To be honest, he was an individual who could not tolerate imitation by others.

He wanted to be praised.

“I want to see you guys look amazed and impressed when you see what I’ve done.”

“We already looked amazed and impressed. We really didn’t expect you to show up.”

“Who did you find?”

Teddy, who was quietly listening to the conversation between Matapju and Sessenia, smirked.

“Yeah, Matapju-nim found the culprit who made your hair like that.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah. It’s been a long time, but I’m sure.”

Matapju, who proudly raised her shoulders, seemed to remember something and scratched her head.

“No. I’m not 100% sure. I didn’t have much contact with that slave.”

“…Now you tell me…?”

“Once is enough to confirm.”

Matapju approached Teddy and touched his hair. Just like before, something flowed into Teddy through her hand.

Matapju nodded her head with a satisfied expression.

“As expected, I’m amazing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s not common for someone like me, who found the owner of that magic just by looking at it once. Sessenia, you’re really good at finding people.”

Watching him raise his shoulders, Sessenia nodded her head.

“That’s right. It’s because someone like that helped me. It’s really like the heavens helped me.”

“Oh! I see. Even at times like this, the gods help you.”

“God? Well, I’m not sure. I don’t have a religion.”

Looking at the resolute Sessenia, he smiled for some unknown reason.

“Not like this. Come on, let’s hear the story.”

With those words, Matapju twirled her fingers. Then, the space appeared again.

As if checking inside a pocket, Matapju fumbled around with her hands and pulled out a thick rope.

Then, a man with his eyes and mouth covered popped out.

Without making a sound, the man stumbled out, unable to regain his composure, and fell to the ground with a thud.

Watching the man roll around as if in pain, Matapju chuckled.

“Just tripped over that. It hurts just because of that. Sit properly.”

At her words, the man with his eyes and mouth covered quickly sat down.

Even that took quite a long time since his hands and feet were tied.

“Now, I’ll reveal the face of the culprit.”

As if Matapju’s words were magic, the black cloth that was covering the man’s eyes was removed.

“Have you seen this before?”

“No, I haven’t seen it.”

“You?”

Matapju stared at Teddy. However, Teddy shook his head helplessly.

“No, I haven’t. If I had seen it, I would remember the face quite well… I really haven’t seen it.”

Sessenia was the same.

Throughout her life, she had never seen a man with a face like this.

You could say the person’s face was pentagon-shaped. The man with a strangely jagged face showed wrinkles, indicating his age.
“I see. Well then, let’s hear the story. Hey, you criminal, start talking.”

“…….”

“You’re not saying anything?……. You’re a tough one.”

Matapju, who had pulled up a chair and sat down, stroked her chin and shook her head.

Watching this, Sessenia awkwardly pointed at the man’s mouth with her hand.

“Maybe his mouth is blocked.”

The man, whose limbs had been bound all along, struggled as if trying to say something.

The gag in his mouth seemed to contain some kind of magic, as no sound came out, yet he seemed determined to speak, demonstrating his will even if it meant doing so through such struggles.

Matapju, who belatedly understood the situation after hearing Sessenia’s words, widened her eyes.

“Oh, right. I forgot for a moment. That he had such a thing in his mouth.”

As she moved her fingers, the gag that had been in the man’s mouth disappeared.

“This guy’s name is Gelrox. He used to be a quite notable magician in Matap, about 20 years ago, but suddenly retired. It took a bit of trouble to find him. Of course, Matapju, the owner of Matap, found him quickly.”

Matapju shrugged and crossed her legs.

“How about it? Impressive, isn’t it?”

“Really impressive.”

For some reason, Matapju, who seemed very thirsty for praise, smiled broadly at Sessenia’s compliment.

“Yeah. Well then, it’s time for this guy to tell the story. Quickly tell the story and make me shine even more.”

“Me, me?”

“You really don’t understand what I’m saying. What on earth happened?”

“What happened…? No, suddenly you brought me here and started asking endless questions… What should I say…!”

“Gelrox.”

Sessenia called his name.

“M-My name is Gelrox… but… I really don’t know anything. I’m here right now because I was dragged here without any reason. I haven’t done anything wrong. Miss, sir, please stop Matapju-nim. I’m being taken here without any reason. I’m scared to death. I’ve already been out of Matap for a long time, and I’ve quit being a magician. Why are you taking me like this…!”

Feeling extremely unjust, he continued to speak as if overwhelmed by the sense of unfairness.

Just by looking at that, it felt like catching an unjust person and driving him away, plotting something wicked. So, Sessenia looked at Matapju.

Seeing the man express his grievance so much, is he really the one who did that?