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"The reason why I’ve analyzed your backgrounds is because according to my intelligence, the attack you suffered that night might not have been a coincidence."
Nigel told the two of them.
"Why?"
Lanci asked.
In his current impression, Nigel was not only a Kingdom Army officer with a high level of professional competence but also a quick-witted investigator.
"Based on my investigations, as a student of Ichrite Wise Academy and a friend of Miss Duchess Huberian, a Half-Demon from Hutton Kingdom, you are known to be fair and just towards the Demon Race,"
Nigel said, looking at Lanci.
Talia remained silent by his side. Although she was aware that Lanci, as Bolao had said, had a unique way of seeing others—caring about the individual rather than the group they represented—she did find Lanci’s non-labelling approach quite admirable. It was precisely because of this that she had gradually gone from being a stranger to recognizing Lanci and then wanting to be friends with him.
"If someone knew in advance that you might protect the Demon Race and cast a curse on Miss Lixancy, who was about to board the ship, wouldn’t we have a high likelihood of coming to blows under normal circumstances?"
Nigel posed such a question.
Upon hearing this, both Lanci and Talia nodded thoughtfully.
On that night, Lanci might have ended up fighting with the executioner, Nigel, in his defense of Lixancy.
Normally, even as a disciple of the Great Priest, Lanci was not known for his combat abilities.
If the powerful Seventh-order executioner, Nigel, had accidentally killed Lanci with a single strike, it would have sparked a conflict between Hutton Kingdom and Poseen Kingdom. 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝔲𝔟.𝔠𝖔𝖒
Putting aside the Cerryti Empire to the south, which could engulf the South Continent in war at any time, the Poseen Kingdom itself had to deal with the ’Curse of Great Wizard Parlony’s Grudge’ that could lead to internal division, and if they also faced distrust and pressure from their allies...
It was hard to imagine the direction the worst-case scenario might take.
"Back to Miss Lixancy, I am currently doing my best to help her gain her freedom. The Senate is also divided internally, as she now greatly resembles the first case of an asymptomatic cursed individual."
Nigel took a copy of an investigation report out of the file bag he had on hand, showing the part that could be disclosed to the two sitting on the couch opposite him.
The Senate meetings involve not only the highest powers of Poseen Kingdom, the dukes and marquises, but also the four lords of the Poseen Demon World.
In past situations,
when those cursed by the ’Curse of Great Wizard Parlony’s Grudge’ experienced extreme mental pressure, they would enter an irreversible, berserk state of deformation.
However, the imprisoned Lixancy, despite being extremely afraid after learning of her impending execution, showed no signs of going berserk.
Some members of the Senate think the rules should be followed without making exceptions to shield the cursed Demon Race, while another portion believes Lixancy is a unique benign cursed Demon who should be protected, and key investigative clues should be sought from her case.
"So, is it you, Mr. Nigel, who concealed from the Senate the fact that the two of us could heal the irreversible curse of deformation?"
After reading the document, Lanci put it down and came to such a conclusion.
The Senate currently assumes that Lixancy managed to suppress the curse through her own willpower.
There was no indication that Lanci and Talia had interfered.
Clearly, Nigel had been selective in his report, removing the part where they had been active during the airship incident and the street chaos.
"Don’t talk nonsense, I just reported what I saw."
Nigel picked up his porcelain cup, sipped at his coffee, and muttered to himself while looking out the window.
"Thank you, Mr. Nigel."
Lanci said with a hint of a smile.
That was Nigel’s way of avoiding responsibility.
If Nigel had reported that the curse was lifted due to their involvement, not only would the Senate have thoroughly investigated them, but the planner spreading the curse behind the scenes would have targeted them immediately.
Lanci and Talia owing their free time in Floral City Pariel to the executioner, Nigel, was indeed something to be thankful for.
"What we’ve just talked about isn’t the main point. The important thing is that I must warn you to always be careful while you stay in Poseen Kingdom."
After finishing his coffee, Nigel’s expression grew solemn as he spoke to Lanci and Talia.
"Why do you say that?"
Lanci inquired.
Although if there really was danger, he could just take on the noble Northern Continent identity of Rocky McCarthy, and Tata would disappear into thin air.
But for the upcoming Platinum Level Card Making exam next week, he still needed to use the identity of Lanci Welfort to visit Countess Rosalinda at the South Continent Card Maker Association’s Parlony branch.
"Do you know what impact saving Miss Lixancy and suppressing the irreversible curse on her has had?"
Nigel started by asking a question.
"The supposed to be doomed Lixancy can collaborate with your investigation and reveal some key information?"
Talia guessed hesitantly.
In her interactions with Lixancy, she could somewhat sense the malice filled within the curse, which almost could not be erased without a cost by any means other than the caster.
If it weren’t for meeting her, the Demon King, Lixancy would have certainly ended up like other people who were cursed—either killed by the executioner or driven to self-destruction in a berserk state.
The moment the curse was triggered, there would be no chance of regaining sanity.
"Yes, after regaining her senses, Miss Lixancy cooperated with our investigation and revealed many pieces of information that can be deemed crucial."
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