Chapter 58: The Governor-General's Gift
Dropping Asia off at the villa went about as well as I expected it to. Thora wordlessly listened to me explain the girl's situation, the look on her face telling me her temper from earlier hadn't subsided even a little.
I have a feeling that the fact that I neglected to tell her about Asia in advance, and me having to leave immediately after dropping her off for another mystery appointment I couldn't disclose the details of, didn't do much to soothe her.
Good grief, I really have a knack for making my life far more difficult than it needs to be—don't I?
Fortunately, Thora still had enough patience left to take care of Asia for me until I got back.
There's no doubt my students will be swarming all over her in a mix of curiosity and confusion once they find a nun sitting in the living room—so it's important Asia has a reliable, almost motherly presence like Thora to take comfort in.
As for Azazel's message, he gave me the address of an apartment complex near the town's plaza for our face-to-face discussion.
I'm a little annoyed he decided to come in person instead of limiting our conversation to text, but what can I do? He's the Governor-General, and I'm the one who decided it was a good decision to cooperate with him behind Serafall's back.
I suppose whether that decision was a good one or not is about to be tested.
"It's unlocked, come in." His flippant voice greeted me from the other side of the door.
I took a deep breath. Calmed myself, and without further ado—stepped through.
My eyes were immediately met with what I could only describe as a criminal amount of maroon paint plastered all over the walls, ceiling, and floorboards. Complimented by dark, leathery furniture. Alongside a few, awfully expensive-looking paintings scattered around various parts of the room. All of which looked like they existed for no other purpose than to take up empty space, rather than to provide any aesthetic value.
The lighting was kept purposefully dim, existing only through a sparse number of candles and a singular lamp set to the lowest setting possible.
"I know, it's a little gaudy, isn't it? Unfortunately, I'm a little too strapped for time to go browsing, so I decided to make do."
And in the middle of it all, there he was. Sitting on the couch with a plain, gray kimono draped over his figure and what looked to be a glass of some bougie brand of whiskey in his hands.
His demeanor was the complete opposite of what it had been during our initial meeting. Even with Senjutsu, I couldn't detect an iota of guilt, nervousness, or trepidation from him. Only raw confidence and self-assurance.
I guess I'm finally meeting the Governor-General Serafall's used to.
Hm. He has a surprisingly punchable face, doesn't he? Maybe she was right to be as paranoid as she was about him.
"Last time we met, I don't believe I told you anything about Genshirou Saji or Hyoudou Issei. Let alone even mention them." I closed the door behind me and folded my arms, propping my back up against the wall.
"You didn't need to, I knew about them long before you and I talked with one another." He smirked, grabbing a fresh glass from his tray and beginning to pour. "It's like I said, Raynare's orders were to sit and observe—and I didn't have them come to Kuoh Town specifically just for the hell of it."
I let out a thoughtful hum, taking note of the eagerness in his voice. "Those two must possess exceedingly valuable Sacred Gears for you to take such a risk."
He shrugged, remaining even-tempered. "Maybe, maybe not. How should I know? The Longinus Institute can tell whether or not someone possesses a Sacred Gear, but finding out exactly what kind of Sacred Gear they have before it fully awakens within them? That's not so simple."
"Not so simple, huh?" I scoffed, appalled that he'd even attempt to use such wording with me. "Last I checked, that wasn't a synonym for impossible."
He maintained his grin. A flicker of amusement graced those bright-violet irises of his. "While it's true that I don't know the exact type of Sacred Gear they wield, I may or may not know a thing or two about their category."
"Category?" I raised a single brow, wondering if he really expected me to pick up on his Sacred Gear jargon.
"One of them possesses a high-tier Sacred Gear," he paused. "The other—one of the Thirteen Original Longinus."
"Oh?" Since assuming the mantle as my students' teacher, I've made sure to do my fair share of reading on Sacred Gears.
Those 'Longinus' supposedly have the potential to be God-killing armaments, but for better or for worse, that feat hasn't been achieved by a single wielder since the Biblical God originally conceived those weapons.
Still, to think there's such a weapon in this town. Kuoh really is proving to be quite the hotspot, though I'm not sure that's entirely a good thing. All it does for me is add to my never-ending workload.
For some reason, the Governor looked puzzled by my response. "Strange, I was expecting a bit more of a reaction from you." He tilted his head, stroking his goatee.
"Why's that?" I replied, equally confused.
"You're a High-Class Devil, aren't you? An unclaimed Longinus existing right under your nose is quite the opportunity. Shouldn't you be scrambling to capitalize on it?" He said as if that course of action was only natural.
"Capitalize?" Embarrassingly enough, it took me a second to decipher his meaning. "Oh, you're talking about recruiting them into my peerage. Yeah, I guess that didn't really cross my mind."
"Why not? Have you not received your Evil Pieces yet?" He continued, leading me to wonder why this even interested him in the first place.
Granted, there doesn't appear to be any hostility behind his curiosity. So it wouldn't hurt to indulge him a little.
"I have them."
"But?" He leaned forward, clearly expecting more.
"But what? Having a peerage is a choice, not a requirement. Even if I locked my Evil Pieces in a safe and let them sink to the bottom of the Mariana Trench for all eternity, it wouldn't make a difference."
He blinked, taken aback by a specific part of my response. "Hold on a second, you're almost making it sound like you don't have a peerage. Like, at all."
"That's because I don't," a faint smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth. I'd be lying if I didn't find that look of sheer shock on his face a little amusing. "Though I don't see how that's relevant at the moment. We're here to talk about Genshirou and Hyoudou, aren't we?"
Is he asking me this just to make sure I don't want to take them in, so he can then take them over to Grigori? If that's the case, I'll have to leave him sorely disappointed.
Truth is, I decided to pop in and see those two for myself—not that I made any contact. I was merely curious to see if I'd notice anything peculiar about them, or if there were any lingering threats hovering around them.
I'm confident the latter's no longer an issue now that Raynare's gone, but the former? I'm not so sure.
Those two have the presence of a dragon clinging to them, I'm sure of it. Right now it's faint, very faint, but I have a feeling that won't be the case once their Sacred Gears properly awaken.
"You're a strange one, you know that?" He grumbled, running his fingers through his blond-streaked bangs. "Alduin, do you know why exactly I decided to place them under observation?"
I shrugged. "No clue. Research? Experimentation? Recruitment? All of the above?"
He breathed a dry chuckle, slowly nodding. "I won't pretend like there isn't any truth to those three, however, you're missing the most important one."
"And what would that be?"
"Safety." He said, his voice brimming with absolute confidence. "Sacred Gears all have their fair share of stories, tales, and legends written about them and those who wielded them. But at the end of the day, Sacred Gears are weapons. Dangerous, destructive weapons with the ability to bring a colossal amount of harm not only to the people around their wielders, but the wielders themselves. I would know—I was there when my father made them after all."
Now it was clear to me, the Governor definitely expected me to do something about those two.
"Where are you going with this, Governor?" I narrowed my eyes, making it abundantly clear that I wasn't in the mood to tolerate him beating around the bush any longer.
"You can't just leave them alone. Especially Hyoudou, he's the one possessing the Longinus." He reclined back into the couch, taking a sip of his whiskey before continuing. "I wanted him under observation because I needed to know if he was a suitable host for his Longinus, if he was someone who could actually handle being a vessel for that much power, or someone who couldn't—and would end up as nothing more than a ticking time bomb."
"And your verdict?"
"I don't have one, and I won't until he awakens." He took another sip, his glass clattering as he swirled the chunk of ice within it around. "A Sacred Gear always responds to its users' will, no matter what. But if the will of its host is too weak, the Sacred Gear will take the liberty of interpreting that will however it wishes. And in my experience, that usually leads to… unforeseen consequences, shall we say?"
I let out a tired exhale and pinched my nosebridge. "Governor, be straight with me. What exactly is it you want me to do? Take them under my wing? Nurture them as my own? Bring them into my peerage? Or is this whole conversation just a lead-up to you wanting me to hand them over to Grigori?"
I'll never understand the old people's obsession with speaking in circles.
"Those are all valid options." He nodded. "I thought you'd be adamant to get them into your peerage, but apparently that's not the case. So if you'd rather hand them over to me, I'd be more than happy to oblige. The Longinus Institute does more than just observe, we also take in and nurture Sacred Gear users, typically those who have no other place to go."
"But they aren't in that kind of a situation, are they? Hyoudou's got a perfectly fine and loving family. Genshirou's struggling, yes, but I don't think he'd appreciate being stripped of the company of his siblings and grandfather—"
"His grandfather's dead," the Governor interrupted, leaving me momentarily stunned. "I observed both of them in person today, making no contact, of course. As of this morning, at exactly 4:34 AM, Saji's grandfather was pronounced dead from a stroke."
"Oh," I took a mental step back. The news was depressing to hear, but not unexpected.
I had seen it when I first took a look at Genshirou, his grandfather's aura only contained a few, awfully faint flickers of lifeforce. Barely clinging on to what little vitality his form could hold onto.
"As I'm sure you're aware, the Genshirou's weren't exactly a wealthy bunch. His parents obviously didn't live long enough to leave much behind for him, and what little his grandfather did? I think we both know it won't last long, especially for a family of three." He finished his glass, setting it aside. "It's only a matter of time before he finds himself in financial ruin. Even if he were to drop out and work himself to the bone, it still wouldn't be enough."
Tch, he's shamelessly tugging at my heartstrings.
And it's working—way better than I'm willing to admit.
"I assume it's not the money you're worried about?"
He scoffed. "Duh. If I wanted to, I could make him the wealthiest man on the planet with the snap of my fingers." He straightened his posture. "It's the emotional side I'm worried about, the stress of losing every parental figure in his life and being forced to assume that role for his two younger siblings." He raised both index fingers, pushing them together. "Unstable emotions. Unstable Sacred Gear. It's basic math."
I scratched my temple, grumbling a few resigned curses under my breath. "If I take him in, assuming he'd accept that in the first place, I'd be stripping him of any chances of having a normal life—and forcing him into our world."
"He's already a part of our world," he said with unwavering resolution and certainty. "A Sacred Gear is more than just a blessing, more than just a tool. It's a responsibility, a burden that's thrust onto its host without their input. You could even go as far as to call it a curse. Hell, there are some Sacred Gears out there that are practically guaranteed to bring misfortune onto their wielder."
I wore a bleak smile. "Yet you're fascinated by them."
"More than you could ever know," he returned the expression. "But that's besides the point. Hyoudou Issei will need someone to watch over him in the near future, and Genshirou Saji needs someone right now. I'm of the same opinion as you, I don't want to prematurely whisk Genshirou over to Grigori. Which is why I'm so adamant that you be the one to assist him instead of me, I don't see who else could."
That's easy for you to say, Governor. I've already got five people I'm watching over at home—not including Asia, who just became the residence's sixth addition.
I know for a fact Saji won't be content with him being the only one taken care of and not his siblings, which means I'll have to take in three more people in total. I might as well be running a full-on adoption centre. At this rate, it's only a matter of time before I pop out for some milk.
Still, the Governor makes a good point. I can't exactly just leave him to his own devices, can I? If his Sacred Gear goes haywire in this town, my inaction will be responsible for all the damage it causes.
I breathed a deep—exasperated sigh. "It's not that I'm completely unwilling to take him in, but when and if his Sacred Gear awakens, what exactly do you expect me to do? I'm not exactly a leading expert on the topic like you are."
Saji's a civilian within Kuoh Town, not my student. While I'm willing to take care of him, I've got absolutely no interest in teaching him how to fight like I'm doing with my bunch. I'll simply do the bare minimum to keep his Sacred Gear from spiralling out of control—nothing more.
He deserves to enjoy his school life and spend time with what remains of his family. He shouldn't have to worry about the conflicts that go on in the supernatural world, even if his Sacred Gear will rope him into them someday. I'll do my best to delay that for as long as possible.
It's the right thing to do.
And with the recent streak I've been on, I think I desperately need something 'right.'
Besides, it's not like he's guaranteed to awaken a combat-type Sacred Gear. From what I've read, there's a myriad of utility and recovery-type Sacred Gears as well.
The Governor put on a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, just because I want you to watch over him doesn't mean I'm simply ridding myself of all responsibility. The second his Sacred Gear awakens, I will give you every last piece of information Grigori's archives can offer on it—and every recommendation possible on how to best manage its power, including any resources I might have at my disposal that could prove useful."
"I appreciate the help, but what about Hyoudou? Don't tell me you want me to take the Longinus in as well?" If that were to happen, I think my hair might go grey for real.
He hummed in deliberation, rhythmically tapping his lip with his index finger. "No, I think making you manage the Longinus as well would be asking too much. Advice alone isn't enough to handle something of that calibre, you need firsthand experience."
I sighed in relief. "Great, so you'll take him then—"
"However," much to my dismay, he wasn't done. "As you're aware, I'm currently preoccupied with searching for a certain someone. Which means the only way I could look after Hyoudou is by bringing him to Grigori, where all my staff are—and as we just agreed, Hyoudou isn't in a position where he needs to be brought to the Longinus Institute."
Right, Kokabiel's still at large.
Fuck.
"Unfortunately, if Hyoudou's Sacred Gear awakens before I've dealt with my wayward Cadre. I may need you to temporarily watch him until I'm in a position to take over."
I shook my head with a tinge of reluctance. "Governor, it's not that I don't agree that a Longinus should have careful supervision. But I'm not really in a position to help either, I've got way too much on my plate at the moment—and I'm not entirely certain I'll be able to take care of Saji properly, asking me to watch Hyoudou at the same time is just too much."
He pursed his lips together, a questionable glint gracing his eyes. "Even if I make it worth your while?"
"What do you mean?" He'd better not try to seduce me. I'm well aware of the lascivious nature of you Fallen Angels, your tricks won't make a dent in the impenetrable fortress of my mind.
"Oh, come on. Do you really think I'd ask so much for you and offer nothing in return? Please, even I'm not that shameless."
I imagine Serafall's opinion would differ.
Withal, I watched with piqued intrigue as the Governor reached into the innards of his kimono and withdrew an oddly shaped, shiny metallic object.
It was gold in colour, and adopted the shape of a dagger—the tip of which was similar to that of a lance. Its allure emphasized by the gleaming, spherical purple jewel attached to its handle.
Yet, its shape wasn't nearly as fascinating as its scent. A scent someone like me would recognize better than anyone.
A dragon's scent.
It wasn't faint either—like the one clinging to Genshirou and Hyoudou. It was the polar opposite. It was overwhelmingly potent, exuding a presence that eclipsed even the fragment of Tiamat I had faced, but remained beneath that of Sebastian's.
It called to me in a way, like it was beckoning—or rather—challenging my instincts to respond. To acknowledge the existence I was standing before.
Ah.
That's when I realized.
This isn't just a dragon's presence I'm sensing.
No.
This is a Dragon King.
Nothing less could be this overbearing.
Nothing less could resonate with the piece of Tiamat that resides within me in such a way.
"Oh? You can detect him even while he's sealed?" The Governor seemed genuinely intrigued by my reaction. "Fascinating, he told me only a Dragon King or someone stronger could pull that off."
"What is that thing?" I narrowed my eyes, unsure how to feel about whatever the hell it is he's holding.
"An Artificial Sacred Gear, the first of its kind—or at least the first one I'd deem a true success." His voice brimmed with pride as he twirled the dagger around his fingers.
"Artificial?" I blinked, taken aback by what I had just heard. "That's… possible?" Shouldn't the Biblical God have an issue with one of Heaven's traitors recreating his work?
I suppose the fact that the Governor's still here means that isn't the case.
"Only if you're me." He winked, smug as ever. "I picked up a few very—very faint hints on my father's process back when I was still a dove, and after thousands and thousands of years of trial and error, I ended up with this masterpiece." He clasped it firmly within his fist, holding it out towards me. "Downfall Dragon Spear. A Sacred Gear housing the legendary Gigantis Dragon himself, Fafnir."
"Fafnir…" I muttered under my breath, my mind needing a second to wrap itself around what it had just heard. "How on earth did you manage such a thing?"
Had I not sensed the gear's aura myself, I would be bursting with laughter right about now. I mean, to think that there's a literal Dragon King living inside that small object he's holding… technology truly is quite frightening.
He exhaled softly. "I didn't force him inside if that's what you're wondering. I might have a slim chance of beating a Dragon King if I used everything I had, tools, tricks, the whole shebang, but a victory like that would still cost me a limb or two—unquestionably."
"Then how?"
"We made a pact. Fafnir allowed himself to be sealed in the vessel I created, hence giving life to the world's first Artificial Sacred Gear." He traced his finger across the dagger's lance. "And in exchange, I made him a promise."
The look on the Governor's face told me it was better not to ask.
"As impressive as your creation is, I'm a little confused as to why you're showing it to me." If I were him, I'd do everything in my power to keep a trump card of that calibre hidden.
Knowing that Grigori has amassed such a wide number of Sacred Gear wielders under their banner is one thing.
Knowing that they can create Sacred Gears on the other hand? That's just begging for conflict.
Why disclose that to me? I'm still a devil at the end of the day, working directly for two Satans.
Surely he can't trust me that much, can he?
"Because I'm about to give you the first part of my repayment plan for all the trouble I'm putting you through." A wider smirk graced his face. "From now on, you—Alduin Buné—will be Downfall Dragon Spear's host."
"W‒what!?" I stammered, my hand stumbling to catch the dagger as he haphazardly tossed it towards me.
"Until everything that's happening with Kokabiel is fully resolved, I'm entrusting you with Fafnir."
"W‒why?"
"A few reasons," he held up his index finger. "The most important one is to ensure you and this town's safety, of course. If by some horrible stroke of luck, Kokabiel himself or whatever machinations he has planned were to show themselves here while I'm away—I think it'd be best that you have a bit of extra help at your side. Not that I mean to demean your abilities."
I gestured reassuringly. "It's fine. I'm well aware of the gap in strength between someone like me and someone like him." For now, at least. "But are you sure it's alright for you to leave something this powerful in my hands? What if I'm incapable of properly wielding it, or rather, him?"
Possessing a fragment of a Dragon King's power is one thing—but the full force of an actual, living, breathing Dragon King in the flesh? I can't help but feel like I'm skipping a few steps here.
"If it weren't that powerful, it wouldn't be very effective Kokabiel-repellent now, would it?" He chuckled lightly. "And logically speaking, you'll probably prove to be a better host for Fafnir than I ever could."
"How come?"
"Again, it's basic math. A draconic host for a draconic Sacred Gear. One, who according to Fafnir, already possesses the power of the Dragon King among Dragon Kings, Tiamat, within him." He spread his arms across the couch's length, comfortably reclining into its fabric.
Damn. That's not information I want out in the open. I don't know how many people are aware of Tiamat's ability, but those who are—will know that I possess the same thing.
It might not apply to everyone, but there's a certain stigma in the supernatural regarding people with such a power—especially one that works in the way mine does.
Unsurprisingly enough, it's not a positive one. Especially not for someone working as a Foreign Affairs Representative.
"Relax, I'm not one to needlessly babble about other people's affairs. If there's anything I've learned as the head of a research organization, it's how to keep a secret." He waved off my look of disquiet. "Besides, you're keeping a secret for me, so it's only fair I do the same."
Hm. I suppose that's fair.
Still, I would like to limit how much information about me I deem sensitive comes out. The less that's out there, the better. Even if it just extends to one or two people.
"Very well, I'll hold you to your word. Governor." I replied with a harsh, expectant glare.
"As long as you don't go toying with my noggin, I've got no qualms." He attempted to sound unbothered, but I could tell there was some genuine concern mixed in there. "Oh, and there's no need to call me Governor, Azazel will do just fine—since we're partners in crime and all."
Partners in crime, huh?
Yeah, that sounds about right.
"Alright then, Azazel." I looked down at the gilded spear, clasping it firmly between my fingers. "You said there were a few reasons you were giving this to me, beyond my safety?"
"Yup," he beamed, putting up another finger. "As you've probably guessed, I'm hoping to collect some data on how you and Downfall Dragon Spear interact. Though I'm immensely proud of my creation, this is only the first step in developing the Artificial Sacred Gear Project. Without data, it'll be impossible for me to improve it any further."
"I'm glad you can count on me to serve as your guinea pig," my voice oozed with sarcasm.
I should've known he wasn't the type to offer up a gift this incredible without a catch.
He laughed dismissively. "What? It's not like that's a bad thing. I'm simply collecting data from observing you do as you please with it, there's no controlled variable. Not to mention that I plan on making you the first beneficiary of the fruit this project bears."
"Is that so?" I squinted, waiting for him to elaborate.
"Mhm. You working with Fafnir might be a temporary thing, but with the personal and general data I collect from studying your bond—who's to say I won't be able to create something more permanent for you?" A glint of genuine scientific wonder shone through his eyes. "Think about it, a custom-made, hyper-specialized Artificial Sacred Gear made solely for Alduin Buné! Pretty good payment, don't you think?"
I stroked my chin. "Yes, it does sound pretty cool. But there's no guarantee you'll succeed in its creation, and I'm not one to put my stock into a what-if."
"That's a shame. Putting stocks into what-ifs is basically a job requirement for us scientists—but I see your point, at the moment, offering you a possibility doesn't really qualify as payment." He sighed. "However, there is a more permanent benefit you can gain from Fafnir, isn't there?"
My eyes lit up, immediately realizing what he was suggesting.
"His blood," I muttered.
"Precisely. You've already got one Dragon King swirling around your bloodstream. Why not add to that collection? Who knows? Maybe you'll have the full set one day."
My first instinct was to ignite with delight, immensely pleased to be hearing that I'd be able to add such a fine addition to my power-base. But a moment's pondering made me realize something.
"Is Fafnir even willing to give me his blood?" There's no emotion more important to a dragon than pride, even to a newborn.
A Dragon King's pride on the other hand? That's in a league of its own. I would know, I've seen how powerful a mere fragment of one can be.
His passion calmed. "I'm not sure. That's why I said you can gain it, not that you will. The decision's up to Fafnir himself."
I expected as much.
"So basically, I'll have to impress him."
"Basically," he agreed. "You two can discuss that topic when you form your contact, which I'll teach you how to do in a second. Right after I finish giving you my final gift—at least for now."
I watched in confusion as Azazel whipped out his phone, his thumb rapidly moving across its screen until I heard a notification ring in the one he had given me.
Woah.
I had received about a dozen notifications. All consisting of oddly tilted documents, each of which included one mutual keyword.
"That's pretty much all the information I've amassed about the phenomenon known as Balance Break." He paused, sucking his teeth. "Well, not all the information, but at least everything relevant towards helping you get Forbidden Balor View and Sword Birth to that level."
Of course he knows. Those two have been awakened for quite some time.
"I've seen that term mentioned here and there, it's some kind of special transformation, right?"
"That's just the layman's definition. All the juicy details are in there," he pointed to my phone. "Now then, are you ready to meet the Gigantis Dragon?"
A thrill consisting of both dread and determination surged through me. "As I'll ever be."
===
Man, I'm really having a blast writing Alduin and Azazel's interactions. It's fun to see how someone in their positions and predicaments talk with one another.
Alduin seems to have begun some kind of path towards collecting the strength of all the Dragon Kings. We know for a fact Vritra's already well within reach with Saji's possession of one of his Sacred Gears, and Azazel having the rest.
However, Midgardsormr and Yu-Long are definitely going to prove to be quite challenging to obtain. So it'll be fun to see how that unfolds.
Oh, and there's also the question of Alduin's peerage (don't think I forgot about that). The kind of life he leads compared to the rest of his generation is... unique... to say the least. I wonder who he'll deem suitable to remain directly at this side down the path he's chosen?
———
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