Published: July 4, 2025
A little before the attack on Princess Shio Fen's retreat palace, Sue Koo's group arrived at Lord Kan's Mansion.
A fully armed group of over two hundred people.
However, the mansion opened its doors and welcomed them inside.
Naturally, Sue Koo suspected a trap.
“[Talisman Detection]”
As the name suggests, this is a wind attribute magic that detects talismans and spirit talismans set within a certain distance.
It was developed in the previous dynasty of Darwei and is a magic that several people, including Sue Koo, can use even in the Bosunta Kingdom.
Originally, talismans work well with concealment, so only highly skilled mages can find them even with [Talisman Detection].
However, Sue Koo is a seasoned mage.
“Only attack reflection talismans on the outer wall. There are no magic sealing types. Now, what does this mean...”
They accept over two hundred fully armed soldiers without any traps related to magic or sorcery?
“It hasn't happened lately, but... [Probe]”
This is a wind attribute magic that can detect the presence of ambushers, for example...
“Indeed, no ambushers.”
Of course.
Unlike talismans, ambushers can be sensed by their presence.
For someone like Sue Koo, who has navigated through life-and-death situations, this is obvious.
Even someone as experienced as Sue Koo cannot understand the situation at Kan's Mansion.
“In the end, I suppose it's best to enter the mansion and meet directly.”
Sue Koo was guided to meet Lord Kan along with her attendants.
By surprisingly humble servants.
“Sue Koo, thank you for coming.”
This was Lord Kan's first greeting to the group.
Extremely ordinary.
Despite being in a state of near war, it was remarkably normal.
That is why it felt abnormal.
As a mage, Sue Koo quickly sensed that Lord Kan was indeed unusual.
(What is this…? The flow of magical power from Lord Kan is strange... The magical power within his body has significantly decreased, and there is magical power flowing in from the outside? This is a flow of magical power I've never seen before...)
“I apologize for the unfortunate misunderstanding the other day.”
Lord Kan was apologizing before Sue Koo.
He was apologizing, but...
(Upon closer inspection, his expression lacks vigor. Lord Kan was known for his strong presence, both good and bad.)
As Sue Koo thought this, she bowed her head.
“No, your words are too generous.”
By bowing her head, she disconnected from Lord Kan's gaze.
With her head still bowed, she closed her eyes and softly chanted.
“[Talisman Detection]”
As soon as she passed through the gate, she performed Talisman Detection again outside the mansion.
There were no talismans related to traps outside...
(I found it! Inside the chair where Lord Kan sits... A talisman? Moreover, there is a flow of magical power from that talisman to Lord Kan. Is such a talisman possible?)
Sue Koo lifted her face.
Her expression was conscious of maintaining normalcy, but her mind was spinning rapidly.
(A flow of magical power from the talisman to a person... A sorcerer would understand, but if not, wouldn’t they fall under the dominion of the talisman...? I see, it’s controlling Lord Kan!)
Sue Koo recalled a certain sorcery.
(Puppet...)
An old, very ancient origin of sorcery.
Some say it originated from the floating continent, in ancient Babylon, the sorcery of puppets.
While known as an ancient form of sorcery, only one method for its exorcism has been discovered.
Namely, the death of the sorcerer who cast it.
(No, it isn't certain yet that it’s puppet sorcery. I need to confirm, but... To do that I would have to disrobe him...)
Sue Koo let out a deep sigh in her heart.
Puppet sorcery draws a characteristic magic circle over the target's chest, above the heart.
If confirmed, one could tell if they had been turned into a puppet...
However, checking the chest of a person of Lord Kan's stature is extremely difficult.
(I have no choice.)
Sue Koo looked directly at Lord Kan and began to speak.
“Lord Kan, I have a somewhat confidential matter. I would like to speak in private with just the two of us, so please dismiss everyone else.”