fortiethkey

[fortiethkey]

" Tis for your sake. This was to insure you might continue your affairs in the family, and that you may continue to act as my child. Besides, I have not been married for some time. I could use the attention."

" A most lovely damsel, I will be sure to give you many new grandchildren, sire."

[fortiethkey]

" A most lovely damsel, I will be sure to give you many new grandchildren, sire."

[fortiethkey]

" Its not about her being pinned for it. We just need to get her on the list, simply saying that she had something to do with it would get her on the chopping block. Force Patch to act.

It might not even be about Mammon anymore, Satan may just kill him for challenging him. Our interests would be protected, Mammon's attempted murder would be blamed on him, we can all walk away from this with an aristocracy that's pure once more. Are you in or out? "

"She killed an overlord a couple of months ago." His servant said, the Duke raised his brow at this. "... then perhaps the little imp upgraded to sins. The question is how to connect her." The Duke rumbled, a complicated web they were trying to weave. A murderous little monster perhaps?

He hadn't a clue how to do it for this one. Patch? Simple enough. This 'Clementine'... ugh, sounded so weak.

[fortiethkey]

" Clementine...I have heard that name before."

Looking over the file he'd make certain to read all the information that was important here. She was held in high regard by Patch and Gritt while not having royal titles nor a lover that was prominent.

A simple scape goat.

" This may very well be your saving grace. Satan wouldn't think twice to punish her. If we connect her to the attempted murder Satan would think nothing of killing her, it would bring Patch out, set against eachother he would look exactly like the kind of man capable of what you say."

Athos narrowed his eyes. He did not appreciate being spoken down to like this, a quiet growl starting in his throat before there was a knock on the door.

His eyes glanced towards it, one of his many servants stood in the doorway.

"Apologies my lords, I have done some digging and found something that you may be looking for?" Athos rolled his eyes, gesturing for them to speak. They held out a file for him. "They are close to both the Baron and his brother. An imp named Clementine. The only tie to royalty we are aware of is she works at the Hazbin Hotel. She avoids the higher ups."

[fortiethkey]

" If we can not prove without a shadow of doubt the imp did it you will be at the center of suspicion. It was you who accused him. I am trying to protect you, Athos.

Paimon knows you want Patch to be found guilty, if you can't convince him then he will try you instead, and Satan is hungry for a conviction. If a King of the goetia named you a suspect? He would consider that all the justification he need to scourge you to death.

No. I need to drag my feet. We can't act until we have a proper case against Patch. He has too many friends who will stick up for him. If you value your life and estate you will heed my words. We want the same things and the same ends, but I can only do so much to protect you. and against the great host that will seek your destruction should we fail? You will not be able to protect yourself."

"Therein lies another issue." The Duke scoffed, "Since his last visit to the palace in Greed, he has vanished. None of those under my command has seen him or where he went. Likely felt people would discover his guilt and hid himself."

They did however roll their eyes, "They're an imp, one that has not seen battle or fought for survival. They will crumble in court, whether we have leverage or not. Though I am sure I can drag up a few secrets before trial. Do not drag your feet, we cannot let the guilty have more time to hide themselves."

[fortiethkey]

" I would suggest then making use of your many assets to learn. I am the magistrate that has been given authority over this matter. Yet I can only drag my feet so long before men of greater stature involve themselves in this.

Pay someone to stalk the imp. Learn of any weakness he has . Any person around him we can use to get him to confess, or behave in such a way is clear guilt is made apparent."

The duke frowned as he rested his beak against his palm, claws idly tapping. "... no. The only one I can think of is his brother. The imp celebrity. While he is not royalty, he has friends amongst us. It would be a risk."

The Baron was filth yes, but kept his personal life so closed... it was infuriating.

[fortiethkey]

" So overall we have the following:

He has the power to bring about such ill designs.

He has the motivation.

And we have proof connecting him to the event.

It is a good groundwork, but not one that I feel will set this case off with a definitive end. I suggest? Satan will continue his persecution of the polis. If you wait and don't show your hand its only a matter of time before someone Patch care's about is caught up in it all. If he is seen going against Satan we can see to it that the demon King learns of what we know. I doubt he will have the emotional discretion to think of due process."

A small pause as he pressed his pen to the dark beak with which he spoke.

" Is there anyone you know of he is close to? Someone not associated with our noble order?"

"Hmph... to call him any of those things would be a compliment. He is vermin, who got upset and power hungry. As all his kind does when not kept in their place."

He set his glass on the table, tailfeathers giving a small flick, "The only compliment I will give is they are resourceful. That one assassin managed to get a hold of blessed weaponry. It's not too hard to think this Baron managed to get something to hurt Mammon by himself."

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" Would you say his actions showcase a certain degree of favoritism to one of Hell's three estates? As a noble it is his responsibility to safeguard the interests of all, would you say he has not done this?

Furthermore, would you say he has used his friendships to assist him in benefiting those he cares about, and undermining his betters?

Would you describe him as revolutionary, a communist, or a usurper?"

"From what I've heard, he has been making small movements to improve hellborn life." Athos said with a frown, "I don't know how that would benefit us."

His eyes remained locked on the fellow Goetia, watching their reactions, "There were requests to meet with some of the sins, and some of the royals, many of which went unanswered. Perhaps he grew frustrated that no one would listen to him. I heard he and his brother were from Greed, and both left when they were young. A distaste for their home ring perhaps."

[fortiethkey]

Raum took his pen and began writing it down, once he'd given the shirt a proper look of course. 'Blood smeared on shirt'. Hardly condemning but it would be better then nothing.

" I see. Patch much like his brother has friends in high places, various sins, goetic Queens and the like. That family's vast networking does seem suspicious doesn't it?"

He'd write down that down as well. The imp pair certainly had the ability to harm the sins, so foolishly had they let such beings exist around them. There was the opportunity, there was proof, now they needed to know if there was desire.

" How much do you know of Patch's work since he was elevated? Has he done much to protect the aristocracy or is he a progressive toward the poor?"

Ahhh the proof they asked for. Well, it at least could call the Baron into question. Waving his hand, one of Patch's shirts would appear in it. On its chest... a dark corrupted blood stained on it.

"Mammon's blood, on their clothes." Athos said. He'd been surprised to find it himself, but he chose not to question why it was there. Only that he could use it.

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He'd turn his head curiously.

"A good and honest man, even when presented with temptation. I will find your words meet the proper forum.

Do you have proof of this imp's betrayal? Given we already know the fault is his I am willing to accept it proper, or something forged to guide the flock to truth."

"Do you consider yourself an ambitious man, Athos? One with dignity? One who has grown tired of being held back by careless, sentimental superiors? I would characterize myself as such."

He spoke plainly, clearly not interested in Mammon's fate.

[fortiethkey]

"Do you consider yourself an ambitious man, Athos? One with dignity? One who has grown tired of being held back by careless, sentimental superiors? I would characterize myself as such."

He spoke plainly, clearly not interested in Mammon's fate.

"I would never insult either of ourselves by pretending a man of your virtue could be guilty of such a crime, not when the imp is clearly the murderous and I'll meaning figure."

Another sip from his wine.

"That said, I have come to suspect that the men who put such a devil in our ranks are guilty of sabotage for far greater crimes. I believe someone in the ownership of such a tool that might have brought a sin to his knees could see this crime forever remedied. What are your thoughts on Paimon? Earnestly now."

[fortiethkey]

"I would never insult either of ourselves by pretending a man of your virtue could be guilty of such a crime, not when the imp is clearly the murderous and I'll meaning figure."

Another sip from his wine.

"That said, I have come to suspect that the men who put such a devil in our ranks are guilty of sabotage for far greater crimes. I believe someone in the ownership of such a tool that might have brought a sin to his knees could see this crime forever remedied. What are your thoughts on Paimon? Earnestly now."

"Welcome mighty Duke! Please feel free to savor yourself some wine and the assorted entrees."

After filling his own cup he'd motion for his women to leave the chamber. This would all need to be kept private.

"I am sure you know you have landed yourself in controversy, yes? Your letter to the King has made you and the imp subjects of interest in regard to Mammon's health. I personally have been made to investigate you."

@the-smallest-star

[fortiethkey]

"Welcome mighty Duke! Please feel free to savor yourself some wine and the assorted entrees."

After filling his own cup he'd motion for his women to leave the chamber. This would all need to be kept private.

"I am sure you know you have landed yourself in controversy, yes? Your letter to the King has made you and the imp subjects of interest in regard to Mammon's health. I personally have been made to investigate you."

@the-smallest-star

[fortiethkey]

" I must confess...I greatly enjoy the sensation of another man's cock in my palm. There is an appeal to its hardening and vibrant throb! I also adore the sensation of a woman's inner warmth squeezing about my passions! Great joy can be found in both? Why hide away from either if not for some measure of shame???"

[fortiethkey]

" Around and around they go. Quite amusing that, wonder how long till this lot kills eachother?"

[fortiethkey]

" Well...that indeed was an afternoon. ANYWAY I should probably pick up something for Caim and Parak from the big lunch."

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He'd face palm at the comment about his daughter. Embarrassing, to share a room with these uncivilized brutes. This needed to end soon.

" Let us cut to the chase, High Prince. You know your father does not want him dead. If he did we would not be hear now. You've frightened the boy enough, and his family has been purged from the face of Hell.

Have your way with him, but leave him unspoiled in the face of eternity. I shall collect him when the sun rises to bring him to the King. I wash my hands of what happens between now and then."

With that Raum left, quite irritated.

" Oh yes, the golden child indeed! So golden and impressive his touch turned your daughter's gaze toward other women, Grand Earl!"

An outburst of laughter erupted from where the legions sat, the High Prince joining in on the fun as he laughed wildly at the prisoner with his soldiers.

" Let us not forget, this man's sister tried to kill my brother. Our reports tell us that the wealp was taken by a dirty imp of all things who could have carried that out! He didn't though, I wonder why?"

He returned his gaze toward the prisoner once again.

"Could it be she had a cunning older brother who wanted to bide time, and take advantage of the situation? Perhaps the imp who made a woman out of my brother was conned into it by the Marquess to disrupt things? After all he does enjoy getting imps to do his bidding.

We've already wiped out his family. Save for your grandson, dear Earl. Why not just finish the job and chop off his head after our troops have fun with him? Its good sport, and training for that matter."