Meeting Azik

Inside Duke Negan's residence, in a small private study.

The tall, corpulent duke sat in a high-backed chair behind his desk, smoking a cigar as he looked at the Spellsinger of God, Prime Minister Aguesid, and the others across from him.

After discussing the possible origins of the powerful individual who had killed Qilingus, they unanimously agreed that he must be a High Sequence Beyonder. His motives were unknown, and he might even belong to a new secret organization.

Prime Minister Aguesid, Duke Negan's younger brother, said gravely:

"We must identify that High Sequence Beyonder as soon as possible, determine why he came to Backlund, establish whether he was merely pursuing Qilingus, and find out why he wanted Qilingus dead."

The Spellsinger of God, Ace Snake, who had arrived late because he had been out for a walk, immediately stood up and said:

"I'll make the arrangements at once and contact the Church of Evernight and the Church of Steam to request their assistance with the investigation."

"His Majesty will also have the military and intelligence agencies cooperate," Prime Minister Aguesid promised with a nod.

Once the Spellsinger of God and the other outsiders had left, Duke Negan held his cigar and asked his secretary, who stood nearby, "Were any of the guests at the ball injured? If so, arrange a schedule. I'll visit them individually and offer compensation."

His secretary was a slender, handsome young man with blond hair. He appeared cultured, composed, and reserved. His greatest flaw was a hairline that had receded far beyond what his age warranted.

At the duke's question, the young man opened his notebook and read meticulously, "According to the reports compiled by the physicians at the residence, only Baron Ralph, Lord Wright, and Miss Betty suffered minor injuries..."

"That's far better than