The concourse-level checkpoint at Rock Junction Station should have been orderly, but for some unknown reason, it had fallen into a state of mild chaos.
The Nirvana Priests had moved with decisive speed to prepare for battle. The wariness flashing in their eyes revealed the importance of the task before them. Under the lights, the wrought-iron and glass structures appeared especially cold and hard amid the sudden disturbance, reflecting the passengers' tense faces.
All eyes were focused on the two noble girls surrounded in front of the checkpoint.
"If you, Miss Milian Milford, are not under suspicion, we guarantee that you will not be harmed in the slightest. Once your innocence is proven, we will release you immediately."
The High Priest who had ordered them blocked off looked every bit the courteous gentleman as he bowed and spoke.
"..."
The line of passengers behind them snaked down the corridor. Everyone was waiting, as though some incident were about to erupt. The ordinary Imperial passengers' spirits, like the temperature in the concourse, were gradually dropping toward freezing point.
Not only Hughberlian and Mishura—even people in the distance knew that the Nirvana Branch priests' promise was not the least bit trustworthy.
In the silence, the air was suddenly sliced through by the fine sound of wind, exceptionally clear.
The High Priest did not raise his head, waiting for the two noble ladies before him to respond.
"I'll miss the opening time at Protos Royal Magic Academy. And without evidence or an arrest warrant, you cannot simply arrest Imperial nobility."
Although Hughberlian had seemed good-tempered before, the corners of her eyes now tightened slightly with irritation. She found the Nirvana Branch's rudeness and unreasonable behavior difficult to accept.
"If we really are involved in something, you can bring the Police Department's legal documents