"By the way, although this may sound a little like bragging—did you know that all your assets are about to be seized?"
Shade asked again, and Osenfott nodded.
"I received some news this morning. It seems the Emperor of Kasonlik gave the order directly, so there is no room for negotiation. Speaking of which, Mr. Watson, you know quite a few important people, don't you? Princess Margaret?"
Although Shade had tried his best to avoid dragging others into this, his connection with Her Royal Highness the Princess was still too close. It was not strange for Osenfott to have guessed some things. Of course, there was no need to worry about Margaret's safety tonight. She and Prince William had moved directly into the Sun Church, where Iluna was.
"I do have some connection with Her Royal Highness, but she also happened to need money to placate the Stone Masons Association. Don't you feel regretful? Those were your assets, after all."
The master of the manor looked once more at the window, at the back of his own illusion.
"Of course I regret it. That was a great deal of money. But after tonight, everything will be different. As long as I survive tonight, everything can begin anew. As long as you cease to exist, taking back what I lost will become very simple."
His eyes shifted to Shade's hand, where the Demon Hunting Seal rested.
"I am very glad to see that you found this. But it is not enough. It is far from enough to deal with it."
"But it is enough to deal with you."
Shade lowered his head and looked at his ring.
"You still do not understand, do you? It and I are the chess players. You are the chess piece. Because I have become entangled