Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 161

Chapter 161. Uncomfortable Cooperation (3)

Sword Saint Hayden Reich.

Schvalt revered his words as if they were scripture and followed his path as his own.

Schvalt was born a so-called 'genius', looking down on the average people with arrogance and indulgence.

It was the Sword Saint who awakened him and granted him 'enlightenment'.

― You have a deep understanding of the sword despite your young age. Someday, you could become stronger than me.

The words spoken by his mentor, who had provided him enlightenment, deeply resonated within Schvalt's heart.

The "Sword Saint" acknowledged him.

The "Sword Saint" recognized his talent.

As a result, the significance of the "Sword Saint" in his life started to grow day by day.

It was only natural.

"When I grow up, I'll be like the Sword Saint!"

To a nine-year-old kid who hadn't yet experienced the world, the "Sword Saint" appeared so vast, as if his mere shadow could envelop the entire world.

Following that, schvalt entered Bayer Academy as he trained to become a swordsman in pursuit of the 'Sword Saint'.

― Did you hear? Sir Hayden Reich, the Sword Saint, is coming to the academy!

― Why?

― I don't know, maybe he's looking for a disciple?

Upon hearing that the Sword Saint was visiting during his studies, schvalt felt something stirring within his chest.

"The Sword Saint came to Bayer Academy!?"

He didn't know the exact reason.

It could have been to find a member of the "Follower" he led, or as the whispers went among the students, he might have been seeking a "disciple."

"The Sword Saint's first disciple..."

What a sweet ring that title had!

The Sword Saint, who had never properly taken a disciple before.

Imagine being his "first" disciple!

"I want to become one."

The Sword Saint's disciple.

He wanted to respond to the words spoken to him.

Your eyes were accurate.

And with those accurate eyes, I am now ready to receive your teachings.

― Is that the disciple the Sword Saint chose?

― No way! Isn't he just a first-year who just enrolled!?

― Wait a minute, isn't he from the Cryphart family!?

― No, take a closer look. There's a Frason badge on his emblem.

Contrary to Schvalt's expectations, the person chosen by the Sword Saint was not himself.

"Yulian Cryphart Frason."

An illegitimate child of the Cryphart family.

"Why him?"

Physically robust, yet mentally immature.

Someone so weak and fragile that they couldn't even kill a single bug.

As an aspiring knight.

As Yulian's senior.

Having some experience teaching him a bit, schvalt knew that he was not up to bearing the title of "the Sword Saint's first disciple".

― As expected, senior Schvalt. I am no match for even the tips of your toes.

Why you?

Why on earth!

***

Though he was expelled, for someone to bear the title of "the Sword Saint's first disciple," his vulgar mannerisms were unworthy.

A swordsmanship so strongly colored with his own hue that it felt as though he hadn't received any teachings.

In a way, it was almost natural for Schvalt, who worshipped the 'Sword Saint', to feel discomfort towards Yulian.

The path he had tread.

And the path he was yet to tread.

He abhorred it and dyed it with his own vile color.

'But why...'

The swordsmanship Yulian showed after a long time had transformed—or perhaps it was more accurate to say it had returned closer to its 'original form'.

As if to hide the weakness of the past, it purely showcased strength and his own ego.

'Are you now wielding the same sword as the Sword Saint?'

Restrained.

And restrained again.

He now wielded a swordsmanship like moonlight, quietly blended with his aura.

'The root hasn't changed from what I used to see before.'

Yet, the atmosphere had changed significantly.

Had his mindset shifted?

No one knew.

What that slit-eyed swordsman was thinking.

'I've become more curious.'

And so, schvalt sent his "aura" to Yulian.

'Show me your sword.'

With that intention.

"Sir Schvalt, what do you want to hear from me?"

The 'answer' he wanted to hear wasn't through words; it was in the sword.

Unable to hold back any longer, schvalt lowered his stance, ready to engage.

"Ah, perhaps you've something to say to His Highness Kaldrach instead?"

What?

As he lowered himself and prepared to kick off the ground, schvalt's momentum deflated at Yulian's words.

'This guy.'

The moment he heard Yulian's words, schvalt felt a cold sweat running down his back.

How could he know that his purpose was about the 'Third Prince'?

'Is he testing me?'

Perhaps Yulian rashly said it to probe the other party's intentions.

Even while thinking that, looking at Yulian's emotionless slit-eyes, schvalt doubted.

'Could it be, he really knows.'

Though he was a man living a life steeped in lies, he felt no need to speak "falsehoods" in this situation alone.

If he was sure that he supported 'Kaldrach', there was no need for a lie.

"What exactly happened at the wall?"

He could only concede.

The bigger issue was who told Yulian this information.

'Could it be the secretariat chief, Sedn?'

Schvalt pondered that there should not be a large connecting point with him.

There was no one else likely besides that guy.

"Nothing significant happened. The demon ran wild, and I merely helped with the barrier incident to apprehend Sir Zahard."

"That's not what I'm asking."

Did you have an exchange of words with 'His Highness Kaldrach'?

Schvalt wished to confirm that.

"Hmm...."

Yulian let out a groan as if contemplating.

Schvalt, annoyed by his nonchalant behavior, frowned.

"Speak immediately."

"Oh dear, Sir Schvalt. In such an oppressive atmosphere, what could I possibly say? I might just forget what I have to say out of fear. Huhut."

Despite his words, Yulian chuckled leisurely.

"Moreover, you already know that you won't get any words out of me, don't you, Sir Schvalt?"

It wasn't unexpected.

In fact, his predictability made his tone more infuriating.

"Even if it is discovered that I support His Highness Kaldrach, it doesn't matter."

Schvalt thought that if he could ascertain the silent thoughts of His Highness Kaldrach, that alone would suffice.

He had drawn his sword for that.

"No harsh methods will yield anything, Sir Schvalt."

Yulian had realized it too.

His slit-eyes, with pupils even absent, seemed to pierce right through one's intentions.

"The fact that I cannot even fathom losing to Sir Schvalt is unheard of."

You damned bastard.

Though tempted to unleash his "aura" and wield his sword in anger, schvalt held himself back.

"You've grown."

Yulian had certainly matured in an unusual way, unlike in the "past."

That 'maturity' had significance in terms of mindset, and also in technique and swordsmanship.

The way he handled mana was included in that.

"What?"

Schvalt slowly re-sheathed his sword, the metallic sound echoing in the air.

"Did Sir Schvalt's lofty inquisitiveness find satisfaction, I wonder? Was I a good teacher?"

Unwilling to listen to his detestable voice any longer, schvalt turned his steps toward where the procession was.

'Why have I discarded the option of fighting?'

Even as he walked, schvalt questioned himself.

'Could it be, within his sword...'

Had Yulian's sword been heavily imbued with "Yulian's" ego as before, he might have made a significant decision at that moment.

'If I wasn't mistaken, then it was...'

The sword of the guy he hadn't seen for a long time was indeed imbued with the remnants of the 'Sword Saint'.

"... Tsk."

Schvalt clicked his tongue.

The tangled fate that had continued since Bayer Academy showed no signs of breaking.

***

Watching the retreating figure of Schvalt, I sighed a breath of relief inwardly.

"... Phew."

Ordinarily, I would have tried to cajole or deflect with a few words.

But this damn body of mine was spewing all sorts of words to rile up 'Schvalt'.

As if wanting him to come at me first.

'Were they acquaintances?'

I wasn't entirely sure, but it seemed so.

Even though I was familiar with 《Kill the Demon King》, I didn't know all the character connections.

'Not my problem, I guess.'

Leaving the cooling carcass of the bi-horned demon behind, I slid the blade back into its sheath and glanced around.

Frozen ground.

The place clearly bore the remnants of Schvalt's 'aura'.

'If ever I cross swords with Schvalt, I might need to avoid clashing blades directly.'

Naturally, an aura has a stronger effect around the caster's body.

If one reaches the height where they can treat a "sword" as part of their body, they can extend that range to the "sword" as well.

'I knew this already.'

Should I consider it a gain?

What I gleaned from the unnecessary spat was that Schvalt was indeed one of the supporters of 'Kaldrach'.

From his desperate demeanor, it seemed Kaldrach's recent movements were peculiar, prompting him to seek answers personally.

"I must have been an unwelcome intruder."

Not that it was intentional, anyway.

What can you do, you have to endure it.

"Phew..."

With the thought that the situation had finally settled, a relieved sigh escaped me, unbeknownst to myself.

Now, it genuinely felt like all that was left was to return to the capital.

Like Schvalt, I made my way back to the convoy.

Though demon corpses littered the place, it seemed there were no casualties.

"Is everything over?"

Zahard, who held a torch, was waiting for me.

The question "Is everything over?" carried multiple implications.

"Did you notice Sir Schvalt drawing his sword towards me?"

"My aura is finely tuned for sensing those things. I would know, even if I tried not to."

If you knew, you could have intervened.

It would have saved me from needless tension.

"I was positive nothing serious would happen."

Why was I not certain of that?

Damn, this guy's annoying.

"Now, all we have left is to return to the capital truly. The night is still young, so let's get some rest... Hmm?"

Clattering.

Just as he was speaking, Zahard looked slightly perplexed at the sight of the handcuffs I pulled out from inside my coat.

"Why are you trying to brush past this? Now that order has been restored, shouldn't they be put back on?"

"Well, you sensible bastard."

Thanks for the compliment.

Zahard silently accepted the handcuffs.