Ian and Layton walked into Vivian's office.
At that moment, besides Vivian, Granger and Victor were also in the office, along with the many wizards under Vivian's command.
A group of patrol wizards surrounded everyone.
As soon as Layton entered, Granger angrily rose to his feet and said, "Layton, what gives you the right to stop us from leaving?"
"Sorry, but until this matter is resolved, no one can leave."
Layton shook his head.
His gaze naturally fell on Vivian, who was sitting not far away.
Vivian sat on the sofa with a cold expression, while a wizard across from her was questioning her about all sorts of things.
"Please repeat your movements from yesterday."
"I've repeated them three times already. I told you, I didn't kill Hal."
Vivian's face flushed with anger.
Layton stepped forward and came to the table. "I'm very sorry to disturb you, Deputy Minister Vivian, but at present, you and Deputy Minister Doug have always been at odds. You are indeed the prime suspect in Hal's death."
"Just because of that?"
Vivian raised her head and glared at Layton.
"And this..."
Layton took out an Image Recording Crystal, and a scene immediately appeared in everyone's view.
Everyone's eyes widened in an instant, Vivian included.
The scene showed an area that looked as though it had been plowed by a hurricane, and it was enormous.
"Hal's aura disappeared here. An incident of this scale requires at least a Third-Rank Wizard Apprentice. Moreover, your specialties happen to be wind- and fire-element Wizardry."
Layton spoke calmly.
This time, Vivian fell silent as well.
The deduction was indeed reasonable.
And she did indeed have sufficient motive.
For a moment, even she felt that it really looked as though she had done it.
Not far away, the corner of Ian's