***The Conclave***
The much-awaited call for peace was issued by the Biorno clan two days after the arrival of the Goblin Legion. Before that, the goblins were reinforced by the Usarved army from Darkmoor, and the orcish knights were also on their way from Orcdwelt. Seeing that he had no chance to fight back, as well as his kin were asking him to, the Lord Head Scholar Emile Biorno was forced to seek negotiations.
It was a process that took nearly a week before the first drafts of the treaty for peace was brought out. The Biorno clan demanded they retain control of the city of the Saint's Tower, while they proposed that the Lord Greg would be allowed to rule the Conclave as the new Head Scholar. By then, the orcish knights had arrived, further bolstering the negotiating position of the students and the Special Scholar.
Of course, that first draft was immediately rejected. The Lord Tenguri summed up the sentiments of everyone who contributed to the fight against the Biornos…
They can't give what they do not have.
A second draft treaty, written by the Lord Greg himself and with the input of all parties to the conflict, outlined the following conditions:
The city of the Saint's Tower shall be administered by elected officials from the Biorno clan and their allies;
The Conclave will be headed by a Head Scholar with a fixed term of 150 weeks;
The position of Head Scholar shall remain an elected post;
The administrative body of the Conclave shall be expanded to include two more Head Scholars, for a total of three people;
The Biorno clan and their allies shall bear responsibility for the Advanced Course Dormitory Massacres;
The perpetrators of the said massacre shall be investigated by a panel of persons drawn from the students, the teachers, members of the Biorno clan, and the Office of the Head Scholar.
With no other option than to sign it, the former Lord Head Scholar obliged, to the acclaim of everyone in the Conclave and the nearby cities of Goblinhom and Orcdwelt. The 'Treaty of the Saint's Tower', as it came to be called, was to be guaranteed not only by the Biorno clan but also by the House Usarved, Goblin, and Orc clans.
While it would be ideal to say that all was happy with the results of the negotiations, in reality, it wasn't. It was true that many of the Biorno clan members and their allies were relieved that the change of leadership didn't fully weaken their grip on their territories, a significant number of them were unhappy that they were defeated…and in the most ignoble way possible, too. They swore revenge…but they knew that it was not yet a good time to do it.
And it is for another story, too.
The Lord Greg never forgot his promise to the Lady Irene Capaldi, and did his best to treat the Biorno clan and their allies as negotiating partners, instead of the vanquished, though Princess Noir and the Usarveds wanted to do the otherwise. To show appreciation for his efforts, some retainers of the Biornos convinced their leader, Emile Biorno, to hand to the human the keys to the Saint's Tower…
"It is where the ashes of your student is enshrined," the former Lord Head Scholar told him. "It's what you wanted all this time, right?"
"Thank you for this," the Lord Greg bowed to show his respect to the old incubus.
"Well, I don't care what you do to me," Emile Biorno said. "I've lived my days, and I'm ready to face the consequences of my sins. However, you showed to us that you're a person of honor, Lord Head Scholar Greg Santos. You even protected us from the Usarveds, even though they're your benefactors. I believe that you are worth more than you think."
The new Lord Head Scholar fell silent when he heard that. He just wanted to get his student's remains; he never fully cared about the affairs of the demon race—until the massacre happened. Deep inside, the pain of having to realize that people gave their lives for him though he did not intend to take them seriously remained.
Is he really what these demons say he is?
"…"
Nevertheless, though he started wrong, the Lord Head Scholar Greg Santos swore to himself that he would do his best to improve the students' lives inside the Conclave. In line with Alexa Cassandra David's beliefs, he would make this an even better—and safer—place for learning…together with the two new Head Scholars: the former Discipline Prefect, Benedetto Gracchio and the Lady Scholar, Irene Capaldi.
Thus, a new era for the Conclave and its students has begun…
----------
**Greg**
Maybe it's because of the religious culture I grew up with, that I see the demons in a different perspective, compared to the other races that I'd already encountered. I mean, while I didn't treat them with contempt, I also never cared much for these guys.
"…"
However, that view changed slowly, as I get to know the demons like Princess Noir/Prince Hurion, Shevaun Ilkes, Lady Srexe of the Goblins, Tama'lee, and Nari Tambara. Not to mention, those poor kids that stood by me—even to the point of death…
"Lord Greg, you'll finally fulfill your promise to your former student!" the Usarved princess called out to me, just before I went in the Saint's Tower to get Alexa's urn.
"Yes," I smiled, though deep inside, I couldn't help but feel sadness. Several young souls were sacrificed to make my goals possible. I wanted to thank them, yet I knew it would be a wasted attempt.
But, I will not forget them, and I'll fight for the future they will not see as well…even if they are demons…
"Lord Greg…" it was Shevaun. She gently tapped on my shoulder, as if trying to catch my attention.
"Ah! Thanks for all your help, Lady Scholar Ilkes," I referred to her Conclave title, as a sign of respect to the former Head Scholar.
"Of course, it's not an issue, milord," the chamberlain replied. However, though she said nothing after that, I could tell from her eyes that she wanted to tell me something. For some reason, though, she was holding back.
"You want to say something?" since it was obvious, I took the initiative to ask her; I thought that she might be embarrassed to say what's on her mind.
"Milord, that tower…" she pointed towards the topmost part. "Honestly, ever since the death of Lady Cassandra David and the arrival of the Demon Saint, Lady Natasha Bellingsen, no one has entered that place. Well, except maybe for some select servants of the saint herself?"
The nature of her unsure voice and the way she worded it got me a bit worried, "So even if you—as the Head Scholar—possess the keys to the tower before, you didn't try to enter it? Not even once?"
The demon chamberlain shook her head, "For some reason, the Demon Saint forbade us to enter her tower. Not even the Biornos, though they ruled this city, dared to trespass…even when we all became aware that no one is inside as of this moment."
I would almost believe her words, but then I had to clarify some holes in the story, "If so, how did you guys know Lady Natasha is missing? You say that you can't enter, while she did say to me before that she can't go out?"
Shevaun stopped in her story and turned—with anxious eyes—to Princess Noir. Then, it was the Usarved princess who revealed to me, "We knew because for several weeks, no saint asked me to buy her usual…uhm, err…y-you know…lewd magazines."
"Oh…" I think that's a sensitive topic to her, eh? Considering that the demons were pretty open to liberal sexual relations.
"Yes, so when I sent people to check on Her Holiness, she left a note, posted at that door behind you, Sir. She told us that she went on a vacation to Chersea."
Yep, that's Lady Natasha, alright. So whimsical and carefree, as always.
"The next that we heard of her was that, she was visiting her close friend, the Human Saint, and that she suddenly disappeared—along with some of her notes—while conducting experiments on magic circles."
I see…if I can remember right, this is when Lady Madelaine were attempting to bypass Lady Ruro's closure of the Chersea-Cherwind border crossing through teleportation.
"…"
Wait a minute! That's another memory gained!
----------
In any case, the plan was to enter this tall holy tower, grab the urn of Alexa (Emile Biorno said that it was enshrined there, so I assume it is easy to locate and see), and come out in one piece. By my own expectations, it would only take me a few hours to do that. And of course, this was Lady Natasha's place we're talking about. She had given help to me many times in the past, I doubt this tower was dangerous.
After all, it was also her who invited me to come and see her, back when I was first summoned by Lady Madelaine here in Chersea.
"…"
Oh, another memory has surfaced from the depths of my mind!
"Ah, right, I just remembered something."
"What is it, Lord Greg?" the two demon ladies asked.
"Do you know anything about a place called 'Lake Antares'?"
Silence at first, but then it was Shevaun who returned with a question, "Why do you know that?"
"Lady Natasha, though she and I met and worked together countless of times, claims that what I'm seeing is her 'apparition'. She said before to meet her in a place she named 'Lake Antares'. But so far, I don't know anything in this world, or in the others, that has that name."
The demon chamberlain paused for a few moments, as if pondering on what I just said. Then, she spoke, "I don't know much, but the Lord Head Scholar before me mentioned it. If my memory still serves me right, you can find that 'lake' inside the tower."
"What?" I blurted out, "A lake inside a tower? How's that even possible?"
Shevaun shrugged, "Beats me."
And so, without further ado, I gathered the things I'd bring inside and unlocked the wooden doors that led directly to the stairs of the eponymous Saint's Tower. The amount of dust and cobwebs I had to remove was a testament to how long this place stood idle, closed to everyone else, except perhaps for a few people…or so Shevaun said.
"Please be safe," the Usarved princess wished me well as she waved her hands goodbye. "We'll be waiting for your return, Lord Greg!"
"Come on now," I chuckled, amused at her gesture. "I'll just climb this tower and get Alexa's remains. That's it. But anyway, yes, thanks for your concern, Your Highness."
I turned and set foot inside the holy and enigmatic place. However, before I closed the door, I realized something important…
"By the way, Your Highness…"
"Hm?"
I winked at her, "I think I'm more comfortable being referred to as 'Kuro' than with 'Greg'."
----------
**Noir**
I'm bored. Just sitting here inside our room, reading whatever book was available…eating Shevaun's 'home' cooking, ugh!
This is torture!
"…"
All this time, I thought that bringing the Lord Greg over to this place would give me the chance to hog him for myself. Not only was this place far from my responsibilities, the Human Saint couldn't reach us here easily. Haa…my plans were perfect; and I followed all the steps I had to take. But, as it turned out, I was wrong. I knew he was a teacher at heart, but I never expected that he was this dedicated to his work.
Oh well…I guess it's one of the Lord Greg's charms.
"…"
And of course, I won't give up. Once he returned later, I'll try that seduction ritual once again…though this time, maybe I'd take a few more blood from him, so that he won't resist my charms.
"Milady…"
"!!!" I was brought back to my senses when I heard the voice of my chamberlain, Shevaun.
"You're going to do that again?" she asked, with a nonchalant expression on her face.
"W-What do you mean?" I immediately suspected that Shevaun knew. Even so, I played innocent. After all, the seduction ritual was a forbidden magic art…at least, officially. It was an open secret that many demons use the ritual I researched to beguile the person they wanted to be with. In fact, it's so effective that Shevaun—as the Lady Head Scholar—banned it.
And I'm still annoyed at her for doing that! She's such a killjoy.
Anyway, Shevaun's lips drew a sly smile, "Hmm…pardon me, Your Highness, but I think you can't hide whatever you do from me. I mean, you're a bit clumsy whenever you do that ritual with the unsuspecting Lord Greg."
That's it. I can't hide anything from my faithful chamberlain!
"C-Come on now! You and I know that…while you took the prude route and banned its use, the seduction ritual is still widely—though secretly—practiced!"
"Of course," she winked at me. "You think you're the only one who's using it?"
"Ha?!" I blurted out. "Don't tell me…"
Shevaun chuckled, "Don't worry; I won't snatch that human from you, Your Highness! I'm just testing my knowledge of that stuff, trying to see if I can still cast it."
"So you're also doing it!"
"I think that makes us both criminals. Well, at least I'm not whispering some cringy stuff like 'Lord Greg, you're so cute!' or 'Lord Greg, I want to gobble you—"
"Kyaa! Shut up! Shut up!" I tried to drown her words by screaming, though Shevaun just laughed at me.
Then I fell silent. Not that I'm annoyed; it's just that I'm uncomfortable now that someone else knew of my secrets.
"Mm…anyway, Your Cute Highness, a letter came in earlier," Shevaun went back to her usual prim self. She pulled a folded, white paper from one of her pockets, and handed it over to me. On one side, the crest of the Gratianni clan was clearly visible, imprinted on a sealing wax, telling me that it was a confidential correspondence from Lady Kalen—the demon ambassador in Chersea.
Wasting no time, I opened it.
'Your Highness,
It is with urgency that I write to you to report on the movements of your brother and his supporters. Last time, the Human Saint Lady Madelaine finally recovered from her undisclosed and strange condition, and she summoned me to the Holy Palatial Gardens. I was shocked to say that the meeting was only for notifying our side about the impending arrest of the Lord Haya because of his alleged involvement with the 'Knights of Cassandra David'.
I am not consulted on this matter. Nor did I agree willingly to the decision of Her Holiness the Human Saint, Lady Madelaine Ann Rubinforth.
By the time this letter would've reached you, I think that the Paladin Guards—with the help of the Human, Beastman and the Flame Saints—are in the process of pursuing your brother. Preliminary reports coming from his manor say that he disappeared, and his servants turned into hideous creatures, which the paladins were forced to kill to avoid escaping and wreaking havoc on the local population.
Our border guards told me that no one resembling the Lord Haya had crossed into Cherflammen for the past few days. Nevertheless, with his skill in magic, it's easy for him to fool our soldiers stationed at the crossing. I suggest caution, Your Highness. You know what your brother is capable with once he returns to the Usarved strongholds.
Your ever-loyal servant,
Kalen Gratianni.
P.S.: Her Holiness the Human Saint demands a regular report on the activities of the Lord Kuro/Greg Santos in Cherflammen. Please help me, Your Highness. She won't stop bugging me for it. Even going as far as visiting my home—no, she's teleporting inside my room—every day to see if you already sent the report. The Lady Rubinforth is crazy! Help! Thank you!'
"What did Lady Gratianni say?" Shevaun asked the moment she saw me close the letter.
"Two things…" I took a deep breath, "First, Lady Madelaine Ann Rubinforth is going unhinged once again. And second, my rotten brother pissed the Human Saint off that she tried to arrest him. Now, the Lord Haya is missing and is presumed to have escaped. Lady Gratianni thinks he's heading back here, in Cherflammen, in direct violation of the truce negotiated between me, and his supporters."
"By the saints!" my chamberlain exclaimed. "We should hurry back to Darkmoor, then!"
"Yes, I know…" I nodded. "However, it is only me who would return."
Shevaun was shocked by my words, "What?"
"You stay here, Shevaun," I reiterated. "You're the only person—aside from me—who is a friend to the Lord Greg. If we leave him alone here, he might end up dead, or expelled because of the way he thinks! You know how that human is, right, former Lady Head Scholar Ilkes? He even protected the Biorno clan and their allies from my wrath before!"
My explanation didn't satisfy the concern from my chamberlain's eyes. "But, in turn, you'll be the only one who'll face the Lord Haya, if ever he returns!"
"Don't worry," I smiled back at Shevaun, trying to keep my own doubts to myself. "I got George and the other servants with me. Besides, this is a matter between me and my brother. And, knowing the Lord Greg, I'm sure he'll involve himself in our affairs…though he's an outsider. I won't allow that to happen anymore! He's been hurt enough…"
----------
***The Conclave, a few days after the Lord Head Scholar Greg Santos entered the tower and Princess Noir left for Darkmoor…***
In accordance to the 'Treaty of the Saint's Tower', the former Lord Head Scholar Emile Biorno stepped down from all his responsibilities in the Conclave. As the new Lord Head Scholar Greg Santos refused to bow down to the Usarved pressure, he kept his leadership of the city of the Saint's Tower, though for a limited term, the duration of which was to be discussed further in the coming negotiations.
And so, honoring the agreements he signed, Emile Biorno left the Conclave in his own accord. An open carriage was prepared for his departure, for while he lost the support of the student-scholars, he still had considerable support among the teachers and staff of the school. He would leave that place with a grand parade to bid him farewell.
"…"
The former Head Scholar took one last look at the building where his office was, partly-destroyed from the bombardment of the Goblin Legion the other week. Emile Biorno heaved a sigh, then turned to his servants and told them to go ahead of him.
"…"
The student-scholars, while they lined up in the main avenue of the Conclave that led to the city, were silent. They never forgave him for the massacres, nor do they intend to forget he and his supporters did. As for the school staff, they were the loud ones. Their lives were 'happy' during the days of Emile Biorno, and so they would always look back at those times with fondness.
When the former Head Scholar entered the open carriage, the students clapped in a muted celebration for his departure. The faculty and the school staff were crying, and waving their hands towards their benefactor as his coach drove past them. Emile Biorno returned their gestures with his own wave and a melancholic smile.
Soldiers from the Goblin Legion and the Usarved army stood at attention on both sides of the avenue, ostensibly to guard against any potential riots that may happen as the Biorno clan leader left the Conclave, as well as a salute to a former Head Scholar. As the small convoy of cavalrymen and the open carriage turned on a bend that led to the main gates, a student-scholar suddenly got past the cordon and ran into the coach of Emile Biorno, with a modern pistol—an M1911—in his hand.
"Die, you butcher!"
"!!!"
Two shots echoed throughout the Conclave, and terror-filled screams followed as everyone scampered for their safety. Some soldiers of the Goblin Legion and the Usarved army were quick to subdue the gunner—who tried to shoot at the teachers and the school staff, while their other comrades led the civilians away from the main avenue. However, when the chaos finally died down, the true picture of the casualties was revealed.
Two goblin cavalrymen, escorting the carriage of the former Head Scholar, were wounded. At the coach itself was Emile Biorno, his eyes were still open as if staring unto the heavens, asking repose for his restless soul. Nevertheless, it was too late for him, for he was already dead with a bullet to his head.