Backlund's North Borough, on the Odra family estate.
Emlyn strolled beneath the crimson moonlight in a good mood. He crossed a marble-paved path flanked by blooming red roses and entered the luxurious three-story villa.
In the villa's first-floor hall, Cosmi Odra, dressed like a gentleman and carrying himself with distinction, gave him a slight nod. Then he lifted his chin and said, "Come with me. Grandfather is already waiting for you."
"Sure."
Emlyn didn't mind the trace of arrogance in the other man's attitude. Ever since he'd been forced to volunteer at Harvest Cathedral, he'd sunk to the very bottom of the Sanguine pecking order in Backlund.
That kind of arrogance limited to a facial expression was far better than the rudeness of Sanguines who openly mocked him to his face.
Following Cosmi through an iron gate and down a winding stairwell, Emlyn finally couldn't help asking, "What does Lord Nibis want with me this time?"
"I don't know. Grandfather only told me to bring you to see him."
Cosmi kept walking and merely shook his head.
Emlyn pursed his lips where the other man couldn't see.
Hmph... At gatherings, he's always bragging about how much Lord Nibis appreciates him. But whenever there's a problem, he knows nothing. He's not even as useful as the villa's butler.
By the time Emlyn had finished grumbling to himself, they had reached the bottom of the stairs.
Without changing expression, Cosmi took an iron-black key from his pocket. As the door creaked open, Emlyn immediately spotted the iron-black coffin in the center of the room.
At Cosmi's gesture, Emlyn stepped into the spacious, empty basement. Cosmi, who had brought him there, stayed outside.
In front of the iron-black coffin, whose lid was slightly ajar, Emlyn put his wandering thoughts aside and bowed with