Phoenix Count (23)

"Miss Mo Feng? And Miss Hua An too? To meet two Fairy ladies at once—what a blessing. Wait, there's more?"

The one who spoke up in greeting was an elderly man dressed like a nobleman. He wore a count's coat, with two attendants at his side. He was clearly an important figure.

In the Imperial Capital—especially in several of the upper districts—you could toss a ball at random and hit a dozen important people. But this white-haired old man was clearly not some old fellow with nothing but status. His facial features were deeply carved, and from his left eye down to his throat ran a conspicuous metallic inlay that had clearly been fashioned from a scar. His beard and brows were snow-white, yet thick and firmly bristled. Together with his tall, erect frame, it was plain to see that although he was old, his strength had not diminished by much.

"Ah? It's Phoenix Count!"

The Imperial Capital Grand Library's lighting was quite gentle, but as the old man known as Phoenix Count turned around, a bright, warm sensation seemed to spread outward. Those scarlet eyes swept over the two Fairy ladies who had greeted him as well, then looked toward Ian and Frost Butterfly behind them, who were clearly with this group of Fairies.

"Oh, Mr. Ian... the young alchemical genius. I know you. Very good. There aren't many juniors whose names I can remember, but you're one of them."

He nodded slightly, making it feel as though being remembered by him was an honor in itself.

Yet Ian did not consider this arrogance.

Because he knew perfectly well that the old man had not meant to lord his age over others. He was simply honestly stating his feelings—among all the Imperial Capital's nobles and its messy assortment of