The ninetieth floor of Babel, the duke's office, was enveloped in darkness.
Duke Gavid Lindman, also known as the Blade of Incarceration, had formally declared an indefinite leave of absence. In the three hundred years of the empire’s history, he had moments when he temporarily stepped away from his duties, but never before had such an absence been officially announced.
Moreover, it was an indefinite leave of absence. The announcement did not specify a return date or delve into the reasons behind this decision, citing only "personal circumstances" for his departure. The sudden news sent shockwaves through the empire's media. It even caught the attention of the international press — an understandable reaction given that Gavid Lindman had effectively been the de facto ruler, handling the emperor’s duties for much of the empire's three-hundred-year history.
The emperor, the Demon King of Incarceration, seldom left the throne room except for special occasions. He engaged little in the day-to-day governance that other kingdoms and empires might expect of their rulers. This task had traditionally fallen to Gavid Lindman, with the Demon King of Incarceration only reviewing the reports and decisions the duke had made.
However, this arrangement didn't make the Demon King of Incarceration a mere figurehead. Nothing in the empire could proceed without his explicit consent, and his wishes were commands that underwent no debate or discussion.
Duke Lindman's role was that of a bridge between the secluded Demon King of Incarceration and the empire's bureaucrats. Hence, his leave introduced a wave of unease not just among the bureaucrats but also among the empire's populace. Though his absence was deemed unavoidable, the vacancy he left demanded a proxy. Someone else needed to step in to shoulder the immense responsibility in his stead.
Duke Giabella’s name was swiftly brought up in discussions. Her public image was favorable, and her savviness in matters of state and commerce was renowned.
If the empire — or even the continent — were to nominate its most distinguished entrepreneur, Duke Giabella's name would undoubtedly surface among the primary contenders.
Yet, Duke Giabella showed no inclination to step into the limelight in either the capital, Pandemonium, or the imperial palace, Babel. She carried on with her life as if the affairs of Pandemonium bore no relevance to her, as if she wouldn’t intervene even if issues surfaced in the capital. It felt as if she were indifferent to any potential crises that might arise. It was possible that Duke Giabella might be harboring other intentions, but to the public eye, her routine remained unchanged from before.
She continued to reside within the tranquil bounds of Giabella Park. She would occasionally take to the skies in the Giabella Face to bestow dreams upon the people when whimsy struck her.She graced the festivals of Giabella Park with her presence and was a familiar figure in the park’s clubs and pubs.
"Who in the world is Count Arnet?” Eugene grumbled while shifting his gaze downwards.
The tantalizing daily spectacle of Duke Giabella. Trivial gossip.
The duke was captured in photographs wearing a dress that revealed the entirety of her back and smiling radiantly at the camera. Eugene consciously averted his thoughts from the necklace that adorned her delicate neck and the ring on her gesturing hand.
"He's one of the officials in Babel. More specifically, he is assigned to the Ministry of Planning and Finance’s Planning Coordination Office—"
"Is he strong?" Eugene interrupted abruptly. His interest seemed piqued as he turned sharply with a gaze narrowed in scrutiny.
"His rank is not particularly high. As far as I remember, Count Arnet is ranked one hundred and third, or he would be if there hadn't been any change," Balzac Ludbeth calmly redirected Eugene's gaze with a serene smile.
"In Babel's public service, rank isn't everything,” explained Balzac.
"Well, that must be true. An empire couldn’t be run by brute force alone, even if it’s one comprised of demons,” responded Eugene.
"Indeed, you speak the truth," Balzac bowed slightly in agreement under Eugene's scrutinizing gaze.
Ten days had passed since the conclusion of the war in Hauria. While efforts to rehabilitate the ruins were ongoing, most of the Liberation Army had departed the battlefield and returned to the nearby city of Salar.
The Liberation Army hadn't disbanded yet. Unlike the battles that were fought across the seas, this war had been waged within national boundaries. As such, it necessitated a multitude of settlements post-conflict.
Moreover, the victory in the war had been overshadowed by a bombshell declaration.
"Wouldn't it be convenient for you to return?" Eugene started while putting down the newspaper. "It seems like staying here would be more of a hassle for you."
"Are you worried about me?" questioned Balzac.
"Why? Is it so strange for me to worry about you?" Eugene retorted.
"Ha, no, it's not that. I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude. To think that a black wizard like me... could receive concern from Sir Hamel himself. I don’t know what to say," said Balzac.
"Are you mocking me now?" Eugene questioned.
"No, not at all. It's just such a surreal, unexpected thing. I didn't want to be conscious about it, but it keeps occupying my thoughts," Balzac said while lifting his head with an awkward smile.
Balzac continued, "Getting back to the topic... Count Arnet isn't particularly distinguished among the demons within Helmuth or even in Babel. Frankly, he's just one of the many average demons you'd find in Babel. Of course, being a count and... an official of Babel isn't exactly ordinary, but…."
"He's not cut out to act as the duke’s deputy?" Eugene questioned.
"Correct,” answered Balzac.
"The Ministry of Planning and Finance is essentially under the duke's direct control, isn't it?" Eugene asked.
"Strictly speaking, all departments in Babel report directly to the duke,” Balzac corrected,
"Huh." Eugene shook his head in honest admiration.
Eugene had thought of the Blade of Incarceration as nothing more than a skilled fighter, but it appeared he had been handling much more in the empire.
"I haven't assessed Count Arnet's work efficiency... but he must possess the necessary skills to have been chosen for this position,” Balzac suggested.
Eugene's gaze returned to the newspaper.
It had been ten days since Duke Lindman left the office, yet remarkably, nothing significant had occurred. The empire's governance faced no issues at all. Although Gavid Lindman stepped back from all his duties in Babel, nobody felt his absence. Count Arnet, who suddenly ascended to the ninetieth-floor office as the deputy, was managing the tasks flawlessly.
"Could he be an avatar of the Demon King of Incarceration?" Eugene asked.
"Hmm, it's not just a possibility. I'm convinced that's the case. Otherwise, it would be impossible to perform so perfectly overnight, as well as he would,” Balzac responded.
Count Arnet, a demon of not a particularly high rank, was indeed a real figure. However, whether the current Arnet was in his right mind was debatable. If the Demon King of Incarceration had chosen him as an avatar to manage Gavid’s duties in his absence—
“What could possibly require such a favor?” Eugene muttered in discontent while furrowing his brows.
This was no simple leave of absence for Gavid Lindman. What could possibly compel him to suddenly leave Babel and withdraw to his estate? And why would the Demon King of Incarceration go to such lengths to accommodate Gavid?
“Could he have been removed?”
The sudden thought made Eugene turn to Balzac.
Ten days ago, Gavid had abruptly attacked Eugene. He had seized the moment when Eugene was immobilized by the aftereffects of Ignition. He had aimed to slit Eugene’s throat.
He had not necessarily failed. Gavid had sheathed his sword and engaged in a dialogue with Eugene before withdrawing. However, Gavid's intent to kill was real and went directly against the wishes of the Demon King of Incarceration.
“A removal?” Balzac pondered for a moment. “That possibility... cannot be dismissed. His Majesty, the Demon King of Incarceration, always demands accountability for one's actions. Haven’t you seen it before, Sir Eugene?”
“Are you referring to the incident with Eward?” Eugene asked.
“Yes. The incubus that seduced Eward Lionheart... though, it’s likely that Duke Giabella was behind it. However, she never emerged in the public eye, resulting in only the incubus’s death,” continued Balzac.
The Demon King of Incarceration had ordered that execution.
“Duke Lindman defied the Demon King of Incarceration in attacking you, Sir Eugene. That act alone could be deemed a sufficient crime warranting punishment by the Demon King of Incarceration. However, if Duke Lindman had been removed, there would be no reason to conceal such a fact,” stated Balzac.
“So, in conclusion, you’re saying you don’t know?” Eugene asked.
“Correct. If you wish, Sir Hamel, I could personally visit the Lindman estate in Pandemonium to verify the duke’s status,” suggested Balzac.
“That won’t be necessary,” Eugene responded with disgust. “And stop calling me Hamel.”
“Understood, Sir Eugene,” answered Balzac.
“How are you feeling?” Eugene asked while scanning Balzac.
Balzac was pale, to begin with, but he appeared even more wan now. His cheeks were slightly sunken, making it appear as if his glasses were too large for his face. His arm, infused with Gluttony, was tightly wrapped in gray bandages.
There seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, yet something indefinable lingered about Balzac. After all, he had feasted on numerous Nur, as well as demons and monsters.
"The digestion is proving difficult," answered Balzac.
"If you're feeling sick, maybe you should throw up,” Eugene suggested half-jokingly.
"Haha.... It’s something rare to come by, so I guess I need to force it down,” answered Balzac.
"Has there been any word from the Demon King of Incarceration? Any orders to return?" asked Eugene.
"Thankfully, nothing so far,” responded Balzac.
"Perhaps to keep an eye on me?" Eugene asked probingly.
"Aren't you already aware, Sir Eugene? The Demon King of Incarceration has no need to use me as his eyes,” Balzac said while rising from his seat.
He had been summoned for a private meeting with Eugene for the first time in ten days.
He wanted to ask many questions, such as about death, reincarnation, Vermouth Lionheart, the upcoming wars, and Eugene’s fated tasks.
But Balzac didn't ask any questions. He kept all his burgeoning queries to himself.
Balzac knew his place well. As a black wizard, he understood he could never be friends with Eugene. He had harbored a sliver of hope before — but he deemed it impossible after learning that Eugene was the reincarnation of Hamel of Extermination.
He pondered if it was permissible for them to maintain their current relationship.
Balzac smiled. This level of detachment suited him, and he was grateful not to be regarded merely as an enemy.
"Well, I'll be taking my leave then,” he said.
Although Eugene hadn't explicitly asked him to leave, Balzac was quick on the uptake. His summons and the quasi-conversation that followed were prompted by Eugene’s curiosity about Count Arnet. And now, that discussion had concluded.
"Will you stay in this city?" Eugene called out to Balzac as he began to withdraw. "Or will you return to Aroth?"
"I won't stay in this city. Nor will I return to Aroth,” Balzac answered.
"Why? Didn't you enjoy working with Sienna and the other wizards?" Eugene asked.
"Ah... That position was like a miracle or a blessing to me. But now, it's a place I must not occupy,” responded Balzac.
"Then where will you go?" inquired Eugene.
"I plan to wander for a bit,” Balzac answered.
"Hmm."
Should he track Balzac? Mark him? Eugene contemplated momentarily.
"Right."
Eugene was certain they would meet again. With that thought, he nodded as Balzac left his room.
"Ha…." Surprisingly, the first thing Eugene did was to sigh as the door closed behind Balzac.
He leaned back in his chair as far as it would go and propped his feet up on the table. He then tilted his head back and closed his eyes tightly as if to release his tension.
"I… must be crazy..." he muttered to himself as he opened his eyes again.
The stack of newspapers on the table caught his eye. The articles he had been deliberately ignoring were now in plain view.
[Shock! Eugene Lionheart's Identity: The Reincarnation of Hamel Dynas?]
[Why did the Demon Kings who sought to conquer the continent and enslave humanity three hundred years ago fail?]
[The Brilliant Eugene Lionheart! Helmuth is shocked by his incredible identity!]
[The current state of Pandemonium: Everyone is reeling from the shock of Eugene Lionheart's identity.]
[Why did 'The Blade of Incarceration' disappear right after the 'Liberation War of Hauria'? Don't hide!]
[Stupid Hamel, but Hamel of XX to the demons? The true identity behind the name feared by demons.]
[Why Helmuth's demons are in turmoil right now. 'Please, no more wars!' An honest conversation with an anonymous high-ranking demon for the first time across the continent.]
[Memoirs of the Era of War published in Helmuth but suppressed from sale, 'I Survived Hamel.' Efforts to restore parts of the censored manuscript.]
[Why did the Queen of Nightmares, Noir Giabella, have a secret rendezvous with Eugene Lionheart? A persistent rivalry… or love…?♥ Unreleased photos of a romantic date in Giabella Park!]
"Ugh..."
Eugene felt his head spin as he read the headlines blazoned in dramatic fonts.
What in the world was...?
The most unbearable among the articles were those regarding Noir. Why were they using ellipses? Why not just finish it by saying they were enemies or rivals? And why in the world had they inserted a heart? A romantic date? Unreleased photos?
‘I must be losing it,’ he thought. His head was spinning.
Yes, it had been madness. He had gotten carried away. He declared himself as Hamel because of the heat of the moment. No, but it could have been managed then.
If he hadn't declared it once more in front of Gavid Lindman, if he hadn't proclaimed himself as Hamel in front of everyone, then these... these damned articles wouldn't have surfaced.
“Argh!"
Unable to contain himself, Eugene shot up from his seat. The chair clattered behind him, but Eugene was oblivious to such sounds. His ears were filled only with the thumping of his heart. They were pounding with shame and rage.
Eugene reached out towards the newspapers piled on the table, unaware that his face was as red as beets. With a whoosh, flames ignited, as furious as Eugene's emotions, and consumed all the newspapers in sight.
But what was burned was only the newspapers in this room. The papers had been published days ago and had already spread across the continent.
He was certain. At least half the continent's population had seen one of these articles by now, and nearly everyone would know Eugene as the reincarnation of Hamel.
"Aargh!" Eugene screamed again while clutching his head.
He could now slightly understand why Melkith El-Hayah would emit cries reminiscent of a crow's screech whenever given the chance. It was because she simply found it impossible to maintain sanity, hence the screams.
"Why do you keep making strange noises?"
The door burst open. He stopped tearing at his hair and wailing mid-way and turned to look, only to be left speechless.
And what was that supposed to be?
The incongruous sight of Mer and Raimira dressed in suits met his eyes.