Meanwhile, at Is's castle—
In the backyard, Is was training.
Originally, there had only been two reclining chairs. But after Tatsumaki's arrival, another one had been added, along with a large sun umbrella.
Half of the maids stood beneath it, ready to serve Is, Madara, or Tatsumaki at a moment's notice.
The other half remained inside the castle—some doing housework, others preparing lunch.
"Are you serious about that?"
Tatsumaki held a chilled drink in her hands, her gaze fixed on Madara, who sat just a meter away.
Madara lowered his newspaper and looked at her with a serious expression.
"Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, ask the people around you."
After saying that, he returned to reading.
Tatsumaki actually turned to one of the maids.
"Is what he said true?"
"Lady Tatsumaki, everything Lord Madara said is true. The outside world is truly beautiful—there are many fun things, delicious food, and all kinds of interesting people."
The maid paused briefly before continuing,
"But there's one thing Lord Madara didn't mention."
"The outside world is also very dangerous. There are many bad people… and ruthless pirates."
Hearing this, Tatsumaki felt a surge of excitement.
She already wanted to go out and explore.
As for the danger—
She didn't take it to heart at all.
From the corner of his eye, Madara glanced at her, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Looks like he had successfully planted the idea.
Now all that was left was for Tatsumaki to ask Is to take her out.
That way, he wouldn't have to do anything—or say anything more—and could go out for some fresh air himself.
Noticing her gaze shift toward him, Madara quickly looked back down at his newspaper, pretending to be focused.
"Madara, don't you want to go out again?"
"I've already gone out plenty of times. Whether I go or not doesn't matter," he replied casually.
"That means I'm the only one who hasn't seen the outside world…"
Tatsumaki felt restless.
"No, I have to talk to Is."
Just as she was about to get up—
Roz Minian suddenly ran out from inside the castle, calling out to Is, who was still training.
"Master! Someone from the World Government is here!"
Hearing that, Is stopped what he was doing and looked at her.
"The World Government?"
"Yes."
"They're waiting at the main entrance."
Is frowned slightly.
The World Government wouldn't show up without a reason.
If they came, it meant something was up.
He quickly went over his recent activities in his mind.
He hadn't caused any trouble.
The only unusual thing was his visit to Marine Headquarters a few days ago—where he dug a hole in a wall.
But something that trivial shouldn't warrant attention from the World Government.
Even if the Marines were unhappy, they wouldn't escalate it this far.
"Did they say what it's about?"
Roz Minian shook her head.
"No, Master. They just asked me to inform you."
"How troublesome… Let's go take a look."
As he spoke, a maid quickly handed him a towel to wipe off his sweat.
Soon after—
Is arrived at the main entrance.
Two men in black suits stood outside.
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is!"
They immediately bowed deeply upon seeing him.
"Speak. I don't have time for nonsense," Is said bluntly.
"Yes, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is. We request that you come with us."
"What if I refuse?"
"I'm afraid you cannot. The ones requesting to see you… are the highest authorities of the World Government."
The highest authorities.
Is's expression changed slightly.
As a transmigrator, he knew exactly who that referred to.
But what he didn't understand was—
Why would the Five Elders want to see him?
Because of Marine Headquarters?
No… that didn't make sense.
They wouldn't summon him over something so trivial.
"Wait here. I'll go change."
"That won't be necessary, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is. Your current attire is fine."
Is hesitated for a moment.
There shouldn't be any real danger.
After all, he hadn't done anything serious yet.
And if the Five Elders truly wanted to eliminate him, they wouldn't go through such a roundabout method.
"I'll be heading out."
"Do you require accompaniment?"
"No need."
…
Is's castle was some distance from the central area of Mary Geoise.
After about half an hour—
The World Government agents escorted him into an even more magnificent palace.
Creaaak—
The massive doors opened.
Inside—
Five elderly men stood within.
They weren't gathered together.
One stood by the window.
One sat on a sofa.
Another calmly wiped his blade.
From the moment the doors opened—
All five pairs of eyes locked onto Is.
Without exception—
Is could clearly sense it.
Each of them carried the presence of a beast.
"Go in, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
Is stepped forward.
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is has arrived."
With that, the men in black suits didn't wait for a response.
They tactfully withdrew and closed the doors behind them.
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