The Plan!

The Office of the Ludex was a place of tranquility, very few ever came near it, and the office housed the Chief Ludex, and was a place where he would conduct his most important meetings and complete his administrative work.

That was what Neuvillette was currently doing, the sound of his pen writing on the various papers was all that could be occasionally heard, as Neuvillette sat at his desk, his focus absolute despite the mountain of files before him.

Outside, the city of Tokyo was dark, only illuminated by the magnificent lights and the brilliant stars. Neuvillette paused for a moment, letting out a small sigh. He had only awoken today, yet he had mountains of work to complete as per usual.

There were thousands of case files that needed his attention or authorization, countless individuals who needed his help to obtain the Justice they desired, and the intricacies of the Supernatural legal system he created allowed little room for error.

Neuvillette took a sip of his water and continued on with his work, and time ticked away into the night, hours passing before his concentration was abruptly shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the hall.

The normally solemn and disciplined atmosphere of the Ludex's chambers was disturbed by the heavy footsteps growing louder and louder until, 

BAM!

The door to the office swung open violently, revealing Alfred, his most loyal aid. However, His face was pale, eyes wide with urgency, and his normally impeccable composure had been entirely lost. He rushed inside, chest heaving, and bowed deeply.

"Forgive the intrusion, Ludex," Alfred stammered, his breath ragged. "I apologize for barging in like this, but… there's been an incident. Something you must attend to immediately."

Neuvillette, ever the picture of calm authority, raised his hand gently to dismiss Alfred's worry of intrusion, "Calm down and explain what has happened?" he asked, though a grim undertone already colored his voice.

Alfred stood upright, swallowing hard. His voice came out in a rush, "It's the Enforcer, Ludex. The one sent to deliver the message to the Satans. He returned moments ago, gravely injured. The Devils,"

Alfred hesitated, then continued, his voice strained with disbelief, "Some Devils ambushed him before he could complete his mission. We presume they were from the Old Satan Faction, or another powerful alliance of Families. They… they tore into him, left him barely alive before he could announce his presence to the Satans."

A frown darkened Neuvillette's features as he stood from his desk, the towering presence casting a long shadow across the room. The Enforcers were highly trained, skilled in the art of evasion, combat and diplomacy.

Most importantly, Enforcers were regarded as 'Untouchable' in the Supernatural world when completing tasks, meaning any Enforcer on a mission to deliver messages or documents would be provided Diplomatic Immunity, and would not be attacked or injured under any circumstances.

This blatant disregarding of the laws by many of the Devils rubbed Neuvillette the wrong way. The fact that one had been ambushed and injured so severely, especially by the Devils, was a grave sign.

The Satans had lost control of their subjects and their underlings had always been a dangerous faction, but to openly assault an envoy… this was an escalation Neuvillette didn't want.

"Even with my personal stamp, they dare attack him?" Neuvillette asked, looking directly towards Alfred.

"T~They didn't believe it was actually your stamp, they thought it was a fake." Alfred responded with a trembling voice. Although Neuvillette's face remained impassive, he could tell the Chief Ludex was pissed.

"How bad are his injuries?" Neuvillette asked, his voice steady but edged with concern.

"Severe," Alfred replied, his voice shaking slightly. "He's been taken to the recovery ward, and the healers are working on him now. But he's conscious, and he requested to speak with you, my lord."

Neuvillette's eyes narrowed, and he gave a curt nod, striding towards the door, "Take me to him, Alfred," he ordered, his tone signifying not a second of delay.

Without another word, Alfred turned on his heel and led Neuvillette through the dimly lit corridors of the Palais Mermonia. The halls were filled with the movements of various workers in the Court, who all stopped and bowed when seeing Alfred and Neuvillette passing by.

Many could recognize the hurry and worry present for Albert, and could only worry as to who could of dismayed the Chief Ludex. The fact he had awoken hadn't been released yet to the general Supernatural Public.

As they neared the recovery ward, the distant sound of hurried footsteps and murmured voices could be heard, signaling the presence of healers working frantically.

The door to the ward was pushed open, and Neuvillette stepped inside, greeted by the scent of antiseptics and the soft glow of magical lightstones illuminating the room.

On the bed nearest to the center of the ward lay the Enforcer. He was a Human, who had learned Magic of the Court, yet currently, his body was wrapped in bandages, his skin pale from blood loss.

His breathing was labored, each inhale an effort that caused his chest to rise and fall unevenly. Several healers stood nearby, their hands glowing faintly with restorative magic, working to mend the deep lacerations that crisscrossed his body.

The Enforcer's face, though bruised and gaunt, was sharp with the determination to carry out his duty. His eyes flickered open as Neuvillette approached, and despite the pain, he attempted to sit up.

"My lord…" he rasped, his voice hoarse but resolute. "I—"

"Lie still," Neuvillette said gently, placing a hand on the Enforcer's shoulder to ease him back down. "You've done enough. You've earned your rest. Tell me what happened."

The Enforcer's eyes, though weary, were filled with a mix of fear and defiance, "I was stopped by a variety of Devils when on my way to alert the Satans of my arrival." he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"I couldn't tell what faction they were apart of, but I presume the Old Satan Faction, as they'd want to sweep this massacre under the rug, alongside allies of the Nebiros Clan." The Enforcer said.

"B~but, there's an event...A Rating Game many of the most influential devils will be there as there will be a meeting afterwards, potentially including some of the Old Satan Faction remnants." The Enforcer managed to say before coughing.

"Rest, we'll handle this." Neuvillette said, turning away and leaving a final statement, "You'll be given 3 months off after your injury recovers, with double pay, it's the least I can do."

Once he finished speaking, Neuvillette left with Alfred alongside him, returning to the Office of the Ludex where Neuvillette pushed open the grand doors, walking to his desk, the files and case documents were now a distant concern compared to the storm that was about to break.

The skies outside, as if sensing his anger, also roared, thunder flashed and lightning crackled, as rain downpoured all across Tokyo.

"The Rating Game," Neuvillette began, his voice calm but underlined with cold determination, "how long until it begins?"

Alfred glanced at the pocket watch he carried, his brow furrowing as he did the quick calculation. "Two hours, Ludex. It will take place within the Devil's territory, in one of their secure arenas."

Neuvillette's expression remained unreadable as he processed the information. The Rating Games were a highly publicized event, often serving as an arena for Devils to display their strength, cunning, and political maneuvering.

However, judging from the fact there would be a meeting after the Rating Game, this was more of a political party.

Neuvillette wouldn't be surprised if the meeting was about the slaughter of the nekomata's, as that event highlighted the Devils much too negatively, to the point the Satans had to intervene.

Neuvillette's gaze hardened as he turned to face Alfred, "Then they've grown bolder than I imagined. First, they attack my Enforcer, disregarding the very laws that protect our envoys. Now, they plan to convene under the guise of sport right after."

"We will not allow this affront to go unanswered," Neuvillette declared. "They believe they can act with impunity, that the Court will simply observe from the sidelines while they fracture the balance of power." His eyes narrowed, "But they are mistaken."

Alfred remained silent, sensing the gravity of what was about to unfold. It had been hundreds of years since he had first met Neuvillette, and he had never seen the man fight.

Just the threat of his Ludex's power was more than enough for most to be scared into submission, but tonight, Alfred had a slight suspicion he'd see a display of his Ludex's power.

"The Rating Game," Neuvillette said slowly, "will serve as the perfect stage. We will confront them there, directly."

"Ludex," Alfred began cautiously, "are you certain? The Rating Games are watched closely by their kind. If we appear, it could trigger an immediate backlash from the Devils. Some of them may see this as an act of aggression."

Neuvillette smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in it, only cold resolve. "They will not have a chance to act before I pass judgment. This is no longer a matter of mere diplomacy. They have violated the laws of the Court, violated laws that govern the entire Supernatural World and justice must be swift."

"Do you remember The Abyss Accords Alfred? Page 24, part 4?" Neuvillette asked, and Alfred's eyes widened.

"All acts of aggression against persons with Diplomatic Immunity under the Court can, when necessary, be received as an act of terrorism against the entire Supernatural World and can incite retaliation from the Court of Fatui." Alfred said out loud.

"Looks like I'll finally have a chance to use that law." Neuvillette said.

Alfred nodded, his expression grim but accepting, "I will make the necessary arrangements. Shall I prepare transport to the arena?"

"No need, I will take us there, you'll witness the outcome of their actions first hand, it's time for the Devils to remember the power of the Court."

Alfred bowed deeply, "As you command, Ludex. I will ensure everything is ready within the hour."

"Yes," he said simply. "It is time to hand out judgment."