Knock, knock—0

The Intelligence Agency was combative at first, but then became peaceful.0

“Professor, please open the door,” said the Intelligence Agency agent, who approached politely and knocked, a rather respectful gesture after having completely crushed the vehicle’s chassis.0

I rolled down the window of the vehicle, and the agent beyond it scanned Yulie and me.0

“What is the matter?” I replied.0

“Are you Knight Yurie from Freyden?” the agent asked, directing his question to Yulie, leaving my own unanswered.1

Yulie looked at me without a word, as if asking how she should respond to that request. 3

“Indeed,” I replied on behalf of Yulie.0

“You have escaped from the painting prison. Welcome. We request your attendance as a witness,” the agent said, nodding as he took an official letter from his inner pocket, a document bearing the signatures of Empire ministers and various departments.0

Then the agent continued, “This is a request for cooperation from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Safety, and all other departments of the Empire. Knight Yurie, you are nothing less than a key that can solve the continent’s major matters—”0

“I refuse,” I replied, glancing at the agent.1

Then, the agent pressed his lips together and his eyebrows twitched.0

“May I ask the reason?” the agent asked, his voice betraying a heated intensity.0

“Because I will conduct my research independently.” 0

“… Independent research.”0

“Indeed, even if any mage in the Empire were to attempt it, none would have as much credibility as I do...0