Chapter 59

“…Finally, this day has arrived.”

Not long after the world was thrown into chaos due to super lottery tickets and ceiling-related bad civilizations.

A day that every citizen of the Empire hoped would never come, yet simultaneously dreaded more than anything else, has finally arrived.

The airing date for Episode 20 of “Death Note.”

And simultaneously, the day “Death Note” reaches its conclusion.

That’s right.

Today is the historical day when the anime “Death Note” wraps up its two-and-a-half-month journey with a perfect finale.

Thus, Duke Grinevalt had canceled all his appointments originally scheduled for today and had been eagerly waiting for Episode 20 since hours before it aired.

Sure, others might mock him for making such a fuss.

But to the Duke, the series “Death Note” held unparalleled sincerity.

Because unlike any anime created by Ragnar before, “Death Note” held a special place in the Duke’s heart.

‘This anime… “Death Note” is like my own child. There’s no way I can casually watch its ending. Absolutely not!’

Indeed.

This “Death Note” anime actually originated from the Duke’s idea.

Well, technically, he only provided the idea and contributed nothing to its production.

Still, the Duke took immense pride in believing he somehow helped create “Death Note.”

Thus, the Duke quietly waited in front of the television installed in the Grinevalt mansion for “Death Note” to begin airing.

However, today of all days, someone was disturbing his peaceful anime-watching experience.

“…What are you doing here, Deneb?”

“What do you mean? Where else am I supposed to be if not at my own home, Father?”

It turned out that Deneb, the young Duke of Grinevalt, was seated right next to the Duke, occupying what could only be described as prime anime-viewing real estate.

“I’m not asking that. As far as I remember, you’ve never really liked anime. So why are you here now?”

Upon hearing this, Deneb awkwardly cleared his throat and avoided eye contact with the Duke.

“…Well, to be honest, ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ was pretty terrible, but ‘Death Note’ turned out to be surprisingly watchable. The psychological battles between two geniuses were quite good. And once I started with the first episode, I felt obligated to see it through to the end.”

“…”

So basically, he just became a fan of “Death Note.”

Why does he have to beat around the bush so much?

‘Honestly, his personality…’

True, given how disdainful Deneb had always been about Ragnar and his anime…

It must feel embarrassing to suddenly admit to being a huge fan of “Death Note.”

Just as the Duke was silently understanding this, Deneb continued.

“And besides, I wanted to watch live as Louis defeats Alfa and ascends as the new god of the new world. Wouldn’t missing such a historic moment feel like losing half your life?”

“…What… what did you say?”

In an instant, the Duke involuntarily turned to look at Deneb.

What exactly did Deneb just say?

So who… beats whom?

“Aha… Perhaps Father, who watched ‘Death Note’ purely for entertainment, hasn’t noticed yet. My apologies. Could I have accidentally spoiled something?”

“…Spoiler? What do you mean?”

“That’s right. Based on my objective and cool-headed predictions for ‘Death Note,’ there’s no doubt that Louis will defeat Alfa. To be more precise, any other ending lacks credibility compared to this one.”

With a shrug, Deneb spoke confidently.

Unable to help himself, the Duke sneered at his son’s arrogant tone.

“Hah! The final episode of ‘Death Note’ airing soon will conclude with Alfa’s victory and Louis’s death. It’s laughable how you’re spouting nonsense without knowing such obvious facts.”

“Father, I believe your overly confident attitude may lead to embarrassment shortly.”

For some reason, Deneb kept acting arrogantly toward the Duke until the very end.

At this point, the Duke realized he needed to knock some sense into his son and remind him of his place.

“Fine then. How about we make a bet?”

“…A bet?”

“Yes. I bet the final conclusion of ‘Death Note’ will be Alfa’s victory… Let’s wager on this.”

Crunch.

As he said this, the Duke pulled something out from his coat and placed it on the table.

“T-That can’t be…!”

The moment Deneb saw it, his eyes widened in shock.

“Five raffle tickets for Death Note replica merchandise. Recently, these are valued higher than most currency within the system. Sufficient stakes, don’t you think?”

“…Alright. I accept your bet.”

Saying this, Deneb also pulled out raffle tickets from his coat and placed them on the table.

‘Kukuku… Foolish boy. Falling for such a low-level provocation.’

Watching Deneb fall for his trap, the Duke couldn’t help but let out an evil chuckle inside.

Why?

Because the Duke already knew exactly how “Death Note” would end.

Although he didn’t get an early screening from Ragnar to fully enjoy the show…

He learned the ending—Louis’s death and Alfa’s victory—due to that cursed State Council meeting.

At the time, all he wanted to do was dig out his ears for accidentally getting spoiled.

Who would’ve thought this spoiler would come in handy like this!

‘This bet is mine to win. All your raffle tickets will be mine.’

Thus, the Duke smirked smugly at his naive son, unaware that the outcome was already decided.

And at the same moment, the final episode of “Death Note” began airing.

The first scene showed Alfa staring at the Death Note, deep in anguish.

Alfa had uncovered everything—both the existence of the Death Note and the original owner, the Shinigami.

“Just by writing someone’s name, you can kill them instantly… Such a terrifying thing exists in this world…”

Alfa sighed heavily while looking at the Death Note in her hands.

“This is the deadliest weapon in human history. Something like this should never exist in the human world.”

Though Alfa successfully uncovered how Zodiac killed criminals without touching them…

“Death Note’s final rule… If unused for over a month, the user dies… And Louis is still alive. Does that mean Louis wasn’t Zodiac after all?”

She remained stuck due to the fake rules written by Louis.

However…

“No, Louis is definitely Zodiac. That much is certain. Mari is also undoubtedly the second Zodiac. There must be some kind of trickery involved.”

Refusing to clear her doubts about Louis, Alfa decided to use her last resort.

“I’ll conduct a test.”

“…Test? What kind of test?”

“I intend to verify whether the rule about dying if the Death Note isn’t used for over a month is true.”

Ultimately, Alfa decided to test the Death Note’s functionality, continuing to suspect Louis and Mari.

“…Dangerous. If this rule turns out to be fake, Mari might be executed by humans.”

“…I see, Louis. This was what you aimed for. Using the Shinigami to ultimately kill the Shinigami itself… You truly are the devil incarnate.”

Seeing this, Mari’s Shinigami made a firm decision upon observing Alfa.

Gulp.

Watching this unfold, both the Duke and Deneb unconsciously swallowed hard.

The long battle between the two geniuses was about to reach its conclusion.

Louis, manipulating all humans and even the Shinigami to his will.

Alfa, unraveling the mysteries of the Death Note and the Shinigami with sheer intellect alone.

Who would emerge victorious in this ultimate showdown?

“Well, obviously this battle is already set to end with Alfa’s victory, but still…”

Just as the Duke watched the TV screen with a somewhat relaxed expression…

“…Ugh.”

“Wobble.”

Alfa, who had been lost in thought while staring at the notebook, collapsed onto the floor.

Her vitality began to drain away.

Her heartbeat gradually slowed down.

This symptom… could it be…

“Ah, Alfa!”

Seeing Alfa collapse, Louis quickly rushed over to support her.

But at that moment…

“…”

Alfa witnessed it.

She saw Louis smirking as her breath left her body.

“Louis… So… that’s how it was…”

“I guess… I was right after all…”

Plop.

Simultaneously, Alfa quietly closed her eyes.

And watching this, Louis smiled brightly.

“…”

But the Duke watching this scene couldn’t bring himself to smile.

Come on, Ragnar.

Didn’t you clearly say that “Death Note” would end with Alfa’s victory and Louis’s death?

Could it be… you lied to me?