Lucifer stood before the remaining ministers of Vetako Kingdom. The palace courtyard remained silent, every eye watching as the investigation deepened.
"Minister Egaso," Lucifer said, "you were with King Kaitya during the duel. Your alibi is verified. Please take your seat on the left."
Minister Egaso nodded respectfully and stepped aside.
Lucifer turned to the others.
"Four ministers remain: Arelorento, Alvero, Marky, and Ziets. Let's begin."
🧩 Ministerial Accounts
Minister Arelorento stepped forward.
"I was managing the Summer Palace during everyone's absence. You may confirm using our Mana-Eye Footage."
Lucifer reviewed the recordings—Arelorento was shown overseeing palace logistics and security.
"You're a loyal worker," Lucifer said. "Take your seat on the left."
Next came Minister Alvero.
"I was tending to a tourism disturbance—two lovers fighting in the street. It disrupted trade. The footage is available."
Lucifer nodded after viewing it. "Well done. Join the cleared group."
Minister Marky stepped forward, visibly tense.
"I manage the Underwater Siren Palace, but on the morning of the incident, Princess Veronica collapsed near the entrance. I rushed her to the hospital."
He handed over a thick Record Book.
"This contains all entries and exits from that day. Veronica survived—but she may hold the key to who attacked her."
Lucifer turned to Viron.
"Review the record. Remove entries of tourists, cleared ministers, and guards."
Viron cast a sorting spell and scanned the results.
"I found three siren names, one harpy, and a person named Davis. Two of the sirens are currently in the hospital—Minister Egaso confirmed this during the train ride."
"One siren is missing," he added solemnly. "She may have died inside the Blood Palace."
"And the harpy?" Lucifer asked.
"She was performing rituals at the palace that day."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. "And Davis?"
Minister Ziets stepped forward.
"Davis was once our elite knight. He died in the war… five years ago."
Lucifer's voice dropped.
"Yet his name appears in the entry book. That's not a coincidence."
He turned to Ziets again.
"Who manages the Underwater Prison?"
Ziets bowed slightly.
"I do."
"Then summon the Head Prison Official first thing tomorrow," Lucifer ordered.
"I need full entry and exit records, and a list of all escaped or missing prisoners over the last five years.
Date: 14th, Royal Court – Noon
In a flash of crimson mana and roaring winds, Lucifer arrived on a twin-seater mana bike, Viron riding behind him in matching red robes. Both looked battle-ready, a striking contrast to the palace's polished elegance.
He stepped before King Kaitya.
"Your Majesty," Lucifer said, "grant me the investigation chamber for today. I need full access."
"You have it," the King replied without hesitation. "Let the truth unfold."
🚪 A door to the Royal Archives opened magically, revealing the glowing chamber. Lucifer gestured toward a reserved seat.
"Sit, Mr. Arbodo."
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in indigo and gold—Arbodo, Head of the Underwater Prison and Magic Chancellor of Epic Rank. His eyes bore the weight of years spent locking away the most cursed and cunning.
"Thank you for remembering me, Sir Lucifer," Arbodo said, settling into his seat. "I was recently summoned to University Starvault—the place where you cracked the case of the runaway seer. One of the criminals there had ties to your old investigation."
He handed over a sealed scroll.
"This contains a list of three escapees—dangerous thieves. No records of entry or exit exist for them. They vanished five years ago after killing three prison officers and nearly severing my neck. We searched everywhere. They were ghosts."
Lucifer examined the names with a piercing glare.
"These criminals… they must've hidden something valuable in the Underwater Palace. That's why they're returning, sparking new crimes. I believe this cycle is their signal."
Lucifer turned to Viron, his voice low and commanding.
"Tonight—we hide inside the palace. No guards. No interference. Let's see who dares walk through the past."
He nodded to Arbodo.
"Thank you for your bravery and your memories. Tomorrow, we deal in revelations."