The President rubbed his temples before letting out a weary sigh. "Tell me, Norman...Has anything uncovered during your investigation been linked to the sudden appearance of demons?"

Norman shook his head. "Nothing has pointed in that direction yet."

Julius nodded slowly before asking another question. "Aside from Mr Stark... are any of the remaining culprits demons who have been allowed to freely reside within Gritnia by King Carson?"

Norman frowned slightly. He didn’t think he would have to be dealing with these questions.

But after a brief silence, he finally answered. "No."

Then he quickly added, "Mr President... this investigation concerns a series of mass murders that have never received the justice they deserved."

Julius sighed once more. "I admire your heroism, Norman. I truly do... I believe the world would be a better place if there were more men who upheld justice as firmly as you."

"But remember why this investigation began."

"When you first brought this matter before me, we both believed there was a possibility these incidents were connected to demons... and that Gritnia’s Chief Enforcer might have been concealing that truth."

He paused before adding, "But that isn’t what your investigation has uncovered. This matter has nothing to do with demons, nor does it constitute a direct threat against the Rulership of Gritnia."

"I’m sorry, Norman... but the Western Coalition does not involve itself in the internal affairs of sovereign nations. You should present your findings to King Carson."

Norman stared at him, almost in disbelief. "I believe it’s rather obvious why I haven’t done that. For all we know, His Majesty may already know everything."

"And even if he doesn’t, one of the principal culprits is his own son-in-law. I find it difficult to believe this won’t be swept aside."

Julius remained composed. "How Carson chooses to govern his nation is for him to decide. Our involvement begins only when the matter becomes an external one."

Norman abruptly rose to his feet. "I’m sorry, Mr President, but I cannot accept that."

Part of the reason I came to you was because I wanted to return home and set right everything that had happened during my absence."

Julius gestured to him. "And you’ve done admirable work. I mean that sincerely... But as I’ve already said, this matter does not concern the Coalition. And until it does, I cannot authorise the deployment of our agents."

"Furthermore...I am ordering you not to undertake any actions that fall outside our objectives or disregard King Carson’s authority in this matter."

Norman stared at him. "What?"

"So far," Julius continued, "everything you’ve done has aligned with the Coalition’s mission. But this is an internal one, so take your findings to Carson."

"If he authorises further action, then you may proceed."

Norman clenched his fist, a furious yet determined look building over his face. "My objective has always been the people, Mr President. And justice for those who can no longer seek it themselves."

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the office.

Julius heaved another sigh, shaking his head in tandem.

—-

Thirty minutes later...

Dark Nova had returned to Gritnia. Traveling at tremendous speeds through the sky, it took him only a fraction of the time to cover the distance between the Western Coalition Headquarters and Grayforte city.

His destination was once again the Morgenstein Estate. And as soon as he descended before the entrance to the mansion, Beatrice hurried out to receive him.

A smile immediately appeared on her face. "Mr Hero, I’ve been waiting for your return."

She looked at him expectantly. "Were you able to discover the true killers?"

But instead of giving a direct answer to her question, Dark Nova began with the reason he came here. "Lady Beatrice...I believe that, as the head of one of Gritnia’s Seven Great Vampire Families, you possess considerable influence within this country."

Beatrice looked slightly puzzled by the question. "I do."

Dark Nova gave a nod. "Then I assume organising a press conference would not be particularly difficult."

"No." She shook her head, then added. "If that’s what you require, I can arrange one."

"Very good." Dark Nova said, giving a nod. Organise one and have it held here."

Beatrice looked surprised. "Here?"

"Yes." He replied

She could not help asking, "What exactly do you intend to do?"

Dark Nova then said. "If doing what’s right depends on someone’s approval, then it was never justice to begin with."

Then he turned his face to the other side as he stared into the open, "We’re going to apprehend everyone involved today...Whether anyone likes it or not."

——

Slightly over an hour had passed since the conversation inside the living room had come to an end.

The atmosphere within the manor had become unusually quiet afterwards. Although, possible because there was too much for everyone to process.

Nathan and Jillia had eventually stepped outside, choosing to wait by the front door.

Ethan eventually stepped out later, walking over to stand beside him. He actually came to have a different conversation.

Nathan glanced at him then and asked, "Do you think the girl will agree to my proposal?"

Ethan scoffed. "Does it actually matter?"

Nathan turned to look at him, a puzzled expression gradually forming across his face.

Ethan shook his head and continued. From everything you’ve told me so far, you’ve shown that you’re willing to go to any lengths to achieve your goal."

"So I’m fairly certain that whether Ishtar agrees or not... you have no intention of letting her go. If she refuses your proposal, I’m willing to bet you’ll eventually come up with another way to take her with you."

"Even if that means breaking Eduardo’s trust."

He paused briefly before adding, "What you’ve done so far by coming here, has simply been the courtesy of asking first."

Nathan said nothing as he turned his eyes forward once again. Because, in truth. Ethan was right.

He had never intended to let Ishtar go beyond his reach. No matter what answer she ultimately gave, abandoning the one opportunity he believed could save Irene had never truly been an option.