Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 164

Chapter 164: Prejudice (3)

"Thanks to Sir Yulian, we could identify the person spreading unnecessary rumors!"

"I see."

The fortunate thing was that I could understand Pintel's words.

Just before leaving the capital, I had imposed a restriction on him to prevent unnecessary actions, although it was more of a directive than a true restriction.

To keep him from being distracted.

"You have done well, as I instructed. It must have been difficult for you."

"It was only natural. The words of Sir Yulian, I swear to carry them out, even if it means facing death!"

Don't die, you idiot.

I'm not some lunatic who enjoys watching people die, okay? That's not who I am.

"So... what's the result?"

Although it was a measure to contain Pintel's reckless actions, I did have my own reasons.

"It's just a guess, but I suspect there might be someone spreading those unnecessary rumors at the exchange meeting tomorrow."

An exchange meeting? Did the Dawn Society hold such meetings?

And to add, it seems like it'll be there...

"No, I'm certain. 'That person' will be present."

Pintel's voice carried conviction, and his grip on his magic staff tightened with resolve.

"If you command it, I shall crush them."

"... Why is there a need to crush them?"

"What?"

Seeing Pintel flustered made me even more bewildered.

Think for yourself for once! Don't just do what you're told!

Haaa, looks like I'll have to explain again.

I straightened my posture and looked directly at Pintel, whose face still bore a vacant expression.

"Won't actions like that draw the attention of the High Pontiff? Sir Pintel, shouldn't you have contemplated this much?"

"However, leaving 'that person' unchecked might lead to problems arising soon."

Pintel's face darkened in response to my scolding, yet he seemed genuinely worried and remained hesitant.

"It appears that they have somehow realized Sir Kolparan has begun cooperating with us. Given their network, it's clear they're a well-connected bishop, and leaving them unattended could indeed pose a threat."

The replacement of High Pontiff Tenelon.

In a way, it could be seen as treason.

Though not my desire, Pintel and some bishops wished for it.

Tenelon's eccentricities and forceful massacres.

While remaining at the level of lay believers and the monsignor, they couldn't predict when they might become targets.

That could be why Pintel's persuasion was so effective.

However.

'You're too hasty.'

It feels as if it's an urgent necessity to deal with the rumor-spreader.

"Sir Yulian..."

Pintel's expression was slightly distorted as he called out to me.

He was furious, thinking about an unknown person creating 'rumors' and attempting to manipulate the situation.

He needed a bit of comforting.

"Sir Pintel, I haven't said to let it go entirely."

With that single statement, Pintel's tense expression instantly relaxed.

It might be wise to exclude the person spreading unnecessary rumors as Pintel suggested.

Now isn't the right time.

'Especially now, when there's someone making silent threats.'

Though it wasn't clear what they wanted, it seemed as if the one spreading 'rumors' was 'blackmailing' us.

If Pintel got cornered, they might step in and try to steer the conversation to a favorable outcome for themselves.

I have a vague idea of what it might be, but...

'Fortunately, they don't seem to be aligned with Tenelon.'

If they were on the High Pontiff's side, they would have reported this matter by now.

Yet, they are indeed a bothersome individual.

Therefore.

'Let's put a stop to it.'

That would be easier.

"Would it be possible for me to participate in tomorrow's exchange meeting as well?"

For now, I should attend the meeting Pintel mentioned and at least catch a glimpse of that person's face.

Having laid the groundwork before I left the capital, just a few exchanged words should reveal who the culprit is.

"Of course, Sir Yulian. I will prepare a spot for you!"

"Thank you."

I'm not exactly sure what the exchange meeting entails, but it seems Pintel wields significant influence.

A sudden participation, even with 'Yulian' joining, was allowed without hesitation.

"But... an exchange meeting? Is there such a gathering I wasn't aware of?"

If Pintel and some bishops were joining, surely it must be a gathering with influence in the system? I asked with a reasonable curiosity.

Pintel's anger vanished, giving way to a slightly smug demeanor.

"It's called the 'Scenic Photo Club'."

Hmm. Scenic Photo Club.

I don't know why, but it's quite a stylish name.

A feeling similar to encountering someone's ultimate move, my heart felt a sense of elation.

"What do they mainly do there?"

"It's a gathering to photograph scenic spots and exchange those pictures."

"... Ah. I see."

Suddenly, a spark of excitement in my chest dwindled rapidly.

Scenic Photo.

So it was literally a group that took photos of scenic landscapes.

***

After Pintel left, as I sat in the study, I pondered over what he had said.

But with a little more thought, I began to understand.

In this world, the act of 'taking a photograph' required very expensive 'consumable magic tools'.

'And, it's not like the photos provide clear shapes as I would imagine.'

It's an act of drawing light and color onto a scroll through magic.

That is the 'photo' of this world.

'In a way, it extends from painting.'

For that reason, it's considered one of the extravagances unattainable for commoners.

'Consumable magic tools' and 'scrolls' are prohibitively expensive items for the average person.

Those who could afford to indulge in such a hobby were undoubtedly wealthy or noble, so it was only natural for Pintel to be part of a group like that.

'Surely, the participants aren't ordinary people.'

Wealthy merchants or nobles.

'It seemed obvious that the Dawn Society would slip into such a setting.'

However...

Pintel's face came to mind once more.

I understood he took photos.

But chasing 'scenic views' around to exchange them with others in a club?

And this is the same guy who used his magic staff to beat people senseless?

'It doesn't suit him.'

Regardless of how I thought about it, it seemed far-fetched. Just when I was about to settle on that conclusion...

'Yulian's appearance and hobbies didn't match well either.'

'Tending to orchids is certainly the ultimate hobby,' I thought.

Kuheum.

I know it's arrogant to place a measure on hobbies.

Yet, what am I supposed to do if it doesn't suit?

"Lazlot."

I had something to hand over to Lazlot before proceeding with my schedule, so I decided to resolve a bit of curiosity.

"Yes, Sir Yulian."

"Do you happen to know about a gathering called the Scenic Photo Club?"

"Yes, I've heard it's a place where people share refined hobbies."

Even with a touch of the Dawn Society mingling within, it seemed the Scenic Photo Club held a prestigious reputation.

Seeing Lazlot speak of it as dignified confirmed that notion.

'Well, dignified or not, it's something I'll conclude by seeing with my own eyes.'

I muttered as if making a casual remark, then shifted my attention to Lazlot, handing him a document I had previously received from Vice-Principal Allom Chorni.

"Did you call me here for this, Sir Yulian?"

Lazlot accepted the document and spoke, seeing that gesture as a sign of approval.

Since keeping it in my possession held little importance, I decided to pass it to the person who needed it.

"This is..."

What I handed over was a document concerning the 'extra points' Allom had mentioned.

"There's a system of extra points for scholarships when a sponsor assists the academy."

"Is... that so?"

Lazlot accepted the document, looking somewhat dazed, seemingly caught off guard by 'Yulian's unexpected concern.

Of course, it would greatly aid his orphanage siblings attending the academy to an extent.

"But why are you giving this to me...?"

Why, indeed.

"You really had to do this... did you have a reason?"

Though he was flustered, was it something to ask 'why' about?

"Are we not comrades and collaborators?"

Living a dual life as an informant, after all, couldn't be comfortable physically or mentally.

And I knew living such a life isn't about routine but about definitive rewards.

"You can always return it if you don't want it."

Simultaneously, it could also serve as a threat.

Implying that attempting to betray me needlessly could have dire consequences.

Shackles...

Yes, that would be an apt term.

"It wasn't something I acquired with any particular goal in mind, so if it's not needed..."

"N-No! I'll take it!"

Reacting to my intent to retrieve the document, Lazlot quickly tucked it into his pocket.

"Thank you."

With his gratitude, Lazlot's hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

Of course, it must be daunting—receiving a gift from Yulian.

Residing in an orphanage, having his younger siblings as hostages, caught in that thought made his hands tremble.

"There's no need to thank me."

Though I thought Lazlot's loyalty might deepen further with this.

'Hmm?'

Strangely, the 'color of fear' above his head seemed less visible than expected.

Have my eyes grown dim?

***

The photo exchange meeting, 'Scenic Photo Club', mentioned by Pintel, was held in a spacious hall he had secured.

As anticipated, the attendees were predominantly nobles dressed in refined clothing, accompanied by their retainers.

The rest were individuals of such wealth they could establish a trading firm.

Their appearance here was undoubtedly to forge connections with 'nobles'.

'Is it the same for the others?'

I realized that despite gathering under the guise of 'photography,' this event resembled a social gathering more than anything else.

"Ha ha, this place seems to be one of the Empire's five grand scenic locations, the Burun Plaza, is it not?"

"Using backlighting as a feature, what a brilliant idea!"

"Moreover, they seem to have paid attention to the framing. Utilizing such details as part of the mise-en-scène..."

Though the participants were engaging in conversation among familiar faces, I didn't intend to join.

Besides, I didn't have any knowledge about the topic to feel compelled to join in.

"Sir Yulian."

While observing from afar, Pintel, the organizer of the meeting, approached and addressed me.

"How about it? Would you like to take a look at the photographs I've taken, Sir Yulian?"

Thus, Pintel came near, presenting his photos to me.

Although I understood it was a means to converse quietly, I faintly sensed it was partially due to a desire to hear my impressions.

Does he wish to show off?

Then, I should oblige.

"It's quite good. There's a certain ambiance to it."

"Thank you for appreciating it."

Appreciating a compliment that's just flattery seems a bit much.

"So, how's the matter proceeding?"

Lowering my voice so only Pintel could hear, he spoke with a rather serious expression.

"Following your suggestion, I indicated to the bishops suspected of spreading rumors that Sir Yulian has left the capital."

Listening to Pintel's words, my gaze swept over the members of the exchange meeting once more.

For a humble exchange gathering, a considerable crowd had gathered, with four bishops discussing their 'photography.'

'Truly, it resembles a social gathering.'

Their presence isn't just about drawing other nobles into the Dawn Society but also to forge new connections as 'nobles'.

'Bishop Genin, bishop Uberon... hmm?'

Dantes is here too?

Does that guy have such tastes too?

"What would you like me to do?"

"Having informed all parties as instructed, time will naturally resolve things."

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

What do I mean indeed?

Observing Pintel's bewilderment.

"Could you, as the organizer of the exchange meeting, mingle among the attendees? Remaining by my side might deter other bishops from approaching."

Even if the nobles are unaware of our association with the 'Dawn Society'.

Seeing me, who has little connection with others, standing with anyone might raise suspicion.

Hearing my reasoning, Pintel nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

'Now then.'

'Let's see the face of the one who indirectly spreads bizarre rumors without directly informing Tenelon, merely to cause me nuisance.'

That's the intention of this visit, so I should witness its fruition.

'The trap is set.'

It's mere speculation, but likely, the first bishop to approach me upon seeing my face today is responsible for the 'rumors.'

Or rather, the possibility is high.

As I nonchalantly maintained my post there.

'As expected.'

As anticipated, someone's voice reached me.

"My, my, I heard you've been absent from the capital, but have you returned already?"