Let the Celestial Chariot Ox step back to about ten days earlier.

After completing the contract exchange with Lys in the library of Annan's grand flat, Iger made a bold request. "You want to study us?"

Lys waved her hand and shook her head, giving the fraudster an absolute, flat-out denial. "Absolutely not."

Iger threatened, "Even if you say no, I'll keep observing you. I'm not trying to do anything excessive. Just a few questions, a short survey. Think carefully. You may be clever and cautious, but Lys is a child whose thoughts are always written on her face. Rather than me tricking her into handing over information for a handful of colorful lollipops, why not let her serve you a perfectly crafted ice cream of an answer that would satisfy a psychologist?"

Lys shook her head once more. "Lys isn't as easy to read as you think. She only acts foolish in front of fools. With the clever, she matches them. But why are you so interested in us? Didn't you say you've...