Published: July 4, 2025
Since the piano arrived at the mansion, Duke Rondo's daily life has been elegant.
After having breakfast, he plays the piano.
After playing for a while, he enjoys magic and alchemy.
After having lunch, he plays the piano again.
He continues to play the piano.
He plays the piano.
He plays the piano.
He plays the piano...
"You're always just playing the piano, aren't you?"
A swordsman who spends his time flying through the skies mutters something.
"The piano is different from the violin; it's hard to make up for the time I haven't played!"
A mage, who only plays the piano, argues back.
Such is his everyday life.
However, sometimes unexpected things happen.
For example, he may be summoned from the imperial palace.
Of course, the one summoning him is Emperor Tsuin.
Other people wouldn't dare to...
For instance, someone might come from the imperial palace.
Most often, it is Workshop Chief Ron Shen.
There are also various envoys from Emperor Tsuin bringing messages...
For instance, sometimes someone comes from outside the palace.
Most of the time, it is the sixth prince, Lyun, from the neighboring territory.
Or it might be his wife, Princess Shio Fen, along with her maid, Mifa.
Yet, this morning, an unexpected guest arrived...
"Here we are."
"Um, Shou-sama, is it really alright to come without any prior notice?"
Inspector Li Wu nervously asks if it is acceptable to arrive unannounced, responding to Shou Shikuu’s words.
"I've already arrived."
"Y-yes, that's true, but..."
"You were the one who insisted that we must hurry to find them, weren't you?"
"Indeed, that is correct..."
Inspector Li Wu still hasn’t gathered his resolve.
This is because the stories he heard on the way regarding Duke Rondo were far from ordinary.
It is said that he defeated one hundred thousand enemies in a single blow during the war in his homeland.
It is said that he offered the magic stone of a kraken at Prince Lyun's banquet.
It is said that he captured a phantom being in ice.
And so on.
"They said at the Censorate that he is a terrifying person."
"Indeed, you mentioned that..."
Inspector Li Wu begins to tremble under Shou Shikuu's incredulous gaze.
However, the third person who exited the carriage with them noticed something.
"I can hear the sound of some unfamiliar instrument coming from inside the mansion."
This was Lord Protector Kavui Somaru.
He had come as a diplomatic envoy to Prince Lyun's banquet, intending to leave the imperial capital soon after viewing the navy exercises of the Darwei.
Yet, for some reason, he was still in the imperial capital.
(While it is true that my staying abroad for a longer duration would benefit Her Majesty the Queen's authority... No, perhaps meeting Lord Ryo and Lord Abel here could provide some interesting stories to delight Her Majesty.)
Kavui Somaru was originally an admiral.
Having traversed battlefields, he was used to situations not going as planned.
He was a man capable of adapting quickly.
The gate to Duke Rondo's mansion was open.
Thus, the three intended to pass through the gate.
However...
"There seems to be something there..."
Inspector Li Wu murmured.
"Yes, it's an ice golem. I saw it during my last visit, and there are several of them inside as well."
Shou Shikuu replied.
While it sounded natural, at least he didn't attempt to touch the golems.
During the last visit, they were cleaning the garden and mansion, but the golems in front of them were staring at the three... or so it seemed.
They had heads, but no eyes...
The hesitation of the three lasted only a brief moment.
However...
"Excuse me. Welcome to my home... Oh? Shou?"
A robed mage appeared unexpectedly.
"Wait, Inspector Li Wu too? And Lord Protector Kavui Somaru? It has been a while since I've seen both of you."
It was Duke Rondo, Ryo.
The three were shown into the mansion.
Ryo brewed and served tea.
Abel brought out what looked like small rice cakes or a small daifuku on a larger plate from the back.
"This is a sweet that Princess Shio Fen from next door brought yesterday. It pairs very well with tea, so please enjoy."