Clap. Clap. Clap.
The sudden applause interrupted Higashino Kanade's thoughts. Everyone turned toward the source of the sound, holding their breath in unison.
On the second-floor balcony stood an elegant Japanese woman gazing down at the assembly with a composed smile.
Her raven-black hair cascaded all the way to her ankles, framing the exquisite patterns of her Yuzen-dyed furisode kimono. The scholarly black-framed glasses completed her image as the epitome of traditional Japanese beauty - graceful as flowing water.
Yet it wasn't her beauty that commanded attention, but her identity.
"I didn't expect the Department of Legal Affairs to get involved," El-Melloi II muttered, his expression darkening.
The woman was Kanano Hishiri from the Clock Tower's thirteenth department - the notorious [Department of Legal Affairs].
Unlike other departments focused on magical research and teaching, Legal Affairs specialized in worldly governance and power dynamics. While operating within mundane governments and the United Nations, they simultaneously enforced the Clock Tower's laws with ruthless efficiency, maintaining the delicate balance between factions.
In short - universally reviled yet absolutely essential.
"Thank you for your patience."
Hishiri's mellifluous voice instantly commanded silence.
"I am Kanano Hishiri of the Clock Tower's Department of Legal Affairs, appointed executor of Griven Ashbourne's estate."
Beside Higashino Kanade, the astrologer Friug wiped his sweating brow, muttering in dismay, "Why her? Of all people..."
"I shall now disclose Griven Ashbourne's final testament."
"—Ask the name of the angel."
"—Those who cannot answer shall be stripped of their angel."
"—The bearer of my angel shall inherit my legacy."
Having recited the three-line riddle, Hishiri neatly folded the parchment.
The assembled magi exchanged puzzled glances before examining their invitation cards, where new words had materialized.
"Asalia."
Higashino Kanade glimpsed the unfamiliar term on Friug's invitation.
"Please proceed to your assigned rooms marked with your [Angel Name] on their plaques. The Ashbourne staff will attend to all necessities during your stay. Until the heir is confirmed, I shall remain on site. Your cooperation is appreciated."
Hishiri concluded with a graceful bow.
Though widely disliked, the Department of Legal Affairs' impartiality was unquestionable. With Hishiri supervising, participants could at least trust the selection process would be fair.
As the tension eased and guests prepared to retire, Orlocke raised his skeletal hand.
"Ms. Hishiri, if I may..."
"Please proceed, Lord Orlocke."
"Should we not first... remove certain uninvited guests?" The elderly magus pointed a bony finger toward Higashino Kanade, drawing all eyes. "This Uchiha child received no invitation from my departed friend. For the trial's integrity, shouldn't we expel unauthorized observers?"
Phosphorescent blue butterflies swirled around Orlocke as he smirked. "Unless Ms. Hishiri requires... assistance in enforcement?"
"Master!"
"Brother!"
Both Gray and Rosalind looked pleadingly toward their guardians, but neither El-Melloi II nor Heine intervened, choosing instead to observe.
"Regulations do prohibit non-participant interference," Hishiri conceded before addressing Higashino with polite firmness. "Young man, regardless of your lineage, I must ask you to depart. The staff will arrange safe passage down the mountain."
"You're misunderstanding the situation."
Higashino's languid gaze betrayed neither fear nor urgency. No longer needing to maintain pretenses as in the Empty Boundary world, he stood unabashedly as himself.
"I'm no interloper, but the esteemed Friug's personal attendant. Isn't that right, Friug?" His smile didn't reach his eyes.
The astrologer had already ducked behind a marble statue like a debtor evading collectors. Bringing this outsider had been a mistake - angering both Orlocke and every legitimate participant.
That nonsense about "merely observing"? Preposterous! No one attended an inheritance dispute without ulterior motives.
"I never should've taken his money!" Friug lamented, conveniently forgetting the subtle coercion involved. Without his cooperation, the ninja-blooded youth likely would've stolen an invitation anyway.
"Get out here! You took payment but won't honor our agreement? Refund me!"
Despite his slender frame, Higashino effortlessly dragged the larger man out by his robes.
"Astrologer Friug, is this accurate?" Hishiri inquired.
Orlocke's withering stare added silent threat: Choose your next words carefully.
"N-not exactly—"
Higashino hauled Friug down to eye level, Sharingan blazing crimson. "That fossil might be frightening, but am I not more terrifying?"
Between the Akatsuki cloak's ominous billowing and the hypnotic whorls of his eyes, Higashino's presence became overwhelming. Friug immediately capitulated.
"H-he's my attendant!"
"Very well. As Friug's servant, he may remain. This session is adjourned."
Hishiri departed without further comment. Orlocke snorted before his wheelchair was pushed away. Heine invited Tōji Saburōbō Seian for tea, while an exhausted El-Melloi II retreated with Gray. Luviagelita cast an intrigued glance at Higashino before leaving with her guards.
Only trembling Friug and Higashino remained.
"That old ghoul will murder me for this! I just wanted easy money..."
Higashino patted his back reassuringly. "Be confident. He'll definitely kill you."
"Are you certain you're human and not some demon?"
"Demons don't pay wages. Employers do." Tossing Friug a flawless diamond, Higashino turned away. "We're square now."
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