Once the group settled inside the Long Lao Tavern and Inn, they took turns telling their tales to each other, from how the SSS stumbled upon Renne, Juna's investigation, and Renne's backstory from Estelle and Joshua to finally complete the puzzle in Lloyd's mind.

"I see..." Lloyd said after digesting all the information.

"The fact that I could've just gone to Estelle and Joshua for more information instead of working things out myself honestly amused me," Juna said with a chuckle. Indeed. It turned out that Estelle and Joshua knew about Renne being the Hayworths' child because she used a pair of puppets disguised as the two Hayworths to fool Estelle in Liberl once.

"That is still amazing in itself, Juna," Lloyd replied, trying to cheer her up.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy. It's just funny to think."

"Yeah," Estelle agreed with a laugh.

After more small talks over dinner (Long Lao Tanmen is delicious. Lloyd wouldn't mind coming here to eat every other day. Randy was more partial to the Mapo Tofu, while Tio and Elie settled for the Fierce Tiger Fried Rice), the topic of the discussion shifted to the Schwarze Auction. They swapped information about what they knew about it. Unfortunately, there had been no new development. They still didn't know how to enter the auction in the first place.

Perhaps sensing that the situation was a little down, Juna interjected nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, you guys will definitely be able to infiltrate it."

"What?"

Needless to say, it caught everyone's attention, including him.

"How are you so sure?" Elie questioned. "Actually, I'm still curious about how you knew that the ones coming were Estelle and Joshua without calling them."

Elie was talking about the time Juna held Renne from going away first. The timing was certainly suspicious.

"It can't be a deduction. ...and don't say it's a gut feeling," Tio sighed. "There are gut feelings, and there is borderline precognition. What you just said about us 'will definitely' infiltrate the Schwarze Auction sounded like one."

"You might be right, Tio. Juna also made an analysis of the tensing situation in Crossbell before... but she sounded really sure about it. Even if it's believable, there ought to be some uncertainty," Estelle agreed.

Lloyd closed his eyes after hearing everyone's case. Certainly, Juna's deduction skill was good. He tried to remember Juna's explanations about how she concluded her findings. The explanation was understandable, but Estelle was right... In some parts, Juna jumped to another conclusion and was very sure of it before looking for a basis for that conclusion. Such as the time Juna asked them to look for Harold's report in the police department. That was because Juna was very sure that Harold was Renne's father. Something like that was frowned upon by the police because it might result in a wrong conclusion.

But the thing was, none of Juna's deductions, or as she said it, gut feelings had ever led her wrong before this. It wasn't proof that it always came true, but it definitely raised some questions. Surely, Elie and the others asked her not because they were suspicious of Juna, and he hoped Juna did not feel like that. They wanted to understand the pink-haired girl deeper because they cared about her.

But, Lloyd thought.

"Juna. You don't need to answer," he opened his eyes and smiled at the pink-haired girl.

"Lloyd?"

"I'm sure you can explain. But don't take it as we're pressuring you because we're the police," Lloyd shook his head. "No. In fact, when Renne confirmed Juna's 'gut feelings' were correct, I know I want you in the SSS, Juna."

The table fell into silence.

"W-w-wha? Awawawa~ uuuuuhhh mmmmmmm..." Juna's mumbled incoherent things as her face reddened.

"Hoo, Junie in the SSS, huh? You have some bold ideas, Lloyd," Randy said with a grin. "I like the sound of it."

"The only obstacle is how to include her officially. Since SSS is part of the Police Department, Juna has to join the CPD before she can be assigned to us," Elie tapped her chin, trying to work out a solution.

Tio just let out a relieved sigh. "At last, I wouldn't be the only one adept with technology."

"Hey, hold on!" Estelle shouted and grabbed Juna into her embrace. "Since when is it decided that she'll join you guys? Juna will become a Bracer like us! Isn't that right, Joshua?"

"Now, now..."

"Isn't. That. Right. Joshua?" Estelle tightened her embrace of Juna.

"...Yes," Joshua sighed.

"There we go, Lloyd," Estelle smirked at him, laying out her challenge to his invitation.

Lloyd only chuckled.

"I suppose Juna hasn't given her answer. How about it, Juna? Do you want to join the SSS? Don't worry about your status. We'll consult Chief Sergei on how to include you if you accept."

It wasn't without reason that Lloyd wanted to invite her. He wanted to temper Juna's 'gut feeling' into something more logical that the authorities could accept as evidence. And there was also the fact that with Juna on the team, somebody would be able to supervise her. Juna's meeting with Joerg Rosenberg could turn out differently if Juna had said the wrong thing, and judging by the two Bracers' reaction when Juna told them about the meeting, he was very sure they also regretted leaving Juna without supervision.

"Juna, you'll stay with us, won't you? You'll join the Guild as Junior Bracer next year, won't you?" Estelle pleaded.

Yes. It was clear that the two were also worried for Juna. And he was sure those sentiments were shared by the other Guild members. So whether Juna would accept his offer or not, Lloyd wasn't worried.

After all...

"Thank you for the offer, everyone. I think I'd stick with being a Bracer for now. However, if you guys need my input, I'm ready to help. The SSS has helped me before, so I'd like to return the favor."

Yes. After all, Juna was that kind of person. Whether she was affiliated with the SSS or the Bracer Guild, she wouldn't hesitate to lend her help to anyone who needed it.

"Junaaaa~" Estelle rubbed her cheek on the younger girl's. "I think I'm starting to understand Anelace and Aeolia about liking cute stuff."

"Aw, man..." Randy groaned.

"A shame," Elie sighed.

"Understandable," Tio nodded.

"I see... it's okay. We accept your rejection, Juna. Though, if I may... can you explain a bit about why you think we 'will definitely' infiltrate the Schwarze Auction? No, you don't need to explain how if you want to keep it a secret. I just want to know more in case of something really happens."

Juna took a deep breath.

"I... is it alright if I skip the how?"

Lloyd nodded.

"Then... I'm very sure that you'll be able to because... ugh, it's hard to say, but... basically... Aah!" Juna groaned, scratching her hair. "It's hard to explain, damn it. I'm just very sure that you guys somehow will be able to join the auction and will find something there."

"As I said before, it's borderline precognition," Tio remarked.

Juna shook her head. "It's definitely not precognition. For one, I didn't get any image or even a complete picture of what will happen. It's just... when you guys say some fact, I kind of connect the dots to something else and can conclude things faster than anyone."

"What 'something else?'" Joshua inquired.

"I can't explain it," Juna shook her head with a frown. "But it's not like the assumptions I made after connecting the dots to that 'something else' is a hundred percent correct either. To give an example, after meeting Renne, I was very sure that eventually, Estelle and Joshua would reach her heart. That's partially why I told Renne to wait for them. But apparently, I missed the mark, and Renne is still not ready yet. So the assumption I made is wrong in the sense that 'this is not the right time.' But yes, Estelle, eventually, Renne will accept your offer. I'm still very sure of it."

"But you can't explain how or why you think Renne will accept her offer?" Lloyd interjected.

"Exactly! I know Renne will accept, but I don't know when! I thought it was today, but it wasn't. Sorry, Estelle, Joshua," Juna turned to the two bracers.

Joshua shook his head. "It's okay, Juna. We understand."

"Speaking of, Renne will probably do her best to dissuade you two from taking her in. But I'm sure that wouldn't stop you, would it?"

"Of course!" Estelle punched the air in excitement, answering Juna's question. "We would never give up on her!"

"...But you don't know how she would do it, am I correct?" Lloyd interjected again. He was honestly interested in Juna's... ability now. Hmm, ability implied it was something special. Skill, perhaps? He didn't know.

Juna went into deep thought. "I probably can infer some ideas based on information about Renne's past and recent actions. Maybe Renne would... hmm... wait... would they, really?" Juna shook her head.

The SSS looked at him. Lloyd nodded in agreement with them. This was definitely Juna's ability at work. They let Juna continue without interruption.

"...but... wiped out... no, remnants?"

Juna suddenly stood up before she looked at the people at the table and sat down again.

Exhaling a breath, Juna opened her eyes and looked at each of them in the eyes before she nodded.

"Yes. If it's you guys, I can tell you this much," Juna said, trying to convince herself.

"Tell us what?" Estelle asked.

"Did you find something from 'connecting the dots with something else?'" Lloyd asked for confirmation, which was confirmed by Juna's nod.

"Yes. Now, don't take this too seriously before you guys double-check any information, but..." Juna sighed. "I have a feeling that in the future, the D∴G Cult, or whatever remnant of the cult itself, will make themselves known."

The table went silent at Juna's seemingly impossible words. D∴G Cult? How did Juna arrive at that conclusion?

"...can you walk us through your thoughts, Juna?" Lloyd finally voiced the thought that was on everyone's mind. He was sure that he wasn't the only one interested on the steps Juna took to reach that kind of conclusion.

"Yeah, you can't just say that and expect us to believe you, Junie!" Randy followed up.

"Yes. It is a serious prediction, so we'd like to understand more," Elie also nodded.

"..."

Hmm, Tio? Lloyd took a look at his youngest teammate when he saw Juna looked at her with a contemplative expression.

"Alright," Juna sighed. "Do forgive me if it looks like I jumped to a conclusion because it's the result of me connecting the dots to the inexplicable 'something else.'"

Juna sat down again and sipped a glass of water.

"At first, I was analyzing Renne's past actions and backstories to understand what she'll do to dissuade Estelle and Joshua from taking her in. My mind immediately connected the dots to Renne's past as a victim of the Cult because her time in Ouroboros wouldn't matter to Estelle and Joshua. But the D∴G Cult has already been wiped out by the combined force of Zemuria, hasn't it?" Juna shook her head. "No. My 'something else' dictates that Renne will make Estelle feel disgusted by her by showing her what the Cult did to her, or proof of it."

Estelle opened her mouth to deny, "No way! We'll never be disgusted by her!"

"And that's a testament to your kindness, Estelle. But Renne wouldn't feel like that. Back to the topic, I am one hundred percent sure of this. But I can't explain how or why," Juna continued. "And this comes back to the question, hasn't the Cult been wiped out? How would Renne show Estelle and Joshua? Therein started my theories: The Cult -or whatever remnants of that organization- still exists, and as police officers, you'll come clashing with them sometimes in the future, SSS."

Everybody absorbed Juna's analysis, including him. Honestly, it was definitely the definition of jumping to a conclusion. But Juna had said it first, hadn't she? That she couldn't explain the 'something else' that allowed her to come to a conclusion with a hundred percent certainty. The main take from Juna's analysis was that it was still a possibility that he, as a police officer, had to take into the equation because there had been no precedent of Juna being wrong. As he said before, it wasn't proof of the analysis always coming true, but he had to consider it because it had yet to be proven wrong so far.

"I see..."

"Hey, Joshua. Don't you think Juna's... 'something else' had something to do with the Unclouded Eye of Eight Leaves?" Estelle asked Joshua, who shrugged. "I remember Dad always knew about everything when we were little. And he had the gall to use Unclouded Eye as the excuse!"

"I don't know..." He turned to Juna. "Has Arios taught you the Unclouded Eye?"

"Unclouded Eye?" Elie asked in confusion.

"It's a technique of the Eight Leaves One Blade where they used their... whatever it is, to peer at the true nature of things," Estelle explained.

"It's why the Divine Blades are said to understand the nature of everything. Our father, Cassius Bright, is a Divine Blade, and as Estelle said, he always knew many things, even the ones hidden from him," Joshua continued. "Though, this is the first time I see it used to deduct things."

Everyone looked at Juna in wonder.

Come to think of it, Lloyd remembered something. Arios was a former detective, wasn't he? He was Guy's partner. If Arios, who was a Divine Blade, had this Unclouded Eye... no wonder he and Guy made an amazing pair.

"Oh, come on, guys. Arios has only taught me the basics of Eight Leaves," Juna broke their illusion of her awesomeness. So it wasn't the Unclouded Eye? Hmm, it made sense to him. He had a feeling that Juna's... ability reminded him of Guy's method. "But I'm interested in that. Do you think Arios will teach me?"

"Probably. Then again, there are orders of things. Maybe it'll be taught to you after you master a form," Estelle shrugged.

"Anyway, Juna, how do you see this development fit into your analysis of Crossbell's situation?" Joshua spoke up, changing the subject.

"Hmmm..." Juna tapped the table, thinking. "It's hard to say, honestly. I had to think and theorize more before I could reach a conclusion. How about we go back to it tomorrow?"

"If you don't mind, would you share it with us, too?" Lloyd inquired.

"Sure, I don't mind. For now, let's just drop this discussion and enjoy the night!"

And so they continued talking about lighter things, deliberately avoiding any mention of the 'future threats' that Juna told them. An hour later, everybody was tired, and they decided to end the night. Before Lloyd could go, though, Juna wanted to speak with him privately, so he told everyone to go back home first.

"What do you want to talk about, Juna?"

"...How close are you with the other SSS member? Do you know of their history?"

"..."

Lloyd couldn't immediately answer. He didn't know why Juna suddenly asked this question or her intention.

"I see..." The non-answer was an answer itself to Juna. "You guys are not as close as you want to be, right? Give it time, Lloyd."

He smiled at the encouragement. "Thanks, Juna. Is that all?"

"Well, at first, I want to say more, but since you haven't known their history... it's not my place to tell. Just take this as advice, Lloyd. In the near future, they'll tell their stories to you. I couldn't tell you to 'accept them with all your heart' or whatever since it's your prerogative. But... I believe in you, Lloyd."

...That implied that Juna knew more about his teammates than him, wasn't it? And he was very sure that Juna had met them the first time with their first meeting in front of the Bellheim Apartment. That kind of frightening ability... in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster. He was thankful that Juna was the one who had it.

"Thank you, Juna. I'll ignore the implication that you know their history before me despite having less interaction with them."

Juna just laughed sheepishly at his answer. "I can't help it. It's not like my mind can stop connecting the dots."

Lloyd also chuckled at that. He knew the feeling, even if he didn't have that 'something else.' His mind, trained to analyze things as a detective, also acted the same as Juna's. So he understood her at that moment. With that said, it was time for him to give his parting words.

"You too, Juna. I believe in you."

"E-Eh? What?!"

"You have this amazing ability to arrive at a certain conclusion, but the first thing you do is help someone else. You even helped us by telling us about a possible future threat. You are amazing, Juna. Never doubt that."

Juna's face couldn't be redder than it was now.

With a smile, Lloyd patted the girl's head before he left.

The next day, Renne sent them a package containing an invitation to the Schwarze Auction for later that night.

"It seems that Juna was right once again," Lloyd said with a sigh.

A/N: Finally the Hayworth arc is finished! In the original JesSIca thread I think this marks a break because I didn't really think I can continue this ...only to write more chapters covering the events of Zero lol. Anyway, if you read this before going to the JesSIca thread (which is monstrous, so I understand the hesitation) JunaSI here basically used her trope reading (her special power lol) and she stumbled upon the fact that Renne's past is halfway brought up and resolved (the Ouroboros part). That left the cult part still unexplained. And she came to this conclusion because Renne's sidequest hasn't ended yet (in her mind). And then Tio just had to react. Now Juna is certain that the cult is active because apparently one of the party member also has a tied past to the cult! And IIRC Tio's past hasn't been revealed at the time, so it was the perfect timing. And Juna being Juna of course she didn't want to overstep her boundary, and being vague enough to Lloyd for him to misunderstsand Juna's warning (you'll see later.) Everything in this warning is unsaid because I decided to write this story mainly not from Juna's perspective. Sorry for the confusion. But at least you're as confused as Lloyd are in the fic, aren't you? Tehee~