As the melodious music began to play, Isabel, who had helplessly fallen backward, was suddenly caught in Iver's arms.
"Don't cry."
Iver's gentle, low voice sounded beside her ear. "I'm with you."
At those words, Isabel's whole body shuddered, and she burst into tears with a sob.
She cried her heart out, sobbing and wailing. That sorrow and relief seeped into the hearts of every guest, making tears fall from their eyes before they even realized it.
She apologized incoherently, speaking through her tears and insisting that she hadn't meant to cry. Iver, meanwhile, patted her back helplessly, half laughing and half crying as he quietly comforted her.
Yet Iver's expression grew sadder and heavier.
In the next scene, Iver and Emma faced each other across the Glass Staircase.
Iver sighed. "I never expected you to dare attack the Silver and Tin Palace directly."
"Why wouldn't I dare? I'm not her."
"Succubus" Emma giggled, her soft voice completely different from Emma's. "What does Emma's cowardice have to do with me? She serves her 'father,' while I only serve my own pleasure—"
"...I see."
Iver spoke calmly.
As the Blood Moon gradually rose, crimson rain poured from the sky.
Iver, dressed in a Clerical Robe, merely raised his right hand and pointed toward Emma, who was holding Isabel hostage.
"—I praise the Candle Holder."
Iver's voice was low. "I pay homage to Constant Self—"
The "camera" focused on Iver's pupils.
Deep within them, intense red and purple radiance blossomed.
Not knowing what he was ordering, he said:
"—Do it. Kill her."
The music stopped along with the image.
The next moment, low and melodious music began to play.
Iver stood alone atop the shattered Glass Staircase. Isabel came running toward him unsteadily, then threw herself into his arms.
Just as she