The Water Magician

The next day.

Ryo's mansion was bustling with an unprecedented number of people.

Usually, it was just Ryo and Abel, but on this day, a member of the Censorate arrived early in the morning.

It was well-known within the Imperial Palace that Duke Rondo, the master of the mansion, was a favored figure by his majesty the emperor.

Unless one is an exception like Workshop Chief Ron Shen, most people are aware of this...

However, within the Censorate, there were individuals who personally knew Ryo.

"Ah, Shou, it’s been a while."

"Duke Rondo, thank you for your cooperation in this matter."

Shou Shikuu, the head of the inquiry and number two of the Censorate, was someone Ryo had been indebted to in the past.

If it involves a significant figure like a phantom being, it might be expected.

Not only was Duke Rondo favored by his majesty the emperor, but he was also acquainted with the number two of their office.

The visitors from the Censorate entered the mansion with utmost politeness.

First, they were taken aback by the size of the mansion.

Next, they marveled at the golem managing the mansion.

Finally, they were astonished by the Coffin of Ice sitting in the garden.

"So, Duke Rondo... how should we conduct the inquiry with this phantom being?"

After staring at the Coffin of Ice for a while, Shou Shikuu asked.

"We will remove the ice from the head. For now, it’s in a state of suspended animation… while unconscious, it will regain consciousness once we remove it. I heard there’s something to cover its head during the questioning?"

"Yes. This will be used."

As Shou Shikuu said this, a subordinate standing right behind him presented a headpiece that completely covered the head, similar to a full-face helmet.

"This is the trump card."

With that, Shou Shikuu smiled broadly.

After that, as promised, Workshop Chief Ron Shen arrived, and soon, the sound of a violin echoed from the depths of the mansion.

Listening to it, Ryo nodded in an oddly dignified manner.

Even during the inquiry of the prisoner, Seven Star General Yun Chen of the Chououchi Empire, Ryo sat in a place where he could see the questioning.

Though he was reading a book on alchemy.

The head of Yun Chen had the ice removed, but from the neck down, he remained encased in ice.

Even so, to prevent any magical or sorcerous actions, he was being interrogated within a large covering of ice.

The questioning itself was conducted by specialists from the Censorate, while Shou Shikuu leisurely sipped tea by the side...

"What a relaxed atmosphere."

Seeing this, Ryo couldn't help but murmur.

Shou Shikuu, an elderly man over seventy, exuded a dignified presence as he leisurely drank tea, conveying a sense of overwhelming composure.

Just like former King Robert Pirlo of the Union and Shou Shikuu before him, the ease that comes with age is something Ryo could never attain, no matter how much he stretched himself.

And that ease instilled a sense of admiration in those who witnessed it.

"Someday, I too wish to be like that..."

"Is that even possible?"

Ryo's words of longing were cut through by the tactless swordmaster king.

"Abel, that's rude!"

Ryo shouted.

"Then let me ask you this, do you think Ryo himself could become like that?"

"Ugh..."

"Right? I feel the same way; it seems impossible for you too."

Ryo looked dejected, while Abel shrugged.

Indeed, they both understood.

It's not something you can just decide to become.

They understood, but... that's precisely why...

"I admire it."

"Yes. It’s free to admire."

Saying this, both shook their heads simultaneously.

In that manner, Abel appeared before Ryo, but even during this, the sound of the violin continued to come from the depths of the mansion.

"Ron, you're quite enthusiastic."

"Ah, those types will naturally improve if given proper guidance; if left alone, they’ll grow."

Saying this, Abel sipped the tea that had somehow been prepared.

Among the considerable number of Censorate members coming to interrogate Yun Chen, it seemed that there were also those who served tea.

Of course, Shou Shikuu, Ryo, and the arriving Abel also had tea prepared promptly.