Published: July 4, 2025
The office of the daimyo has become quiet after the two departed.
"That was very interesting," said Daimyo Sue Koo, taking a sip of her tea.
In front of her sat Captain Solon, also sipping tea.
"Those two were in front of the 'Forest of No Confusion', weren't they?"
"Yes. They seem to have been there from at least yesterday evening to this morning."
"From the Autonomous City of Kubevasa to Johnjohn. Their ship sank, so they traveled by land... and they were in front of the 'Forest of No Confusion'. If we think about it plainly, they must have come through the 'Forest of No Confusion'..."
"That would be the case. However, that is impossible..."
"Yes, it is impossible. Because one cannot enter the depths of the 'Forest of No Confusion'."
Daimyo Sue Koo murmured.
It is well-known that the dense jungle where Ryo and Abel passed through, where the Dragon King's city was located, is quite deep and vast. Yet, no one knows its true size or what lies within, because once one goes deeper, they end up back where they started, without realizing it.
This has been the case for ages.
The forest is named 'Forest of No Confusion' because one cannot go deeper, and even if they wished to get lost, they cannot.
However, there is a possibility that those two have passed through that forest.
How on earth did they manage that?
The answer is likely unknown.
Perhaps those two themselves do not know the exact truth.
Daimyo Sue Koo shook her head slightly and shifted her thoughts to another topic.
"What are the chances that those two are spies from around the Duchy of Atinjo...?"
"Very low," Captain Solon replied clearly to Daimyo Sue Koo's question.
"If they were spies, they would likely do a better job."
"That's true," Captain Solon said with a wry smile, and Daimyo Sue Koo nodded in agreement.
The introduction letter from Duke Helb was decisive.
For a spy to present a letter showing deep ties with Duke Helb would be too unnatural.
"However, that swordsman... Abel, you said? He is a terrifying user of the sword."
Captain Solon returned to a serious expression as he spoke.
"To hear you say that, once known as the 'Sword of the Nation'... is quite surprising."
"Do not tease me. That was in the past."
"Is there a possibility that they are not spies but rather assassins?"
"No... even as assassins, they would attract too much attention."
Captain Solon shook his head and continued speaking.
"However, it seems that Sue-sama was paying close attention to the man in the robe."
"Indeed, you noticed well."
Daimyo Sue Koo said, frowning slightly as she nodded.
"And that man in the robe, Lord Ryo... he is an abomination."
"Eh?"
Captain Solon was taken aback by Daimyo Sue Koo's words.
"What do you mean?"
"He is a mage. Not a sorcerer, but a mage. Both of them were wrapped in some magic, that much is certain. However... I did not feel any magical power emanating from him at all."
"...You can sense magical power emanating from people. And every person, to varying degrees, emits magical power from their body."
"Yes. However, from Lord Ryo, there was absolutely nothing."
"Is that even possible?"
"Of course, it is impossible. That’s why I said it. He is an abomination."
Daimyo Sue Koo echoed what Robert Pirlo once said to Captain of the Guard Grown, and what Manyamia's chairman Bandersh whispered.
Top elites recognize top elites.
That saying might refer not only to skill but also to the caliber of a person.
"It was fortunate that the first unit, led by Captain Solon himself from the patrol squad, was able to assist. Just like the bodyguards at this inn, they will be able to stay close to those two. They are not someone you can take your eyes off of, whether they are enemies or allies."
"Sue-sama... what do you think should be done about those two?"
"Honestly, I don't know. It feels like it would be best to let them leave the city without anything happening... but I don't think it will turn out that way."
"Is that a hunch?"
"Yes, it's a hunch."
Captain Solon frowned as he asked, and Daimyo Sue Koo shrugged in response.