* * *

House Seaserpent.

Originally, it had been one of the minor noble houses the Blue Dragon Clan created as public cover identities back when they were known as the Demonic Cult. But however false its identity, behind it stood the Seven Dragons Society, which encompassed every criminal organization.

Perhaps thanks to the Blue Dragon Clan's just and merciful disposition, House Seaserpent distinguished itself in every crisis, gradually rising through the peerage. Generation after generation, it enjoyed the people's love, the trust of other nobles, and even royal support—all while luckily escaping discovery as Limon exposed and destroyed the other cover identities.

After several hundred years, House Seaserpent had come to be known as the nobility's nobility, becoming the true power in the British Empire, surpassing even the royal family. Its authority was so immense that when the Blue Dragon Clan came out into the open and revealed that it owned House Seaserpent, the revelation was accepted with little opposition.

That was how deep its traditions ran, and how lofty its reputation was in the British Empire.

And at this very moment, Yu Na-gyeong was witnessing that venerable house's traditions with her own eyes.

["Woooow, this mansion really is incredible."]

'You've been treating the Leviathan Hotel like your own home. What's got you so impressed now?'

["That's different. Leviathan is amazing too, but you don't feel its history just by looking at it like you do here, do you?"]

'All right. I'll pass that along to my bride-to-be later.'

["Ack! You're going to tattle? That's low!"]

Limon chuckled. Though he had teased Yu Na-gyeong, he did share her impression.

The pure-white building towered at the center of grounds encompassing the entire hill of Hampstead Heath, with a sweeping view of London below. More castle than mansion, it was history made solid.

It wasn't merely the old-fashioned architecture. The corridors were filled with works of art, and sculptures by master artists lay hidden throughout the maze of flowers covering the garden. Even the floors, worn smooth by countless footsteps, and traces of repairs that looked centuries old spoke of the past.

Within this castle, even a loose pebble seemed to exude the weight of ages.

'Brings back memories.'

A nostalgic expression unwittingly crossed Limon's face. Though its shape was very different, that air of ancient tradition reminded him of the place where he had spent more than half his life.

"Lee? Is something wrong?"

"Oh, I was just thinking this castle has quite a history."

"Of course it does. It was first built during the Hundred Years' War."

Julia, who was showing him around, smiled at his remark. Then, as if showing off her experience studying in London, she launched into anecdotes about the Seaserpent counts' castle.

"Actually, they say this castle could never have been built without the sacrifice of Richard I, the Sword King."

"... Really?"

"Yes. If Richard I hadn't risked his life to stop Joan of Arc's March of Madness, London would have suffered a massacre too."

"True, it would have."

After beheading Charles VII and launching a revolution, Joan of Arc, the Sword Flower, had made herself supreme commander of the French army. She had invaded with all the French forces, burning English villages and cities indiscriminately and slaughtering everyone, regardless of age or sex.

If Richard I hadn't stood alone in her path to buy time for reinforcements, fighting until all one hundred swords he had prepared were broken and delaying the March of Madness for ten whole days, not just London but England itself would have ceased to exist then.

Having said this almost jokingly, Julia casually added another remark.

"That's why London's citizens were so delighted when this castle was built."

"Because they believed it would be their last bastion if London was ever in danger again?"

"Exactly. This castle has never actually served as a fortress, but House Seaserpent has lived up to those expectations in its place."

Indeed, House Seaserpent had played no small part in the British Empire's prosperity. Behind the scenes, it had mobilized the Seven Dragons Society to help England, which had already lost its Sword Master, survive the fierce Age of Heroes. Publicly, it had developed the shipping industry and led England to dominion over the seas.

Viewed that way, House Seaserpent's rise to become the British Empire's true power was only natural. Of course, to Limon, it was all merely a scheme to expand the Seven Dragons Society's influence.

"Well, House Seaserpent certainly has done a lot."

But Limon kept those thoughts to himself. He was here as Lee the musician, not Limon Aspelder, the Sword Lord. That was also why Julia was in such high spirits.

"Well? Doesn't getting to stay somewhere like this alone make you glad you accepted the work for House Seaserpent?"

"I honestly do feel that way."

["Glad doesn't begin to cover it. We've hit the jackpot."]

As Limon nodded, Yu Na-gyeong murmured from his shoulder about their incredible luck. Just when they had been wondering how to uncover the Blue Dragon Clan's inside information, Julia had handed them an easy way to infiltrate the house.

Of course, there was no telling how far he could get as a mere musician. Still, it was certainly a vast improvement over watching the estate from afar.

"Here we are. These are your quarters, Lee."

"Oh, not bad at all."

"You should thank me. I pulled some strings to get you the nicest guest room in the east wing."

"Right. Thanks."

"... Is it just me, or did that thank-you sound utterly soulless?"

She had gone to the trouble of preparing a room as well appointed as any respectable hotel's, yet Limon merely nodded, studying the window—just the right size for a person to climb through—and the room's relatively isolated location.

Her disappointment soon passed. With a sigh, Julia continued showing him around, taking him from his quarters to the dining room and several other places as she spoke.

"The performance is in ten days. Normally, that would barely leave enough time to rehearse, but..."

"That's plenty of time."

"Yes, I suppose it is."

Julia smiled wryly. From anyone else, she would have considered that arrogant. But she knew better than anyone how monstrously talented this impertinent young man was, and couldn't dismiss it as mere conceit.

"We'll start rehearsals tomorrow, so rest and recover from your journey until then. You're free to enter most areas except the main building."

"Good to hear."

"But I'd advise you to keep away from the west wing if possible."

"Why? Is it off-limits?"

"Not exactly. It's just..."

"Hold on."

"Yes?"

Limon raised a hand toward Julia, who had trailed off as though faced with an awkward question. Then he listened to the voices coming from beyond the walls of flowers forming the intricate maze in the garden she was showing him—voices faint even to his senses.

"Countess Rose, do you intend to keep behaving like this?"

"... What do you mean?"

"Don't play innocent. You know what matter I'm asking about."

"If you mean that matter, I recall that our discussion has already concluded."

"Ho ho ho. Since when does refusing to answer qualify as concluding a discussion?"

Alongside an old man's hearty laughter came a strangely familiar woman's voice. Clear and pure as rolling jade, yet crisp and precise, it cut through his laughter as sharply as a blade.

"Public safety in London is our house's jurisdiction to begin with. Your interference constitutes an overreach."

"An overreach? Isn't what I'm trying to do perfectly natural for a citizen of London?"

"If you feel so strongly about it, obtain royal permission first, and then speak to me again."

"Be reasonable. The royal family has long been your house's puppet. They would never grant me such permission without your approval."

"Lord Karl, refrain from such disrespectful remarks."

"Hmm... Very well. If you insist, I'll call on His Highness the Crown Prince and obtain permission. We can speak again then."

"Yes. Safe travels."

The old man clicked his tongue at the woman's increasingly stiff tone.

A moment later, the sound-blocking barrier surrounding them melted away. Just as one of the woman's presences seemed to wink out, an old man sauntered out of the maze of flower walls.

"Hmm? Well now, if it isn't Miss Julia!"

Apparently quite taken aback to encounter him here, Julia looked startled, but greeted him with impeccable courtesy.

"Hello, Lord Karl."

"I'm very well indeed. I've been exercising diligently lately, so I feel healthier than ever."

"I'm very glad to hear it."

"No need to be quite so relieved. How often could a high-level player like me possibly fall ill?"

The old man with white hair and a white beard shrugged. Then, as though something had suddenly occurred to him, Karl adopted an apologetic expression and added,

"Ah, of course. You're not a player, so perhaps you wouldn't know."

"Not at all. I understand perfectly well the importance of looking after one's health."

"And yet you look rather pale. Aren't you overdoing things, running all over London looking for someone to perform?"

"You needn't worry about that. I've finally found a musician."

Julia gave a wry smile and turned her head slightly. Indicating Limon beside her, she continued.

"Allow me to introduce Lee. You might know him as the violinist who performed with The Singing Whiteness."

"Oh, of course. Who with eyes and ears could fail to know the prodigy who made his debut accompanying that noble princess's song?"

"Lee, this is Lord Karl. An introduction... isn't really necessary, is it?"

"Now, that's rather cruel, Miss Julia. Surely you could at least introduce me to someone I'm meeting for the first time."

Karl laughed affably. Then, with a smile creasing his wrinkled face, he extended a hand to Limon.

"In any case, it's a pleasure to meet you. I never expected to encounter such a talented musician here."

"... I'm the one who's surprised."

"Hmm? By what?"

"I never imagined I'd see someone as famous as you here."

"Ha ha ha! You shouldn't flatter an old man so."

He burst into hearty laughter, as though he had heard a particularly amusing joke. Then he abruptly asked,

"But how long do you intend to leave my hand hanging here?"

"Pardon me. I'm not used to this way of greeting people."

Only after that gentle prod did Limon stop ignoring the outstretched, wrinkled hand and take it in a handshake.

Seemingly satisfied only after shaking Limon's hand several times, Karl gave them both a light wink, looking pleased.

"Well then, I'll look forward to your performance in ten days. Do give us some wonderful music."

After offering that casual encouragement, Karl sauntered away and disappeared into the far side of the maze. Limon watched him go, and only after a long while did he speak.

"Just to make sure—was that fellow the reason you said I should stay away from the west wing?"

"... Surely you're not referring to Lord Karl that way?"

"Never mind that. Just answer the question."

"Honestly, Lee, you really are... Anyway, yes. Lord Karl is staying in the west wing at the moment."

"Why?"

"I don't know either. Presumably he has something to discuss with the countess."

"Something to discuss..."

Limon frowned at Julia's answer. Yu Na-gyeong, who had remained silent on his shoulder since seeing Karl, also murmured in utter bewilderment.

["What on earth could that eminent old gentleman have to discuss that he'd stay with House Seaserpent when his own home is right nearby?"]

'Who knows? But one thing is clear now.'

["What's that?"]

'Coming here was an excellent decision.'

Murmuring inwardly, Limon gazed toward the west wing where Karl had disappeared.

The oldest player, and the genius who had elevated magic-type skills from their former status as garbage to their present standing. London's most powerful figure after Rose, the Blue Dragon Princess, and a man better known as the Master of the Magus Guild than by his real name.

Karl Amadeus, the Monarch of Magic.

Recalling the sensation one of the ten great Monarchs had left in his hand, Limon wore a cold smile.

'Because now I can investigate the two prime suspects at once.'