who was watching over everything heard Igris's complaints and pleas. In the next instant while she was still distracted, everything around her began to shatter and dissolve as if from a fault line, eventually being kneaded into chaos.

The faint, cryptic words lingered in Igris's ears, causing her to instantly and professionally cover her ears and begin chanting the gospel to herself.

It was clear that she was very adept at dealing with this kind of situation, to the point that she understood that simply covering her ears would not stop the sounds from entering her mind, so she simply mixed some special language into these murmurs.

Igris is not religious, she doesn't believe in Jesus, God, or Buddha, but she always manages to say a few strange words like "Amen" or "Amitabha" at crucial moments to distract herself.

She could try reciting a rhyme, but she has never learned it, so she might as well chant these wonderful little spells that seem to fit the mysticism.

When Igris felt everything return to calm and everything around her brightened, no longer in that chaotic and almost nauseating state, she finally stopped chanting and looked around.

The familiar hall, the familiar seats, the familiar exhibits, and the familiar white-haired man in a suit.

Igris had really gotten used to it so much that she wasn't particularly surprised anymore.

"What do you want now? I started this story anew as you instructed, and I was going to end it all right away, bringing it to a close. Now you've called me here again. Are you not satisfied with this story and have gone back on your word?"

The man didn't answer immediately, but quietly looked at Igris for a while before slowly replying.

"I just can't stand that clichéd brotherhood drama. The plot is really boring and even makes you want to boo."

"So that's how it is."

Igris can understand now, since she feels the same way.

"Besides, you seem to think you're all prepared? Do you really believe that sacrificing one person to make a wish to the Tear of the Ocean will lead to the best outcome? Your bargaining chips can be stacked, and the price you pay can also be stacked. Why are you in such a hurry to end all of this? Are all the feelings you've experienced over these three days really making you so resistant? I thought you were enjoying it all along."

The man sat leisurely in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table from time to time, appearing unhurried and without any particular emotion.

"Enjoying it? Do you want me to become the next Lager? At least I don't want that. I still have things I want to do, and I'm tired of this cycle. I've been tired of it for a long time."

"Okay, so why do you think that such a price is enough to solve everything? Those two brothers have been arguing all along. Do they really cherish their relationship? Is using Nanko as the price a good choice? Don't forget, if the Tear of the Ocean makes another wish, the Mobius Strip will either stop spinning or fall into another cycle. But whatever happens, the facts here will not be changed. Nanko's death will be a fact, and without Nanko, Buze will be all alone. Then his price will naturally be lost... In other words, if you do this, there will be no more chances to try and make mistakes. Raymond is a greedy person because he does have the means and the price he can afford to pay... But here, you, Olivia, Nanko, Buze, what price do you think you can pay to have a chance to undo all this?"

The man smiled, crossed his hands to support his chin, and looked at Igris, who was still sitting in her seat.

"Have you thought about all of this? The wishing machine isn't a panacea. If used incorrectly, it will only make you sink deeper into the spiral."

Igris blinked and then suddenly looked up.

What did you just say?

"...Didn't you hear me?"

"I was daydreaming."

The man's expression instantly changed from gentle to cold and angry. He abruptly stood up from his seat, startling Igris, who immediately shrank back, thinking she was about to be beaten.

Fortunately, although he seemed angry, he still maintained at least some semblance of civility, only his banging on the table became a little stronger.

"Very well, now go back and make the choice you think is right."

Then, Igris' vision went blank again.

The Gods' Fool - The Castle's Invitation: Chapter Forty-Four, The End

As Igris's vision cleared, she returned to the attic, where the conversation between Nanko and Buze seemed to be coming to an end.

Igris didn't know what they were talking about, but... the two of them had already started to hug each other, looking very sad, probably because they had made up and were ready to go.

Igris wasn't curious about what they had said; it might have been heavy, or it might have been bitter, but Igris didn't care because it didn't concern her much.

She doesn't have a strong empathy to try to understand everyone; that would be too tiring and unrealistic. So she never tries to understand anyone excessively, which is probably why she doesn't have many friends to this day.

But as she said, she didn't care from the beginning, and she wasn't the protagonist of this story. She just watched the whole thing... or half of it, and witnessed the choices and decisions they made.

I suspect that Grace is more like a witness (so she can and is willing to use her own perspective to praise their efforts and hard work), but like most people, she doesn't care too much about the process.

Nanko and Buze finally put down their worries and looked at Igris, as if they had made the most important decision in the world.

Nan Ke nodded to Buze, who wanted to say something, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to say it; anything said at this point would be meaningless.

He made his decision, and Buze respected it. The brothers finally reconciled at this time, even though one of them would eventually die.

Igor should have said something, or praised Southern Science University for its willingness to make sacrifices, but she didn't, because she didn't want to.

"We... have already discussed it and agreed."

Nan Ke stepped forward, smiled at Igris, a smile tinged with a strange melancholy and a hint of bitterness, but mostly with satisfaction and the joy of being recognized.

Perhaps what Nan Ke truly wanted was this: something that seemed commonplace to countless people, but was incredibly precious to him. He had always needed this recognition, and had been struggling to survive for it.

That's why the Mirror Demon approached him, and the beauty reflected in the mirror did not sway him.

Life had lost its original meaning for him at this moment; it had become like a feather on a scale, insignificant yet of paramount importance.

He held up the key in his hand, and Buze also took out his other key, handing them both to Igris.

Perhaps tonight will be the end of everything? Igris suddenly felt a little dazed.

The two keys in her hands were light and worthless, but they still made Igris take a deep breath.

"Let's go, it's time for us to face a new life."

Igris picked up the pocket watch she had tossed aside, thought for a moment, and then gave it to Nanko.

"And... happy birthday."

Nan Ke paused for a moment, took the pocket watch that Igris handed him, and his eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

happy Birthday.

Yes, this is his birthday party.

Even if he has celebrated countless birthdays in this cycle, even if his real birthday doesn't start until tomorrow, none of that matters anymore.

Sooner or later, everyone must face their own destiny, and this is also in order to welcome the arrival of a new life sooner.

……

Olivia is feeling a little lonely.

She couldn't quite explain why this was happening. Perhaps it was only after Igris came that things became like this, since she used to travel around alone and rarely felt lonely or isolated.

It was probably because of Igris, this assistant, that Olivia finally felt that she was not alone, and felt particularly excited about it.

But birds can fly, and Olivia didn't want to clip her feathers, yet she was always worried that she would leave her.

This is a somewhat morbid possessiveness, and she is certainly aware of it herself, so she can keep smiling and pretending that nothing will happen.

However, once their pets are out of sight, owners will inevitably feel some worry.

Olivia knew this was wrong, and she vowed never to do it again.

But she still quietly followed them, keeping up with Igris and Nanko.

They followed the road leading to the future.

……

"So, you know everything now."

Standing in front of the gate, Igris looked at Olivia, who had been caught eavesdropping, and asked her with a hint of helplessness.

Olivia didn't hide anything and simply nodded.

"Have you been hiding this from me all along?"

"It's not that I'm hiding it from you... Knowing this wouldn't do you any good, but no matter what, this incident was indeed my fault. After all, we're partners, and I shouldn't have handled everything by myself."

Even though it seems that Olivia is the one who made the mistake, Igoris still takes the initiative to apologize. This will likely resolve the conflict between them naturally and make Olivia feel even more guilty.

“Indeed…you are my assistant, and I am the detective. If you really have any difficulties, you should seek my help more often.”

Olivia quickly recovered, as expected of her.

"So, what you're going to do next is..."

Igris nodded, but no one spoke; the atmosphere was heavier than ever before.

There's no doubt that Nanko is Olivia's friend; otherwise, she wouldn't have come here specifically because of that letter of authorization, or rather, invitation.

Olivia was saddened by Nan Ke's decision, but felt helpless.

I will miss you.

"...I would rather you forget me."

Nan Ke rubbed his head sheepishly and shook his head gently.

"Let's not talk about this anymore, let's go to the secret vault."

"Oh."

Igris walked at the front, heading towards Miku first.

She wasn't actually in a hurry; she just couldn't stand the oppressive atmosphere.

Everyone knew what would happen next, and a faint sadness lingered in the hearts of each of them, except for Nan Ke himself, who always wore a smile on his face.

He's about to die, doesn't he know that?

Igris didn't want to see that expression; she didn't want to see everyone sad, nor did she want to see Nanko's smile.

The one who should really laugh isn't him, but everyone else who will soon regain their freedom and escape this endless cycle.

The one who should be saddened is not everyone else, but rather the person from Southern University of Science and Technology who is about to give his life for everyone.