On Date 13, at the 10th hour, the courtyard of the Vivian Summer Palace was packed. Everyone connected to the Underground Blood Palace had gathered—tourists, knights, palace workers, and the royal family. Whispers turned to shouts.
"How long must we wait!"
"Is the detective even coming?!"
King Kaitya raised a hand.
"Silence! The investigation begins now."
A crimson motorbike rolled in from the guest house. Lucifer and Viron arrived, dressed sharply—Viron in a blood-red suit with hooked red hair; Lucifer in a red suit with gradient hair, flowing blue into snowy white.
Lucifer stepped off calmly.
"Viron, place the investigation board here. Let's begin."
The crowd yelled in frustration.
"You're late! We're leaving!"
Lucifer's voice snapped like lightning.
"Anyone who walks away will be treated as a suspect. You lack patience—but I expect silence. If you disturb this case or refuse cooperation... you face consequences."
Even the king nodded quietly.
Lucifer told the court.
"Now, Majesty—where were you one year ago, at the time of this incident?"
Before the king could answer, Viron knelt beside a patch of blood.
"Sir Lucifer, this blood is fresh… but how?"
Lucifer raised a hand.
"Hold that thought, Viron. We'll investigate in order."
King Kaitya spoke solemnly.
"I was in a duel with King Marshel Moto Fire of Oto Kingdom—our old rivalry."
Lucifer said, "Prove it."
Viron contacted General Frozy, who linked a video call to a large mana screen. Light shimmered.
King Marshel appeared:
"Yes, we dueled three times—combat, quiz, and fast speech. I lost two rounds; King Kaitya won. This duel happened on record. I'll send you all three videos, Sir Lucifer."
The screen went dark. Lucifer turned back.
"Majesty, who accompanied you to Oto?"
"Two knights, four guards, and Minister Egaso."
Lucifer noted the names.
"All of you—step to the left. You are cleared of direct involvement."
Royal Family Interrogation
Lucifer faced the three queens—Lora, Kira, and Dora.
"Where were you at the time?"
"We attended Queen Lora's sister's wedding in Soil Kingdom," said Queen Kira.
"The trip is documented on the royal culture portal."
Lucifer gestured. "Viron, play the video."
After an hour, footage confirmed their alibi.
"You three may move to the left. Verified."
Then came the nine princesses.
Princess Vilora, the 5th daughter, stepped forward.
"My sister Veronica, the 6th princess, was attacked in the underwater palace. She's near death. That's why Father reopened this case."
Lucifer's eyes sharpened.
"Who injured her?"
"No one knows, sir," Vilora said. "But after she fell, the palace began bleeding fresh blood daily."
"And your location?"
"We were studying at the Royal Academy. We returned only five days ago. We're learning three disciplines now."
Lucifer nodded.
"All princesses may return to the king's side."
Next came the seven princes.
Prince Lutin, tenth heir, stepped forward.
"We were at a party that night in fear that thinking about father anger . We didn't know anything until morning. I myself was in the palace library."
"One more," Viron whispered. "Sir, the second prince died six months later, in an accident."
Lucifer raised a brow.
"And the rest?"
"The first prince is still on a three-year tour. Princes eight and nine were serving in Soil Kingdom and just returned last month."
Lucifer spoke.
"None of you are direct suspects. Join the king's side."
He turned to Viron.
"Let's begin noble interviews next."