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MC was perplexed. They were sure they'd figured it out, and yet it seemed like they'd only just scratched the surface of the puzzle.
After they'd arrived unexpectedly in the Devildom they'd decided learning more about the history of human/demon interactions was a good idea, so they'd been reading more folk tales recently. A friend in Iceland had put them on to some excellent stories about demons in the Mortal Realm and MC had even discovered one about the time Satan created cats.
Honestly, knowing Satan, that made perfect sense.
And yet . . .
When they'd asked him about it, Satan had no idea what they were talking about.
"Creating cats? That's a brilliant idea!' Satan said. "Why have I never thought of that before?"
"So you didn't do that in Iceland then?" MC asked, one finger still in the book of tales, marking the page that contained the story in question.
Satan shook his head. "I've been to Iceland to see the volcano, it's quite fascinating, but I've never created cats. May I see the story?"
Showing him the page, MC saw Satan's eyes light up in interest. This was a mystery! It needed solving.
****
In the end, through careful study, they identified several stories that appeared to be referring to different demons Satan knew. Even a story about jellyfish that definitely seemed to have Levi's fingerprints all over it.
And yet it was the same disappointing situation every time.
Each demon knew nothing about their alleged tale and couldn't understand why there were mortal witness statements placing them at the scene. At least Levi was very interested in his supposed jellyfish and was contemplating a trip to Iceland to check them out.
Discouraged, MC wandered into the RAD library to return the armload of books they'd borrowed in their failed attempt to solve the mystery.
Meeting Barbatos at the check in desk, they smiled in greeting. The butler examined the stack of books in their arms and said "Hmm, some curious reading there MC."
MC shrugged, "Satan and I found a puzzle with no answers. It's really frustrating."
Nodding Barbatos replied, "I've heard you were investigating something recently. I'm sorry it's not had a fruitful resolution."
MC tried hard to look less disappointed but it was obviously an effort. Trying to understand how the Mortal Realm interacted with the Devildom was difficult and their first big attempt had been a total failure. Were they ever going to be able to understand why they were here in the Devildom?
Their discouraged expression touched Barbatos' heart. MC really was trying so hard! Barbatos leaned forward as MC placed the books on the library counter. "Come to the Palace this afternoon for tea. Just yourself, not the brothers. You never know what you might learn."
****
MC was a little nervous as they headed to the Palace that afternoon. They were focused on Barbatos words, "You never know what you might learn." Could there finally be some answers?
Diavolo met MC with a bluff and hearty hug. "Welcome! Take a seat, you're just in time for tea."
Once tea was poured, MC sipped their cup, wondering how in the Mortal Realm to start this conversation. Diavolo however took charge. "I understand from Barbatos," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "that you're in the middle of uncovering one of our little mysteries?"
"I was trying to," admitted MC. "I don't seem to have achieved very much though."
Grinning, Diavolo stood and headed over to a cabinet in the corner of the room. "Perhaps this might help," he said as he threw open the door with a flourish.
Inside, the cabinet was crammed full of wigs, fake noses, stage makeup, coloured contact lenses and all manner of items used for creating sneaky disguises. As MC watched, Diavolo donned a pair of Groucho Marx glasses and wiggled his fake moustache in their direction.
"What do you think?" he asked. "It's a wonderful resource."
MC was speechless for a moment, then blurted out, "It was all you?! Every story?"
Diavolo nodded proudly.
"Just don't tell the others. Every demon needs a hobby after all."