968 -956- Do you know what's inside?

In this moment, not only Gajou, but even Liana looked at Rozen again.

However, unlike Gajou's intrigued gaze, Liana's eyes revealed a hint of hesitation, a touch of fear, and ultimately, even a hint of hostility when looking at Rozen.

Rozen endured the different gazes from both, maintaining a seemingly perfect smile on the surface while silently contemplating.

"It seems like you've done quite a few things in Europe, Natsuki-nee."

This was Rozen's only thought.

Whether it was Akatsuki Gajou or Liana, upon hearing that Rozen was from Itogami Island and had the surname Minamiya, they immediately had excessive reactions, clearly because of the association with Minamiya Natsuki.

You see, Natsuki is a well-known demon hunter in Europe, a top-class national attack mage and witch. She has undertaken numerous missions and arrested many infamous law offenders, becoming synonymous with terror.

Therefore, Akatsuki Gajou's interested gaze and Liana's mixture of fear and subtle hostility were directed towards Natsuki, not Rozen.

It was reasonable to assume that these people were thinking this way.

"Do you have any connection with that 'Witch of the Void'?"

Gajou straightforwardly asked.

Indeed.

Whether it was Gajou or Liana, both were suspicious if Rozen had any connection with the famous 'Witch of the Void.'

After all, both of them hailed from Itogami Island, shared the Minamiya surname, so it was normal to suspect a connection with Natsuki.

And just from a surname, the association with Natsuki was evident, showcasing the resounding reputation Natsuki had in Europe.

However, Kojou and Nagisa...

"The 'Witch of the Void'...?"

"Who's that? A witch? Is it the one who sells souls to demons?"

Kojou and Nagisa expressed confusion and curiosity, respectively, offering different reactions.

As for Rozen, although he had no intention of hiding anything, he also didn't want to unnecessarily stir up trouble.

So...

"If there's a connection, how do you two plan to deal with me?"

Rozen's face maintained its perfect smile, but his tone gradually returned to his usual demeanor, carrying a hint of a smirk.

This made Liana's expression change slightly again, while Gajou laughed loudly as if finding something amusing.

"No, no, you misunderstood. Why would we casually deal with someone?" Gajou, as if wanting to end the topic, laughed and said, "Since you're a friend of Kojou and Nagisa, come in together."

This statement immediately surprised Liana.

"Doctor," Liana couldn't help but say, "this excavation was a collaboration between our Warlord Dominion and your Japanese government. It might not be good to involve unrelated outsiders."

Liana finally spoke these words.

Obviously, this Warlord Dominion aristocrat, upon learning that Rozen might be related to Natsuki, had developed a sense of caution and did not want him to enter the camp.

This confirmed Rozen's earlier speculation.

This excavation work here was definitely not just ordinary archaeology and investigation. There must be some hidden secrets.

However, compared to Liana's caution, Gajou seemed to completely trust Rozen, shrugging.

"Well, what's the big deal?" Gajou sarcastically said, "We've already involved unrelated people, right?"

Gajou patted the heads of his son and daughter beside him, revealing a mocking smile to Liana.

This left Liana speechless.

At the same time, Rozen understood.

"Does Akatsuki Gajou not want Nagisa involved in this situation?"

That was a normal situation.

If there were indeed some extraordinary hidden secrets here, the dangers involved would be different.

As a father, Akatsuki Gajou wouldn't want his children to get involved in such dangers, which was normal.

However, whether it was the Warlord Dominion or the Japanese government, when faced with difficulties in the excavation work and learning that Gajou had a daughter who could solve these problems, they might have unilaterally made the decision, forcing Gajou to call Nagisa over.

Perhaps Gajou himself did not agree with this, but either he was coerced or they took unilateral action, leading to Nagisa coming here, with Kojou following suit.

If that's the case, Gajou might feel discontented, and allowing Rozen to enter could be a way to seek revenge or create some butterfly effect.

"Of course, if you're not interested, little boy, I won't force you."

Gajou whistled, speaking nonchalantly, diverting the attention to Rozen.

Rozen bore the gazes of everyone, his eyes flickering slightly.

After a while...

"I am certainly interested." Rozen modestly said, "Please forgive my intrusion."

The implication was clear.

Rozen did have some interest.

Though he didn't want to get involved in troublesome matters, Rozen, on the other hand, was still a magus who pursued mysteries. With a clearly mysterious relic in front of him, the allure was not nonexistent for Rozen. Moreover, with Rozen having acquired Space Manipulation Magic, in case of any unexpected situation, he could easily escape the danger, feeling confident.

Now, Liana couldn't say much.

Gajou naturally burst into laughter.

"Then let's prepare and get to work."

Having said that, everyone entered the camp together.

A sense of an impending storm filled the air.

The following events were destined to be anything but calm.

...

"Well, I'll go prepare first. Gajou-kun and Miss Liana, please wait for me. Also, Kojou-kun, come over and help."

Nagisa greeted Gajou and Liana, then dragged the bored-looking Kojou and turned to Rozen.

"Sorry, Nichiyo, wait for me a bit. I'll be quick."

Sounding genuinely apologetic, Nagisa, with the complaining Kojou in tow, ran off like the wind.

"Then, I'll go in first."

With a tense expression, Liana left these words and entered the ruins.

Now, only Rozen and Gajou remained on the scene.

Gajou stared intently at Liana's departing figure, seemingly lost in thought.

Just as Rozen thought Gajou was gazing at something invisible...

"That's a really nice butt. I wonder how it feels to touch...."

Gajou uttered these words with utmost seriousness, nearly causing Rozen to stumble.

"So, you were looking at that kind of thing!?"

Rozen, finally breaking his perfect image, couldn't help but retort.

But instead of being surprised, Gajou became even more delighted.

"Oh? Is this your true nature? Not bad, much more pleasing than that earlier appearance."

Gajou had a look as if he had seen through Rozen's disguise, making Rozen smirk.

"And then? Did you pull me in just to expose my true self?"

Rozen questioned.

"Of course not."

Gajou shrugged, pointing ahead.

"Do you know what's inside there?"