Later on the night… On Ramashinta Restaurant.

It took everything for Clair to hold her anger. To think a despicable human tried to have a hand for her daughter? If she hadn't been in the watchful eyes of The High Court, she might have been tempted to end the man's life right there and then.

Human and their sweet whispers. Pathetic beings that could only offer a dreamy promise but never deliver anything. Driven by their egos, they could betray, kill, and take everything from the naive and trusting Demons. Clair had learned the hard way that no good ever came from associating with humans – she lost her beloved sister to the bloodthirsty wretches.

What trickery did that human do to Luciel, so that her daughter could fallen hopelessly in love with him?

"How utterly foolish," Clair muttered, frustration etched on her face as she devoured her snacks.

The rabbits, one by one, came bringing snack after snack for Clair. In no time, a round table was filled with various Pei Jin delicacies. From the tender Gargantuan soup to the dumplings filled with seahorse, cuisine from all around the world was laid out before her.

“Are you guys trying to fatten me like a pig?” Clair asked the attendants.

A well-dressed rabbit approached, bowing politely, "I apologize, Ma Dame Clair. It's not the other six High Witches who are tardy; it's you who arrived ahead of time and indulged a bit too much.”

"In other words, you're calling me fat," Clair retorted, fixing the rabbit with a cold stare.

The rabbit seemed genuinely apologetic and continued to bow repeatedly, stammering, "I-I didn't mean that, Ma Dame Clair. I deserve to be punished.”

Clair gently stroked the cute rabbit's head, but her wide smile inadvertently exposed her menacing fangs, causing the rabbit to grow even more terrified.

"May I order one rabbit skewer, please?”

"Hiieee!" The rabbit servant let out a terrified scream and scurried away in a hurry.

Oh my, why did they have to run like that? Well, sorry little guy, Clair was just not in the mood for waiting games.

Just when Clair was about to end Luciel’s relationship, an owl came to her shop. It carried an urgent summons from The High Court, requiring Clair's immediate presence. This was a golden opportunity she couldn't afford to ignore or refuse, but at the same time, her daughter could flung herself to trouble.

For now, Clair resigned herself to the situation. Clair imagined that those lovebirds surely had a good time together. Well, Enjoy it while you can, Luciel, because it would end soon.

The door swung open, and the carpet was unfurled. The sound of elegant footsteps echoed as they confidently entered. The scent of jasmine wafted to Clair's nose, the distinctive perfume favored by the old grandmother. Quite fitting, Clair thought, adorning an old witch.

Without even casting a glance, Clair could instantly identify her guest by the fragrance alone. This was none other than Ma Dame Fan, the esteemed leader of the High Court.

"Aren't you going to rise and extend your welcome to me?" Ma Dame Fan inquired with a hint of arrogance.

Actually, far from being an elderly crone, Ma Dame Fan appeared to be a gorgeous woman in her thirties. A charming mole adorned the corner of her left eye, adding a sweet touch to her countenance. Her face bore an air of tranquility, a reflection of the countless experiences she had encountered throughout her long life. She was dressed in a black kebaya adorned with exquisite gold embroidered flowers, which harmoniously complemented her flowing, silky black hair.

Clair took a deep breath and gracefully rose from her seat. With her warmest smile, she extended her welcome to the venerable witch, bowing respectfully, "Long live the High Court," she declared.

Ma Dame Fan was the most powerful witch in the world. She held the power that rivalled the gods, capable of tearing apart the dimension itself. Picking a fight with her was tantamount to seeking death.

"It appears arrogance is an enduring trait among the Noctis, does it not? Fortunately, my disposition is favorable today, so I shall refrain from reprimanding that attitude of yours," commented Ma Dame Fan, who had settled into her seat across from Clair and elegantly crossed her legs.

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"Clairysviel Adeola Noctis, am I right?" she intoned.

Clair awkwardly chuckled, "The Noctis family, renowned as the wealthy family that revolutinize magic? Oh, you flatter me, Ma Dame. I'm just an ordinary merchant named Clair, running a small alchemical shop called Bunga Lentera.”

Ma Dame Fan raised an eyebrow and observed me for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Hmm, perhaps you’re right. A child without magic is nothing but a disgrace to the Noctis family. Fortunately, she met her demise twenty years ago, sparing the Noctis from further shame. And then, laughably, she signed a contract to become a Vampire, wishing for some magic that she ultimately didn't have."

What an unpleasant old hag.

“If you’re here… may I assume that the other Sages won't be coming?" Clair inquired.

"Clever," Ma Dame Fan replied, conjuring a golden scroll into her hand. For a fleeting moment, Clair caught sight of a tattoo of interlinked chains on Ma Dame Fan's wrist, emitting an eerie, dark aura. It piqued Clair's curiosity.

Ma Dame Fan then pushed the golden scroll towards Clair, signaling her to open it. The content of the scroll was a contract to hunt The Black Death’s head. As compensation for Clair’s service, Ma Dame Fan promised a very valuable treasure.

Quartz Megistus.

”...This is a reward too great for a simple merchant like me," Clair said.

"Do you doubt my judgment of you? Out of all the Demons in this city, you're the only one who can carry out this task. The reason? Well, knowing the background, you could be the bridge between humans and daemons," Ma Dame Fan said, propping her chin and scrutinizing me.

“And seeing as how capable your vast network is… I could guess you’re already know who The Black Death is, Grand Leader of The Underdog.”

Clair forced a smile, cold beads of sweat forming on her neck. How in the world did the High Court discover this? The Underdog was a shadowy organization she had established years ago, specializing in the black market, dealing in all manner of goods, including forbidden ones. It served as her primary source of income and especially, the fastest way for her to gather information.

This is bad. The woman gulped, realizing she was ensnared. "I apologize if I'm being presumptuous, but what happens if I decline?" Clair asked.

The sound of rifles being readied echoed around the room. The rabbit servants, unbeknownst to Clair, had transformed into Hwarang Polices with their magical rifles. Ma Dame Fan simply gazed at Clair with a smile laden with a thousand meanings, conveying her message without words. Ma Dame Fan did not accept the word "No."

Clair smiled awkwardly, realizing that she had little choice but to oblige. The High Court was her master, at least for now.

“Well, I am most flattered that Ma Dame chosen me for this task. However, successful teamwork begins with clear communication, ”Clair said in the most humble way, her tone respectful and cautious. "Could you please share some intel with me about The Black Death?”

Ma Dame Fan closed her eyes a bit, “We don’t know much. However, it seems a peculiar disease spreaded amongs the human refugee.” she explained, then beckoned for her attendant to bring a few documents. Carefully selecting one of them, she pushed it toward Clair.

“Since the arrival of Doctor Arthur, the disease has suddenly calmed down. There are whispers on the street that he possesses Mutterbeweisen, a potent drug that can cure all diseases.

“Hmm, then why would you suspect him as The Black Death?" Clair asked, glancing at the document which was Arthur's profile, meticulously written by Ma Dame Fan's spies.

“Is it because he is a Noctis?" Clair continued, pointing to the first thing that caught her eye - the man's true name, Arthur Arpeggio Noctis.

Ma Dame Fan nodded, “Years after war, The Mage Association finally reached the roots of Kalabendu. There we finally understand the true purpose of the sacred tree, which is absorbing tremendous Mana to create The Philosopher Stone,” the woman stood up and walked closer to Clair,

“However, it ultimately failed. Yet, there was another thing that could be done with that much Mana. Creating a Wonder Drug to attain immortality, The Mutterbeweisen. There was only one family that is influential and powerful enough, to dare researching that forbidden drug in the past. The Noctis.”

Clair closed the documents and smiled. "So? You believe the man is The Black Death just because of that? If I were a Noctis, wouldn't it mean that I'm also a suspect, Ma Dame?”

Ma Dame Fan leaned in closer, whispering in Clair's ear, "Clever girl."

“Shite," was the only thought that crossed Clair's mind. She had underestimated them far too much. How could she forget that The Mage Association was a group of lunatics that stopped at nothing to gain power? This ridiculous mission was probably a way for them to fish out information from Clair, a key piece of evidence to prove that Clair was truly The Black Death.

Yet, Clair couldn't just decline this mission, because among the other documents beside Arthur's profile was one that contained information about her daughter. Yes, Luciel was also one of the suspects.

That meant… The Mage Association was threatening Clair.

Clair shrugged, “"Interesting. Then, if I find the True Black Death, what would you like me to do?"

Ma Dame Fan was surprised at the girl's response, but she remained calm to avoid showing any weakness.

“Bring them to me. The Mage Association will bring justice to The Black Death.”

Clair's heart secretly felt a sudden surge of relief and elation. She realized that this mission could be her opportunity to rid herself of Arthur and, in the process, acquire the coveted Quartz Megistus. What a stroke of luck!

Careful not to reveal her concealed smile, Clair replied with utmost politeness, "Then, I accept, Ma Dame. Rest assured, this humble servant, Clair, pledges that The Black Death shall be in The Association’s hand."