As Siyu walks into the office, he observes what he could. He didn’t see much so he turns back to the messenger that brought him there and opens up the case folder. Siyu hands the messenger the photo of councilperson Seizi. “Have you seen this person before?” He asks, not expecting much.

“Ah, yes. That’s councilperson Seizi. I delivered a message for him two or three weeks ago.” The messenger responds.

“And this person?” Siyu asks, holding up the picture of Miss Sharona.

“Hmm… I think I’ve delivered a message for her before.” He says, a little unsure.

“What about this person?” Siyu asks, presenting the picture of the gambler.

“Ah, yes. This person too. I remember him because he became angry when I delivered a debt collection notice.” The messenger says before asking, “Why are you showing me pictures of my previous customers?”

“These people are all dead,” Siyu answers, watching as shock appears on the messenger's face.

“You-you don’t suspect me, do you? I had nothing to do with it! I just deliver messages!” The man scrambles to say.

“I’m not suspecting you. But I’ll have to ask you to come to the military office with me.” Siyu says firmly. “And don’t run; it will only make you look suspicious.” He says with a grin.

The messenger gives a dejected look and follows.

…

…

Siyu watches as Frey enters the interrogation room and hands the messenger a change of clothes. “Siyu wants you to change into these clothes and place all of your belongings on the tray. I will come back in 5 minutes. I’d prefer it if this doesn’t happen forcefully.” Frey says before leaving the room.

After Frey leaves the room, Siyu watches as the messenger removes his belongings; a coin pouch and a ring. He then continues to watch as the man removes his clothes; whether he removed his pants or his shirt first, whether he had an undershirt, and the quality of his shoes. Siyu continues to watch until he is naked and then his gaze moves to the ring. At that moment everything comes into place, and confirmation comes to his mind. The man was innocent; it was the ring. Siyu thinks to himself, is it cursed? “No, the ring is normal. It’s something else.” He says quietly.

As the man changes into the spare clothes Frey comes into the room. “Well?” He asks. “Is it him?”

“No,” Siyu responds. “It’s the ring. Have a binding specialist come to secure the ring. But don’t touch it and invite a Master-level cultivator first. I have a feeling we might need one.”

Frey nods and sets out to organize the matter.

…

…

“Master Shey, welcome,” Siyu says with a bow. Since they asked for both a binding specialist and a master, the city had arranged for Master Shey to assist them. He was a Master cultivator of the Hell Path; the By Contract designation.

“Considering you know who I am, I must assume you understand the price that must be paid for my services.” The long-haired man in black clothes says as he pulls out a scroll.

Siyu looks at the scroll and frowns. He's never dealt with the followers of the By Contract designation before, but it seemed they were troublesome people to deal with. “I’m sure the military is willing to pay any price you ask of them, sir,” Siyu says with an upheld hand.

“Haha, Sir Siyu. I’m not the sort of man who would miss the news of someone in your position. A contract with you is much more valuable than whatever the military is willing to offer me. I am a wealthy man who does not require much else, but a favor from a divinator; this I do not have.” Master Shey says, leaving the contract in Siyu's hands. “I’m also not the sort of man who would let go of a good opportunity. I’m sure you understand what I mean.” Master Shey says with a sly smile.

“I think you’re mistaken, Master Shey. I’m not a divinator; I’m an enchanter.” He says with a suppressed sigh. Is this man willing to ignore the investigation for a favor? He wonders as he looks at the contract. He looks to Master Shey and decides to let it go. “I trust you are a fair man.” He says.

“Of course, Sir Siyu. My cultivation path demands it.” The long-haired man says as he hands Siyu a pen.

Siyu lets out another sigh before bowing to sign the contract. After signing, he gives Master Shey a look and shakes his head slightly. “Come, let’s be done with this.” He says.

…

…

“What? This just a normal ring. This doesn’t need binding.” Master Shey says with a raised eyebrow.

Siyu looks to Frey and gives him a gesture. Frey nods and reaches out for the ring before putting it on his finger.

Master Shey watches in expectation. But after a long while there was still nothing. The red-haired Shey looks to Siyu and asks, “Now what?”

Siyu looks to Frey and explains, “Now we wait. Something is bound to trigger the ring. Just in case it requires anything special, we have arranged for Frey to work as a messenger to ensure the environment is at least similar to the original circumstances. If nothing happens in a week, I plan to give up the case.” Siyu smiles at Frey and says, “Come now, Frey. Be a good employee and go to work. It’s already 10 PM and you’re late.”

Frey rolls his eyes and says, “Since you’ve turned me into a prince I guess it’s only right that you make me work as a messenger.”

Siyu laughs and says, “Come now, Frey. Work waits for no one.”