The Villain Is Destined to Die: But as the Creator, I know All Endings

"Alright!" Sumire clapped her hands, a little too enthusiastically. "Then how about… Tensai Man?"

Her words echoed in the room.

Ajasai blinked, Ume tilted her head, and Tsubaki… she just didn't seem to care at all.

The others simply listened and only spoke when they needed to or were asked their opinion specifically.

Leon narrowed his eyes and turned to Sumire, the Expert Mage, also known as the 7th head of the Twilight Order.

'Tensai Man… seriously?'

Leon understood the meaning; it basically translates to 'Genius Man.' And honestly, it was cringe as hell.

Sumire raised her finger. "It's perfect, right? Because you're all smart and cool and mysterious—"

"No," Leon cut her off before she could finish. His tone was even, such that he wouldn't sound rude.

Sumire deflated like a popped balloon. "Eh…? Not even a little?"

Leon shook his head. "No."

'This is ridiculous. What kind of name even is that?'

Leon could see Ume holding back her laugh. On the other hand, Eula…

She covered half of her face and looked down. Leon couldn't guess what expression she was making. But he can tell that he didn't want to be a part of this conversation.

"Haha, fine, fine." Sumire crossed her arms. "I'll think of another one. But I still think Tensai Man' has a ring to it."

'Please don't.' Leon sighed. 'What kind of name even is that?'

Sumire, the 7th Head and the expert mage of the Twilight Order, had striking purple hair and eyes that matched.

Outside of this organization, she was a grown, married woman; she was far from the playful energy she was showing now.

She even has a daughter!

Leon knew about her. In the game community, she was quite popular. Some players even argued over who was stronger between Esther and her.

Her real name was Ayaka Rudward, a viscount-ranked noble of Liora.

That reminded Leon that Ayaka was one of the people to perfect the three-line incantation after Esther introduced it to the world. Her talent in spellcrafting could even rival Esther's.

In the Twilight Order, though, age was never a barrier. Eula didn't care how old someone was. If they were capable, they had a place here.

Sumire leaned forward on the table, looking far too enthusiastic for something so ridiculous.

"Alright, fine, then let's hear some suggestions from the others!"

Ajasai gave her a flat stare. "I pass."

Ume tilted her head with a small smile. "I'm bad with names."

Tsubaki didn't even bother looking up. "Not interested."

"Ugh," Sumire groaned, slumping into her chair.

"Come on, you guys. Be a little more active; most of you act serious all the time."

Leon didn't say anything. He simply leaned back, letting them talk.

His attention wasn't on their chatter. His eyes unconsciously drifted toward Eula.

She was quietly watching the whole exchange, her chin resting lightly on her hand.

A faint, amused smile curved on her lips as she picked up her glass and took a sip. She looked as if she were enjoying a family dinner table rather than a meeting between the heads of the Twilight Order.

She swallowed, wiped the trace of liquid from her lips with her tongue, and tapped the table lightly with her finger.

"I have a naming suggestion."

"Huh?"

"What?"

"Come again?"

Every single head turned toward her, including Leon's.

She looked at each of their faces, almost enjoying the suspense, then said, "How about… Kurohana?"

Leon blinked. "Kurohana?"

"It suits you," she said simply.

Eula had first met Leon at her sister's banquet, under the starry night sky. It wasn't a calculated name, just something that came to her instinctively. She doesn't know why she said that.

Leon narrowed his gaze.

'That doesn't sound cool.'

Though he had to admit, there was a certain weight to it. Kurohana meant "Black Flower." And in a way, it unintentionally matched the title he'd received recently from Silvermoon.

'Too bad I'll have to reject—'

"That's perfect!" Sumire suddenly declared, her eyes literally sparkling.

"…What?" Leon blinked.

Even Ajasai nodded with a small smile. "As expected of Commander."

Ume grinned softly. "It does fit."

Tsubaki gave a small nod without looking up.

Within seconds, everyone agreed.

'Wait. Nobody asked me my choice…'

"Alright," Sumire announced with unnecessary ceremony, pointing at Leon with both hands. "It's official now. From this day forward, the Twilight Order will have its 8th Head, named… Kurohana."

After the discussion, Leon was forced to accept the name. From now on, he would be referred to as Kurohana by the heads and the 'shadows' of the Twilight order.

'What a bad life I live,' Leon thought, staring at the ceiling in silent resignation.

Eula shifted her tone back to command, giving each of them their orders. Ajasai, Higanbana, and Asagao were tasked with gathering information while keeping Leon's theory on Count Sebastian in mind.

She then told Leon that he would receive his next task through Yoru. Leon was also told to get himself a trusted 'shadow' of his own.

The Twilight Order had three tiers.

First, at the top, was the Commander, who was Eula herself.

Second, just below her, were the eight heads. And below each head were their 'shadows', who worked exclusively for them. Shadows were chosen carefully.

It was optional, though. Ume, the 4th head, had zero shadows under her.

To get a shadow, that person must first be approved through a vote conducted between the heads.

Leon simply told Eula that he would think about it.

With that, the Twilight Order gathering was dismissed for the night until the next call.

"Ooooff…" Leon stretched his body as he walked out of the fancy bar.

From his pocket, he took out the chained watch.

07:00 P.M.

'I have two more hours before the dorm curfew.'

Keeping that in mind, Leon decided to visit Hibuki first, at the red-light district of Shinra. It was close by, about twenty minutes on foot.

As he walked along the street, he took note of his surroundings. It was night, but the city was still alive.

"Oh, it's the weekend tomorrow," he muttered.

That meant he had no classes the next day.

Perfect. That gave him enough time to try out his spirit ring.

Because of the hour, it would be impossible to do it tonight. He would have to head out again tomorrow.