"In that case, you guys won't get any rest during this time," Palmer thought carefully for a moment, then relished in their misfortune.

Church asked, "What's up?"

"I'm planning to take Bologue back to the Wind Source Highlands after his promotion ceremony," Palmer recalled something and continued, "Remember Vasilina, whom I often mention to you? She's always been interested in my partners and wants to meet you all."

Church nodded lightly; he remembered the name Vasilina as Palmer's fiancée who existed only through phone calls.

As was everyone's reaction upon learning about Palmer having a fiancée, Church echoed the classic remark.

"If you didn't keep reminding me, I would really find it hard to believe that a person like you could have a fiancée."

"You could just say your opinion directly."

"Nothing, um... I wish you happiness."

The two conversed coldly, while on the other side, Hart laughed so hard he leaned back.

Palmer said, "Vasilina has always been quite interested in the people around me; she constantly says on the phone that she wants to meet my friends."

"Does she still remember me?"

"Of course, you were my first partner, after all," Palmer said, glancing at Bologue. Church was sandwiched between them, while Hart sat on the other side of Palmer, at the far edge, "and then there's my second partner."

Palmer added, "Well... if there aren't any accidents, Bologue should be my last partner."

"Indeed, given that Bologue is the Undead — if your bad luck could also kill the Undead, then I'd truly admire you," Church joked.

"Killing me, huh? Honestly, I'm kind of looking forward to that; it should be quite thrilling," Bologue responded.

Even though he said so, Bologue knew it was impossible. Even if it were possible, it would definitely be related to the Devil who stole his soul.

"Let's not talk about this anymore; it's the day off, talking about work ruins the mood."

Palmer put his arm around Church and asked with concern, "How are things with Afeiya?"

"You know, Palmer, the thing I regret the most is telling you Afeiya's story,"

Church's face showed indifference, and his eyes were filled with rejection.

"I'm just concerned about my former partner's romantic life. I'm pretty much locked down by Vasilina for life, so I don't see any new romances coming — that's why I'm focused on you,"

Palmer shamelessly said, "I'm seriously looking forward to being your best man!"

Church imagined the scene: in a beautifully celebratory atmosphere, Palmer standing next to him with a smile, but after walking only a couple of steps, Palmer tripping on flat ground and eating dirt, pulling open his shirt in the process...

Church stopped fantasizing, shook his head strongly, "I'm certainly not inviting you."

If he did invite Palmer, who knows what the wedding might turn into.

"Why not? We're partners who have fought through life and death together!" Palmer shook Church's shoulders vigorously.

Church remained indifferent, "I think you should have a clear self-awareness about this."

Bologue watched their interaction, gaining a new understanding of how much Palmer could be both lovable and detestable.

"Sigh..."

Palmer sighed sadly, propping his head with his hand and looking sideways at Church, studying his plain and average-looking face.

Bologue also paid attention to Church's appearance, noticing subtle changes from when they'd met earlier that morning. As he recalled, Church had reverted to the look he had when Bologue first met him.

The ordinary, unnoticeable appearance.

"Honestly, after knowing you for so long, I don't really care about your face anymore. But what about Afeiya? If you really like her, you can't just keep using that face to meet her, right?" Palmer started talking about things Bologue didn't understand.

"Is it possible that I use my real face when meeting Afeiya?" Church chuckled.

"Your real face?"

Palmer mimicked Church's smile, and then his smile froze, his voice rising, "Are you sure?"

"We've known each other for so long, fought through life and death so many times, and I've never seen your real face. But Afeiya gets to see it?"

His lie being exposed didn't embarrass Church as he swirled his glass, "I say, I'm facing you with my real face right now, would you believe it?"

Palmer scrutinized the face he'd seen countless times, only to see that Church's expression was plain and ordinary.

Palmer expressed his disappointment, "If this is the real face of a No-face person, then you look incredibly average."

Church said, "Well, there's nothing to be done; even the most powerful Condenser was just an ordinary person to start with."

Church then asked, "What do you think my appearance should be? Fierce, intimidating, or sinister and eerie?"

Palmer pondered for a while, unable to figure it out — over the years, Church had constantly changed his appearance. To make it convenient for Palmer to recognize him, Church often used this face of average appearance when dealing with Palmer.

"Maybe after looking at it for a long time, it doesn't seem so surprising anymore."

As he spoke, Palmer forcefully poked Church's face with a wine bottle, complaining, "But one thing's for sure, this face of yours is definitely fake, right? Being the No-face person, you bastard are best at deception. Do you think I'd believe you?"

"But as you said, we were partners back then — shouldn't there be some level of trust?"

"I can trust you in other contexts, but I absolutely don't believe this!"

Palmer started yelling, "I should never have shown you the picture of Vasilina. You actually turned into Vasilina to fool me!"

Recalling this, Palmer got angry — on a mundane afternoon, someone appeared in Opus whom he thought was impossible to be there. If not for Church quickly removing the disguise, Palmer almost kissed him.

Church's expression carried some embarrassment — this is one of his few black histories.

Bologue's expression also became a bit awkward. He didn't want to eavesdrop on the duo's past entanglements, but the words still flowed into his ears. Bologue tried to control his laughter, but Aimou had already burst out laughing.

Aimou asked, "Do you guys always have this much fun?"

"During the downtime from work, we don't mind relaxing. One can't be tense all the time," Church smiled.

Through their conversation, Bologue began to slightly change his perception of Church — he didn't seem as stern as when they first met. The cold indifference at first glance might stem from the inherent caution of an intelligence officer.

The festive celebration ended as usual, with idle chatter and watching Serey dance endlessly. Near midnight, Serey dressed up and walked out wobbly.

Although Bologue and the others hadn't left yet, Bode had already grabbed a mop to clean up the bar. Even having witnessed it many times, Church and Hart still looked at Bode with some reverence — after all, having a hulking skeleton chatting and laughing with you is somewhat daunting.

Hart was quite fond of Wei'Er, perhaps due to the fluffy connection. They discussed fur maintenance and grooming throughout the night, and Hart even agreed to bring Wei'Er the bathing products he used next time.

Bologue could never have imagined Hart and Wei'Er having such a heated discussion on this topic.

Then came the break-up; standing at the bar's entrance, Bologue was a healthy person who never indulged in excessive drinking. After a few glasses, he was consistently drinking orange juice; Aimou disliked the taste of alcohol, so she clung to orange juice just like Bologue. Hart and Church had jobs the next day, so they both kept themselves in check, leaving Palmer alone, freely drunk.

They wandered down the street, Hart wrapped himself tightly to avoid drawing others' attention. Glancing at Hart's outfit, Bologue felt suffocated, feeling sorry for Hart.

"We'll be heading back now."

Bologue waved, laboriously stuffing Palmer into the passenger seat.

Hart, Church, Aimou were all staying in the employee dormitory; Church preferred the free housing and utilities, while Aimou went off to the Alchemy Workshop and ended up having to stay next to Belli.

After simple goodbyes, the car drove onto the street, and Bologue grasped the steering wheel, taking in a vibrant, kaleidoscopic night view, dazzling beyond compare.

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