Even though the scanning gun still couldn’t be repaired, Chen Xuan wasn’t too worried about returning.

Since this world is related to the Dimensional Limit Mechanism, there must be an entry point or an overlapping Erosion Zone; it just takes more time.

"Continue shopping?" Liu Shuyue blinked.

"Of course, it’s still early." Chen Xuan laughed.

The cylindrical robot finally squeezed out from the crowd, "You ran too fast... Did something happen just now?"

Seeing Amy, the two froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

They had completely put the guide robot’s matter out of their minds.

"Nothing, just felt like running suddenly." Chen Xuan patted its top cover.

"Please don’t do that again. Speeding up will cause rapid battery depletion; once it nears the set low value, I must return to the temporary residence to recharge." Amy’s display screen showed a simple expression "-.-", instantly making Chen Xuan feel its grievance.

This robot’s AI functionality is really strong.

It’s almost like a real person.

"Got it, I’ll call you next time before running."

Chen Xuan suddenly thought about taking it back to Jiang City. If the Mechanism can sneak technology from here, taking a robot should be no problem.

"Better not run." Amy said solemnly.

"Chen Xuan, look over there." Liu Shuyue pointed to the other end of the street. There, many people gathered, with various flags in the crowd, seeming quite lively, "Let’s go take a look."

Chen Xuan had no objection.

Upon arriving at the crowd, the two realized the atmosphere felt a bit off. Though the words on the flags were unintelligible, the anger on people’s faces was evident.

They weren’t holding a celebration here but organizing a protest. Some placards even had Elorie’s photo, but it was crossed out with a blood-red cross.

"New Paris doesn’t need new angels!"

A young man shouted at the front of the group, "Continuing to escape will make us become worms too! We have weapons, technology, and the strength to return to the surface; why does the Angel Alliance keep digging deeper? I’ve looked at all of the newly planned six tunnels; none head upwards! They promised to lead us to reclaim our homeland, but the truth is, they don’t dare fight the enemy!"

"A bunch of cowards!"

"They’re liars! We’ve all been deceived!"

The crowd responded angrily.

"Now, to the Louvre Palace! Let those high-up folks hear our demands; we don’t just want to live, but also sunshine and freedom!"

"Well said!" "Sunshine and freedom!" A group began marching toward the Louvre Palace, chanting slogans.

"What are these people doing?" Liu Shuyue asked puzzledly, "Do they think hiding underground isn’t a good choice?"

"Probably... after fifty or sixty years, they feel they have the strength to challenge the enemy."

"Can’t they challenge themselves? Why publicize their stance in public settings?" she asked, puzzled, "The city was built by the Angel Alliance’s successors, not just to be handed over. Moreover, I sensed these people’s Spiritual Qi is quite weak, not much stronger than ordinary people; they should be in a protected position within the city. Actively leaving safe zones to challenge mortal dangers is indeed unwise."

Unwise indeed.

There’s always such groups in any era, especially for the French; they should be used to this scene.

"New Paris City’s food is still a bit too plentiful." Chen Xuan shrugged, "Anyway, these people can’t stir up much trouble, let them be."

The protest march didn’t affect their mood for strolling; Liu Shuyue found it curious, while Chen Xuan treated the activity as one of the local features.

They found a high-class French restaurant for lunch, Chen Xuan initially wanted to see Liu Shuyue fumble with chopsticks, but unexpectedly she used them more smoothly than he did, with a faint white light emerging from the knife’s edge, evidently attached with her newly cultivated Spirit Sword Technique.

Thus, any tough dish glided open easily in front of her, fully displaying her elegant posture.

"I assumed after retraining with the Thousand Thoughts Sword, you wouldn’t cultivate entry-level spells anymore." Chen Xuan poured her a glass of red wine.

"Indeed, there’s not much necessity, but lower-tier techniques cultivate quickly. I picked it up casually while teaching villagers." Liu Shuyue replied.

Now, even in short conversations, her face carried a gentle smile, unlike her previous indifferent demeanor.

Hmm... seems indifference doesn’t have much negative impact on her.

After lunch, they went to see the Mini Seine River’s scenery and rented a small boat, paddling from the city’s south to north—a tour route recommended by Amy. Initially, it tried introducing various New Paris spots but soon fell silent, squatting at the bow like an upscale trash can.

They only returned to their temporary residence by taxi around 5 p.m.

Chen Xuan saw a familiar face at the residence’s gate.

"Hey, did you have fun today?" Raphael smiled, greeting them, "Even in a foreign land, if accompanied by beauty, the foreign land remains pleasant... I’m pitiful though, waiting for you here for so long alone."

Chen Xuan chuckled, naturally doubting his words—Amy followed them all along, ensuring their location. With New Paris’ tech level, locating a robot should be easy. "Want to come in for a bit?"

"No need, I’ll deliver a message and leave." Raphael waved.

What’s so important that he had to deliver personally?

"Oh? Tell me."

"Elorie wishes to meet you. The meeting’s scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow; are you interested?"

About the relationship between angels and the Angel Alliance, Chen Xuan had learned much from the guide robot, plus today’s extensive government publicity on the new Fusion Festival emphasized Elorie’s significance to New Paris City. Even meeting requires appointments, with special agents conveying messages; her status surpasses Mechanical Officers significantly.

He originally thought he wouldn’t meet her till departure.

Yet, Chen Xuan found it peculiar: why would Elorie specifically want to meet himself and Liu Shuyue now?

As the Fusion Festival’s predetermined protagonist, she must be busy lately.

Could it just be the friendship built in half a day?

He vaguely sensed there might be another reason.

So, Chen Xuan quickly replied, "Of course we’ll go. Haven’t seen her for a day, I’m a bit concerned for her, wondering if she’s comfortable in the palace."

"You indeed are a warm-hearted friend." Raphael smiled, "In that case, I’ll arrange a car for you tomorrow."

...

The next morning, 9:30 a.m., the car arrived on schedule.

Amy didn’t follow them this time but stayed at the courtyard gate, swaying her top mechanical arm, watching them leave.

Twenty minutes later, Chen Xuan and Liu Shuyue reached the Louvre Palace.

Raphael was still their host, leading them through the luxurious palace with twists and turns till they finally met Elorie.

"The meeting lasts an hour; I’ll return when it’s over," Raphael said, then closed the room’s door.

Now, only the three of them were left in the room. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Didn’t expect just two days apart, and you’ve become the star of New Paris City." Chen Xuan leaned on the sofa, jokingly observing the girl.

The room was undoubtedly prepared for this meeting; the furnishings were top-notch luxury. The hospitality was impeccable: cookies, cream cakes, and drinks were neatly arranged on the table, with colorful fruit platters on the coffee table—it was clearly more than three could consume.

This pompous setup represented the Angel Alliance’s stance—Elorie already belonged to them, so even meeting friends required appropriate formality, couldn’t be handled casually.

Even the slowest person entering this room would immediately realize that no matter how familiar they were with Elorie, they’re no longer in the same circle.

Are the alliance leaders possibly worried about Elorie being snatched away?