—The Tea Party—
In the witch's splendid garden...
Simon Manus sat, staring with curiosity at the lady before him.
Beatrice's homunculus sat quietly, her head bowed, her expression utterly void of life.
Simon's curious gaze turned into a smile the moment the doll moved again. Beatrice returned—exhaling a long, tired sigh.
"Welcome back, my lady sorceress... or should I say, exalted high-rank demon?"
Simon grinned, showing his teeth, while Beatrice casually waved her hand, dismissing the formalities.
"Just say what you came to say."
"Nothing special, my demonic lady. I must admit—I didn't expect your true body to be a demon. I imagined you to be a hybrid at most. But you've surpassed even my wildest expectations!"
Beatrice stared at Simon Manus, who chuckled curiously.
"You know, you're the first creature on this earth unaffected by the truth of what I am."
"Affected? Why would I be?"
"Aren't you a Hollow? You're supposed to be our slave like the rest, aren't you?"
