Second Step: Scapegoat (1)
Regardless of what had transpired in the palace and how he had been used in the enemy's scheme, Duke Balzac had no choice but to move on to the next step. He had to take care of this mess and see through it that nobody else's got hurt while looking for proof at the same time. However, if there were to be no clue in the end...
Duke Balzac narrowed his eyes. He wouldn't hesitate to take play it by force. By then, he would no longer care about rules or be bounded by his status. He didn't mind if it took his title and glory as the duke to bring down his enemy.
After all, he was dealing with black magic which existed hand-in-hand with demons. So, for the sake of his own family and the innocent people of Astallane he wouldn't mind forsaking everything.
But, for now, he could only do his best not to fuck up anymore. He had to be extra vigilant this time. The duke had a feeling that whoever he was dealing with now was a different person than the previous years.