The Water Magician

A soldier specialized in enforcement from the Censorate came and took Vogue and Desai away.

In particular, Desai was transported with several magical power sealing devices due to being a sorcerer, and it left a strong impression on Abel that Ryo was digging deep into questions about them with the soldiers.

"He's definitely planning to ask someone he knows at the Censorate next time."

Abel's mutter was only heard by Mifa, who was sitting next to him.

Mifa wisely said nothing in response, only offering a wry smile.

"Thank you very much, Teacher Abel, Lord Ryo, and Mifa."

After the four returned to Princess Shio Fen's room, she expressed her gratitude.

"It was only the natural thing to do."

"We only took the last delicious part."

"Such humble words..."

When the three responded, the door opened, and the chamberlain entered.

"Your Highness, Sue Koo has arrived."

"Sue Koo? Please show her in."

Princess Shio Fen tilted her head as she replied.

She had not expected any visitors today, which was why she tilted her head in confusion.

"I apologize for the sudden intrusion, Your Highness."

"Sue Koo, please, don't worry about it."

As Sue Koo entered the room, she apologized for her unexpected visit.

For someone of her and the princess's status, it was customary in the Bosunta Kingdom to schedule visits in advance.

This practice was meant to avoid unnecessary troubles and prevent confusion among their subordinates.

"First and foremost, I'm just relieved that Your Highness is safe."

"Thank you. It's thanks to Mifa and Teacher Abel and Lord Ryo. I hear you are all staying at Sue Koo's mansion."

"Yes. My mansion is currently a treasure trove of talent."

Sue Koo said this with a smile.

However, after a brief moment of laughter, her expression turned somber.

"Actually, I visited regarding the recent attack."

Upon saying this, Sue Koo recounted the circumstances surrounding Lord Kan that she had witnessed at Kan's mansion.

Princess Shio Fen, along with the other three, was astonished by the story.

"Puppet..."

"I've seen a star-shaped magic circle on the chest before, but that one granted the engraved person combat abilities that far surpassed those of a human. There are various kinds, aren't there?"

"Ryo, have you seen one before?"

"What are you saying? Abel saw it too."

When Abel asked in surprise, Ryo replied with exasperation.

This seemed to indicate a difference in how much interest each had in the potential of 'magic circles' regarding swordsmen and mages.

"Remember when the embassy was attacked, and Duke Helb had it engraved on one of his subordinates?"

"Oh, I remember now!"

Abel recalled as Ryo explained.

However, he soon noticed the astonished expressions on the other three.

"Oh, no, the attack on the embassy was an exaggeration on Ryo's part."

"Ah, yes, there were no doors left, so we just went in and had a little discussion."

Abel and Ryo attempted to calm the situation.

"...I see. Well, let's pretend we didn't hear that. Speaking of Duke Helb, he's the brother of Duke Atinjo, a powerful sorcerer from the Southern continent. By the way, did you two have a letter of introduction from Duke Helb?"

"Yes. Duke Helb is indeed a powerful sorcerer. Compared to him, the sorcerer who attacked this time wasn't that strong."

"That's because he didn't get to do anything..."

Sue Koo confirmed as Ryo nodded, while Abel's mutter went unheard.

"Regarding this sorcerer... it seems that the only way to break the puppet engraved on Lord Kan is for Desai to die... Is there no way for Desai to break it herself? If it's a sorcery she cast herself, wouldn't she be able to undo it?"

Mifa posed a reasonable question.

"The puppet is deeply engraved in the target's soul, making it impossible for the caster to undo it themselves."

Sue Koo replied, shaking her head.

"Should we have killed her instead of freezing her...?"

Ryo muttered with a grim expression.

"However, if we did that, we wouldn't be able to clarify the underlying circumstances. Even if Lord Kan managed to get close, could he pull off something like this alone? For example, even if he hired Vogue, that guy said money is everything, but would Desai have enough funds to make all this possible?"