Lebius glances at the report, then at Bologue; he could hardly have imagined that the mystery of the Initial Object would see a breakthrough here.
"The Zongge Orchestra works for the Collector, and they want... to collect you?"
Faced with Lebius's question, Bologue nods in affirmation.
In truth, Bologue already knows the history of the Zongge Orchestra. They are an organization corrupted and split from the Unfettered Poetry Society, and the so-called Collector's true identity is the Joyous Desire Witch, one of the Devils.
But Bologue hasn't told Lebius about this. He doesn't know how to reasonably explain the source of this intelligence to Lebius, he can't exactly tell Lebius that there's a Devil being kept in captivity deep within the Cultivation Room who told him everything.
It's too terrible, Lebius is such a dedicated person, he holds an almost faith-like fervor for the Order Bureau. If he were to know that the Order Bureau has a blood contract with the Devil, it might hit him hard.
This is the secret between Bologue and Nesanel.
"The Zongge Orchestra... the Zongge Orchestra... if it was them who attacked the tenth group..."
The mystery is finally getting a bit clearer, but now it's become complex and bizarre again. Lebius is suffering from a splitting headache, unable to quite make sense of it all.
The sudden appearance of the Zongge Orchestra, the repeated attacks, and the connection to the Initial Object...
Fortunately, Lebius is not one to pretend to be strong. He takes out a sheet of paper and quickly begins writing his report, leaving Bologue aside.
After spending more than ten minutes, Lebius finishes the report, places it together with Bologue's report, stuffs them into a logistics capsule, and with a dull pressure sound, the capsule speeds through the pipeline, reaching the Decision Room directly.
The Decision Room is omnipotent.
When you encounter difficulties at work, entrusting the problem to the Decision Room is definitely the right choice.
"Is there anything else you need me for?"
Bologue is unclear about the tenth group and the Initial Object affair; he just feels that Lebius might be overworked.
"Nothing really, you can leave," Lebius waves his hand wearily, still a bit worried, "Stay safe."
"Alright."
Bologue doesn't reject Lebius's concern, even though he feels it should be his enemies who need to be careful instead.
Standing up, as Bologue turns around, Lebius catches a glimpse of something and calls out to him.
"Bologue, wait a minute."
Lebius suspects he might have seen wrong, but recalling his obsession with Bologue, Lebius does not allow for any deviations.
"What's wrong with your hand?"
"Hand?"
Bologue looks at the palm of his hand, where the scar of the sun remains, the imprint left by Belphegor.
In an instant, numerous lies arise in Bologue's mind; he believes that, given the image he's left in Lebius's mind, Lebius wouldn't doubt him...
Bologue opens his palm and shows the sun mark to Lebius, saying nothing.
Lebius remains silent, the office instantly falls into a dead silence.
If Lebius doesn't recognize the mark, he could easily say anything and brush it off; if Lebius recognizes the mark... Bologue doesn't know what will happen next.
A long sigh breaks the silence, Lebius leans back against the chair with force, pressing his temples even harder, his brows tightly furrowed, unable to relax.
"One trouble after another, huh..."
Hearing Lebius's sigh, Bologue realizes that Lebius has recognized the mark.
Lebius asks, "What did he say to you?"
"Things like ideals," Bologue continues, "He told me intelligence about the Zongge Orchestra too. Unfettered Poetry Society is the predecessor of the Zongge Orchestra, and now... the Zongge Orchestra is no longer under his control."
"Ah... is that so?" Lebius mutters, "Of course, how could I forget this guy."
From Lebius's composed demeanor, it's not hard to see he is aware of Belphegor's existence.
Lebius knows that the Devil dwells within the Order Bureau; he even has just as much understanding of this Devil as he does himself.
Suddenly, Bologue feels that Lebius has become unfamiliar.
Lebius asks again, "Did you promise him anything? Whether a trade or a wager."
"No, I rejected them all."
Bologue hesitates for a moment, then continues, "But I still feel I've entered the game."
"Entered the game?"
"It's like an open scheme; he tells me who the enemy is, so I will inevitably clash with them, inevitably allowing Belphegor to benefit."
Bologue speaks Belphegor's name, with no unusual expression on Lebius's face.
"Belphegor... was it your first meeting?" Lebius chuckles disdainfully, "He actually revealed his true name."
"Yes, the first meeting; he even said he's my fan, asked if I'm interested in becoming one of his poets, writing endless stories together."
Bologue emphasizes again, "I refused."
Lebius beckons Bologue over, who walks towards him and holds out his hand.
Lebius carefully examines the mark and says, "Belphegor's mark."
"Will it affect me?"
Bologue is extremely cautious about the mark's ability to avoid the influence of the Time Reversing Axis.
"It contains Belphegor's power inside; I don't know what this power will do," Lebius says, "Just like his inscrutable schemes."
Lebius jokes, "Congratulations, Bologue, these days there aren't many debtors who have contact with so many devils."
"If this world were a ball, you'd be the beautiful lady catching the eyes of all the devils."
Bologue chuckles awkwardly, "This joke isn't funny."
Lebius's humor skill is on the rise, "But I certainly can't have a sad face and say bad luck to you."
Bologue slumps onto the sofa nearby, his gaze drifting over Lebius's face, "So you've known all along? That there's a devil hidden within the Order Bureau."
Lebius nods honestly.
Bologue continues to ask, "Ah... damn it, how many people know about this?"
"I don't know," Lebius says, "You know the regulations; you either know or you don't."
The Order Bureau's confidentiality rules cover all levels, and this confidentiality is one-way. Others cannot inform you of information beyond your authority, but you can dig up these secrets through your own efforts.
To solely bear this horrifying truth.
"If you've met Belphegor, and he specifically informed you of all of this at this moment..."
Lebius's mind gradually outlines a vague silhouette, turning his gaze to Bologue, Lebius says, "You can leave now, Bologue."
"Just like that?"
Bologue feels that the plot development is off; he thought they would confront each other seriously, but what's actually happening feels more like a casual chat.
It seems they're discussing not a devil but merely a troublesome fellow.
"Otherwise?" Lebius says, "What do you think the purpose of the Special Operations Group was?"
Bologue is speechless.
Lebius has a headache, and many worries; he waves his hand, "You have nothing today, go rest, don't interfere with my work."
Seeing Bologue reaching the door, Lebius adds, "Take Palmer with you."
Bologue leaves, feeling a bit dizzy; matters as crucial as the Devil seem so... light in Lebius's words.
Was he treating it too seriously? Bologue couldn't grasp it; after waking Palmer up, Palmer jumps for joy, delighted with the sudden leisure.
Bologue feels a bit torn, on one hand, dealing with the devil, on the other, the easy-going work life; he even has an engagement for the night...
In the office, Lebius isn't concerned about Bologue's strange thoughts; the most important matter now is the Initial Object.
Lebius had anticipated Bologue forming a connection with Belphegor, just not so quickly. But he's grateful that it happened so fast, as all matters have conveniently coincided together.
Picking up the phone, Lebius grabs the receiver.
"Everyone, I have a plan."
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