"Stop right there, all of you. What are you doing here? Do you have identification?"

As expected, the guards naturally stopped them.

Ronald was straightforward and directly presented his identity:

"We are from [Gride], and we have some important matters to attend to in the city." To ensure his credibility, Ronald pointed to Costate, "Costate set off from here before; you should have some impression, right?"

One has to admit something.

In this era of relatively backward productivity and technology, ordinary people also lack the means to groom their skin and appearance. A girl like Costate, with outstanding looks, would leave a lasting impression on ordinary people, at least not forgotten for months.

The guard recognized Costate by the light of the torch, his expression immediately softened.

"Of course, I remember this lady."

"But sir, this does not prove that you are from [Gride]. We have very strict management orders here. If you really want to enter the city, come back tomorrow morning when someone will verify your identity."

The guard explained in such detail, and Ronald didn't want to trouble him further.

He immediately turned around, preparing to take the two young girls to the camping area outside to continue talking with the previously friendly merchant.

Just as Ronald was about to take a few steps away,

There was a thud behind them as someone jumped down from the city wall!

The man who leapt down immediately asked:

"Mr. Ronald, is that you? Mr. Ronald!"

"..."

Ronald turned his head and instantly understood everything.

This was a caster dressed as an investigator, clearly from the [Gride] fleet.

With such an identity, how could he not recognize Ronald?

"That's right, you should have also met Costate, and as for this lady..." Ronald greeted the man with a smile, but when it came to introducing the master of the Tower of Astronomy, he paused, "This is Miss Catherine, a mysterious caster I picked up on the way."

Catherine stepped forward two steps, locking eyes.

The magic fluctuation within the girl was brewing, ready to erupt by the city wall at Ronald's word:

"Ronald, are you looking for a fight?"

Ronald calmly retorted:

"Your identity is known to some in the fleet, but it can't be explained to everyone, can it?"

Catherine glared at Ronald fiercely.

Consider her identity — Barrier Mountain Wizard Tower — Astronomy Department — current tower master.

This is indeed a title that cannot be easily explained.

In fact, the term 'mysterious caster' mentioned by Ronald is actually quite an apt description for Catherine!

As Ronald and Catherine bickered here, the investigator stood dumbfounded at the side.

Although he is quite skilled, he is by no means a caster of Catherine's caliber.

Naturally, he also didn't realize how frightening the situation was just a moment ago.

After thinking it over, he could only smile and say:

"Mr. Ronald, if you're going to enter the city, please go ahead. Miss Costate should know where their camped position is; I'll continue to help with the watch here."

"Thank you." Ronald immediately nodded in gratitude.

But before entering the city, he thought of the merchant camp behind and mentioned casually:

"Oh, there's a merchant in that camp I spoke with. If you're not busy, please let him into the city as well."

"..."

After bidding farewell to the investigator by the city wall, the three of them entered the city.

The city at midnight was almost entirely asleep; not a soul was seen on the streets, save for the occasional sounds and footsteps of the night patrol.

It wasn't until they approached a market that they noticed the light of oil lamps.

Those were the lights of breakfast vendors in the market; their work began in the hours after nightfall, enduringly taxing regardless of the era.

Before long, under Costate's guidance, Ronald arrived at their destination.

This was a rare mansion in the city, one of the few brightly lit buildings at night. The casters from [Gride] were stationed here, turning it into their camp.

"Sir, this is it," said Costate beside him.

However, Ronald did not immediately inspect the mansion.

Instead, his gaze crossed the street, looking up at the higher rock castle.

The entire city before him was built according to the terrain, with the ruler and his castle on the safest ridge. From his experience entering the city, Ronald knew the status of the [Gride] fleet members in this city.

Frankly speaking, with Claudia's abilities,

If she had any intent, she could easily displace the ruler here without effort.

The lack of such actions, in a way, indicated her intentions.

"Alright, let's go inside."

Ronald did not ponder for long; he waved his hand and led the two girls into the mansion.

This place was completely different from the city wall area.

The mansion was entirely occupied by the people from [Gride]. When the gatekeeper saw Ronald and his company, his eyes widened in disbelief.

He then rubbed his tired eyes, even invigorating himself with magic power.

"Ronald, Mr. Ronald is here!"

"And Miss Costate, and also the caster from Floating Mountain we encountered before!"

The investigator's loud voice echoed.

Subsequently, it seemed as if time stopped in the brightly lit mansion.

The building appeared unchanged, but something in the atmosphere shifted, noticed by everyone through their surroundings.

Bang—

A few seconds later, a window on the second floor was suddenly opened.

A figure shot down from the window like a sandbag, bouncing a few times upon landing.

"Nicole?!"

Ronald recognized the person and greeted her with surprise.

As they gathered, Nicole unabashedly said:

"Ronald, to be honest! If it weren't for me predicting your situation during my idle times, I might have believed I would never see you again during this period!"

"You're not holding back at all," Ronald said with a smile, shaking his head.

But thinking carefully —

After their separation, what events did he encounter?

Gwendolin, the demigod of [Four Skies], even that dust giant beast.

These events reflected in Nicole's vague predictive abilities, making her concern understandable.

After exchanging a few greetings, Ronald did not delay and directly advanced the conversation:

"Nicole, is Claudia around?"

"I have some matters to discuss with her; it would be best to meet soon and discuss in detail."

Nicole first shook her head, then immediately nodded with a smile:

"His Highness must have been asleep just now."

"But with the commotion you've caused — I think she's certainly awake by now, perhaps even giving herself a facial massage."