Mr. Pantalone has no crazy plans today.

If it weren't for the fact that they were colleagues, she probably would have pointed her finger at him and yelled, "You should be hanging on a lamppost, get out of here!"

Although he already knew from his memories that their relationship wasn't good, Pantalone didn't expect that the other party would have such a big opinion about him.

Is it that Arecino had a bad impression of him?

Or is it that Arecino simply doesn't get along with him?

"I really didn't expect you to have such a big opinion about me. It's a bit disappointing. I was looking forward to a friendly exchange between us."

Pantalone, who considers himself to have a very good temper, undoubtedly poured his most sincere feelings into these words.

I hope to convey my thoughts to the other person and let them feel my sincere feelings.

He felt he had done his best, but unsurprisingly, his words were met with another rebuff.

"Stop with your hypocritical act. I have no interest in your pleasantries. If you want to wag your tail and beg for my attention like a little dog, then I suggest you try your luck with Sandone. I'm sure her puppets will give you a good experience."

After making that sarcastic remark, Arecino turned and left without looking back.

"Then goodbye, Mr. Banker."

Pantalone, who had been relentlessly mocked, showed no anger as she watched Arecino's departing figure.

However, he gleaned a piece of information he needed from Arecino's words.

"Why don't you try going to find a 'puppet'?"

Maybe it's worth a try.

If he remembered correctly, Sandone had a lot of discarded materials left over from the last failed experiment. If he could get them from her, they should be enough to answer the clown's questions, right?

Thinking this, Pantalone felt a sense of eagerness and couldn't wait to go back and ask his men to ask Sandone if he had any extra puppets he could borrow.

"Okay, then it's decided."

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P.S.: New author, new book, please support!

Chapter 2 The Correct Way to Use Puppet

"Borrowing a puppet from me? Ninth Seat, you've really told me an interesting joke. If you're joking, I have to admit it did make me laugh."

When Pantalone found Sandone and told the girl, codenamed "Puppet," about his thoughts and requests, he unsurprisingly received this reply.

The girl's words were full of mockery, as if she had heard some ridiculous joke.

This left Pantalone somewhat puzzled. Was it really that funny?

He came with genuine sincerity, you know.

“I’m not joking. Although I’m a banker, I’ve actually had a strong interest in these kinds of large iron blocks and transmission mechanisms since I was a child. If you’re willing to let me participate in this, I would be extremely honored.”

Pantalone gave it his all, a genuine smile on his face as he looked at the petite little girl held aloft by the giant puppet.

However, after saying those words, he realized that something was amiss.

Fortunately, Sandone didn't notice the details in her words, and the petite figure supported by the giant mechanical puppet let out a soft laugh.

"If that's really what you think, then I can give you that chance. But if your explanation doesn't satisfy me, then I advise you to go back to where you came from."

Pantalone is an executive officer of the Fools, responsible for logistics and coordination, rather than a full-time combatant.

She considered herself to know a little about Pantalonia.

This ambitious man, whose mind is full of grand plans, is always good at using others to achieve his own goals. If I'm not mistaken, he came to see her this time probably to borrow her power to complete his 'grand plan'.

Although she wasn't particularly interested in Pantalone's arrival, seeing his ingratiating attitude, she didn't mind listening to what he had prepared to try and persuade her.

If the plan could pique her interest even slightly, then she might as well borrow her own strength to do so.

The girl, sitting gracefully atop the giant puppet with her hands on her lap, resembled a gentle lady. After glancing at Pantalone, Sandone gave a faint smile.

"Come with me."

Pantalone didn't mind the offensive words from the girl called "Puppet," but was simply happy that she had agreed to his request. This feeling was reflected on his face, making his smile even brighter.

But to outsiders, that smile looked more like a sinister grin, as if someone was plotting something.

However, Pantalone, as the person involved, clearly did not realize this.

As Pantalone gazed at the enormous puppet that moved according to the lady's ideas, a hint of admiration appeared in his eyes.

This creation, brimming with the aesthetics of mechanical engineering, holds an unimaginable attraction for any boy, and he was no exception.

Fortunately, Pantalone did not forget his true purpose for coming here.

After following the puppet's back, Pantalone, led by Sandone, walked through the long corridor. At the end of the corridor, what came into his view was an enormous mechanical factory.

The moment he stepped into the factory, he was greeted by a wave of heat and air currents that contrasted sharply with the ice and snow of winter. Steam and machinery mingled, civilization and barbarism collided, creating a strong visual impact.

A marvelous creation, an unparalleled masterpiece.

This is pure violent aesthetics, a simple killing machine born without considering anything else.

Standing on the suspended steel walkway, Pantalone gazed at what he saw and exclaimed in admiration.