The moment Yohan became sovereign duke, the Count’s wife, Yeriyan, would return to life. That day was no longer far off. With both the royal family’s authority and the Count’s power at his disposal, Yohan would soon achieve his goal.

The Count spoke calmly.

“What do you need me to do?”

From here on, Yohan needed the Count’s power. He would have to take the lead and steer the decisions at every meeting in the direction Yohan wanted.

Yohan spoke.

“First, Cromwell, become the chief investigator for this incident.”

Yohan needed direct influence over the investigation into the “attempted summoning of Muel” to prevent any complications. Unfortunately, taking charge of the investigation himself would be difficult. He was still too young, and his standing within the Council was limited. Even if the Count forced his appointment as chief investigator through, opposition from outside was inevitable.

Rather than invite needless controversy, it was better to put the Count in charge. No one would likely object to his appointment. Yohan need only control him from behind the scenes.

The Count said, “I take it we need to manipulate the investigation.”

Yohan nodded.

“It needs some adjustments. First, we must keep the archmage Lumina alive.”

The Count’s brow furrowed slightly.

“... Isn’t Lumina the chief culprit? Even I would find it difficult to protect a Class One apostate.”

Having attempted to summon an Archdemon, Lumina was classified as a Class One apostate. No pardon could be granted to a Class One apostate, whatever the grounds. The Holy Kingdom and the Empire would be watching her treatment with eyes wide open. The kingdom lacked the power to save her.

Lumina had to die.

Yohan spoke.

“Don’t worry about that. I have someone to take her place.”

“You mean to use a stand-in?”

“Something like that.”

Berdan the Schemer. Yohan intended to put him to use.

Doubt flickered across the Count’s face.

“Lumina might die during interrogation. In fact, she almost certainly will. Wouldn’t that put you in a difficult position? You seem to need her.”

Yohan had said that Lumina must be kept alive. Presumably he needed an archmage’s power. That was the extent of the Count’s conjecture. The reality was somewhat different: Yohan had to protect Lumina to honor his promise to King Roderick.

Yohan nodded.

“That is why I intend to interrogate her myself. Count, recommend me as her interrogator.”

He need only torture her a little, pretend to extract information, then smuggle her out.

The Count gave a low hum.

“The Church will object strongly.”

This incident had its origins in demonic activity. Where Demons were concerned, the Church seldom relinquished control to others.

“Is it impossible?”

The Count considered briefly, then shook his head.

“Not impossible. But it will require a rather substantial donation. To the Church.”

He meant a political bargain.

Yohan chuckled.

“That is for you to work out. In any case, I will handle Lumina’s interrogation.”

As always, he would brook no argument. The Count was accustomed to this attitude and showed no particular resentment.

“I will do as you wish. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“This will suffice for today’s meeting.”

The meetings would continue for days on end. The Count would have to work hard throughout.

“... Today’s, you say. I shall be rather busy for a while.”

Yohan shrugged.

“Get some rest. There should be about two hours until the meeting. You could catch some sleep.”

The Count was surely exhausted after riding for ten hours straight.

He answered without expression.

“I have no time. There are countless people I must see.”

The Count was a busy man. A host of important figures were waiting to meet him.

Yohan waved a hand.

“Then you may go.”

As the Count left the office, he said, “I’ll see you later.”

The royal conference would begin that evening, since not all the nobles had arrived in the royal capital yet. Those traveling from distant domains would not even be able to attend.

The same went for Yohan. He had no choice but to miss today’s meeting. Once the sun set, he would turn into a Demon.

“Ilea will go in my place.”

The Count looked puzzled.

“What do you mean?”

“Things worked out that way.”

Yohan offered no further explanation, and the Count did not press him. He merely gazed at Yohan before murmuring, “I’m sure you have thought it through.”

Then he walked straight out the door.

* * *

After the Count left, Ilea came to the office. She spoke as soon as she saw Yohan.

“Things are turning in your favor.”

The unexpected factor that was Muel had brought Yohan considerable gains. He had put a leash on the king and secured the important position of interrogator. He had also etched a somewhat more favorable image of Maphel’tan into everyone’s minds.

――――The Thirteenth Apostle of the End was the decisive reason Muel’s summoning ritual could be stopped.

That story was now spreading rapidly throughout the royal capital.

Frankly, Yohan was quite satisfied with the present situation. Someday, he would have to unite the strength of humans and Demons to prepare for the apocalypse in the latter part of the story. The more humans revered him, the better. Muel had laid the groundwork for that—at least in terms of the outcome. Muel’s intentions remained uncertain.

Yohan said, “I hate to admit it, but I did benefit from Muel’s actions in the end.”

“Do you think Muel helped you deliberately?”

Muel was a Demon with powerful foresight. Able to see visions of the future, Muel always acted to personal advantage. This incident was no exception. Muel must have gained something from it.

But what could that gain be? Did creating favorable circumstances for Yohan truly benefit Muel as well? Could there be some other aim?

“I can’t be certain of anything yet. I intend to focus on the situation at hand. When fortune offers an opportunity, I should make use of it.”

Yohan decided not to dwell too much on Muel. Everything that came to mind now was mere speculation anyway. He would do what he could for the moment.

Ilea’s expression grew composed and sober. She spoke cautiously.

“Everything has fallen into place a little too neatly. Honestly, it makes me uneasy. I don’t think we should disregard Muel entirely.”

Yohan nodded.

“I don’t intend to forget about Muel altogether. I plan to learn something about Muel through Lumina’s interrogation.”

The archmage Lumina might have some understanding of Muel’s schemes or intentions. Yohan was pinning his hopes on her.

Ilea said, “Then you absolutely must become the interrogator.”

“I’ve already spoken to the Count. It looks as though you two will have some work to do.”

Ilea would attend today’s royal conference in Yohan’s place. She had to play his part and establish House Miyatro’s authority. He felt no particular unease. He trusted her abilities.

Ilea smiled gently.

“Don’t worry. I’ll do well. You’ll achieve everything you want.”

She was quite reassuring.

Yohan looked out the window.

“The sun will be setting soon. Get ready for the meeting.”

Less than an hour remained before the conference. Ilea immediately released her mana. Her appearance changed in an instant, becoming identical to Yohan’s.

He (Ilea) smiled with his eyes.

“I’ll be back.”

The false Yohan left the office.

* * *

The palace’s vast great hall was packed with people, all nobles attending the conference. Countless noble houses throughout the kingdom, provincial or central, great or small, had sent representatives to the palace to discuss the current crisis. Well over a hundred people had already gathered.

Of course, few had the right to speak. Separate seats had been prepared before the throne for the privileged elite among the nobility to exchange their views. The rest stood in rows along either side of the hall. In effect, they were little more than ornaments there to complete the picture.

Naturally, no one voiced any dissatisfaction. Everyone knew their place. They all waited in silence for the Count to speak.

Standing one step below the throne, the Count swept his gaze across the hall. As chancellor of the kingdom, he was presiding over the conference.

He spoke without expression.

“It seems everyone is here. Bring in His Majesty.”

No sooner had he finished than a palace guard cried out, “His Majesty the King!”

The great hall’s doors swung wide to either side. Trumpets rang out resoundingly. Dressed in ceremonial robes, the king slowly entered along the red carpet. Every noble dropped to one knee in unison.

The Count spoke on their behalf.

“We pay our respects to Your Great Majesty.”

King Roderick avoided his gaze.

“... Count, it has been a long time.”

Even when he was young, he had found it difficult to look the Count in the eye. They had grown old together and shared many years, yet the king still found him intimidating.

Roderick climbed the steps to the throne and took his seat of honor. The Count rose from his knee, and every noble rose with him.

Looking down at the assembly, the Count began.

“The first royal conference will now commence. On the agenda—”

The king raised a hand.

“Before we begin, may I say a word?”

He had interrupted the Count—an uncommon occurrence. The nobles began to murmur, but the Count showed no particular reaction.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Please speak freely.”

The king glanced at the Count to gauge his mood, then turned toward the nobles. His gaze grew solemn, and he spoke in a voice of considerable grandeur.

“Hear me, my lords. I, Roderick Artelga, King of the Kingdom of Artelga, find our present circumstances deplorable beyond measure. A peace that has endured for no fewer than five hundred years is beginning to fracture. Evil runs rampant beyond the royal capital, while within it, an Apostle walks freely. The provinces teem with petty spirits, and here at the heart of the kingdom, wicked factions threaten the royal family.”

What on earth was he leading up to with such a preamble? Every noble wondered, but they listened to their king in silence.

The king continued.

“I intend to break this cycle of evil. While we grew complacent in peace and made light of evil, one house watched over it alone for centuries. To that house, I would entrust this great undertaking.”

He looked toward the seats occupied by the nobles of the Council.

“Yohan von Miyatro. Watcher of the Abyss, I command you: assume the office of chief investigator into the demonic incident of last night. From this moment until the investigation concludes, you shall have the authority to command every group within the royal capital.”

A stir swept through the great hall.