The Laurent Empire is divided into nine provinces which are categorized into several districts, each numbered according to its political, economic and social importance.

Low numbers indicate close proximity to the city. High numbers, on the other hand, indicate close proximity to the countryside. For instance, the first district of Tezeba, the capital, is Aijet, where the homes of the high nobility are concentrated. Meanwhile, the second district, Rendia, is where low and middle class reside. Lastly, the twelfth district is Hizen, a slum.

Sorrent was tenth among the districts in the province of Lunazel, which was the farthest away from the capital and has not been modernized, thus, every corner of Lunazel was quiet.

However, somewhere in the province of Lunazel was also a bustling city — the first district, with the same name, Lunazel. Also, the destination of the three travelers. In order to go to the capital, Tezeba, they must switch trains in Lunazel.

“I think you’re just deluding me into staying in your messy cabin in Sorrent, Miss Noah. I know you’ve been contented for the past few days as you have been during the last two years, but I have an investigation to finish.”

Kyle Leonard trailed behind her, rambling profusely. Unfortunately, Park Noah only had a rough idea on his narrative. Aren’t the comments he made, although incoherent, implying that he doesn’t want to cause trouble for her? Even if not, Park Noah clung to her assumption. She was in control of her thoughts, anyway. 

“I understand your concern for me.” Park Noah answered, flipping through the pages of the newspaper.

“Pardon?”

“Actually, I’d like to remain in Sorrent, but I think I need to witness the events in person. To spend at least 60 to 80 years happily in the future, I have to sacrifice at least a few months of rest.”

Kyle Leonard muttered under his breath, “I didn’t know you were so passionate. Why is that passion absent when cleaning the house?”

“Don’t judge my passions, sir. I didn’t know you were such an upright man. As an investigator, I thought you’d welcome a passionate witness like me anytime.”

“It’s annoying. If you keep on trembling and collapsing, it will interfere with the investigation. The way I conduct the investigation is quite exhaustive.”

Park Noah smiled at the investigator’s retort, “How sweet of you. I know you’re worried about me even if you say that.”

“…Where on earth did that come from?”

“You really don’t have to worry. I’m still the master of the dragon.” Park Noah has prepared herself for any troublesome circumstances that may occur while in the capital. Her goal was to meet the heroine, Lenia Valtalere, to complete the imprint, without revealing her true identity.

“Are you going to help me, Mu?” She patted the child who was sitting on her lap, nodding his head repeatedly. 

A crease deepened in Kyle Leonard’s forehead. Giving in, he warned Park Noah, “No indiscriminate killing. As you’ve already been on the train, I cannot send you back. But, I would never allow you to teach that dragon inhumane crimes.”

“No indiscriminate killing. What I’m asking Mu to do is always within the bounds of self-defense. I promise.” Park Noah assured and returned to reading the newspaper, ignoring the investigator’s deep sigh.

Who is behind the disappearance of the dragon egg?

A dragon born in today’s era. What effect does its presence have on the continent?

Minister of Magic, are you still on a long vacation despite the current situation?

Dragons occupied the front page of the newspaper. Park Noah read everything in case some article mentioned the name Eleonora Asil, along with hers, too.

Ten suspects, including Eleonora Asil, 24, Kedrick Babeliona, 34, and James Carnell, 44, were included in the list, and each suspect was assigned a dedicated investigator to begin the investigation, the agency stated in the article.

Advertised in the whole empire was ‘Eleonora Asil is the number one suspect!’ Park Noah clicked her tongue and turned to Kyle Leonard, “If you go to the capital, please report that I have been very diligent in the investigation, sir.”

“…When you are summoned, please respond without delay. Even if you’re treated as a suspect for a while, you are better off under the protection of an investigative agency. There will be a lot who will be after you.”

“Because I am the owner of the dragon?”

“Besides, you are in Eleonora’s body. Don’t let pressure overwhelm you. But of course, I don’t expect you would be able to do that, so just stay with me. You have to tell me everything you hear and see.”

Park Noah nodded. No matter how comforting it was that she has a dragon with her, the best way to ensure their safety was to obey the investigator’s orders.

“I promise to tell you everything, even the smallest details.”

“Thank you for your cooperation. Well then, should we start with your relationship with Lenia Valtalere?”

“Oh, dear. Have you read the newspaper? The minister of magic is taking a vacation in the middle of a crisis!” Park Noah hurriedly buried her face on the newspaper as soon as Kyle Leonard took out his journal. 

Kyle Leonard lowered the newspaper with his fingers and said, “You are reading it upside down, Miss Noah.”