-2350- The rightful descendant

"——War."

As this word escaped Rozen's mouth and reached everyone's ears, a chill spread swiftly through their hearts.

Especially Akatsuki Nagisa, who stood up, somewhat agitated.

"Isn't… isn't that a bit exaggerated?" Nagisa said, visibly anxious and confused. "That's war, you know? War! We're living in peaceful times—how could something like that just happen?"

But no one responded to Nagisa's outburst.

Whether it was Himeragi Yukina, Avrora Florestina, or Kanase Kanon, they all fell silent, faces full of unease.

It was true that in times of peace, the word war feels distant and unrealistic to ordinary people. That's understandable.

But that's only because they live in a peaceful country and have never experienced war.

In reality, the world is still filled with war.

For instance, the Nosferatu had once defeated the Caruana family of the Warlord Dominion in battle and seized their territory.

The Kingdom of Aldegyr and the Ardeal Principality had frequently been at war—and even now, small skirmishes persist.

And in the three Night Empires, localized wars have continued without pause, not to mention the constant border conflicts between humans and Demons.

So for war to break out—it's not something Rozen would say lightly.

And someone present could confirm his claim.

"You're the head of the Three Sages of the Lion King Agency, Japan's magical operations force. You should have some idea why Japan hasn't provided disaster relief to Itogami Island, its own affiliated artificial territory, right?"

Rozen directed this question to Shizuka Koyomi.

Koyomi immediately fell silent.

After a long pause, she sighed.

Her sigh caused everyone's hearts to sink.

As expected…

"The Sanctuary Treaty Organization has already designated Itogami Island as a large-scale destructive magical device. It seems the resolution to dismantle it has passed."

Shizuka Koyomi delivered the news everyone least wanted to hear.

"Soon, the Sanctuary Treaty military will march on Itogami Island. That's why I tried to act—but Itogami Meiga anticipated it."

That was the real reason Itogami Meiga had targeted Koyomi.

"How can this be…"

Nagisa and Kanon instinctively clung to each other.

"The Sanctuary Treaty Organization…"

Yukina and Avrora had gone pale.

The so-called Sanctuary Treaty Organization was an international body formed by countries—including the Night Empires—under the Sanctuary Treaty. It holds the authority to act against major magical threats and maintains a military force for such purposes. The only cases it considers are threats on a national or greater scale—once such a threat is confirmed, action is immediate.

And now, Itogami Island has been deemed a massive destructive magical artifact, with military forces on their way.

"This… this is seriously bad!" Nagisa exclaimed, only to be met with uncertain, grim expressions.

Shizuka Koyomi looked particularly grave.

"The Management Cooperative, led by the Forbidden Four, already knows this. They've decided to oppose the Sanctuary Treaty forces to protect the island."

Koyomi continued, her words deadly serious.

"Itogami Meiga likely plans to use this as an opportunity to go to war with Japan, the Lion King Agency, even with Demons—and with the world. That's why he moved to eliminate me before I could act."

In other words, Shizuka Koyomi was trying to prevent the war.

"Why?" Rozen asked bluntly. "Aren't you with the Japanese government? Why are you helping Itogami Island?"

Koyomi couldn't answer right away.

After a long silence, she looked up at Rozen, as if letting something go.

"Because I, too, am an heir of the Forbidden Four— a direct descendant of the God of Sin."

Her words sent a shock through everyone present.

Even Rozen.

"You're a descendant of the God of Sin too?"

Rozen was stunned.

Even he hadn't seen that coming.

But it was true.

"I come from the Hiina family, one of the Forbidden Four. I inherited the name 'Shizuka' upon becoming one of the Three Saints. My real name is Hiina Koyomi, and I am a rightful descendant of the God of Sin."

Koyomi took a deep breath and revealed the truth.

"When Itogami of the Forbidden Four created this artificial island, the other two families were invited and took up high positions, protecting the island from within the shadows.

"The last family—Hiina—joined the Lion King Agency long ago. In fact, the Agency's founding is closely tied to Hiina. So, we've operated between the mainland and Itogami Island, fulfilling our duties while also observing the island."

"Itogami Meiga knows this. He suspects I might betray the God of Sin's wisdom due to my conflicting affiliations—reveal Itogami Island's secrets to the Sanctuary Treaty forces and prepare them for its power."

"That's why—logically and emotionally—he must eliminate me."

Koyomi's explanation cleared up many past mysteries for Rozen.

For example, why someone like her, the top figure in the Lion King Agency, lingered so long on Itogami Island, even enrolling at Saikai Academy and becoming his Senpai—rarely leaving.

Rozen had once believed she was assigned to monitor him.

But now it made sense—her deeper reason was her connection to the island itself.

And her reasons for preventing war were clear.

First, as someone from the Lion King Agency, she didn't want Itogami Island to endanger her organization or her country.

Second, as a descendant of Cain, the God of Sin, she didn't want to see the island destroyed.

With those two conflicting identities, her only choice was to prevent war.

Itogami Meiga wouldn't allow that.

Whether out of personal grudge or ambition, Meiga had to kill her.

"Now, aside from Itogami, the other two Forbidden Four families have also decided to act to protect Itogami Island," Koyomi added gravely. "What's more worrying—they've joined forces with a dangerous individual."

Who was that?

Rozen already had a guess.

After all, Itogami Meiga, an escapee from the Prison Barrier, had been hiding undetected on the island for so long—and now even moved freely in broad daylight, committing murder. It was clear someone was shielding him.

That person was a foreign envoy whom the Management Cooperative and special district defense forces couldn't touch—an extreme warmonger, who would love nothing more than a multi-nation war that dragged in the God of Sin and the three Primogenitors.

There was only one man like that on all of Itogami Island.

"Dimitrie Vatler…"

Rozen muttered quietly.

That man was the greatest threat of all.