Imperial Capital, Central District, Fifth Layer.
The layer district where the Inspecting Knights Order headquarters stood was always quieter and more secluded than the other bustling layer districts, as well as the broad, clamorous lower city.
The streets were nearly spotless. Tall ornamental trees swayed gently in the wind, while the spire of the great clock tower at the center of the Inspecting Knights headquarters could be seen clearly no matter where one stood. Only when it tolled the four o'clock afternoon chime did the otherwise silent layer district seem to feel the passage of time.
The passersby all wore respectable formal attire, their steps unhurried, as though they knew they were already perfectly safe and had no need for haste or worry.
As Ian walked these streets, he could see the enormous steel pillar at the center of the layer district, as well as the white layer wall along its outer edge. The youth noticed that the wall's surface was covered by a translucent crystal layer. If he was not mistaken, it should have been some sort of projection device—a simulated light screen that could imitate outdoor scenery such as skies and seas.
He simply did not know whether it had malfunctioned, or whether the Empire saw no need to keep it activated at all times. In any case, the simulated light screen was not currently running.
Ian had just contacted Isengard through the Inspecting Knights Order's internal communications device and told him that he had arrived on the Imperial Capital's fifth layer. The other party had sounded particularly delighted and directly said that he would come to the fifth layer district at once.
"That won't be necessary. This isn't really suitable. Pick somewhere convenient for us to meet—I can take a look around the Imperial Capital while I'm