It was at a long-established high-class restaurant in the Royal Capital – one of the finest traditional establishments, the kind of place where private rooms ensured discretion, perfect for secret meetings – that Marqui had summoned Grand General Graps via Sharonezza.
”So,” Graps said, leaning back in his chair, “I never figured you’d be the one to come sniffin’ around.”
The man’s sheer presence was enough to make most people shrink. But Marqui had spent years as the princess’s butler, and meetings with dignitaries no longer rattled him. He met the general’s gaze without flinching.
”I appreciate you takin’ the time to come,” Marqui said, his tone immaculate, every syllable polished to a mirror shine. “You understand why I’ve asked you here, I trust?”
Just the two of them.
Who was more on edge? Neither would show it.
They ate. They drank, just a little.
Graps set down his glass. “Alright. I’m ready to hear what this is really about.”
”His Majesty has passed away.”
”Huh?!”
The information was being kept secret. The way he’d died – for a king, it was far too undignified.
”Your Excellency,” Marqui said, folding his hands on the table, “this means you don’t need to go through with whatever you were plannin’.”
Graps exhaled slowly – a long, weary breath. “Hah. So you knew about that, did ya? But the fact that you went to all this trouble to set up a meetin’ – “
”I ain’t here to do anythin’ to you, Your Excellency.”
Just don’t do anythin’ stupid.
”Would be faster to just kill me,” Graps muttered.
”I can’t forgive you for draggin’ an innocent young lady into your schemes. But to advance the Purge, I can use you.”
Graps’s eyes narrowed. He’d already noticed, hadn’t he? That Marqui had even brought the Demon God Sharonezza to heel.
”For my niece’s sake, I’ll let myself be used. Not like I got a choice, right?”
”That’s good to hear. The truth is… this wasn’t the real matter I wanted to discuss.”
”Oh?”
”For the time bein’, we’ll install a shadow double for His Majesty.”
If Marqui didn’t tell Graps that much, the general might do something reckless.
”You’re gonna pretend he’s still alive?”
”Yes. I’ll use an Illusion Art that even the realm’s wisest sages wouldn’t detect.”
”The Demon God, then!”
Graps understood immediately – he’d used a Demon God himself, after all.
Marqui felt a flicker of unease. Followin’ the game’s events exactly made him nervous. But this way, it’d be easier to smoke out the problematic nobles.
And easier to give Rosella more authority.
In fact – same as in the game – Rosella would be the one pullin’ the strings in the shadows.
”Fine,” Graps said. “I’ll cooperate. But listen to me – I ain’t the only one after Rosella. Demon Gods keep approachin’ her. I made that contract with Sharonezza to protect her from those bastards.”
The only thing that could stand against a Demon God was another Demon God.
”This Demon God you mentioned – who are they?”
”I don’t know. But they’ve got their eyes on Rosella’s talent, and they’re tryin’ to use her. Marqui – you of all people…”
His eyes.
They were those of an uncle who truly worried for his niece.
Summary:
Marqui summons Grand General Graps to a private restaurant to reveal that His Majesty has died and they will install a shadow double, using the event to advance the Purge. Graps, having already made a contract with Demon God Sharonezza to protect Rosella from other Demon Gods, agrees to cooperate for his niece’s sake. The chapter closes with Graps revealing he is not the only one after Rosella, and Marqui must now contend with unknown demonic forces targeting her talent.
Trivia:
The setting is a traditional high-class restaurant (ryotei) in the Royal Capital, the kind used for secret political meetings.
Graps, though intimidating, has a soft spot for his niece Rosella and made a deal with a Demon God to protect her.
Marqui is the one who summoned Graps, reversing the expected power dynamic.
The king’s death is being kept secret because of how undignified his manner of dying was.
Marqui knows the game’s plot and intends to follow it, with Rosella becoming the shadow mastermind.
Graps reveals he is not the only one targeting Rosella – other Demon Gods keep approaching her.
The only thing that can oppose a Demon God is another Demon God, establishing a key world rule.