"At that time, the Forbidden Orchestra consisted of four people."

"They were Conductor Warlord, Saxophonist Teana, Violinist Michael, and... you already know, Pianist Theresa."

"For honor, for dreams, for challenging themselves, for self-improvement."

"Thirty years ago, these four girls, who were about the same age as you are now, came to this city."

"They formed an orchestra together in the Bremen Music Hall—this city's largest music hall—and had their first performance together."

"At that time, Acadia's acceptance of certain foreign instruments was not as high."

"So they considered themselves as outcasts for using foreign instruments and thus named the orchestra the Forbidden Orchestra."

"After performing together multiple times, they gradually developed understanding and mutual appreciation, becoming close friends."

"You already know what happened next..."

Maria sat on the side, as if feeling a bit lonely, touching the cross on her chest.

A faint makeup seemed to be applied on Maria's pure cheeks, as she absentmindedly looked at Turing's delicate hands. Her lips moved as if she was talking to herself, as if she was reminiscing about some kind of sad yet nostalgic memories.

"They went on tour together, holding music exhibitions all around the country. It's said that they even went abroad for a while."

"But that's not a big deal."

"But if they were just traveling around, it wouldn't be a big deal."

"But these young girls all had extraordinary magical abilities and skills. Coupled with their spirited personalities, they often got involved in various incidents due to their kind hearts while traveling."

"They used their wit and strength to handle all of these situations."

"They left behind countless legendary tales."

"The final stop of these legends was our laboratory."

"They thought it was an adventure... they thought causing a ruckus in the lab would be enough to punish the wicked and promote goodness."

"They were wrong, terribly wrong."

"What happened in the laboratory was completely different from the small-scale mischief they had encountered before."

"They...they..."

Maria took out a box of cigars from her pocket, slowly took one out and placed it at her lips, intending to smoke and calm her excited emotions stirred up by the memories.

But after cutting off the end of the cigar with a cigar cutter, Maria realized that she couldn't light a match for a moment. Her trembling mechanical arm couldn't perform such delicate movements.

Turing, who was listening intently, noticed that Maria couldn't light the cigar, so she affectionately moved closer and used her magic to light the cigar for Maria.

Maria, upon seeing this, had a trace of surprise in her eyes and comfortingly touched Turing's small head.

Turing responded with a sweet smile, appearing to enjoy the moment.

"They were never any saviors..."

"Just a group of children."

After taking a deep puff of smoke, Maria's voice was filled with a melancholy and silver-gray disheartenment.

"They stumbled into the research lab, only to be deceived and misled by Lucifer disguised as Oedipus."

"All the angels were released by them."

"Lucifer relied on them, and together they triumphed over every obstacle."

"They also destroyed many facilities related to the demon uprising."

"All of this is Lucifer's fault."

"All of this suffering was brought about by Lucifer."

"In the end, you also know the story."

"The Forbidden Orchestra disbanded, those who inherited the family business carried on, and those who established a new family did so."

"Leiyue Gong was once the most promising competitor in the Fireworks Festival, and she ultimately participated in the flower offering ceremony without any suspense, securing her family's advancement."

"As for Theresa, she was deceived by Lucifer all the way and eventually became a housekeeper."

"By the time she realized it, she had already fallen into a dangerous position and couldn't escape."

"As Turing listened, something felt off. How did they shift from talking about the Forbidden Orchestra to discussing his mother?"

Furrowing his brows, Turing asked, "Are you trying to manipulate me again?"

"Is this visit just to tell me how terrible my mother truly is?"

To Turing's surprise, Maria nodded.

In her eyes, filled with deep memories, there was nothing but hatred, unwillingness, and remorse towards Oedipus.

Turing had seen that kind of look before.

Diana, Raphael, Elizabeth, they had all shown it.

People burdened with immense self-blame and a feeling of powerlessness towards their fate often displayed such complex expressions.

"That's right."

"But you know that what I'm saying is the truth."

"Let's have an honest conversation, Turing."

Taking another deep drag of her cigarette, Maria slowly exhaled the smoke, as fragrant and rich as fresh egg drop soup.

"I won't force you, we can make a deal."

"I'll help you regain your magic and reclaim your identity as a woman."

"As for your past as a man, I can also keep it a secret—only Dunkirk and I know about it now."

"But you have to help me fight."

"When the day comes for me to officially engage in a conflict with your mother, you will stand by my side."

"For now, though, you can continue being your Altria Miss."