A cloud of smoke came out of his mouth, accompanied by a sigh. There was nothing like smoking a good cigar.
"Admiring the view, Baltazar?"
Few were the people who dared interrupt Baltazar when he was smoking, it was like barging into a sacred ritual.
The man recognized him immediately. Straight hair combed back, with a perfectly groomed gray beard. His black suit was also impeccable, as was his posture.
It was Sebastian, the living image of professionalism, and Baltazar's butler... Among other things.
"That's right," the man replied while taking another drag.
He was leaning on a small stone wall, watching the city from above.
Sebastian smiled slightly, though only for an instant. It was impossible to forget the scolding Miss Barbara had given Baltazar for always smoking inside the house.
To avoid stinking up the mansion, he had no choice but to smoke outside.
If anyone discovered that the head of the most influential mafia on the continent let himself be bossed around like that by his wife, they'd surely laugh in disbelief.
"Well, I suppose the meeting went well. Didn't it?"
Baltazar nodded. He was gathering the necessary pieces for his plan.
Xenos, the eternal wretched. Until recently, they were still seen as slaves.
They were the product of the aberrant mixture between a demon and a human, hybrids with characteristics of both races.
The kingdom of Avalon always tried to expel or enslave these beings, this, of course, until the civil war that occurred two hundred years ago.
The queen ascended to the throne, and declared that in Mara's eyes, xenos were equal to us.
Laws were created to defend them, and welcoming them was promoted. But people would hardly accept such a quick change... Especially knowing the reputation those half-breeds were given.
"Getting closer to your goal from what I see."
Baltazar nodded again, feeling the breeze gently caress his face.
"Black Fang has potential. They're just as I imagined, outcasts who came together to be stronger. They're still weak, but it's enough for them to fulfill their role."
The man put out the cigar against the wall he was leaning on, then turned toward Sebastian.
"Let's go home, I need to talk to Lloyd."
The man started walking toward the mansion, leaving that small plaza.
"Do you think he's ready? Your son is very... Unruly," the butler commented.
Baltazar nodded.
"I know, he's who I'm doing all this for after all."
A small smile appeared on his face; he still remembered the day he held Lloyd for the first time.
He was so small and fragile... That day he knew he wouldn't let Lloyd get involved with the mafia, he wouldn't stain his son's innocence with that cruel business.
But he couldn't simply leave his criminal empire without an heir, that's why he started planning.
"Mmmm?" Baltazar turned, a gaze had fixed on him.
Expressionless eyes were fixed on him, analyzing him. It was strange that someone was watching him so comfortably, though not for long.
Baltazar released some killing intent, with that, he could divert that curious gaze.
"Well, it seems it doesn't affect her," Sebastian commented.
"What do you want?" the man asked with a curt voice.
The small figure came out of her hiding place. It wasn't very elaborate, she was just behind a tree.
The girl approached without fear, while looking at Baltazar with curiosity.
"Are you Lloyd's dad?" she asked.
Her voice was low, but audible.
The man's eyebrow rose.
"That's right. Why do you ask? Are you Lloyd's friend?"
The man's face tensed a bit, that girl had wings. She was a xeno.
It was very likely she'd been bothered by his son, if she'd come here to report Lloyd's mistreatment, he'd be ashamed.
"Mmm I think so," she said, somewhat unsure. "Mmm, I think Lloyd's in danger."
Hearing that, Baltazar's eyes opened in surprise. Lloyd was in danger? He needed to get more information.
The man lunged at the girl, grabbing her by the shoulders.
"What happened?" he asked with concern.
Calypso didn't seem frightened by the man's sudden gesture, she remained just as expressionless.
"Some men beat him up," she explained.
"What?"
Baltazar released the girl, confused.
Who would be foolish enough to attack his son?
"What did those men look like?" Sebastian asked, with a friendlier voice.
The girl pressed her index finger to her lips, while trying to remember.
"They were xenos," she finally said.
Hearing those words, Baltazar's features hardened.
"So it turns out they're much more idiotic than I thought... Well, I think it's time to pay Black Fang a visit."
Sebastian sighed, it seemed that night blood would be spilled.