"Could you try to be a little more understanding and at least say a couple of 'I don't mind' kinds of pleasantries to save some face for the old man?" Doll asked, tilting its head.
"Although I'd like to do that, it concerns personal privacy and safety. I don't want to turn a blind eye."
"Ah, you young people."
Emerald sighed, "Didn't I say it before? Insisting on delving deeper into this topic will only create a rift in our cooperation. Do you really have to probe to the bottom of it and make everyone feel awkward?"
"I actually have another plan," Emerald Sparrow spoke up.
"Let's talk openly and honestly. In order to cooperate smoothly in the future, I need your official stance."
Pulling over a small chair, Emerald Sparrow sat down, "I've thought it through. For me right now, whether it's for my own sake, my companions', or the city's, it seems the only way to be somewhat at peace is to find a true partner and ally. I want to know if there's a possibility for you and me to become allies with more aligned interests."
"Allies with aligned interests..."
The doll in the swivel chair scratched its chin rather humanly, "I see, so you mean to confirm whether you and I are on the same side?"
"Not to confirm, but to discuss."
Emerald Sparrow stood firm, "If the result of the discussion is that we can cooperate more deeply, then I could turn a blind eye to this 'protection.' If the result is that we cannot conspire due to diverging paths, then our trade might also come to an end. After that, I won't be following your plan to go to the kingdom."
"Now that's being a little unreasonable."
Emerald's eyes widened, "Sending you to the kingdom is to help you heal, which is supposed to be good for you. How did it turn into a condition for bargaining with me?"
"For me, it's 'healing,' but for you, for the Research Institute, and even your entire involved interest group, is it really that simple?"
Emerald Sparrow looked at her calmly, "We both know my true identity, and we both understand why I am in this situation. The impact of me stepping into the kingdom once again should only be greater than I know. If I'm not mistaken, going there to heal is only the first stop on the itinerary. The so-called 'assessment' is just the last stop, right? What arrangements are waiting for me in between?"
"Hmm... surprisingly, I can't find an angle to refute, but I don't see the need for this issue to be discussed,"
Emerald pondered, "After all, it's a trade, but right now, I should be the only one offering a price, shouldn't I? I should have the power to negotiate."
"If that's what you're asking, then you actually have two rivals in the bidding."
Emerald Sparrow extended two fingers, "First, undoubtedly, is White Wolf. Although I don't know the reason, the claw marks have already clearly extended an olive branch to me, which is an option for me."
Doll looked incredulous, "Do you really think you can turn to Claw Marks at this crucial moment?"
"I wouldn't if I had other options."
Emerald Sparrow closed her eyes, then reopened them, her gaze lowered, "But if it's for the safety of me and my companions, when there are no other choices, I might consider White Wolf's offer."
"I don't think she has the same competitive power as an offerer as I do."
Emerald made a judgment, "I need to hear about the other rival from your mouth."
"You don't know?" Emerald Sparrow asked, puzzled.
"Why would I know? Surely it can't be Black Ash Dawn?"
"Hmm... how should I put it?"
"Don't joke, youngster. It couldn't possibly be Black Ash Dawn, right?" The doll's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No, of course not. Claw Marks is already a last resort choice for me, let alone Black Ash Dawn,"
Emerald Sparrow denied, "I'm just thinking, if we don't discuss standpoints and crimes, but merely talk about credibility and character, who is more trustworthy between the Director and Black Ash Dawn."
The question also made Emerald reflect for a while before she tentatively gave an answer, "...Black Ash Dawn?"
Emerald Sparrow seemed to have come to the same conclusion, "But for the current me, it seems not out of the question to take a gamble."
"That old witch has never made you an offer, I haven't caught even a whisper of it."
Emerald obviously wasn't satisfied with the answer, "If you think just bringing up my old adversary can serve as capital for bargaining, you're underestimating me too much, young one."
"The Director indeed hasn't discussed the issue of deep cooperation with me."
Emerald Sparrow admitted the fact stated by Emerald, "But, I can be certain that if I go to her now, I can surely get a corresponding offer from her."
"Impossible," the doll shook its head, "Absolutely impossible."
Emerald Sparrow remained unmoved, "Although her ladyship has been ambiguous and even a bit nasty so far, I trust her nose for profit. I'm very clear about my value as a political commodity."
"Referring to yourself as a 'political commodity' seems a bit too pitiful, young one."
"Am I not?" Emerald Sparrow asked lightly.
Emerald seemed to want to say something but stopped short of speaking, "Fine, I'll just tell you straight. That old witch is not going to make an offer to you."