The Wise Sovereign also noticed the intentional ambiguity in Angel’s words, but he didn’t mind and instead brought up an unrelated matter: "I’m quite interested in your source of information. Would you be willing to discuss it with me?"
Angel: "If I share it with you, will you let us pass through? I mean, you won’t harm us, let us enter and exit smoothly, and then leave."
Wise Sovereign: "Everything is negotiable, as long as you meet the corresponding conditions."
"That’s as good as saying nothing." Angel deliberately whispered a complaint before speaking up loudly: "Then what conditions do we need to meet?"
Wise Sovereign: "Answer my questions."
Angel and the Wise Sovereign exchanged glances for several seconds before Angel directly responded: "Alright."
Wise Sovereign: "Aren’t you going to discuss it with your companions? Perhaps I also have questions for them."
Angel said indifferently: "If you want to ask them, just go ahead and ask directly."
Angel was well aware that the Wise Sovereign wasn’t likely to forgo observing the reactions of others. He wouldn’t completely trust Angel’s words, and the Wise Sovereign still harbored doubts about whether Angel belonged to the Noah Clan.
Therefore, if Angel were to consult with the others, the Wise Sovereign could interpret additional information through observation.
But Angel chose not to consult, making it seem like the team was entirely under his command. This left the Wise Sovereign wondering: Is Angel really their decision-maker? Or have they previously devised a strategy on how to deal with him? But to formulate such a strategy, they would need to thoroughly understand his character, which is knowledge not everyone possesses.
Even Cicia couldn’t predict his actions with such precision.
So, is this Illusionist Wizard really their decision-maker?
The Wise Sovereign pondered this deeply but didn’t show it outwardly. Without missing a beat, he turned to look at the others: "Are you all sure you want to follow his lead?"
The Wise Sovereign looked at each one, not concerned with the two apprentices who clearly had no say; his focus was on Dox and that strange nose.
The nose on the stone slab didn’t respond, but this attitude made the Wise Sovereign think: it endorsed Angel as the leader.
However, Dox’s reaction intrigued the Wise Sovereign.
"His opinion doesn’t represent mine." Dox raised an eyebrow.
The Wise Sovereign turned back to Angel: "It seems your teammates aren’t entirely on board with you. Are you sure you don’t want to discuss it with them?"
Before Angel could respond, Dox spoke first: "What do you mean by not being on board with him? Can’t I have my own opinion? Besides, he just said that if you want to ask us questions, you can directly ask. He already stated that, so just ask away. What’s your question for me? Feel free to ask, and stop beating around the bush."
Angel initially intended to express a similar sentiment, but since Dox said it, he was happy to relax.
However, Angel could also guess that the Wise Sovereign surely understood the essence of what Dox said. Distorting the intended meaning was purely to test whether they were genuinely united.
This was an obvious provocation, and Dox willingly jumped into it.
Whether Dox jumping in was good or bad, Angel couldn’t predict. Nevertheless, Dox understood their current stalemate and passive position, yet still chose to step forward, indicating that he had his own thoughts.
Perhaps his inspiration led him to do so?
Even if the talent of inspiration hadn’t been restored, inspiration by nature is mysterious, and there is always the possibility of action driven by a sudden insight.
Just like Dororo, although he couldn’t discern Angel’s ultimate destination, even if prophecy fails, Dororo, relying purely on the echo of his mind, offered the response "The Wise Sovereign is not foolish."
This is another kind of "mystique." It’s hard to define, neither truly ability nor not, but occasionally, it emerges to guide you in the right direction.
Therefore, Angel didn’t mind Dox taking the step to become the Wise Sovereign’s new subject of observation.
Though Dox can sometimes be unreliable, now under the oppressive presence of the Wise Sovereign where even his life might be threatened, Dox dared to step out, and Angel chose to trust him.
The Wise Sovereign looked at Dox: "Alright, let me first ask you a question. Can you tell me whether what he says is true?"
The Wise Sovereign pointed to Angel.
Dox: "Which words are you referring to? The ones he said earlier?"
Wise Sovereign: "Let’s not discuss earlier statements; I want you to respond to everything I say to him moving forward."
What Angel said earlier had been ambiguous, capable of being either true or false. Therefore, there’s no need to discuss the past but focus on the forthcoming.
Dox paused: "You mean, for each sentence you two exchange, I’m supposed to make a judgment?"
Wise Sovereign: "That’s one way to interpret it. Are you willing?"
Dox: "I can try, but I might not know how to answer."
Wise Sovereign smiled amiably: "You may respond however you please."
Angel’s emotional leakage was minimal, whereas Dox’s emotions were clearly evident. Regardless of how Dox responds, the Wise Sovereign can find clues from it.
Dox scratched his head and muttered: "Why do I feel underestimated here?"
The Wise Sovereign chuckled, no longer speaking to Dox, and turned back to Angel: "So, are we ready to start the discussion?"
"We can, but discussion and examination are different things." Angel watched the Wise Sovereign.
Wise Sovereign: "Understood. Since it’s an exchange, it must be give and take. If there’s something you wish to know, I can also tell you."
The Wise Sovereign’s stance seemed generous, but in Angel’s view, it was no big deal.
The Wise Sovereign isn’t foolish; he wouldn’t do something entirely without benefit. Angel’s questioning would in itself provide many clues to the Wise Sovereign.
Angel: "Let’s begin. Am I still answering your previous question regarding my information source?"
Wise Sovereign nodded.
Angel: "I’m not sure what kind of information source you’re referring to. Is it related to Noah ancestors, or something else?"
Wise Sovereign: "Since you know Augustine, then it makes sense for you to be here; so that’s not my focus. What I want to know is, where did you hear about my information?"