Chapter 162

【At this point, the only ones we can trust are ourselves.】

Himeko sighed and shook her head.

【In any case, let's start by gathering information and listing as many 3.0 possibilities as we can.】

【Then eliminate the contradictions one by one—the fewer facts remain, the more likely they are the truth.】

【But I always have a feeling... even after all that has happened...】

【We're still spinning in the vortex of the inheritance.】

Welt frowned slightly,

and made a suggestion.

【This time, we're going to truly play the role of a great detective...】

【But before we begin the investigation, how should we respond to the family and Sandgold?】

March 7th raised another question.

【In my view, the family has no ill will toward the Stelle Train.】

【If they didn't trust the crew's character, they wouldn't have entrusted outsiders with investigating a case that borders on scandal.】

【Moreover, this is their territory—cooperating with them should bring considerable advantages for what comes next.】

【As for Sandgold...】

【Welt, I'd like to hear your own opinion.】

Speaking of Sandgold,

Himeko looked at Welt.

【This man is no ordinary figure—he deliberately lowered his stance in negotiations with Stelle, yet his words kept circling and cornering her...】

【In every respect, he offered convincing explanations.】

【He claims not to pressure us, but his intentions are clear.】

【Yet given the current ambiguity of the situation, establishing more connections isn't a bad thing.】

【Sandgold revealed his capabilities in just a few words—if our interests align, he could become a reliable ally.】

【We must also handle our distance from the family cautiously and avoid getting too close.】

【Cooperating with the company is a viable way to maintain balance—if either side harbors ulterior motives, we'll have room to withdraw.】

Welt gave his own opinion.

【So you suggest accepting Sandgold's cooperation proposal for now?】

Himeko asked in return.

【Yes. The risks are real...】

【But we can only make further judgments once everyone's intentions become clear.】

Welt nodded in agreement.