By the time my child grows into a fine lady, you will be the head of the Pendletons, Lady Rivelia

Rivelia wanted to scream through her closed lips, to ask if title and power was worth more than one watching their parents die.

My child will be your equal. She will become a grand noble, who need not bow to anyone else. She will become a noble who is both considerate and empathetic. A noble who understands the pain of others and offers a helping hand. My child

Elena couldnt finish her words, sobbing as she held her dead husband tightly, caressing his cheek.

I.

Just when Rivelia finally managed to utter a word, Elena raised her head. A trail of blood dripped from the corner of her mouth.

My child will be the first hereditary noble who climbed to the title of Duchess from the rank of Baron, and she will become your rival.

Clang!

Rivelia dropped her swordsomething she had never done in her life. She held her mouth with both of her hands. She couldnt understand it. Perhaps she never would in her entire life. Someone who had stood at the summit since the beginning simply didnt live in the same world as those still scaling the cliffs.

Elena mustered her last ounce of strength to look at Laila, and then she whispered to Isaac.

Thank you

Elenas body collapsed on top of Wolfgangs, and Isaacs expression twisted.

Two? Not just one but two? Just what was Centrals reasoning for not recruiting them? Were they ignored simply because they had an overabundance of talents? Or is this what it means to be parents? Or are they the true nobles?

Isaacs face contorted in untold fury for reasons unfathomable to Rivelia, and she asked.

What is it that Im missing? What did they figure out?

Isaac looked into Rivelias burning eyes and clucked his tongue in disappointment.

Its your homework. Why dont you figure it out yourself?

Isaac tapped Lailas shoulder as well.

You think about it too. But you dont have to tell me the answer. Just keep it to yourself when you find out.

Enough with this stupid homework! I am not your student!

Rivelia shouted out in frustration. Isaac looked between Laila and Rivelia before he spoke.

Fine. I will tell you the answer to my homework just to make things fair. Listen well. All power corrupts. Especially when you abide by a grand cause of only we can save this world. Makes it very easy for arrogance to possess retards.

What do you mean by that?!

Where is the demon? The turncoats? Why was Central so sure that Wolfgang was a demon?

There must have been an error in the reports.

Arrogant and innocent. This is the result of that error.

Isaac opened his arm to showcase the Banquet Hall, and Rivelia fell silent.

Let me ask you this. Was Marquis Lichten truly unaware that Count Wolfgang was possibly involved with a demon?

When Rivelia failed to answer, Isaac smirked as if thats all the answer he needed.

There was only doubt in my mind when I first received this mission.

Isaac paused to tap Laila, who was staring at her dead parents.

Focus now. First lesson, always question why at all times. First question: was Marquis Lichten truly unaware of Centrals involvement when he was the one to benefit the most if Wolfgang were to fall? I tested this by sending a single letter to delay the war for a month, yet instead of rejecting it furiously, he took it as granted. Why? Because Im the Director of Central? Or because he knows Wolfgang will fall no matter what?

Thats

Second question: what will Central gain from this involvement? No organisation moves if there isnt any profit. From Centrals perspective, its much better to keep the cooperative Marquis in power and maintain a constant stream of supplies instead of wasting time and money checking in on this new rising power. That alone is enough for Central to intervene.

The Grand Council would never allow this.

Third question, would the non-humans care about a war between humans?

If a sliver of information was leaked, even Central wouldnt be able to escape the allegations

Fourth question: this is done by the organisation that creates and maintains the law of this world. Can this be overruled?

When Central labels one as turncoats or demons, they were turncoats and demons. Rivelia never questioned this.

That is just your personal opinion, Director. I refuse to believe this. I will request an official reinvestigation. There must have been an error in the information. Well discover the true reason if the Directorate of Analysis runs a thorough investigation.

Isaac burst out in laughter and watched as Rivelia refused to take his word for it, still firmly believing that this was all another partys devious scheme that would be punished accordingly in the name of justice. She always looked at the world on the bright sideperhaps because she was still young and innocent.

Isaac took out a cigarette and lit it as he grasped the air with one hand.

Those who hold onto power can never let it go until they die. That is why theyll do whatever they can to keep it. If you request a reinvestigation, itll just come back saying that there wasnt any demonic involvement. Then?

Then well find out

So its just too bad for everyone that died.

Its impossible for Central to commit such a flagrant violation.

Rivelia continued to put her faith in Central. Annoyed, Isaac stepped toward Rivelia, and Rivelia instinctively stepped back in return.

Have you been brainwashed? You complained that youd never have joined Central if it werent for me, so when did this blind faith in Central take hold? Dont be foolish. Remember. Justice is whatever brings profit to the organisation you belong in.

For each step Isaac took forward, she took one back.

Central is no different. Why is the Grand Council acting oblivious? Because the more humans continue to fight amongst themselves, the more profitable it is for non-humans.

Another step forward, another step back.

The greed of one with power is infinite. And the fear of losing it grows alongside the acquisition of power. Will the Empire be any different? No, in fact theyd be even more paranoid. They may seem like they are at the top, but in truth, their dynasties can be changed at the Grand Councils whim. You say Central would never commit such a thing? Perhaps not for Central. But the Empire and Directorate of Strategy can and will do whatever it takes to protect their power. You think the Pendletons are any different?

Thats impossible.

Rivelia eked out a couple words of resistance, but her voice was already being crushed by the momentum of Isaacs voice

Never look down on the tenacity of a human in power. Think of the Marquis as an example. To do everything to protect a single shred of power that amounts to nothing is what a human is.

Disgusting.

Rivelia blurted out unintentionally; her retreat was barred by the wall. Isaac was now close to Riveliaintimately so.

Just a little more and their lips would be touching, yet Rivelia was gasping for air as her body stiffened. Isaac looked at Rivelia straight into her eyes as he spoke.

Thats right. The world is disgusting. No, its only disgusting to the victims. Never forget it. And stop disappointing me by continuing to turn away from truth like a coward. I seem to have picked up a decent piece of insurance, but I dont have time for her to grow up in order to do her part. Its very annoying to pick someone else at this point, so please dont fall behind to the insurance plan.

Tap tap!

Isaac had tapped Rivelias shoulder as he spoke such baffling sentences, and he now whispered into Rivelias ears.

I really hope its you that kills me. Dont disappoint me.

Isaac stepped away from Rivelia, who had stiffened like a rock, and exited the Banquet Hall. As he left, he gave orders to his agents, who were watching restlessly.

Clean it up. Both the Counts and Marquis forces joined forces to fight against the Black Bandits, who ambushed them in the final battle. They disappeared along with the Black Bandits when the castle exploded. The sole survivors Hm. Yes. Lets say Rivelia, who was an acquaintance of Countess Elena, happened to be around because she was asked to look after her children and ended up saving them. Thats the story. Move out.

The simultaneous dissolution of both the Count and the Marquis culminated in a scandal that shook the Empire. Many questioned Centrals inability to stop the Warlock organisation in advance, and Central had no choice but to grit their teeth at Isaac as they gave their utmost to clean up the situation.

Meanwhile, Isaac gained even more infamy from the Empire, as he tried to absorb both Wolfgangs and Lichtens lands by pointing at their debts.

Isaac, who at this point was unrivaled in infamy, did not relent and proceeded to legally take over both lands.

The ruling from the Department of Law affirming private property rightsand, by extension, the legality of Isaacs actions led to many protests throughout the Empire, but Isaac didnt stop. And it seemed as if his goal was just within his reachwhen suddenly, survivors of the Wolfgang Family resurfaced.

The survivors were none other than the official heirs to Count Wolfgang, who had been under Rivelias protection. Of course, Isaacs plans were set back while Rivelia received all kinds of praises.

Rivelia announced that as their guardian, she would manage both Wolfgangs and Lichtens lands until the two girls came of age, and when they did,she would stand for them to be titled the Duchesses of the lands. The world celebrated for the second birth of hereditary Dukedom and praised Rivelia for her just and pure decision.

The Pendletons reputation soared as they distinguished themselves from the rest of the nobles while the Empires authority plummeted. In frustration, the Emperor decreed that the Directorate of Strategy was to never again scheme against Isaac.

I swear, I am the prophet whos shattering the belief that you live longer the more insults are thrown at you.

TLN: Its a Korean saying: One who receives insults will live a long life. It indicates that bad guys tend to outlive good guys.

Isaac smiled satisfyingly as the populace sent menacing looks at him. All this was working as Isaac intended.

But dont you think this is a bit much?

No matter what the world said, Central was well aware of how Isaac accomplished this mission, and it sent a clear messagedont involve Isaac unless it was absolutely necessary.

That alone would have accomplished half of Isaacs goal, but Central had borrowed manpower from the Directorate of Surveillance through Saints and Rizzly and discovered Isaacs master plan after the mission was over.

Which was why Rizzly believed that the populaces rage and anger toward Isaac was unfair.

Do you know what the person everyone hates is called?

What is it?

If youre weak, youre called a retard, a little stronger and they call you bad, stronger and they call you demonic, stronger still and youre a monster, even stronger and you are called a demon lord. I will become a demon lord.

Rizzly flinched when Isaac uttered the word monster, but he then cocked his head when Isaac mentioned the word demon lord.

A demon lord?

Yes. A demon lord, hated by all but too strong to oppose. I will become the demon lord that will fall to the hero.

Rizzly wondered if Isaac was still sane as he watched Isaac bounce between snickering and serious pondering.

No, how would one determine if he was normal when he never was since the beginning? As Rizzly pondered this problem, Rivelia walked up to the rooftop.