Carmichael stared blankly, confusion filling his eyes.
After being rushed day and night by the CPO, he was finally thrown into a cold prison cell just before nightfall.
At the same time, in the council chamber, the Five Elders received the report. They did not dare delay and immediately forwarded the information to Imu. She simply nodded slightly.
"We will deal with everything once Ezra returns."
Hearing her calmer tone, the Five Elders secretly breathed out in relief.
"Yes, Lady Imu."
The five quietly withdrew from her room.
Three days passed in a blink.
During those days on Fishman Island, Ezra D. Vale had explored nearly every corner of the place, even buying a few small gifts for Gion and the others.
Finally, the day of departure arrived.
Ezra arrived early at Ryugu Palace.
"King Neptune, thank you for your hospitality these past few days. It is time for me to return."
Neptune paused. "Three days have already passed? I had hoped you would stay longer."
His voice carried genuine disappointment.
Ezra smiled gently. "I will return to visit when I have time. For now, I must take my leave, King Neptune."
"I will see you off."
Under the cheers of the island's residents, Ezra's warship slowly departed Fishman Island.
As the ship cut through the deep sea, Ezra's mind was already far away, focused not on the ocean around him but on Mary Geoise. The secret behind why his former body had been killed awaited him there, and Carmichael was the key.
Before long, the warship surfaced and headed straight toward the Holy Land.
The Five Elders received word of Ezra's return.
"Go. Bring that disgrace out," the First Elder ordered the CPO.
"Yes, Elder."
The agents immediately descended into the prison.
Carmichael was in a pitiful state. His once white robe had turned filthy, and his body was covered with wounds, each one a mark left by the Five Elders in their fury. After all, they had suffered greatly in front of Imu because of him. Even his ceremonial headpiece had been stripped from him.
However, they did gain one thing: Carmichael had already confessed why he had killed their young master. But judgment would wait until Ezra returned.
Soon, Ezra's warship anchored at the entrance of Mary Geoise.
"You all stay here and wait."
"Yes, Admiral Ashflame."
Ezra stepped forward alone.
Passing through the first gate, he noticed something unusual: Kong was nowhere in sight. He was likely occupied elsewhere. Ezra dismissed the thought and continued on.
He quickly reached the council chamber.
"Young master, you have returned."
The Five Elders bowed deeply.
Ezra gave a short nod. "Where is Carmichael?"
"He is being brought here now. Lady Imu also requested that you question him in her chambers. She wishes to hear the truth for herself."
"Good. When the time comes, bring Carmichael there personally."
"Yes, young master."
Ezra left for Imu's private room.
Not long after, the doors opened as the Five Elders carried in the battered Carmichael.
Ezra and Imu sat at the head of the room, watching him without emotion.
Carmichael lifted his head with difficulty. When his gaze fell upon Ezra, he froze completely. The black hair. The red eyes forever carved into his memory.
His breathing quickened.
"You... how are you still alive?"
He was stunned. He had killed Ezra with his own hands. There was no way this could be real.
"Speak. Why did you kill me?"
Ezra's tone was calm, but a faint killing intent seeped through his words.
Carmichael let out a bitter laugh. "Does it matter anymore?"
Imu's cold voice cut in. "I told you to speak. Answer. If you cooperate, I may consider giving you a quick death."
Carmichael trembled violently. As a Celestial Noble, he knew all too well who Imu truly was. She was the one who decided the life and death of their entire lineage.
After a long moment of silence, Carmichael finally gave up resisting and began to speak.
Years ago, after the Five Elders brought Ezra out from Imu's inner sanctuary, it had been declared that all Celestial Nobles must obey him and address him as Young Master. Most nobles did not understand Ezra's connection to Imu, but they accepted it.
Carmichael, however, burned with jealousy.
At the time, he had been desperately striving to become a candidate to replace one of the Five Elders. Yet suddenly a young master appeared, one who could order him around at will.
To make things worse, Ezra's former personality had been cruel and arrogant. He had tormented Carmichael repeatedly, forcing him to do humiliating tasks. Carmichael endured until he could no longer stand it.
Driven by hatred and envy, he spent months planning. When the chance finally came, he sent away the CPO guards and drowned Ezra himself.
Afterward, during an outing, he disposed of the body on a remote island.
Telling the story left him empty and defeated.
Ezra could not help but sigh inwardly. His previous self had truly been detestable. Without thinking, he sneaked a glance at Imu. Fortunately, Imu's attention was still fixed entirely on Carmichael.
"I admit everything," Carmichael said quietly. "I only ask Lady Imu to give me a quick death."
He fell silent.
Imu shifted her gaze to Ezra, wordlessly asking for his decision.
Ezra waved a hand. "Take him away. Execute him."
"Yes, young master."
The Five Elders stepped forward.
Carmichael seemed almost relieved. "Thank you... Lady Imu. Thank you... young master."
He was escorted out of the room.
Only Ezra and Imu remained.
Seeing Ezra lost in thought, Imu asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Ezra exhaled. "So... am I really your brother?"
Imu froze for a second. A faint smile curved her lips.
With Ezra watching her closely, waiting for an answer, she slowly replied:
"You guess."
Ezra's eye twitched. Guess your
Never mind.