Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

"Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~ Ding-dong~ Ding-dong."

Some simple yet melodious tunes were playing.

A Larkspur man sat in an empty prison cell, staring at the Magic Mirror in his hand.

As the Magic Mirror calls out to the other side, not only does it play refreshing and pleasant music, but also occasionally several rather cute-looking Fairy fly across the mirror's surface, dancing in the air.

Judging by appearances alone, Larkspur looks just like a little child holding a toy; no one would guess she's calling out to someone.

After waiting for several dozen seconds, the Fairy dance on the mirror finally stopped, and the image on the other side of the Magic Mirror was finally connected, revealing the face of a young girl.

The young woman wore a professional smile, bowed to the Magic Mirror, and said politely, "Hello, sir, could you please explain the purpose of your call?"

Although Larkspur didn't recognize the other person, he could roughly guess her identity just by looking at her golden hard-top hat—she was from the Investigation Institute and was probably the intermediary in the call.

"The investigation team leader named Cat Tail gave me this Magic Mirror, telling me that someone is looking for me."

The Larkspur nodded slightly, as if returning a greeting, and briefly explained its purpose, "My code name is Larkspur."

"Understood, Larkspur, please wait a moment."

Without questioning Larkspur's words, the smiling girl bowed slightly again through the Magic Mirror, then turned and left. She was clearly going to verify information from the phone call.

The Larkspur blankly at the empty mirror, seemingly lost in thought.

A short while later, after the information was verified, the girl reappeared on the other side of the mirror. She bowed again, maintaining impeccable manners, and said, "Hello, Inspector Larkspur Lark. Your call will now be transferred to the Dean's study."

As soon as he finished speaking, the image on the Magic Mirror began to change, and the scene reflected on the mirror quickly switched to a room filled with exquisite furnishings.

The walls of the entire room were covered by thick bookshelves, and even through the mirror, one could almost smell the rich aroma of books. The bookshelves were piled high with old books written in an unknown script, and in the upper corner hung several old oil paintings and photographs.

Beside the desk in the center stood an ornate armchair, its back and seat upholstered in thick suede, adorned with metal armrests and backrest inlaid with Chrysoberyl, exuding an exceptionally luxurious feel. Several handwritten manuscripts and exquisite trinkets were piled on the desk, and beside it lay an elegant tea set. A porcelain-white hand held a steaming teacup, the owner of which sat in the armchair, gazing at the Magic Mirror with a smile.

She was a girl who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old.

The girl had a slender and graceful figure, wearing a gorgeous silver-white long dress with gold embroidery and subtle green sequins embroidered on the hem, giving her an elegant and refreshing impression. She wore a simple and elegant gemstone bracelet on her wrist and a golden robe draped over her shoulders, but unlike ordinary members of the Investigation Institute, this robe shone exceptionally brightly on her.

Her long, golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, each strand like translucent silk, shimmering with a faint light, as if dusted with gold. Her face was well-proportioned, with thick eyelashes, and her features were delicate yet exuded a noble air, but without giving off an arrogant or overbearing vibe.

But what's most impressive is her eyes.

Within her clear, bright yellow eyes were a pair of sharp, vertical pupils. Her eyes were long and slender, slightly upturned, like a cat's eyes, lively yet with a touch of depth, and a subtle air of world-weariness that made one unable to resist arousing curiosity.

Really.

Upon seeing the person in the mirror, who was the "Dean" the girl had mentioned earlier, Larkspur remained expressionless, but the corner of her mouth curled slightly.

In the Magic Kingdom, there is only one person who can be addressed as "Director" by those within the Investigation Institute, and that person is the one who oversees the Investigation Institute — Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, the one in the Gem Scepter.

As the pinnacle of magical girl power and influence in the Kingdom, magical girls wielding the Gem Scepter naturally attract the attention of many. However, very few are actually able to meet the Gem Scepter in person. Even among magical girls, many never speak to any of the Gem Scepter until they retire.

If someone were in the Larkspur's position, they would probably feel extremely honored.

But the Larkspur's reaction was rather indifferent.

After all, this wasn't her first time dealing with Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye jewelry.

As a nominal Inspector, Larkspur's file was placed under the Investigation Institute, and this Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye was naturally her nominal superior. It was unclear what his true intentions were in coming to see her this time.

"It's been many years, Miss Cornflower, who claims to have changed her name to Larkspur."

The other person's first words contrasted sharply with his formal tone, carrying a subtle hint of teasing. "When was the last time we met? Was it during His Majesty's celebratory year?"

The Larkspur's lips moved slightly, and after a moment, her expression turned indifferent, but she bowed politely and said, "As you said, it was nineteen years ago, Your Excellency the Dean."

"Very good, it seems my memory is correct."

The Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye nodded slightly. "According to your report, a magical girl calling herself Claw Mark appeared in Fangting City a few days ago and was defeated by you. Now that you have obtained the Magic Mirror that I had someone send you, the task of handing over the prisoner should be completed?"

"It's already finished," Larkspur replied succinctly.

"Very efficient, as always, Larkspur."

With a hint of satisfaction, the girl on the other side of the Magic Mirror raised her eyelids slightly. "Well then, make sure there are no inappropriate listeners around you who might overhear this conversation. Now it's time for our private talk."

Upon hearing this, Larkspur glanced at the doorway and saw Hong Siyu standing there, looking pleading.

Ignoring her somewhat resentful gaze, and gesturing for her to leave with a slight nod of her chin, Larkspur turned her gaze back to the Magic Mirror in her hand. "I can confirm, please speak."

"Alright, let me see, first thing about this conversation."

Taking out a small notebook from beside her, the Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye flipped through it and fixed it to the page she needed. "The first thing is some bad news, about the last batch of magical girls in your Fangting City, those kids who joined the Investigation Institute to investigate Sakura's death."

"Who?" This description made Larkspur's heart skip a beat.

Glancing at the Larkspur, the Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye lowered again, looking at the notebook in its hand, and said:

"Her codename was 'Tea Rose'. She joined the investigation team in Binhai City, and after encountering a high-ranking member of Black Ash Dawn, she was caught in a fierce battle and ultimately sacrificed herself while covering the rear."