Chapter 621: Chapter 398: Roon Royal Family
When Colin hurried to the White Tower Hall, a good number of Wizards had already gathered there.
The serious-faced Wizard Erwin stood alone at the foremost podium, dressed in an elegant white satin Wizard Robe, holding a scepter inlaid with gems.
Below him, at the very front, stood three male Second Rank Wizards, all with unfamiliar faces.
However, from the badges on their uniforms, Colin recognized them as Wizards from the Neustadt City Law Enforcement Team.
’Wizards from the Law Enforcement Team... Why would they come here?’
"Colin, over here," Welber whispered, waving him over.
Only then did Colin notice that although the Wizards assigned to guard duties were all standing below the podium, they were clearly divided into two distinct sides.
On one side, those on the left wore unfamiliar badges—badges that, over the past two years, had become familiar to Colin; they were the Wizards from the various Schools within the Roon Kingdom and those from the Roon Royal Family.
On the right stood Wizards from the Neustadt Schools, like Welber.
Colin paused slightly and then slowly made his way to the right, beside Welber.
"Everyone has nearly arrived, so if the three of you have anything to say, you may begin now."
After a while, Erwin looked down at the three Law Enforcement Team Wizards and spoke indifferently.
"Very well, Your Excellency Erwin."
The one leading was a young Wizard with a gentle expression. He politely nodded to Erwin and then ascended to the podium to address the Wizards in the hall:
"I apologize for summoning everyone here on such short notice. My name is Huntington, from the... Yista School."
Huntington surveyed the Wizards below, pausing particularly on those from the Schools of Neustadt City.
Seeing many Wizards with expressions of shock and heightened respect, he nodded in satisfaction.
Most of the Wizards stationed in the Roon Kingdom belonged to affiliated Schools from the Yista School and, in some respects, the name of Yista held more sway here than that of the Law Enforcement Team.
Colin also couldn’t help but be taken aback.
"Your Excellency might not be aware, many members of the Yista School also serve as members of the Law Enforcement Team," Welber observed, noticing the change in Colin’s expression and adding, unsurprised.
This wasn’t a secret, but the Yista School and the Law Enforcement Team didn’t advertise it, so not many were aware.
"This is actually the first time I’ve heard of this..." Colin nodded slightly.
Welber intended to say more, but Huntington on the podium began speaking again, and he closed his mouth.
On the podium, Huntington continued:
"We are here under the orders of the Law Enforcement Team to pursue the Frost Phantom, and we have assembled you all to inquire if anyone has recently noticed any suspicious traces of Frost beings?"
Colin’s complexion remained unchanged, but he felt a subconscious sinking feeling in his heart.
"Speaking of which, I have yet to introduce the Frost Phantom."
"What we know so far is scant, but it should be humanoid in appearance, with attack methods similar to the Ice Element, and its strength is between Second Rank Advanced and Third Rank."
"Has anyone discovered any suspicious traces?" Huntington continued to ask.
The hall fell Silent. The Wizards shook their heads.
"Nothing?..." Huntington sighed with a hint of disappointment and then casually glanced at the Roon Kingdom Wizards and asked again:
"What about you all, have you detected any unusual traces?"
"No."
"We have not..."
Huntington paused for a moment before continuing his questioning:
"Among you, is there any Wizard who has practiced Frost Magic?"
His query caused some astonishment among the Roon Kingdom Wizards, and even Erwin couldn’t help but frown.
Elemental Witchcraft was a broad category within witchcraft, and like Flame, Frost was one of the most common types.
Practically every Wizard was likely skilled in one or the other.
"Huntington, are you suggesting the Roon Kingdom Wizards are under some suspicion?" Erwin asked with a grave tone.
The atmosphere in the White Tower Hall suddenly grew tense.
"Apologies, Wizard Erwin," Huntington smiled, "It seems I wasn’t clear. What I actually meant to inquire was whether any Wizards present are conducting research in Ice Elementals or are skilled in Frost Magic.
Of course, I’m asking not only the Wizards from the Roon Kingdom but all the stationed Wizards."
Huntington then turned his gaze to Colin’s side and asked calmly:
"Among you, are there Wizards meeting the criteria I’ve mentioned?"
Aside from an extremely few who deliberately hid their abilities, most Wizards present had some general understanding of each other’s specialties in witchcraft.
Hence, if indeed specialized in Frost Magic, it would be difficult to conceal.
"Lord Huntington, I am quite proficient in Frost Magic..." quickly, a short Wizard with a grim expression stood out.
"Very well," Huntington nodded lightly and then looked towards the Roon Kingdom Wizards.
Colin keenly noticed a fair-skinned Witch instinctively move to stand out but was discreetly held back by a companion, who gestured to the front.
Following their gaze, Wizard Erwin was staring at the Kingdom Wizards with an expressionless face.
Huntington appeared neither to notice nor care.
It was as if he were merely going through the motions.
"My questions are asked, Your Excellency Erwin," Huntington turned and courteously remarked:
Erwin nodded without expression, then looked at the Wizards and declared, "If there’s nothing else, you may leave now."