Chapter 3: Part 4

Its evening.

Marquis Glassred was, currently, wracking his head over a problem occurring in the Asmodean region.

(With this, its four)

A few days ago, the whereabouts of Mirigan Adi, a 28 year old fortune teller living in the center of the Asmodean region, Evnemi, have become unknown. Having been the self-proclaimed disciple of that famous mage, the personalitys credibility at fortune telling didnt seem to have much value, seeming to have attracted numerous male customers solely due to her beauty.

Lukana Octo of Mystica, Mikulia Greeonio of Abito, Lolan Eve of Lisa A, and now Mirigan. Within such a short period of time, so many people had disappeared in Asmodean.

The only thing they have in common is being female. Each of their occupations and living areas were different, they shouldnt even be acquainted with each other.

It wasnt known whether it was the work of the same perpetrator. On the contrary, it was uncertain whether there was even an incident.

However, as the one representing the Asmodean region, that didnt mean he could just leave it alone.

A criminal had also attacked Duke Venomanias household yet remained at large. Marquis Glassred thought Asmodean was a quiet and peaceful land in its own way, but it was becoming increasingly increasingly fishy no matter how you spun it.

(A ploy by spies of a neighboring country perhaps, or Im over-thinking it)

The Asmodean region lay in the north of the great empire of Beelzenia and bordered a number of other nations, making it both a cornerstone of trade and a strategically important land.

While it was allies or in a neutral relationship with other countries for now, that was only publicly so its no wonder if sabotage has been done. Supposing other countries warred with the Beelzenian Empire, it would be attacked first and foremost here, in Asmodean.

(Perhaps it would be wise to bolster our armaments. Then I should at least report these serial women disappearances to the imperial family no, before that, to the young Duke Venomania, I suppose)

After the death of the previous feudal lord, Ilotte, Marquis Glassred had been handling Asmodeans state of affairs, but the official lord was the Marquis only nephew, Sateriasis.

(Ive also heard hes stopped secluding himself recently and shown his face in Lasaland and surrounding towns. Perhaps the incidents scarring upon his mind has healed by now. Doubtful hell be able to fully handle the affairs of the state but he should have some self-awareness as the feudal lord. For Asmodeans and for my future as well)

The Glassred familys lineage could be traced back to immigrants from Elphegort originally. Even though there was little racial discrimination within the Beelzenian Empire, the Marquis had been told by relatives from a young age that wishing for little more success in life than now was beyond their means; he himself had understood it.

But, through his younger sister marrying into the Venomania family, one of Beelzenias central aristocrats known as the Five Dukes, who held great influence within the country, the blood of the Glassreds mixed with the Dukes.

If Sateriasis was set up as a fine feudal lord, there would promise further prosperity for the Glassred family.

(The engagement talks for the young duke andherhad gone unanswered due to that incident so we should neatly settle it soon)

As for Marquis Glassred, he intended to solidify their ties with the Venomanias, and there had been a plan for that underway for some time.

Once the Marquis left the room, he shouted while quickly parading down the corridor.

Gumina! Gumina, where are you!

At the sound of his voice, his daughter appeared from the shadows of the hallway.

Im over here, Father.

Sporting short green hair, she so quietly called out in response to her father.

Oh, Gumina, youre over here, are you? Im going to the Venomania manor now. Youre coming along as well.

To Duke Venomanias mansion?

Seeing Guminas face layered with confusion, Marquis Glassred grew irritated.

You should have supported Duke Venomania after the incident from the beginning. You havent even gone to the mansion to see his face even once. Honestly, its so difficult having a disappointing* daughter.

Its I have my reasons too

Since Duke Venomania had been alienating himself from those around him, Ive been overlooking it up til now, but Im already at my limit! Fulfill your duties as his fiance! Lets go, we have to leave now!

Understood.

In response to her fathers rebukes, Gumina decided to timidly obey and go to Sateriasis mansion.

*The term used for disappointing () refers to something or someone poorly made or working, unsuccessful, or otherwise a failure.