The Water Magician

"To really capture them... Thank you, your grace."

In the office of the Special Agency's director, Ryo deeply bowed his head.

The one bowing was Director Bonifacio Franzoni, along with Captain Bangaan and Vice-Captain Amaria who stood beside him.

"No, no, it just happened to go well," Bonifacio replied.

This could be considered a form of Japanese humility.

"So... can you really hand over all five of them completely to the Republic?"

"Yes, of course. There's no point in me keeping them."

Ryo answered with a smile to Director Bonifacio's confirmation.

In fact, that was true.

However, there was something else he desired.

"Just, as samples, I'd like two of their brooches. Also, if you could share the 'Concealment' technique they were using when you find out about it, I'd appreciate it."

"Certainly, I've already heard from Bangaan and the others about that. Of course, that's fine."

Director Bonifacio nodded enthusiastically.

"Oh, and I'm also a bit interested in those Magic-Sealing Handcuffs, so if possible, I'd like to see those as well..."

"I see. Since only law enforcement agencies own those, I can't give them to you, but it’s fine if you just want to take a look."

Director Bonifacio was accommodating to Ryo's additional request.

Capturing those five was a significant achievement for the Republic.

After all, handing over brooches related to fusion magic wouldn’t cause any loss to the Republic.

They were items obtained from prisoners.

If he could acquire the five in exchange for such items and minimal information, it was a bargain.

"It was understood that they had attacked our Special Agency's inspectors. Eliminating that threat is greatly appreciated."

Director Bonifacio nodded multiple times.

Then, after about thirty minutes.

As promised, Ryo received the information about the Magic-Sealing Handcuffs and two brooches.

His face was truly, truly happy...

"Why two instead of one, Ryo?" the king of the royal capital asked.

"One is a souvenir for Kenneth. The other one is for myself."

"I see..."

Yes, Ryo had obtained a souvenir for his friend and master, Viscount Kenneth Hayward.

Ryo was a man of deep friendship.

"It seems you still don't know about 'Concealment'... If you're going to stay in the country for a while longer, I’ll let you know... Ah, the border has been closed, hasn't it? I apologize, but it seems you'll have to stay in the Republic for a while."

"That's right... I think staying is unavoidable, but... the delegation in the Holy Capital might be worried about me. Is there any way to address that?"

"Understood. I will convey that to the kingdom delegation through our channels."

"Thank you."

The day after Ryo confidently stated, "The confirmation is with the delegation," he managed to get that confirmation, so it was reasonable to assume there would be some route available.

For now, there would be no worries even if he returned late.

If he were to return late, surely they would be worried... right?

They must have been worried, right?

They definitely had to at least pretend to be concerned.

"I will be staying at Doge Pietro, so please let me know if you find anything out."

"Yes. Understood."

Thus, Ryo ended up extending his stay at the recently vacated lodging, Doge Pietro.

A perfect inn in every aspect.

There was no alternative option.

At Chiro Pepe's mansion.

"Could it be... all five of them captured...?"

"Yes. We received a report from someone infiltrated in the Special Agency. They are said to be imprisoned in the underground prison of the Special Agency headquarters."

Chiro Pepe answered the question from the man sitting on the sofa.

The man on the sofa was tapping his forehead with the middle finger of his left hand.

After a while, his finger stopped.

"We will help Cesare escape."

"Huh?"

Chiro Pepe could only respond with that to the man's statement.

Chiro Pepe was a viscount of this Republic.

Therefore, he knew just how severe the prison in the underground of the Special Agency headquarters was.

At the very least, he understood it was not a place where someone could escape.