Although Batman felt that this had to be another of Schiller's schemes, he still had to rescue Schiller, because General Corrupt Heart had taken him, and sooner or later Batman would have to deal with General Corrupt Heart anyway.
Moreover, Schiller's earlier weakened state had left Batman with lingering doubts. He did not know what had caused Schiller's inexplicable condition afterward, nor whether that condition would affect his performance against a powerful demon general.
Merkel immediately wanted to rush into the tunnel and confront General Corrupt Heart head-on, but Batman held him back. He said in a low voice, "Now isn't a good time to chase after them. General Corrupt Heart definitely didn't come alone. If we go over there, we'll be walking straight into an army's encirclement."
"But... but..." Merkel stamped his foot anxiously. Gritting his teeth, he said, "It's all my fault. If I hadn't cut down that broccoli, Mr. Schiller's allergy wouldn't have become so severe!"
"Do you really think his current condition is entirely because of the allergy?" Batman asked as he pulled Merkel back.
Merkel opened his mouth, then hesitated before saying, "I can't reveal my employer's private affairs... Fine, this is a special situation. Don't you think Mr. Schiller has become a little more... well, how should I put it? Crazier?"
Batman looked at him as Merkel continued to himself, "When I first met Mr. Schiller, I found him to be somewhat old-fashioned, quiet, but dependable. I'd met many gentlemen like him in England."
"He was a detective-fiction enthusiast. He liked setting up all kinds of puzzles and then solving them himself. Sometimes he needed me to solve them, but I always smashed my way through by force. I honestly never thought he could put up with me for so long."
"Though he looked