Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 157

Chapter 157. The Unveiled Mask

I found a plausible reason to accompany the Academy students, which allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief.

However, it also gave rise to another unsettling issue.

"Kuheum."

Traveling to the capital with the Academy students meant that 'observing eyes' would be accompanying us.

"Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, so please make your choice."

"Grr..."

Watching Zahard sigh, I presented him with two options.

The first was to be tied up with ropes and dragged along. The alternative was to ride in a carriage with iron bars.

Upon hearing this, Zahard shook his head slightly.

"Being dragged along by ropes seems a bit inhumane."

Inhumane? Hmm. That's amusing.

Yulian's Smiling Executioner goes unchecked because nobody dares to challenge the laws of the Adratan Empire.

The heart of power, the royal family, intensely dislikes anyone violating the regulations they establish.

For this reason, they emphasize 'making an example,' and most of the subjects who break the law are severely punished to ensure that it never happens again.

"Nevertheless, being put in a caged carriage seems clownish."

Zahard clicked his tongue.

"It's quite bothersome because I have no choice but to go to the capital with these troublesome folks."

This situation arose because I ended up leading the Academy students.

Although it was to create a plausible reason for returning to the capital, my stated goal for being here was simply to capture 'Zahard'.

If I were to transport him without restraint, wouldn't the students become suspicious?

After all, it's Yulian showing leniency to a criminal.

'They'd find it odd.'

As Zahard pondered, biting his lip, I smiled at him.

"Sir Zahard, you are a criminal."

"Eh?"

"I am affiliated with Blind Eyes, the exclusive agency of the royal family."

"Th-that's true."

"So, please do not take offense and consider it a reasonable request to cooperate."

"Urgh."

Zahard wore a troubled expression, but what choice did he have? He soon accepted it.

"If you really dislike it, how about trying both?"

"...... What?"

"On our way to the capital, couldn't you choose whichever you prefer?"

"Why don't you just tell me to walk on my hands the entire way?"

"That would be acceptable too."

Zahard chuckled wryly, finding me unexpectedly more humane than before.

"This is a chance for me to see my wife. Although it may not be under the best circumstances."

Afterward, although his pupils appeared unfocused, there was a faint longing in Zahard's eyes before he returned his gaze to me.

"Come to think of it, the intense gazes from the North's Wall have mellowed a bit."

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean the gaze of the soldiers."

Gaze? It's changed, hasn't it? I think I understand what he's getting at.

"Yulian, when you served here, the views of everyone were not exactly favorable considering your achievements."

To be honest, even now, they aren't kind.

"Well, that's only natural."

Zahard shifted his gaze slightly to the inside of the wall, perhaps using his Foresight to perceive something.

'The witch.'

I could sense her concealing her presence and watching over the vicinity.

"I never mentioned it, but even the noble Kaldrach now wishes to bring an unknown witch. I bet they desire a new commander."

'What is he trying to say?'

As I stared at him, Zahard spoke seriously.

"The nobility might consider it blasphemous to Kaldrach."

What on earth is he planning to say?

"How about you take over the North's Wall and the Northern Front?"

"Huhut..."

I chuckled briefly. I wasn't sure how it appeared to him, but it was an involuntary laugh of surprise.

'What nonsense is this guy spouting?'

I had no intentions of clashing with the royal family by seizing power through controlling the North's Wall.

"I am loyally dedicated to the royal family..."

As I continued, the witch who had been merely sensed, gradually came into sight.

"... Ugh."

When I made eye contact with her from afar, my hand trembled uncontrollably.

Since leaving the cabin, probably due to the conversation I had with the witch, my body involuntarily reacted.

"What's wrong, Yulian?"

"I need to excuse myself for a moment."

I informed Zahard and moved towards the interior of the wall.

***

Returning from the 'North's Wall' to the capital.

While I understood it was a necessity, there was an underlying displeasure I couldn't shake.

'... This wretched thing.'

That was the fact that 'Yulian's' persona was becoming increasingly prominent.

To be precise, while it had lain dormant, it was now starting to emerge gradually.

Adding to that, ever since the mention of 'Milena,' I found myself involuntarily attempting to move.

Washing my face with cold water provided a bit of relief, although my hands continued to tremble under my own scrutiny.

'Why don't you calm down a bit?'

It's the only almost 'human' aspect of Yulian, the bond he shares with the family he once cherished.

This strong resistance occurred only when Milena's name was mentioned.

"Whew..."

Even though I knew asking it to calm down was practically meaningless, the reflection in the mirror seemed to urge me on.

Abisha, it's telling me to ask the witch about Milena.

If she doesn't answer, it suggests resorting to any means, even if it means violence.

'Are you out of your mind?'

Despite intensely disliking the formal speech in this situation, it wasn't the time to dwell on it.

If I didn't seize control, I didn't know what this body might do.

Moreover, knowing the emotions Kaldrach harbored for Abisha through the 'Save Load,' it's clear they're anything but ordinary.

'You want to kill the witch, knowing full well what could happen?'

A rampaging Kaldrach might lead the Wedge Knights to kill me immediately.

Despite this awareness, insisting on pursuing what it desires to hear is insanity.

Regardless of what it professes about the royal family, its actions clearly indicate otherwise.

'Do you wish to hear what you want even if it results in your demise or worse, trouble?'

Frankly, if communicating with Yulian were possible, I'd be inclined to explain.

That the title of 'Queen of Thorns' is hardly fit for those with a good reputation.

But saying such things will only heighten its curiosity or urge to know more.

"So please, just shut up and be still."

Scolding the reflection in the mirror, that rebellious 'something' within me began to simmer down.

Not entirely subdued, of course.

Eternally poised to emerge whenever desired.

I knew this facet wasn't something that could be assuaged with words.

Should the witch reappear before me, stirring Yulian's recognition, it'd undoubtedly trigger another futile struggle.

'Leaving soon would be for the best.'

If I were to encounter the witch here, I wasn't sure what Yulian's body might do.

Though I hadn't planned on staying long, advancing my departure seemed prudent.

"Whew..."

Sighing, I left the washbasin area and stepped into the corridor of the wall.

As the cold breeze touched my wet hands, the sensation of them almost freezing registered, but personal sentiments took a backseat to the figure awaiting me.

"Rinne."

She had been waiting for me.

"I have something to ask."

Relieved my monologue hadn't been overheard, I inferred from her expression that hadn't been the case.

'Phew. Once is enough for a secret to be revealed.'

"If Sir Zahard returns to the capital, what will become of him?"

"It's quite an obvious question, Rinne. Naturally, he will face trial."

Although Zahard didn't commit any grave crime, deserting from the North's Wall was, in itself, a punishable act.

"Then... what will the verdict be...?"

Rinne seemed concerned about Zahard's fate. Likely out of respect for someone who practiced the same sword art lineage.

"In the worst-case scenario, he may be executed."

"... Executed!?"

Rinne reacted with shock, having never anticipated the word 'execution' for a mere desertion.

'For something as simple as desertion.'

Indeed, desertion typically doesn't warrant execution. The Empire, prioritizing royal dignity, regards the North Wall's occurrences with a touch of indifference.

Otherwise, who would endure the cold, hunger, and looming death?

However, what complicates Zahard's case is his position as the Wall's commander when he deserted—those supposed to lead by example.

'Politically as well.'

Having severed ties with the Sword Saint, adversaries might find satisfaction in the Blind Eyes fading from existence.

"Sir Yulian."

Rinne looked straight at me. I sensed the intensity of her request, knowing it was something against my current position.

"It's difficult."

I already knew what Rinne intended to ask before she spoke it aloud.

"B-but I haven't said anything yet..."

"Rinne, rules must be adhered to, and laws must be upheld."

I understood her feelings. Even though I initially had no particular affection for the character 'Zahard', I had grown somewhat fond of him through this journey.

However.

"I cannot release Sir Zahard. There are too many observing eyes, and the potential fallout from releasing him is something Rinne cannot bear."

Not only for my safety but also for Zahard's family residing in the capital.

Though they seem detached now, once a matter comes to light, the royal family might concoct unnecessary schemes.

***

I knew it.

Her plea was nothing short of childishness.

Yet, she couldn't help but wish for Sir Zahard's safe return.

This man, Yulian Cryphart Frasone, had the power.

He possessed the authority to release Zahard and prevent his punishment.

Even if he handled it discreetly, the Smiling Executioner's influence wasn't entirely without weight.

"That's...true."

Despite understanding that further requests bordered on obstinate, as she readied to let go—

"In truth, while I expressed it this way, the punishment might be lighter."

At Yulian's remark, Rinne lifted her head.

"Pardon?"

Her large eyes focused on him, yet Yulian maintained his usual smile.

"Sir Zahard is fortunate. He has some connections with a competent member of the royal family's exclusive agency. Huhut."

He chuckled briefly. It wasn't the previous loathsome and detestable laughter; rather, it felt somewhat endearing...

'That's impossible.'

Yet, in Rinne's mind, he possessed the means to mitigate Zahard's penalty.

With the recent North Wall incident as leverage, Zahard's offenses would seem considerably minor, she believed.

'What a relief.'

As Rinne felt relieved, she'd grown accustomed to Yulian's impassive tone.

"Have you finished your inquiries? I'll take my leave."

With no further business, Yulian turned to leave. But Rinne spoke once more.

"There's one more."

Responding to her call, Yulian turned his head.

Those emotionless slit eyes—would there be a day when that iron-like facade crumbles?

Pondering this, unintentionally, Rinne posed a sudden question.

"Are you the Black Knight?"

'Ugh.'

Despite asking it, Rinne questioned the necessity of her bold inquiry.

Suspicion lingered, yet she lacked conclusive proof.

Merely based on her observation of Yulian's 'black aura' during the defeat of the 'One-Armed Demon', similar to that of the Black Knight she'd previously encountered.

Despite having nothing concrete, she'd decided on such an audacious query.

At that moment, she felt Yulian's previously steady emotions tremble slightly in her eyes.

Recognizing the strange occurrence for a brief moment.

"Yes."

Yulian affirmed with still the same smiling face.

"... What?"

"What Lady Rinne is saying is correct."

Clacky's Corner:

Oh, we're half way there

Oh-oh, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, we'll make it, I swear

Whoa-oh, livin' on a prayer

Livin' on a prayer

Also, Yulian saying he's the Black Knight like it's nothing. It shows that the story is almost over.