If I had to describe my impression of Alastor Daryl Gerald, the Duke of Gerald, in one word, it would be 'a perfect old gentleman'. Whether his demeanor can be described as gracious or condescending depends on the case.
　His head of gray hair mixed with gray hair looked silvery gray, and his hair and beard were always waxed into a perfect shape. He was an old man, but a lively one, his thin body wrapped in a well-tailored suit, and he carried a polished mithril stick with him wherever he went.
　He is the first name that comes to mind when talking about the great lords of Ciel-Teira. He is financially rich and prosperous due to the mines of Gracelm in his domain. His castle is second only to the king's in grandeur and solidity.

　It was while he was having breakfast in the dining room of his castle that he received a note of communication.
　In order to make a magical call to someone far away, he had to set up a ritual place for it and agree on the time with the other party. Since this is not an easy task, messages are usually sent through a communication station. If I were to compare it to something in Japan, it would be similar to a telegram.
　The servant, who had reverently placed the note on the tray, bowed, and Alastor stopped cutting sausages and took it away.

　But as soon as he saw the "Earl of Keighley" as the sender, Alastor felt disgusted.
　You have no political influence or military power, but what are you sticking your neck out for, the foolish man who did not take part in the coup d'etat because he was beholden to the former king. Although he is quiet now, he is a source of concern that could destabilize the reign of Hilbert II. It is impossible not to be disgusted by direct communication from such a person.
　And what's more, he's a man who (although the Count himself doesn't know it yet) will soon have his lands taken away and his title revoked. It would be foolish to deal with him.

　As a servant, I didn't want to do anything so vulgar as to raise an obvious eyebrow, but if it were allowed, I would have torn up the book without even reading it.
　I didn't do that because I thought I really had to read it, just in case he might send me a very important message by mistake.

　Alastor unfolded the folded note and read it, scowling at its strange contents.

"......, do you know what this says?

　The servant who had brought the note read it at Alastor's urging, and he too had the same look on his face as the Duke.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you'll be able to contact us at the web site.　I'm not sure what this is. I don't understand.
I'd rather bet on the Count going insane. ...... In the meantime, tell the guards to shoot down any strange things that come flying in.
"Very well, sir.

　The squire bows and steps back.
　The memo also said, "I want you to capture and hand over the flyer," and "If he has a girl, protect her," but it was so unimportant that I pretended not to have seen it.

　The whispered inappropriate relationship between Night Python and Alastor is true.
　At that time, however, Alastor did not bother to ask Night Python about the contents of the memo, nor did he want to tell him about it.
　Night Python was the one who knew best. They seem to be the organization that controls the underworld, and they hear faster than anyone else.
　If there was something going on involving Alastor, they would have told me, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered to talk to them.

　I have a secret dinner with the leader of the Night Pythons tonight. If anything, I thought I could use it as a topic of conversation at that time.

　I'm not sure.

　After dark, there was a person who came to Alastor's castle under the cover of night.

　He was a well-dressed old man with several guards.
　His downcast eyes glowed with a piercing light, and his skinny, knobby fingers gave a sinister impression.
　If he wore a robe, he would look like a wicked wizard from a fairy tale. This may give him a comical impression at first glance, but inside he is an old man who is several hundred times more monstrous than he appears.

　He is the one who controls the night world of Ciel-Teira.
　The leader of the Night Pythons.
　A man who goes by many names, but at least when he meets Alastor, he goes by Graham Balturk.

"Hello, Alastor. Glad to see you're all right.
"Good to see you too, Graham. It's cold this winter. Tough on the old man.
Pull it. You don't look like you're in the least bit of pain.

　Alastor personally greeted Graham, and they exchanged pleasantries.
　There was a strange trust between them, even though they used each other to their advantage.

　Graham often visits the castle.
　The reason for using the castle as a place for secret meetings is simply because the Duke's own castle is the best in terms of confidentiality.
　Some of the servants were dimly aware of Graham's identity, but they kept their eyes closed out of loyalty to the Duke, or kept their mouths shut out of fear of the Duke or Graham.

　While the meal was being prepared, Graham was ushered into the drawing room.
　The ceiling, walls, and floor carpeting were all covered with delicate ornaments, so ornate that a first-time visitor would feel dizzy. The only practical furniture in the room was a desk, a chair, and a magic light fixture, but all of it was practically furniture.
　This was the room where the probe inhibitors worked, preventing magical eavesdropping and prying eyes.
　It was customary for Graham to come here first to discuss business when he came to the castle.

　Alastor also led his trusted men to confront Graham, bringing his men and guards with him.

"Take that.
"What?

　Without any preamble, Graham urges his men on.
　Then Graham's men pulled out a leather bag from their luggage.
　It is a plain leather bag that looks sturdy, but it is swollen to bursting. When it was placed on the table, it let out a metallic squeal.

"Inspect it.
Yes, sir.

　Alastor also ordered the official present (who was technically a knight and assisted in the management of the estate) to check the contents.
　The leather bag spat out countless gold coins in a rough manner. It was a dizzying amount of money for the common people, but the official counted them, piling up ten at a time in a haphazard manner, making sure there was no problem with the quality.

"No problem, sir.
"Mm, good.

　In other words, it was a bribe.


　This money would disappear as Alastor's personal allowance, and instead Alastor would provide favors for the Night Python.

　But Alastor slid two of the pile of ten gold coins back toward Graham, sliding them across the desk.

"Trouble?

　Graham was already smiling knowingly.

"In the mines to the west. The miners are clamoring for higher wages and more time off. At a time when the country is unstable, we don't have time to worry about unnecessary problems.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
"Accident. ......
"Ha-ha-ha-ha!

　They both laugh cheerfully.
　It's business as usual for Graham, and Alastor doesn't feel like he's killing anyone. For Alastor, "people" means only those with power and status. Lowly people who can only live under the protection of their lords are livestock, and rebellious and useless livestock deserve to be slaughtered.
　But for some reason, doing so openly would get them into trouble, so they force Night Python to do the dirty work.

How's the economy in your part of the world?
"Well, ......, there are some jobs that can only be done in times like these. Some jobs can only be done in times like these, so we're making money on them.

　After the business meeting, the two exchange business information.
　The ruler of the underworld and the lord. There are things that can only be seen from each other's perspective. Meeting each other often and talking incessantly in this way has brought unexpectedly great benefits to both parties.

Have you worked out the details of the reorganization?
"Oh, you mean that.

　What Graham is most interested in right now is the new king, Hilbert, who is secretly preparing a territorial conquest. 　
　The new king, Hilbert, is secretly preparing a territorial coup. This information, which was still being discussed in private, was made known to Graham by Alastor, who had a close relationship with Hilbert.

　When the outside world moves, the inside world must also move.
　By quickly adapting to the new form of society, the Night Pythons would be able to further solidify their control over the underworld.
　Furthermore, there are places where trade increases economic value, and places where it decreases it. Knowing this in advance can yield great benefits.

The idea is not yet finalized, but I heard that it is 90% complete. If you're okay with that idea, I'll offer it to you.
"Excellent. Thanks for your friendship.

　Alastor pulls a small folded note from his pocket, slides it across the desk and hands it to Graham. Graham snatched it up with his fingertips and smiled wickedly.

"Well, I guess that's the end of that nagging Earl Keely.
"Is that the bored man who picked a fight with Night Python at a time like this? I'm sure he's going to lose everything, even if the details of the change are not finalized yet.
　...... Speaking of which, I received a strange communication from the Earl of Keeley this morning. ......

　I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.

You're in my way!

　With a roar, the walls of the reception room were blown inward.