"It's all over. That girl—Mariabell—can read all my emotions. Even if I had no intent of betraying her, she will still know and eliminate me," Glenda lamented, her voice trembling with regret.
I studied her carefully, my presence unyielding. Authority flowed through every word I spoke. "The curse has been destroyed. You are no longer bound."
"Wh… what now?" Her eyes widened, disbelief mingling with cautious hope.
"Do not concern yourself with what was. You are free to live your life as you see fit. To the world, you are likely already dead."
"N-no… you managed to unbind the 'curse' that dominated me?" Her voice cracked, a mixture of astonishment and tentative relief.
I gave a small, deliberate nod. "Correct. I will not dwell on the specifics. But understand this — if you oppose us in the future, my leniency will not repeat."
"I suppose I must be grateful. I'd receive a great deal of backlash for harming someone released by Atem-sama. Yet… remember this. I betrayed Luminas-sama. The Western Holy Church will never forgive me."
Glenda had been a formidable operative under Mariabell's control. Her capabilities were undeniable. But now, with the chains of the curse removed, there was no reason for her to act against us. If she did, I could handle it swiftly. No concern clouded my judgment; I forgave her this time.
Hinata's expression, while still stern, relaxed slightly. She understood my decision and would not act against it. After all, Glenda had only obeyed orders. She was not the architect of these schemes; the curse had forced her hand.
"That will suffice. You are free to go," I declared, my tone sharp but fair. "Stay in Eterna if you wish. But if you cause trouble—"
"W-wait a minute! Are you truly letting me go?" Glenda interjected, fear and astonishment intertwined.
"Killing you serves no purpose," I said plainly, my gaze unwavering.
"Since Atem-sama has spared you, there is no reason to oppose this decision," Souei added, his voice calm and obedient.
"You alone pose no significant threat," Benimaru concurred.
The truth was simple. Glenda could not hope to overcome Souei's prowess, nor match Benimaru's strength. Her own desire to survive would prevent foolish actions. It was a pragmatic choice to allow her freedom.
Glenda sank to her knees, desperation overtaking her pride.
"I-I have a request! I will reveal everything I know. Please… hire me! I'll do any dirty work, anything—please!"
Benimaru and I exchanged glances, silent communication passing between us.
What should be done? I considered the matter carefully, authority and pragmatism guiding my decision. We did not have the luxury of lavish payrolls. Eterna's operations were still being structured, and our resources were measured.
"Your zeal is noted," I said firmly, "but our systems are still developing. Compensation cannot be guaranteed at present."
"—Eh?" Glenda froze, disbelief and incredulity written across her face.
Her reaction, however, was only the prelude. "I am accustomed to that. Even as a member of the Pope's Imperial Order and the Holy Empire of Lubelius, I was not paid."
Her confession surprised me. Even the esteemed 'Three Martial Sages' had relied on goods rather than coins. Reputation afforded her privileges — national guest status, prizes for accomplishments — and she had been well-respected.
"Eh… does that mean Hinata hasn't accumulated much either?" I asked, recalling her extravagant expenditures during the festival.
"—Tsk, yes. Lubelius values equality. Cash is rarely exchanged publicly. Goods serve as currency."
I allowed a small, approving nod. If a nation as ancient and established as Lubelius could function without strict monetary systems, Eterna's development was not hindered by our lack of salary structures.
Hinata oversaw the Holy Knight Order and the Imperial Order, with access to the treasury, supplemented by earnings from contracts. The system allowed for prosperity without strict monetary exchange.
"So, you still expect me to pay, even with your wealth?" I asked.
"Frugality is the path of reason!" Glenda exclaimed. She spent generously for the children yet was careful with her own resources.
I considered Myourmiles' pending bonuses but dismissed it — some matters were trivial.
"Despite appearances, I am notorious across the Western Nations," Glenda continued. "Even if spared, opportunities will be scarce. Few would hire someone labeled a traitor. The adventurer's life is unfit for me. Basic necessities suffice. That is all I ask."
Her reasoning was sound. A Martial Sage expelled from Lubelius was a pariah in the eyes of the world. No nation would risk employing her openly. Even as an adventurer, exposure would invite pursuit by Lubelius or Granbell's agents. Survival alone required discretion.
"True. Your path is perilous without allies," I acknowledged.
"Please, Demon Lord-sama! I swear loyalty! I will serve you faithfully!"
Her plea was earnest, desperate, yet tempered by fear. Could I trust her? Perhaps not immediately. Yet leaving such a skilled operative behind was imprudent. She was like a character from a spy tale — too resourceful to abandon.
"Souei, manage this," I commanded.
"If Atem-sama wills it, I will comply," he replied without hesitation.
"Good. Ensure she remains loyal. Prepare contingencies for potential betrayal," I instructed.
"Understood. Her prowess surpasses Souka. She will serve under my guidance, expanding our secret services," Souei stated confidently.
"A secret service for problem operatives?" Glenda muttered, incredulous.
"Effectiveness over procedure," I said. "We utilize what is available rather than recruiting externally."
Even Diablo was occupied in searching for subordinates. Souei's efforts were complementary; there was no need to halt his operations.
"Then the matter is yours entirely. Coordinate with Myourmiles regarding resources," I concluded.
"Understood!" Souei affirmed, resolute.
Glenda muttered under her breath, "Oi… calling me a problem child when I'm right here…"
I allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile. Trust is earned, not declared.
And with that, Glenda was officially recruited.
I asked Souei to oversee Glenda, but before that, I needed her to divulge everything she knew. This wasn't an interrogation anymore—we were simply sharing a meal and a conversation.
"You take one of these wooden tags with the type of meals written on it and exchange it at the window over there. There are three types of meals, changing daily. Special sets exist, too. If you were to become an officer, you could order anything you desired," Shuna explained, her voice calm and professional.
"Eh… so they've been preparing meals for me all this time?" Glenda asked, a trace of surprise in her tone.
She had enjoyed her meals before, but had never needed to use a tag. This was the lieutenants' canteen—someone would prepare her meals regardless. Shion and Gobichi's kitchens, with their inventive dishes, were a topic for another day.
"This is our most popular dish. You either make an appointment using your effort points or arrive early to wait in line. It's specially crafted," Shuna said with a smile.
I noticed the dessert in the set; it was extravagant, almost ostentatious. Shuna's explanation clarified why.
"We can all have this set?" Benimaru asked, almost reluctantly.
"Yes. People were ordered to reserve them for us," Souei replied casually.
I caught Souei's phrasing—ordering people to wait in line for a meal? It was absurd, yet somehow believable with him. Still, I let it slide. We had more pressing matters than debating etiquette at the canteen.
When the meals were served, the aroma alone commanded respect. We began to eat in silence.
"Now, let's speak," I said, turning to Glenda, but her attention was entirely consumed by the meal before her.
It was exquisite. I decided it would be best to discuss serious matters after dinner, once she had tasted everything.
Once the plates were empty, I addressed her.
"I used to place money above all, but today changed that. From now on, I'll live for points!"
Glenda declared, her eyes shining.
Not that points were easy to earn—but if it motivated her, I allowed it.
"What secrets do you hold? Hide nothing. Tell me everything," Souei prompted. That finally drew her out.
The information she revealed sent a ripple of tension through the room.
First, the council. It was controlled by the Five Great Elders. At its helm: Granbell. Among the others, to our surprise, the prime suspect Count Gavan was one of them, and the Duke of Rostia, Johann, was another.
"How can the Five Great Elders disagree?" I asked, my voice calm but commanding.
"Mariabell orchestrated it," Glenda explained. "She deliberately created opposition while keeping someone aligned with the majority. To those involved, it was a life-or-death struggle. To her, it was strategy."
I understood. Conflict could sharpen an organization's efficiency, but unchecked, it bred corruption. One poor decision by a leader could unravel everything. Johann's influence was subtle; if he gained my trust, he could manipulate from inside. The council wasn't merely political—it was a trap.
"That reeks of deceit," Souei muttered.
"I want no dealings with these people. They deserve nothing but fire," I said, letting my authority fill the room. My words carried weight—Glenda flinched slightly.
The other two members of the five: the Count of Cidre, guarding Ingracia's northern border, and King Dolan, a militaristic ruler from the west. Granbell had meticulously designed this system. Ingracia, adjacent to the Holy Empire of Lubelius and far from the Great Jura Forest, was secure—a hub of politics and commerce.
"But why antagonize me? I am a fair sovereign," I said aloud, almost rhetorically.
"Eh? With all your provocations, anyone would oppose you," Benimaru remarked.
I frowned. "Provocations? Diablo said Atem-sama aims to dominate the world economy. They assumed I intended to control the council as well."
"Exactly," Glenda added quietly. "Intelligence gathering often masquerades as ambition."
"…You've been seen this way all along?" I asked, genuinely intrigued. Even Hinata looked at me with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"I never aimed for that," I said, projecting authority. "I sought negotiation, observation, and understanding. Nothing more."
Hinata exhaled sharply. "No merchant would allow intruders to manipulate trade without resistance."
She had a point.
"Very well," I continued. "We will eventually confront them. Eterna's economic activities must be under our influence. I intend to achieve that."
"I foresaw it," Souei said. "My duty remains defense."
"I will investigate the Rosso clan and the Five Great Elders directly," Glenda confirmed.
It was vital to see our adversaries clearly.
"You are fortunate to have learned this freely," Glenda said, almost with a sly smile.
Benimaru and Souei nodded. We still had to monitor Yuuki's side while engaging in intelligence and economic warfare with the Rossos. No bloodshed was required—yet—but caution remained paramount.
"Hold on," Hinata interjected. "Yuuki and the Rosso clan? Why caution against Yuuki?"
I realized I had failed to inform her fully. "It is nothing… just that the only person capable of revealing my identity as a Reincarnated One, my connection to Shizu, and leaking it to eastern merchants… is Yuuki."
"Right. Only Yuuki fits," she said.
"And that majin, Laplace, from the moderate clown gang—perhaps he defeated Roy, who pretended to be the Demon Lord. No guarantees," I added, projecting control.
Hinata's expression sharpened—a chilling laugh escaped her lips. I knew better than to provoke her.
Glenda hesitated. "Atem… about Yuuki…"
"What is it? Speak freely."
"The leader of the Freedom Association… Yuuki… he's connected to Johann and completely under Mariabell's control."
The room froze. Controlled by Mariabell? That changed everything.
"I should have known," I muttered, commanding the room's focus.
"I am Granbell's direct subordinate," Glenda added, clarifying the chain of command. Mariabell's influence had been invisible to her.
"And her subordinates?" I pressed.
"Blood Shadows… they handle the Rossos' dirty work," Shuna added, concerned.
Hinata pondered deeply. We had to reconsider our assumptions.
Even Solarys fell silent—a rarity. The situation was complex, a labyrinth of deceit.
"List Yuuki as a suspect," I said firmly. "Observe and wait. Any action he takes under Mariabell's control could disrupt our plans."
"If Yuuki cannot defy Mariabell, he may act against his own stance," Benimaru suggested.
"Exactly. Mariabell will corner us through him if allowed."
"There's danger ahead," Souei warned.
"And perhaps Kagali-san and the ruins we intended to explore—something sinister may await," added another voice.
I weighed it. "No. We proceed. Canceling the expedition will anger Milim, and she expects to join. We prepare for confrontation, no matter what."
"Is it safe?" Benimaru asked.
"Milim will join. I will bring Shion for protection," I said decisively.
"Understood," Souei affirmed.
"I will bring Gobta and Ranga. That should suffice," I continued.
"Leave the town's security to me during your departure, Atem-sama," Hinata added.
"I will fortify the barrier and handle surveillance. Focus on the Five Great Elders," Souei confirmed.
"Count on Veldora in the labyrinth for assistance if needed," I said.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
" Be cautious; you act recklessly at times."
"You speak too much!" I barked, though with a wry smile.
Hinata vanished with magic, leaving a trace of care behind despite her usual aloofness.
I paused, reflecting. Tsundere? Perhaps.
Daydreaming aside, reality demanded readiness. Our plan was set.
All that remained: be prepared when the day of action arrived.