Ⅴ
Faced with something he had known all along, Arthur maintained the delight of someone hearing it for the first time. Naturally, his upturned lips were a performance for the one inside the Lead Box coffin.
As for his reply?
Naturally, that was too-
"Okay, Bont."
After that brief reply, the Communication Stone went dark.
This was merely an acknowledgment.
Of course, they could not discuss the rest of the plan here.
But this was enough.
"Credos, I think we can talk."
The "Lady of Pain" inside the Lead Box coffin spoke.
"Do you think that's possible?
You're already in my hands.
You lost that right long ago."
Arthur's words brimmed with arrogance, intended to lull and provoke this "Lady of Pain." Arthur had never believed that a being like her would lack allies, at least in name, just as he firmly believed she would sell those allies out if the price was right.
After learning from the shadows that this "Lady of Pain" had been working with Old Lion and Little Lion, Arthur had become certain of it.
After all, this "Lady of Pain" had done nothing but sow discord and offer temptations.
Arthur knew exactly what she wanted to do.
Just as he knew what she wanted to do now.
For the sake of his own goal, Arthur did not mind playing along.
"Do you know what you're about to face?"
"I do!
The 'Red Knights,' right?
I'm well aware!"
Arthur answered quite casually.
"And aside from the 'Red Knights'?
What do you know about the Inner Bay?
What do you know about West Berlin?
Or perhaps...
Would you like to know a little more?"
The "Lady of Pain" began her pitch. Arthur was all too familiar with this charlatan-like manner. After all, he was a professional himself.