The Water Magician

Ryo decided to stay for another night before leaving the Republic, once again booking a room at Doge Pietro's.

The next day.

Delicious dinner, comfortable sleep, tasty breakfast.

It was, of course, perfect.

After breakfast, Ryo did some light stretching before heading to the reception.

This time, he would check out and leave the Republic to return to the Holy Capital.

"Indeed, it was a wonderful inn. Thank you for accommodating me even though I extended my stay on short notice. If I ever come back to the Republic, I will stay here again."

"Thank you very much. We look forward to your next visit."

He could say it countless times. It was perfect.

After that, Ryo headed to the Intelligence Agency.

Before leaving the Republic, he wanted to ask about the "Concealment" that he had previously promised to hear about if there were any updates.

However...

"I apologize, Your Grace."

The director, Bonifacio, personally apologized.

It was a blunder involving Cesare's escape and the suicide of four other individuals.

As a result, there had been almost no analysis of the promised data regarding "Concealment."

"However, we did find out that the bracelets worn by all of them are alchemy tools and seem to be related to that 'Concealment'..."

"Oh?"

It was a bracelet made of silver or something similar.

Now that he mentioned it, all five of them seemed to have been wearing them on their left wrists...

"That being said, we failed to gather the promised information on 'Concealment,' but as a substitute, I wonder if you would allow me to give you one of these bracelets."

"I see..."

Director Bonifacio proposed this while sweating profusely, and Ryo nodded solemnly.

"Is that officially permitted by the Republic government?"

"Of course. The approval from the official residence of the head of state has already been granted yesterday..."

"Understood. Then let’s proceed with that."

It goes without saying that Ryo felt a joyful leap in his heart.

If he tinkered with it, he might learn something!

Frankly speaking, he was happier about this than just receiving a report.

Ryo then stopped by the official residence of the head of state to say goodbye before departing the capital by carriage.

It could be said that it was quite a fulfilling stay.

Especially in terms of alchemy, Ryo was able to gain a lot of experience...

At the same time.

Neil Anderson's residence.

"To come directly... how rare."

"Yes. This time, I have something I would like to ask of you."

Neil inquired as the visitor responded.

The visitor was a man sitting on Chiro Pepe's sofa.

"Oh. Cardinal Sakarias himself wishes to speak... I'm almost afraid to ask."

"Please, no need for jokes."

Cardinal Sakarias laughed cheerfully at Neil's words.

His face was smiling, and his eyes were laughing as well.

But Neil knew.

Deep inside, he was not smiling at all.

At this level, one could even make their eyes appear to smile properly.

If one didn’t, they wouldn’t survive in an organization where they had climbed near the top... having experienced challenges so severe that "intense" would be an understatement.

"So?"

"Yes. I hear that Lord Anderson is leaving the Republic. I don’t know where he is heading, but before that, I would like to ask you to please stop by the Holy Capital."

"Refus—"

"No! It is not myself, but Your Holiness who wishes for this."

Before Neil could outright refuse, Cardinal Sakarias interjected with a decisive statement.

"Oh... The Pope wishes..."

That was indeed surprising even for Neil.

And, for a certain reason, he was interested in that invitation.

That reason was...

He harbored suspicions that the new Pope might not be human.

(A Pope like that inviting me? That is certainly intriguing.)

It was indeed intriguing, but... there was even more concern.

"What if I were to refuse?"

"Of course, that would be unfortunate."

"That can’t be all, can it?"

"If Lord Anderson were to refuse, there would be nothing we could do. But..."

Cardinal Sakarias still smiled.

"The maid here and her family may not know what will happen in a few dozen days."

"Well, I figured as much."