Initially, Duq'arael was furious.
After all, at the end of the day, Theresis had undeniably "betrayed" him. Duq'arael had even considered immediately storming Theresis's office and demanding an explanation for everything that had transpired.
Moreover, the sudden announcement of peace was no trivial matter. For the radical Duq'arael, this was deeply unsatisfying.
Thus, the instant he saw the twin rulers declare peace, Duq'arael nearly charged over, intending to confront Theresis.
But at that very moment, Don Quixote stopped him.
Don Quixote and Duq'arael had yet to part ways; originally, they'd planned to return to their respective duties later tonight.
"Duq'arael."
Hearing Don Quixote call his name, Duq'arael briefly snapped out of his fixation on the twin rulers, turning around to face him.
"What is it?"
"Nothing much. You looked displeased, so I thought I'd ask what was wrong."
Don Quixote approached with a gentle step, tilting his head slightly as he offered Duq'arael a resolute yet gentle smile.
"It's nothing important. It's just…that Theresis betrayed me."
Duq'arael fell silent briefly before sighing and continuing:
"He didn't even discuss it beforehand, suddenly declaring peace… Ha. That guy was probably worried I'd interfere, so he acted first and informed me later."
"Hm… Then, do you think they can guide your people forward?"
"Them? All they'll do is stall our people's progress, halting our conquest and battles temporarily…"
Duq'arael replied dismissively, but stopped mid-sentence, catching Don Quixote's quiet, knowing gaze.
"In other words, they aren't doing this blindly, right?"
Taking another step forward, Don Quixote spoke with a gentle smile:
"They've chosen peaceful coexistence. And their coexistence is intended to facilitate greater unity and growth among you Sarkaz."
For once, Duq'arael didn't immediately argue. Instead, he turned his gaze aside quietly.
"Then…why not give them a chance to try?"
Don Quixote blinked, gently urging Duq'arael—every word spoken earnestly from his heart.
Truth be told, seeing the twins reconcile after civil war brought genuine joy to Don Quixote.
He sincerely wished these two who'd chosen peace success in achieving their goals.
Perhaps it was precisely this sentiment that led Don Quixote to encourage the obviously disgruntled Duq'arael.
"…Fine. I see what you mean."
Duq'arael sighed deeply, gazing toward Theresa and Theresis's distant figures.
"Then let this count as part of our bet—let's see which path proves better: conquest, or your so-called dream…"
"Of course! Let it be part of our bet," Don Quixote agreed readily.
At that, Duq'arael suddenly chuckled softly. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he murmured:
"If it's something you truly wish for…then it's not entirely unacceptable."
"I'd like to see for myself whether your dream has any real merit."
Raising his voice again, Duq'arael turned back to Don Quixote with firm resolve:
"I'll grant them this chance, Don Quixote. I won't bother them. However…if they fail, I'll step in and try things my own way."
And so, Duq'arael felt he'd upheld the pride befitting a Bloodfiend Lord, generously letting Theresis off the hook just this once.
Incidentally, Don Quixote fully agreed.
He truly felt Duq'arael's willingness to forgive Theresis's actions was precisely the kind of magnanimity a Fixer ought to embody—a genuinely noble act—and he was proud of his friend for choosing this path.
In a strange sense, perhaps these two were perfectly matched after all…
---
At the same time, Theresa walked along the streets and alleyways of Kazdel city. Looking around at the orderly scene, she couldn't help but feel admiration.
From time to time, she spotted Index Proselytes moving swiftly, handing out Prescripts and effectively maintaining order.
"They move surprisingly fast… The one responsible for establishing this so-called Index must be a genuinely capable individual."
After quietly murmuring these words of appreciation, Theresa halted her steps.
She sensed a familiar yet strangely chaotic aura approaching her.
If she wasn't mistaken, the person she sought was finally here…
Without hesitation, Theresa turned around to face the approaching figure, fully covered in white robes, eyes closed calmly.
"Greetings, Your Highness Theresa."
The Messenger quietly spoke, eyes still closed.
"I presume you're looking for me?"
"Indeed, I am."
Theresa carefully regarded the figure before her—Suo. Slowly, she nodded, her lips spreading into a bright smile.
"I was wondering who founded the Index. Now, it seems clear it was you who established it here. You're also the one in charge, correct?"
"Your Highness Theresa likely wishes to inquire about the Index's intentions regarding Kazdel, and whether our actions will negatively affect your nation, am I right?"
Suddenly, Suo raised his head slightly, addressing Theresa directly with tranquil confidence. Theresa paused briefly in response.
"I can answer that right now."
Suo opened his eyes, golden pupils gazing straight into Theresa's, solemn and sacred.
"I assure you, the Index follows only the will of the Prescripts. And as things stand now… the Prescripts will not permit harm to befall Kazdel or the Index."
"In other words, no matter what happens, Kazdel will only benefit from the Index's actions. Does this suffice to ease your concerns for now?"
Theresa stared at Suo, then slowly exhaled in relief.
"Yes… That'll be sufficient for now."
Having said this, Theresa turned around and prepared to depart.
Next, she would reunite with Theresis.
Together, they'd have to tackle the inevitable external threats—almost certain to emerge soon.