Grelmure escorted Hellraider to his house first. When he got down and walked toward the door, in the middle of his walk, Hellraider turned his head and looked at me for a moment.
I fell silent again and looked back at his expressionless face. I thought it seemed like he wanted to say something but still could not express it. I again just gave a smile.
When we arrived at our house, I immediately took a shower and changed clothes. Then we gathered in the lounge. Sherubiel and Mendicore still seemed to show their euphoria after enjoying various events today, especially their achievement as 2nd place in the talent show.
"All my life, I have never felt this happy, Johann! They all welcomed me warmly and enthusiastically. Without you, I would be imprisoned forever in that realm of terror!" said Sherubiel brightly.
"Yes, we would also never know that you were there. So be grateful for our current situation." I said.
"Ohh right... I'm curious about Commander Tiberos' meeting earlier. Was there something serious you talked about there? Did he ask how you both ended up there?" I asked.
Both of them fell silent for a moment. Especially Sherubiel's face which was previously cheerful turned serious. I felt there was something bothering both of them.
"Yes Johann. Commander Tiberos asked about our origins. But our answer remained exactly the same as what was told to you to make up." said Mendicore.
"I saw Commander Tiberos' face seemed to question our answer. Then he asked again what our opinion was about the current empire and High Heaven. I only answered that the current empire welcomed us well and at a glance its people seemed quite prosperous. We have not been here long so our temporary observation is like that. For High Heaven, I answered that they only carry out absolute provisions that they have made into principles so I cannot comment personally as only an artificial intelligence machine." Mendicore continued.
"As for me, I answered the same as what Mendicore said regarding my opinion about this empire. Then for High Heaven I answered as what was said to Commander Gruzhnil previously. Commander Tiberos seemed to understand the reason I was stranded there. I still hold my stance not to tell what really happened to High Heaven." said Sherubiel.
"Did you feel anything strange why Commander Tiberos suddenly came to you?" I asked.
"From my analysis there is nothing suspicious. He only wanted to meet us as entities who survived during the portal infiltration operation that he previously didn't have time to do. I think you assume I have the ability to read people's minds, right Johann?" said Mendicore trying to guess the direction of this conversation.
"Ahh... No need to assume like that, Mendicore. I was just surprised that a high commander like Tiberos had to bother going there. Usually person like that would ask you to meet him directly, right?" I answered to maintain my alibi.
Mendicore just stayed silent, while Sherubiel giggled seeing its statement that was too quick to judge.
But what made me think that both of them could not see another intention from his visit was because maybe Tiberos was able to hide his expression and convince with his tone during the meeting yesterday.
If I had told them about the dispute between Gruzhnil and Tiberos earlier, their perception during that meeting would be very different.
"Ohh right, Johann. Can you tell how your journey yesterday was to see the Element of Desire directly?" asked Sherubiel suddenly reminding me.
I thought for a moment. Grelmure had left a message for me not to tell more details about my visit to that research place.
But I felt sure they could be trusted to keep this secret. I also kept many secrets from them.
"Actually I was asked by another higher officials not to give all the information I got. But since you are willing to share many secrets with me, I will tell it and you must also keep this only for yourselves." I said.
Sherubiel and Mendicore nodded.
I immediately told my journey starting from inspecting the ancient hell portal to visiting the very advanced Grivendal research facility. I explained how the element was made and what strange things I felt there. Sherubiel looked stunned hearing my story and Mendicore stayed silent as if trying to analyze it deeper.
"Whoooaaa... The people of Grivendal are very smart too, right!" commented Sherubiel.
"Correct. I didn't expect that scientist used that technique to create an infinite alternative energy source, although the amount is still very small. However I cannot understand the strange events you mentioned in both places, Johann. Maybe what Sir Grelmure said is true that you lack of leisure time." Mendicore added.
"If Mendicore cannot explain it, let alone me. But it's fine as long as such events don't continue happening to me while I'm here." I said.
Then I remembered my thought during the ceremony earlier.
"I want to ask your opinion. I start to feel it's time to tell the actual condition of Archangel Marsiel to Commander Gruzhnil. Not to break his morale, but I want Commander Gruzhnil through The Graendall to make a mitigation plan to evacuate Grivendal citizens if an invasion from realm of terror happens suddenly." I said.
"Your idea is good Johann. We are here and Mr. Thebes knows how Lord Marsiel's condition is now. However my suggestion, don't tell that to Commander Gruzhnil. After all, he is still the most important part of this military. If he feels burdened by this then it will have a bad impact on all his subordinates even if we mention Sir Hellraider's role. For them, Lord Marsiel remains the first and oldest role model. So just convey your mitigation plan idea, okay!" advised Mendicore.
"Ohh I see... Alright I understand..." I replied.
While we were relaxing watching television about the celebration broadcast earlier, suddenly the phone on the table rang. This time I picked it up.
"Johann, it's me Gruzhnil. Tomorrow morning the three of you get ready again to attend the banquet at the Imperial Palace, okay!"
I thanked him and returned to them. Mendicore then asked who called.
"It seems what we talked about earlier will go smoothly. Commander Gruzhnil will bring all of us to the Palace event again." I said.
Sherubiel looked happy again hearing this news.
"Hmmm... What we plan often relates to activities we will do in the near future. Do you feel that too, Johann?" asked Mendicore.
I thought again. It seemed that all events I experienced since The Mayhem world became real were often connected to each other. I became more convinced there was "something" far above controlling everything. Could this be the final goal for me and Hellraider, to find who that "something" is?
"Yes I once thought like that too, Mendicore. But I don't want to make further assumptions that can disturb my mind." I answered trying to calm unnecessary suspicion.
Mendicore didn't comment further.
The next morning as usual Grelmure picked us up again and drove to the Imperial Palace. Along the way, I saw people still crowded on the roadside with several tent stalls and performance stages. There were also vehicles with flashy decorations ready to parade on this second day.
"Will Commander Gruzhnil invite Sir Hellraider again?" I asked.
"I didn't ask him directly but it seems Sir Hellraider will be asked to come again, Johann. I think now he has become quite tolerant of crowds like yesterday's event."
I agreed. Hellraider was no longer the same person as before when he was found stranded and brought here.
When we arrived at the Palace, Grelmure escorted us to the banquet area which turned out to be in the large palace garden. I briefly recalled when I walked far to the grass field area and met Greslan.
"You all just enjoy what is here first, okay! I have something to do." said Grelmure who immediately left us.
"Is Commander Gruzhnil here?" I asked Mendicore.
"Wait, I will scan the surrounding area." said Mendicore while spinning his body.
"Ah... he is there. We should approach him before other people talk to him." he continued.
We walked quickly northwest and finally saw Gruzhnil who was eating snacks at the buffet.
"Whoaaa, you finally came! Have you eaten breakfast? Please eat what is available here!" said Gruzhnil enthusiastically.
"Commander, do you have time? I want to say something to you." I said while taking food from the buffet.
"Sure. It sounds like something quite important. Let's go to that corner table!" replied Gruzhnil.
We took food and went to a table near the garden that was quite hidden from many guests' view.
"Actually I want to ask this, Commander. Does Grivendal's authority have an emergency mitigation procedure to evacuate all civilians to a safe place if suddenly there is an invasion from the realm of terror?" I said opening the conversation.
"Ohhh... So you want to confirm that. The answer is of course yes, Johann. Since the massive invasion tragedy thousands of years ago, The Graendall has long had a mitigation and evacuation system for civilians. You don't need to worry. I even think with Sir Hellraider among us, Grivendal feels even safer hahaha..." said Gruzhnil while laughing.
"B-But commander... in my opinion the power of the realm of terror cannot be predicted, especially that ancient portal. What if someday the Starstone seal cannot withstand its power? Is there any alternative to handle it?" I asked.
"Hmmm... it seems you are someone who worries easily, Johann. From my point of view, we still have the main protector which is Archangel Marsiel. It's likely he is still fighting the demon king to prevent incoming invasions and at the same time avenge the death of his two sons." said Gruzhnil.
My eyes glanced at Mendicore and he also glanced slightly at me, as if understanding that almost all Grivendal people never knew Marsiel's true fate.
"Is there a problem, Johann?"
I felt Gruzhnil started to be suspicious of us by asking that question.
"No commander. I'm grateful that The Graendall can still be ready to protect all its people." I said while smiling.
"I've told you, they will all be destroyed in my hands..."
Suddenly a men's voice that was very familiar came from behind me. I immediately turned toward it.
It turned out to be Hellraider with the same outfit as yesterday, standing while staring at all of us.