A moment later, Natalia took the mission slip, memorized its contents, set the information alight on the spot, then gathered the supplies, waved, and strode out of the bar with easy grace.
Samael watched his old drinking buddy leave, then rose from behind the bar, shut the door, and headed into the back hall.
"Your Highness, stop working. We're closing early today."
Arcueid, who had been crouching in the courtyard watering flowers with great interest, set down the watering can, stood up, and looked at her boss in surprise.
"We've got a job..."
Samael reached into his pocket, pulled out a slightly crumpled fax, and handed it to the Princess before him.
Arcueid took the sheet. Seeing the cold-faced, white-haired man in the photograph, along with the red-marked words "Dead Apostle" and "magus" in the notes section, her expression turned solemn.
"This target, Demon Bee Master Ode Bolzak, is a particularly troublesome figure. Change your clothes and come out with me."
The Ancient Serpent raised his eyes to the azure sky and murmured thoughtfully, his mind awash with tangled thoughts.
Demon Bee Master Ode Bolzak was a magus who specialized in controlling familiars. He was also a Dead Apostle who had completed his own transformation, skilled at commanding the Dead Apostle Bees he had modified himself. That was how he earned the title of Demon Bee Master.
These Dead Apostle Bees were highly mobile and aggressive, and could transform ordinary people they attacked into Corpse Spirits, making them extremely contagious.
However, while this method of attack was efficient, the aftermath was often horrific and difficult to clean up. It was inhumane and reckless, and had even completely destroyed cities where he had previously stayed. That was also how the title Demon Bee Master came about.
Since this bastard had not