Renya had no objections to taking on those responsibilities.
'I'd like to bring Aki-sensei over to my side if the opportunity arises.'
Even as he thought that, he set aside matters of maintaining the status quo for now and decided to move the conversation forward.
"So, Dad. Today I have something I want to ask you about."
"Is that the main topic? Sure. Ask me anything. I'll answer what I can."
"It's about the 'Silver' you mentioned before."
"...That's a nostalgic name."
Mephisto narrowed his eyes, genuinely looking reminiscent at the name that came from Renya's mouth.
'Silver' was the underworld alias of Mondo Mao, a human with whom Mephisto had a long-standing relationship.
That existence was said to possess a kind of immortality.
However, that name had been passed down through generations along with techniques, memories, and knowledge. Its true nature was one that, despite being a different person inside, behaved so convincingly as to leave no doubt they were the same individual.
"That said, I haven't had any contact with the successors since Monde-kun died."
"Then do you know what the current 'Silver' is up to?"
"Oh? Why do you think that?"
"It's because you said you have no contact with the successor personally, but you didn't say you didn't know about 'Silver.'"
"As expected of Ren-chan. My pride and joy."
Mephisto narrowed his eyes with pleasure, nodding at the exchange with Renya.
The fact that he would occasionally test even his son like this was a sign of a certain kind of trust.
At that Cheshire cat-like demeanor, Renya sharpened his gaze.
"...Dad. This isn't the time for games."
"Oops, sorry, sorry. I just get so happy seeing my son's growth. As an apology, I'll tell you everything you want to know."
Saying this, Mephisto operated a magic circle at his fingertips.
"...Hmm, it seems the current "Silver" is in Japan for work."
"Is that assassination?"
"I can't tell you the details of the job, I'm afraid. But I don't think it's an assassination. Since the day sightings of "Silver" ceased, the princess of the Aldigia Kingdom has also not been seen."
"That alone could be a coincidence..."
"Of course, it's not just that. In the past, "Silver" saved the princess of the Aldigia Kingdom."
According to Mephisto, "Silver" had happened to save her when she was being attacked by a magical beast.
"Apparently, since then, "Silver" has been taking on guard duty jobs frequently."
"...I see."
Two individuals who had a history of connection had both disappeared from sight on the exact same day.
Renya suspected that this was related to the ongoing series of events.
The Aldigia Kingdom was originally a Northern European country that had flourished through tourism and magical technology. While the former remained, the latter had been forced into secrecy due to the changing times.
As a result, they kept tourism on the surface and hid magical technology in the underworld.
That was the Nordic magical association known as the "Aldigia Magic Association."
The current royal family of the Aldigia Kingdom served as the heads of a constitutional monarchy on the surface while also serving as directors of the magic association, wielding enormous influence in Northern Europe.
In recent years, due to reforms and the changing times, they had placed greater emphasis on the association, and it was predicted that they would eventually fully transition to that side.
'This gives me a rough picture. The princess is probably not in a good situation right now. They're using the princess as a hostage to make "Silver" obey, and sent her after him.'
It was unclear who had taken the hostage or what the reason for targeting him was, but Renya figured he'd find out soon enough anyway.
He didn't bother remembering the faces of every one of his would-be assassins, but it was certain that there were many targeting him.
"Well, that's about all I can say. But what brought this on all of a sudden? I thought you weren't interested when I mentioned serving as a bridge to a candidate servant before."
"...Well, there were some circumstances."
Renya was evasive, but it was true that such a thing had happened in the past.
However, he was already receiving treatment as a half-breed Devil that was nothing short of incredible.
If he were to have servants arranged for him, or if Mephisto were to broker trades for him, it was clear he'd be met with a torrent of abuse.
Of course, Renya didn't care about the words of strangers, nor would they hurt him, so he could let them say whatever they wanted. But if that extended to his servants, he certainly wouldn't tolerate it.
That day, there was no doubt that blood would rain down.
"Is that so? Well, if my son is going to do something, I won't interfere unless you ask for help. Do as you please without worrying about the rest."
"Thank you, Dad."
Suddenly, Mephisto's demeanor turned serious. He rested his elbows on the desk, hiding his mouth with steepled fingers, and spoke. The unusual aura befitting the first generation made Renya straighten his posture as well.
"Yeah. Ah, I'm sure I don't need to say this, but don't move Lavinia-chan carelessly. Longinus possessors are beings that no faction can ignore. Even moving across prefectures or states can cause tension among factions, let alone across countries. The Japanese gods are tolerant of you, but those who serve them are exclusive. Especially the Five Great Clan Houses—they're wary of you."
Lavinia wasn't just the strongest within his Servant group—she was one of the strongest in the "Gray Sorcerers" as a whole. But precisely because of that, moving her would attract attention and focus.
It had been a struggle even to come from Italy to Japan—that was how feared a Longinus was.
Well, in the case of Renya and Lavinia, the incident that had occurred in Japan four years ago was probably also a factor.
"I know. Against the Five Great Clan Houses, I don't even need Lavinia or the servants. I alone am enough. Ah, of course, I won't let my guard down or become arrogant."
If any powerful being lets their guard down or becomes arrogant, they'll give an opening to those beneath them.
Giant-killings are, for the most part, invited by the arrogance of the superior.
"True, I'm not worried about that either. But humans can sometimes surpass even demonic wisdom. Given time, humans will prepare any manner of schemes. Let this be a word of caution. Be careful. This is not just as a chairman, but as your father."
"Understood."
"Yeah, then I'll send you the materials I have on "Silver." If there's anything else, contact me."
"Yes, Chairman."
Renya responded without any tension throughout. Mephisto, thinking his son had become truly reliable, left the words "Well then, see you" and cut the communication.
A few seconds later, the transferred documents landed on the desk with a soft thud. Renya picked them up and began to read through the information regarding the matter of "Silver."
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