Marcello Fabius Scipio

Riding the cylinder was a pleasant experience, completely free of bumps or vibrations.

Though it was a little slow, it was still far better than being trapped inside a cramped elevator.

Looking down at the beautiful garden and magnificent entrance hall from above could brighten even the foulest mood.

The cylinder carried the three of them through the magical barrier at the center of the dome and into a lofty, spacious room.

Its enormous, thick walls were covered in countless ingenious concentric-circle patterns. The floor was made of wood with distinctive grain, while the arched ceiling rose in layered tiers, with a crystal chandelier hanging from its center.

The artistic room made Vincent and Hermione linger for a few extra looks after stepping off the cylinder.

The brown-haired young woman waited patiently.

Romanesque architecture often gave people an impression of grandeur and solemnity: massive, intricate, emphasizing contrasts between light and shadow, while its decorations were relatively simple and rough.

"Sorry, this room is simply too beautiful."

"It's all right, Mr. Wayne."

The brown-haired young woman walked to a stone door carved with exquisite reliefs. "Minister Scipio's office is at the end of the corridor beyond. Please go in."

She pushed open the stone door, revealing a long arched corridor inside.

Vincent and Hermione politely bid her farewell before stepping onto the floor paved with black-and-white marble.

The room at the end had no door, only an arched frame that blended into the surrounding walls.

Vincent gently knocked on the doorframe, producing a modest sound.

"Please wait a moment," a voice with pure English pronunciation called from inside.

Before long, Minister Scipio emerged with a smile on his face, dressed in a dark gray Italian-style robe.

He was slightly surprised when he saw Vincent, but he quickly broke into another radiant