Dum dum dum… Temporary peace has come to the underground maze.
Fwah! For a moment, the fiends did not attack. The tired mages could finally catch their breath.
Huh? Was it because Ezekiel defeated the goddess?
Bzzz… Nope, that wasn’t it.
They didn’t even clash in the first place.
Ah, yes. I see you wish for me to play dead. Sure, I can do that all day long!
As Ezekiel grasped the ice spear, the goddess said that, as if she had no intention of fighting at all.
So, I’ll be playing dead for a day. Feel free to do whatever you want. After all, there’s no way out of this maze… so there’s really only one ending that involves me, right?
With that said, she seemingly sealed herself off, halting movement and pushing all fiends back. Thanks to that, Ezekiel had the time to return to the first floor and check on the mages.
What on earth is this goddess up to?
He couldn’t figure her out at all.
Well, it’s unsettling, but what can I do?
The goddess and the fiends vanished as if they had never existed, and Ezekiel was worried about the mages’ condition since he couldn’t leave the first floor for too long.
After returning to the first floor with Seina, Ezekiel checked on the mages at the Imperial Tower. Naturally, the first one was Agnes.
Ah, Inspector…
Agnes immediately recognized Ezekiel. She looked quite awkward, unsure of what to say.
I’m sorry for being a burden.
I was the one who was a burden, having been out cold for a week. You showed great courage. It couldn’t have been an easy decision.
Ezekiel praised Agnes without holding back.
This caused Agnes to make a subtle face. She seemed happy but not quite able to express it fully.
Silence…
…
After a long pause, Ezekiel broke the silence first.
Agnes, regarding that incident…
I’m fine.
Agnes shot back immediately.
I’m really okay, and it’s my mistake that caused the situation. I’ll work harder from now on. I’m rather worried if the Inspector had any inconvenience from this.
I’m fine.
Yes. In that case, I’ll take it as a learning experience. It wasn’t entirely off-base what the 1st Princess said; it gave me a chance to reflect on myself.
Agnes quietly nodded her head. It seemed that she had felt a lot since then.
Wow, seems like you had a great revelation.
Um, yes. It’s about my preferences, I guess…
Before long, Agnes vigorously shook her head.
Anyway, I’m sorry for being a burden. With one of my arms broken, I can’t be of much help. I’m worried about the other mages from the Imperial Tower…
Don’t worry. Seina will guard you.
Oh, the elder from the Blue Tower…?
Ezekiel calmly nodded.
When he mentioned how Seina had helped him from outside the maze, Agnes was astonished.
…It seems the elder from the Blue Tower holds you in high regard. Such kindness won’t usually be given without a reason.
True, I’m grateful for that.
That’s a relief. By the way…
Agnes fidgeted with her lips.
Isn’t talking to me just taking away your time, Inspector? I don’t want to be a nuisance. You should get to your work.
She was concerned that her conversation would take away his limited time. He felt lucky to have such good connections.
Both Seina and Agnes, really.
He felt grateful for their sincere concern and thought he would have to repay them later.
But there was still something to discuss.
Ezekiel openly talked about the goddess he encountered on the second floor and the current situation. He had no reason to hide anything from his personal secretary.
Agnes’ expression turned serious.
So it seems she’s got an attitude of ‘do everything you can, since there’s no way to escape.’ I wonder what on earth that goddess is…
But it’s not entirely hopeless. I heard that the purple magic tower has almost repaired the teleportation magic circle.
Oh, then that’s a relief.
Agnes sighed in relief.
I’ll gather with the mages on the first floor while you help me with the magic circle on the second floor. We’ll be able to get out soon. Hope is returning!
How do you know if I can fix it or not?
Because you always manage to do amazing things so easily. I’m sure you’ll do the same this time.
There was a strong faith in her gaze directed at Ezekiel.
Trying to handle past events calmly and working hard for missions…
Agnes’ admiration made her reach out unconsciously. Her cold palm touched his white nape.
Eek?
Feeling the cold against her nape, Agnes trembled. She stared at Ezekiel with wide eyes, as if questioning what he was doing suddenly.
Stay sharp and keep your energy up. Everything you’ve struggled with this time, I’ll lavishly reward you later.
Reward…?
It seemed she misunderstood it in a different way, making Agnes’ head spin. Ezekiel let out a deep sigh.
Well, considering how intense that last incident was, I can’t blame her for that.
But then—
Inspector of the Imperial Tower, do you have a moment?
Someone was calling for Ezekiel. It was the elders from the purple magic tower.
The elder of the magic tower wishes to talk.
Hmm…
Ezekiel lightly nodded.
In a gathering of about eight elders from the purple magic tower, Ezekiel found himself in a conversation.
Bam bam bam! Rapid-fire questions came flying in.
How did you manage to navigate such a complicated underground maze…? Did you already know the structure here?
Perhaps due to the goddess’ attitude, the atmosphere was filled with skepticism rather than simple curiosity. They were clearly suspecting him of colluding with the Demon Realm.
To Ezekiel, this was preposterous.
The high mage of the magic tower, Laila, informed me.
They called Laila in to confirm the fact.
Even if you received a map, did you really navigate through all the traps just by looking at it…?
One of the elders muttered incredulously.
Well, Laila’s map only marked the terrain; it didn’t indicate trap locations. Ezekiel had entirely relied on his skills to get through the obstacles.
I heard the Inspector also made quite an impact at the exchange meeting… What exactly is your secret? If you have any knowledge about this maze, please share!
Well, Ezekiel was just here for the first time today.
Just as he was contemplating how to respond, a voice cut through.
Enough small talk!
A figure positioned at the center stepped forward.
With a purple robe, a pointed purple hat, and a white beard that reached his belly, it was elder Gendiz.
What brings you to the realm of the magic tower? I ask you to understand why there are so many questions.
I just set out to save the mages, that’s all.
…Just for that?
Gendiz muttered, seeming quite incredulous. There was a sizable amount of murmuring among the other elders.
The Imperial Tower is saving other towers?
Those in a position to supervise and oppress?
I heard their attitudes changed since this exchange. Is that rumor not false…?
Amidst the endless stream of chatter, Gendiz stepped closer to Ezekiel. Interest had grown.
Inspector, as the elder, I’d like to ask you some important questions. Can I hope for an honest answer?
I’m always honest, you have my word.
Gendiz nodded.
First, I noticed that the goddess treats you with extreme friendliness. Isn’t contempt for humans generally standard for those living in the Demon Realm?
Could you be more clear with your question?
Have you perhaps colluded with the Demon Realm?
Finally, an outright question had emerged.
Ezekiel was taken aback by the absurdity of it.
That’s ridiculous! The elder must have seen with your own eyes that I was trying to kill that goddess!
But their attitude is quite suspicious. We’ve fought countless battles against the fiends, yet this is the first time we’ve seen such behavior.
Drop the suspicion. Is your questioning done?
Just one more. The fiends are calling you the Ice Ghost; are you really the Ice Ghost?
I’ve been treated that way, it seems.
Ezekiel answered vaguely on purpose.
It was a way to not outright lie, while also avoiding clear disclosure. Subsequently, Elder Gendiz seemed to think deeply.
That can’t be, I’ve heard from the Blue Tower that this Ice Ghost is a revered figure… but you seem very young. However, it does make a certain amount of sense.
Gendiz slowly unraveled his thoughts.
Your chill is quite impressive. It’s probably driving the fiends mad, mistaking you for the Ice Ghost… Really a headache, yet an essential force for us. Would you be willing to cooperate with the magic tower?
Sure. I originally came here with that intention in mind.
Thank you immensely! The Imperial Magic Tower has changed quite a bit!
At last, Gendiz smiled brightly.
It seemed he had finally eased his doubts and secured a pledge of cooperation. The other purple tower elders had similar expressions.
He’s quite different from the inspectors I’ve encountered before.
Is that a compliment?
Absolutely, it is! Had it been the previous Imperial Tower, they would’ve taken joy in the demise of other towers!
Ezekiel wasn’t particularly interested in chit-chat.
Instead, the thought of rewards for the wounded mages sprang to mind, and he handed a scroll to Gendiz.
Your elder promised me this reward. If possible, could you share an emergency rescue spell for the mages of the Imperial Tower if I contribute significantly?
Hmm…
Gendiz’s expression momentarily grew complicated.
For just a brief moment, he seemed serious.
However, it only lasted a heartbeat. Soon enough, Gendiz beamed at Ezekiel.
Hahaha! Of course! We are on the brink of destruction, if things go smoothly, what can’t we provide? Everything will be granted!
I heard the teleportation portal is under repair. While you handle it, I’ll thoroughly guard you.
That’s an excellent deal! However, there’s one last very important question for you, Inspector!
Okay.
Then let me ask, Inspector, can you…
Gendiz dragged out the ending.
…abandon the other mages of the Imperial Tower?
Silence.
It took some time for the question to register.
Soon enough, Ezekiel narrowed his eyes in disbelief.
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