The study room that was filled with the panic of a small little girl is once again welcomed with its familiar silence. Eli seemed tired after using her mental strength to tell me about her past. The small 11-year-old child is currently sleeping in my arms, traces of her crying still clear to see. A light knocking sound can be heard as someone seemingly wants to enter the room.

'It's probably Ildrith, I suspect that she hasn't moved away from the door at all.' I think to myself, not really eager to let strangers see Eli's delicate state.

Making my way towards the door with Eli in my hand, I open it ever so slightly to simply see who stands on the other sight. My thoughts from earlier seemed to be correct as I see a familiar black headless knight standing on the other side.

“Is something the matter, sir?” The androgynous voice asks worriedly.

“No, It should be fine now.” I answer as I open the door for Idrilth.

'Idrilth is a servant of the Talvit estate. However, Idrilth also cares for Eli.' I think to myself, weighing the pros and cons of involving them.

Idrilth doesn't miss their chance, as they barge into the room as soon as I open it. I would be trying to read their reaction to me carrying Eli, but it's difficult to see the emotion in some flickering flames.

“How is she doing, sir?” the headless knight asks me in a worried tone.

“She just needs some rest. I'm taking her back to the tavern, could you clear out any onlookers? I rather have them not see my sister in this state.” I say in a commanding tone, making it clear that this is more of an order than a request.

“Very well, sir.” Idrilth answers as she makes her way to complete her order.

“Join me afterward, you should also know the situation as her teacher after all,” I call out to them before they leave.

Before I make my way toward the tavern, I use some dark magic to cover Eli's face.

'I don't believe you would like anyone to see you like this.' I think to myself, affirming my actions as I make my way toward the tavern.

***

I arrive at the tavern, encountering no problems on the way. I enter and see a familiar gambling devil, he sits on his favorite chair as he seems to be reading some documents. He looks up to me and calls out.

“It's been quite a while, my friend. I would ask you to play a game, but it seems that you're preoccupied.” Ashmodai says.

I look at Eli and back at Ashmodai.

'Would he be able to help us, and can I truly trust him with this?' I think to myself, wondering about the best course of action.

“Ashmodai, join me upstairs if you can,” I say, deciding to trust him.

'He is my longest acquaintance after Cornelius. If he was interested in betraying me, he probably would have done so already.' I say to myself mentally.

Ashmodai gives me a nod in response.

Entering my room, I lay down Eli on the bed and pour myself some “wicked blossom.” Still feeling overwhelmed by Eli's troublesome past.

I did not get a long time to calm myself as I hear a knocking sound from the door. Opening the door, I am welcomed by the sight of the headless knight and the gambling devil.

I motion for them to enter quietly and make my way towards an oak table that stands in our room. They follow me as we all sit down around the table. Ashmodai is clearly curious, and Idrilth is as always impossible to read. I finish my glass of “wicked blossom” and begin to explain the situation.

I explain that Eli was experimented on and that I suspect that her physical condition is connected. They both seem to be listening keenly as Ashmodai begins to speak.

“The small devil girl was experimented on? This would explain some of her abilities. Unfortunately, the information isn't very descriptive.” He says in a lamenting tone.

“Yes, however now that we know that her condition has to do with experimentation we should conduct an examination for these things they fed her,” Idrilth responds to Ashmodai seemingly uncomfortable with the stranger she doesn't know.

“No, it will break her if some strangers start examining her,” I respond, trying my best to talk in my normal disinterested tone.

“A physical exami-” Idrilth says before I cut her off.

“Besides, I'm concerned about this spiritual companion of her. A normal companion would already have shown itself. Its condition might be linked to her condition.” I say in a speculating tone, hoping that one of the two could elaborate further.

The silence afterward was definitely not the answer I needed. MY expression showed my clear discontent with the situation.

“A spiritual companion is not easily sealed. It's more likely that the small devil girl's condition could be considered fatal and that it sacrificed itself.” Ashomdai says also in a speculative tone.

The 3 of us fall in silence once more, not finding any solutions. A sudden knock could be heard as a voice speak calls out from the other side of the door.

“Little Ed, would you be so kind to open the door for this distinguished gentlemen!” I hear a familiar voice yell. Ashmodai snickers as he realizes that someone calls me using the nickname “Little Ed”. I almost hit him across the face, only holding myself back at the last second. Showing I'm not in the mood to be amused or to be used for amusement. Afterward, I open the door to see a familiar yet different visage. In front of me stands Cornelius, however, he doesn't look like his spectral humanoid form anymore. He looks more like a half-human, half-devil. His skin is red and small horns are poking out from his forehead. His costume is still the same: A top hat, a Cane, the monocle on his left eye, and his trusted gray vest.

“Greetings gentlemen, I do not believe we ever had the pleasure of being acquainted. My name is Cornelaius an acquaintance of your companion here.” He announces in a confident tone and with a smug smile.

I pour myself another glass of “Wicked Blossom” as I realize that today is going to be a very long day.