Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 163

Chapter 163. Premature Assumptions (2)

"Is there a reason I shouldn't be here?"

Upon seeing my face, principal 'Eitel' began to sweat profusely and quickly cleared his throat to change the atmosphere.

"No, I didn't mean it like that."

The 'Color of Fear' above Eitel's head became even more intense.

'There's something.'

I had that thought, but it probably didn't concern me much. And I wasn't particularly interested in it.

"I see, I thought Eitel had an extreme dislike for me. Haha."

I flashed a short smile at Eitel, and he returned a somewhat awkward grin.

He probably does hate me, though.

Who would like someone like Yulian?

"How could that be? A relentless executor for the imperial family... How could we dislike someone like Sir Yulian?"

It sounded to me like he was calling me a 'bastard' in a roundabout way, but whatever.

As long as he wasn't blatantly disrespectful, I didn't need to take issue.

I had no desire to cause unnecessary trouble, either.

"Haha! Indeed, principal Eitel. Which noble wouldn't acknowledge Sir Yulian's efforts?"

Sensing a rising tension between me and Eitel, vice-principal Allom intervened to ease the hostile atmosphere.

However, something about what Allom said seemed ripe for misunderstanding.

"Speaking of which, Sir Yulian, may I ask you something?"

Ignoring Allom's words, Eitel turned his gaze toward me.

He wanted to ask me something?

What's there to ask a guy you've only met today?

"I hear you've been seen frequently around the slums lately. Do you know anything about the situation over there?"

As he spoke, the 'Color of Fear' above Eitel's head began to tremble violently.

'He's an easy read.'

Perhaps even more dim-witted than Vice-Principal Allom.

Not that Allom is stupid.

He's just a man who dutifully takes care of his responsibilities.

"Well, I only went there for work, so I don't have much more to add."

"Hmm, is that so?"

"Yes."

"I've heard that one of the most notorious brothels in the capital is secretly being managed by someone from the slums."

Ah, the Blood Demon Order's T'alle.

So that's who he was referring to.

As Eitel spoke, he peered at me through his barely opened eyes.

He was probably trying to gauge my reaction.

'Would I react?'

Would this slit-eye and a mind fortified with singular ego flinch at those words?

Playing along might be necessary, though.

"Oh...! Is that so? Sir Eitel, you are more well-informed than I imagined!"

"My, more well-informed than imagined?"

Whether he had a glimmer of understanding or tried to decipher my intent, Eitel's slightly opened eyes narrowed even further.

What would looking at me achieve?

"Sir Yulian, we greatly appreciate your efforts! By the way, the students you recommended will see their positions strengthened through this incident!"

Swoosh.

Allom, who positioned himself between Eitel and me, opened his mouth, pointing in the opposite direction.

Perhaps he wanted to halt the conversation, which was fine by me. This debate wouldn't lead anywhere useful.

"The students you recommended before! It seems your recent deeds will add bonus points in the upcoming scholarship review!"

"Oh, is that so?"

I didn't particularly care, but feigned interest because I didn't want a dispute.

'So, leading the students...'

It seemed I'd made my point sufficiently.

Satisfied with myself that the conversation wouldn't delve into 'Kaldrach', Allom and I left the room.

But.

'Damn.'

Both Schvalt and Eitel, it seemed.

Were shooting sharp glances at my back like arrows.

***

Crunch.

Upon returning to his office, Eitel threw a potted plant with all his might.

"Huff, huff, this damn fool! How dare he sully my face with such insults in front of the vice-principal?!"

After spewing some profanities to vent his anger, he turned his gaze to an item on his desk.

A coiled snake emblem.

The symbol of the 'Dawn Society'.

"Somehow... if I manage to push out the Blood Demon Order, I'll be inducted into the Dawn Society as the elder predicted..."

A secretive organization in the Empire, the Dawn Society.

The identities of its members remain unknown.

However, Eitel knew well enough that whoever they were, and whatever their goals, they held substantial influence over the nobility.

Being inducted into that order promised to increase his standing as a noble.

"Well, you do seem to be in quite the dilemma."

It was then.

A woman emerged through the moonlight seeping through the window, subtly exuding a sinister aura.

Eitel was slightly startled but then naturally shifted his gaze to her.

"Annaree, didn't I tell you not to come to the academy!?"

"I sensed trouble from afar. You know how much we care for you, don't you?"

Annaree chuckled, making Eitel feel a chill run down his spine.

Among the six fingers.

'Index Finger,' Annaree of Malignant Poison.

Her snake-like aura made Eitel tense up.

"It's a message from 'the elder'."

"From the elder!?"

"Yes, eliminating the Blood Demon Order is the utmost priority. Use whatever means necessary, and even feel free to leverage the 'Six Fingers'."

"You, you mean to say...?"

Eitel asked, and Annaree nodded with a faint smile.

The 'Six Fingers'.

The most troublesome of the three factions dividing the slums, and the 'Six Fingers' overseeing them were known for their formidable prowess.

In particular, the individual representing the 'Middle Finger' was reputed to have swordsmanship rivaling the 'Sword Saint', attracting a lot of rumors.

"If that's the case, it's entirely doable."

Eitel grinned at Annaree's words.

'With the Six Fingers....'

The task was entirely feasible.

***

【The Empire's Smiling Executioner Ventures Out and Captures the Blind Warrior.】

【Does the Imperial Hunting Dog Chase Targets to the End of Hell?】

【Students Safely Returned, guided by Sir Yulian】

As expected, there were no mentions in the noisy capital newspapers about my interaction with 'Kaldrach'.

All the hardships I'd endured.

If pointless rumors circulated, it would have rendered my efforts useless.

'I wish no one knew about this.'

That would be ideal.

Engaging in unnecessary conversations had become tedious.

If only things were like before, when people just speculated and stayed out of my way.

However, that wish of mine didn't last long.

"... Did you meet His Highness, Kaldrach?"

There was one thing I'd momentarily forgotten.

Ordwin Valadir, the commander of 'Blind Eyes', was noticeably perceptive in these matters.

"... What do you mean by that?"

"I understand the students from Bayer Academy stopped by North Pole Wall for observation."

Ordwin, who glanced at the map on the wall, directed her gaze north of the capital.

"And, oh my, his Highness Kaldrach resides at the North Pole Wall, doesn't he?"

With a dry tone, Ordwin said 'oh my,' and looked at me with a stern expression.

'As expected... it's a part anyone could easily discern.'

In hindsight, I should have considered this matter more carefully before reporting.

"Fortunately, it seems like the public isn't focused on that aspect, but I think those who need to know already have an inkling."

"In that case, it's regrettable."

"Sir Yulian, I don't mind which prince you support. But 'Blind Eyes' must remain neutral, you know that, right?"

Her words, firm in tone, were indeed correct.

'Blind Eyes' was an organization with power rivaling most knight orders and was bound only to the direct orders from the royal family.

Supporting one heir over another could completely obliterate the existence of 'Blind Eyes' should the other heir ascend to the throne.

The members gathered here surely did not want that.

Especially Ordwin as the commander.

"Indeed. I understand. Therefore, I do not support any prince. 'Blind Eyes' is an organization 'exclusive' to the imperial family."

Yet, unable to offer another excuse, I decided to stubbornly hold my ground.

"Then why did you head to North Pole Wall?"

"To track down the criminal, Sir Zahard."

"That... well."

On this point, Ordwin could hardly pursue further.

Bringing Zahard to the capital in chains was a fact, after all.

"For someone who isn't a particularly notorious criminal, you went all the way to the vicinity of North Pole Wall?"

"That's strange. There's no severity in crime. One has either committed a crime or not, one or the other."

"...."

My stubbornness seemed to have left Ordwin at a loss for words.

Still, to prevent further annoyances, I decided to firmly drive a wedge.

"If you're really skeptical, there's one thing you can do."

"What... is that?"

"You could dismiss me from 'Blind Eyes'."

At the mention of 'dismissal,' Ordwin, who had been calm, widened her eyes.

"W-What?"

"As it's literally expressed."

Resigning from 'Blind Eyes' would not bode well for me, either.

The reason 'Yulian' could behave so overbearingly.

The reason 'Yulian' received trust from 'Dawn Society' was because he was affiliated with 'Blind Eyes'.

If I truly were to leave 'Blind Eyes', 'Tenelon' would likely harbor significant resentment.

Despite that, why did I bring this up? Simple.

'Because she can't.'

Ordwin couldn't expel 'Yulian'.

Though 'Blind Eyes' was formally an extension of the royal family, it was practically an organization meant to serve 'Yulian'.

"Haa...."

Finally, giving up on pressing the matter, Ordwin let out a sigh.

"If Sir Yulian leaves, I'd have difficulties too. It would cause more issues than supporting His Highness Kaldrach."

Slyly.

Ordwin's gaze directed back at me.

"Still, truly, for the last time, you've never met His Highness Kaldrach, right?"

I smiled and answered her query.

"Yes, of course."

...... Of course not.

I totally met him plenty.

We even did sword dances together and all that.

***

After curbing the suspicion of Commander Ordwin, I began mentally preparing myself.

I was about to meet someone who had been a concern since I left the capital.

'Pintel....'

A character who, originally, would not have appeared, having died prematurely.

Yet here he was, bulldozing his way through events like a runaway train, which was quite ironic.

'Considering there's been no disturbance, it seems everything is fine.'

Still, since everything was too quiet, it would be best to have a conversation with him.

So I instructed Felkhor.

Once we return to the capital, let Pintel know I'd like to have a word when it's convenient.

'Today isn't crucial.'

That was my response, yet.

"You summoned me, Sir Yulian!"

He rushed to me immediately.

Upon stepping down from the carriage, Pintel knelt and bowed deeply.

'It seems... it's gotten worse?'

I was dumbstruck, but more concerned about being seen, so I suggested we talk inside the carriage.

"Understood!"

Clack──!

With the carriage door closed, Pintel let out a sigh of relief, appearing more relaxed.

"I'm relieved to see you returned safely. I was getting worried, as it seemed like the journey was prolonged."

"Yes, the extended duration was inconvenient for me, too."

"I was on the verge of sending forces there. Of course... maintaining the sanctity of the next High Pontiff is only natural."

"Kuheum."

I cleared my throat at Pintel's claim.

Who's the next High Pontiff of the Dawn Society? Who?

"While I was absent, was anything amiss?"

I got straight to the point.

Pintel looked contemplative for a moment, then spoke.

"Bishop Kolparan has been moving around, recruiting other monsignors. So far, bishop Genin seems likely to cooperate with us."

"I see."

"However...."

Pintel trailed off at the end. Something appeared to go awry.

"Speak freely."

"There's already a strange rumor circulating internally. Some say those desiring a change of High Pontiff may soon arise."

What? Isn't that a huge issue?

"Luckily, it hasn't reached the High Pontiff's ears yet."

Upon hearing that, I almost laughed in disbelief.

'Tenelon, you have no luck with people, huh.'

He was a gentleman who wouldn't have reached his current position without the relic, the 'Demon God's Chalice'.

I thought he possessed charisma, but it now seemed that was an assurance stemming from the relic.

"Do you have any idea who's spreading these rumors?"

Frankly, asking such a question was absurd.

Given his nature, if Pintel had a hunch, he'd already have handled it.

Most likely had them thrashed and locked up, like before.

"Yes."

What now?

"You have an idea of who?"

"Yes, indeed. Sir Yulian."

Pintel nodded once, a smile creeping across his lips.

"Thanks to what you said before leaving, Sir Yulian. I managed to identify those needlessly spreading rumors!"

Clenching his fist with a triumphant expression, Pintel looked quite pleased.

... Did I say something to you?