Cyril raised an eyebrow slightly. Captain Elland struck him as the sort of law enforcer who was stubborn by nature yet possessed a strong sense of responsibility.
After a pause, he asked with a smile, "What rules?"
"Besides, my paintings shouldn't possess abilities like seduction, suggestion, or hypnosis."
Elland frowned slightly, studying him seriously before saying,
"The rules jointly established and observed by the seven orthodox churches and the nations of the Northern Continent state that Beyonders in the mysterious world may not use their abilities to interfere with or influence ordinary people."
"Once violators are discovered, they will be arrested by official Beyonders."
"Didn't your teacher—or the person who brought you into the mysterious world—tell you that in this dangerous world, the most important thing is to hide yourself well?"
After a brief pause, his gaze shifted to the painting tools behind Cyril. His tone suddenly softened:
"Of course, this is the sea. The authorities' control over wild Beyonders is far less strict than it is on land, and you've been relatively restrained. You haven't used those strange paintings to influence ordinary people on a large scale."
"When you return to land, or when you're in a seaborne city with powerful official forces like Bayam, it's best not to do what you did today."
"Otherwise, official people might come knocking on your door someday to inspect your gas meter."
Cyril was briefly stunned by the sudden shift in his attitude, then nodded with a smile and went along with it.
"Alright, I understand. Thank you for the reminder."
"I thought you had come to warn me, or that you would secretly arrest me after the ship docked."
Elland shook his head slightly. "That is the work of official Beyonders. I am merely a captain who hopes for a smooth