"Fufufu…"
Valentino's quiet chuckle slithered through the dark like the hiss of a venomous snake. His sharp, narrow eyes gleamed with the cruelty of a beast toying with its prey.
Moschino, his pupils half-dilated, continued glaring daggers at Cain.
"What are you getting at?"
Cain's voice echoed like the chill of stone walls deep underground.
With merciless precision, Moschino pressed on.
"I understand Endi's circumstances. But your actions lack conviction. Why would a man like you—who once lived in seclusion on a deserted island—suddenly decide to help Endi, someone you barely know, someone to whom you owe nothing? What purpose brought you to this kingdom? Answer me."
His words struck like icy blades piercing straight into the heart.
Endi hastily stepped in.
"No, you've got it wrong! Cain… he's… well, I kind of dragged him along with me, you see…"
His defense wavered like a young sapling trembling in the storm. But Moschino pressed harder still.
"And wasn't it convenient that the upper floors of the tower went up in flames at just the right moment?"
That suspicion stung like a hidden needle lurking in the dark.
"I don't know anything about that. Maybe someone set the damn fire. Quit your paranoid guessing games."
Cain shot back with defiance.
His stance was like the steel prow cutting through storm-ridden waves.
At last, Regalo barked out in exasperation.
"Enough! Do you fools know where you are? Cease this quarreling in my presence!"
His voice roared like a mountain collapsing.
Moschino instantly flipped his demeanor, as though someone had switched his setting with a remote control.
"My deepest apologies, Your Majesty! Bad habit of mine, oopsie! Cain-kun, sorry for startling you like that!"
His tone turned light and cheerful.
Cain turned away with a scowl, lapsing back into silence.
"Geez, Moschino, you're really something else…"
"Seriously, you're the worst sometimes…"
Rose and Ponaparte sighed, their voices like the ebbing waves after a storm.
Endi, Lamia, and Jessica were left dumbfounded, like sailors lost in a fogbound sea.
"Fufufu… not even a flicker in his expression."
Valentino muttered under his breath, seemingly impressed by Cain's unflinching composure under Moschino's killing intent.
His admiration was the silent praise of a hunter lurking in the shadows.
"Everyone, Endi and Cain are under my charge now. I'll take responsibility. From this moment, they'll be put to work."
Rose cut in, shifting the mood and seizing command of the room.
"Wait, already!? A mission!?"
Endi's eyes sparkled with excitement. Rose nodded firmly.
"That's right. Jessica's betrayal has likely already been exposed to the Nova Family. They are sharp, meticulous, and even with the full power of the military and security forces, no one has been able to uncover a shred of evidence. Which is why I need you two to investigate. Neither of you belongs to any faction, so you can move without suspicion."
His command shone like a torch hurled into the darkness.
"I'll do it! Leave it to me!"
Endi shot up his hand, brimming with energy.
"Cain," Rose added, "make sure he doesn't go charging off on his own."
"Yeah. Got it."
Cain's reply was blunt as ever.
At that moment, Saizō and Kumashis entered the throne room, dragging Darmaine behind them.
"Your Majesty, we have returned!"
Saizō shouted, tense and formal.
"Wha—t-the… the Three Marshals!? Just my luck…"
Kumashis blurted his horrified thoughts aloud, but surprisingly, went unpunished.
"Well, that was quick. And isn't this Darmaine himself?"
Darmaine, shackled and drained of vitality, looked like a withered tree stripped of life.
"So this is Darmaine. If I recall, the ringleader behind Lamia's abduction. Such filth should not be brought into the palace! Execute him immediately!"
Regalo ordered coldly, his words sharp as a blade pressed against the throat.
"Leave it to me, Your Majesty! I'll kill this bastard myself!"
Ponaparte roared, his fury like a war hammer smashing stone.
But Rose cut in.
"Hold it. Don't be so hasty. Why not turn this piece of trash into one of our pawns? Even garbage can be recycled."
"What are you suggesting, wayward son?"
Regalo asked in irritation.
"Shut it, old man. Listen up, Darmaine—tonight you're going to Panis Town with Endi and the others. You'll dig into the Nova Family."
"Young master, this man cannot be trusted!"
Jessica objected.
"He won't dare try anything stupid with his neck on the line. And since the mafia already knows his face, he could actually prove useful. Darmaine, prove that you're worth keeping alive. Do that, and I'll grant you a pardon."
The offer was like a lifeline tossed to a drowning man.
"Do not presume so much!"
"Silence, ornamental king."
Rose snapped, silencing Regalo with a crack of thunder.
Life began to return to Darmaine's eyes, like fresh buds sprouting on a dead tree.
"Prince Rose, I swear eternal loyalty here and now. Until the moment I perish, I shall serve as your hands and feet in battle. As proof of my devotion… shall I begin by licking your boots?"
Darmaine declared, smooth-tongued as ever.
"…Seriously, this guy…"
Endi groaned in disbelief.
"Alright! Tonight, 7 p.m., Panis Town. Be there. Saizō, Kumashis—you two are coming too. Don't pretend you're busy."
"Y-yes, sir!!"
Saizō stammered, struggling to compose himself under the sudden order.
"I'm not fr—MMPH!"
Kumashis nearly slipped, only to have Saizō desperately clamp a hand over his mouth.
"Enough. Begone, all of you."
Regalo dismissed them with a weary sigh.
Led by the Three Marshals, the group filed out of the throne room.
"Endi, Cain. Be careful, alright?"
Lamia's concern shone like the light of a lighthouse guiding a departing ship.
Endi clenched his fist.
"We'll be fine. Alright—let's do this!"
His spirit burned brighter than ever.