novelraw Chapter 165
Chapter 165
Chapter 165: Lies from the North (1)
'As expected... It never strays from the anticipation.'
Slu-u-sh.
I shifted my gaze to the approaching figure.
A young man neatly clad in a tailored coat.
His aura felt akin to a 'knight', but there was a slight lacking quality when compared to a strong presence like 'Zahard'.
'Bishop Uberon Hynix.'
He was the second son of the Hynix family, one of the four great families of the empire, commonly referred to as the 'Dragon's Bloodline'.
Breaking free from the shackles of being a 'second son', he had extended his hand into the unsavory places like the 'Dawn Society' to obtain the position of patriarch.
Perhaps due to being younger than the other bishops and not wanting to be underestimated, Uberon was rumored to always use a solemn tone.
"I never expected to see you in a place like this. You seem to have a penchant for photographs as well?"
Not really feeling that vibe.
Like when young professionals in their 20s pretend to act superior?
'Ridiculous.'
Still, I should play along.
He was one of the prime suspects.
"Yes, unlike paintings, photographs allow you to relive the emotions of the moment they capture. It's indeed an elegant hobby, full of charm."
I had become adept at playing the role of 'Yulian' so naturally, I spewed out words I didn't mean.
Uberon seemed content with what I said, smiling broadly and taking a step closer to me.
'Hmm...'
Watching Uberon approach, I took the glass I got from the entrance earlier to my lips.
It was filled with champagne, but the alcohol content wasn't high enough to get drunk from.
I didn't have a body that would get drunk anyway.
While sipping a mouthful and swallowing it, I watched him.
'Was it you who spread the rumors?'
To find that out, I should engage in conversation from now on──.
"Are you searching for the one spreading the 'unfortunate rumors'?"
Likewise, Uberon took his glass and murmured quietly.
The reason he brought this up must be because he knew why I was here.
"Unfortunate rumors, I'm not sure what you mean since there are quite a few."
I feigned ignorance initially, but he might have brought it up deliberately.
If merely my visiting made him suspicious, he might know that this gathering was meant to root out a 'tumor'.
Hence, he might be making a pre-emptive move.
To remove himself from the list of suspects, so to speak.
'Just like...'
Stealthily.
I checked Uberon's complexion.
His face seemed slightly pale, and I could see him sweating a bit.
Hmm, I couldn't see the 'Color of Negativity', so he must not be feeling any particular emotion.
"You don't look well. Have you committed something I shouldn't know about?"
"... What, what?"
I said with a smile befitting 'Yulian', and Uberon's face grew even paler.
'The more I see him, the more suspicious he gets.'
Though he's a member of one of the empire's great noble families, the 'Hynix family' is appropriately described as a 'setting sun.'
The once-existent 'Dragon's Blessing' can no longer be seen.
In the past, showing their true 'Dragon's Blood,' whenever they unleashed the family's unique aura, their bodies would be covered in 'scales', exuding overwhelming strength.
'However, it was explained in the beginning of the game that such dragons almost became extinct during the era dominated by the Demon King.'
The dragon that guarded the family was gone as well, and furthermore, the pure 'Dragon's Blood' had become diluted over generations.
Now, people remarked that even the term 'Dragon's Bloodline' was an exaggeration.
'Though it would be good to maintain a close relationship with a member of one of the four great families...'
The primary concern now was to find the one spreading spurious rumors that threatened my safety.
"If I am right, please tell me."
I decided to be more direct.
"Lord Uberon. Could it be... you who's been spreading the 'rumors'?"
"... Seems like you're in a tough spot if those 'rumors' start making the rounds, huh, Sir Yulian?"
Ha, this guy, he was trying to test me unnecessarily.
'Yulian' possesses the power to intimidate others in any circumstance.
Thus, Uberon, who lost the initiative in the conversation, was simultaneously probing and trying to regain control of the flow.
"I understand that the proceedings of the High Pontiff aren't what they used to be, but carrying out such actions is excessive..."
Slu-rk.
I met Uberon's gaze.
In his eyes, a man with 'slit-eyes' began to appear.
"Surely you don't think I would doubt him, do you? What I'm trying to do is simply give a warning—not to plant unnecessary suspicion in an already chaotic situation."
Exactly so.
I do not doubt 'High Pontiff Tenelon.'
The premise was wrong from the start, though they never believed it.
I am merely someone pursuing a peaceful and contented life.
"What incredible loyalty. Considering you took a step back at first."
Stepping back? Hardly.
My feelings towards the 'Dawn Society' had already flown away like a distant lark.
"Though it's not much of a response, unfortunately, I am not the one spreading the rumors."
What did he say?
Though I was quite taken aback by his confession, I remained outwardly composed.
Uberon once again wetted his lips with champagne and then pretended to share a few 'photography' hobbies by showing me some pictures.
Private matters had to be discussed in secret.
"You see, I am also searching for the one responsible for spreading those rumors."
"Sir Uberon as well?"
"Hmm."
Uberon let out a short sigh.
Why? What could his reason be...?
"In two weeks, my brother returns. If internal strife occurs around that time, the Dawn Society wouldn't have the power or justification to assist me, would they?"
Ah, he planned to use the Dawn Society's power to secure the patriarch's position.
Indeed, if a revolt occurred to depose the 'High Pontiff', his efforts invested in the 'Dawn Society' thus far could go up in smoke.
"What is your reason for telling me this?"
Suddenly, I wondered.
It seemed too easy, like he was revealing everything.
"This is labeled a gathering, but isn't it just a place where even a single person can come to forge connections with other nobles? I am merely fulfilling that role."
Ah, so that's it...
Finally, I understood Uberon's intent clearly.
He hoped to bring 'Yulian' into his sphere of 'connections' somehow.
"No one knows if Sir Yulian might require the support of the Hynix family one day."
That was true.
Despite being a setting sun, they were one of the four great families. It was inevitable that they'd be helpful one day.
'And storyline-wise, this family ends up going to this guy.'
With the success of the 'Revolt of the Second Son'.
And subsequently, aggressively expanding by annexing adjacent territories, eventually...
'Hmm?'
Could this be connected this way?
"You overestimate me. Very well, I am fond of being overestimated."
This was a moment when the ego that yearned for recognition from others manifestly made its presence known.
Uberon chuckled at the unnecessary joke, and noticing he had said all he wanted, he moved onward, blending into the crowd.
Earlier, his statement about not being the source of the rumors was no lie.
With the ability to read his emotions with the 〈Color of Negativity〉, I could have somewhat gauged whether he was lying or not by instinct.
In that case, perhaps I should wait for the next guest.
Left alone, I stood idly surveying the surroundings when, as though waiting, Dantes approached.
"Haha, seems like something amusing was discussed! That usually stern Uberon was grinning after all."
As always. Dantes approached with a friendly smile.
His comportment, devoid of any notable worry, was indicative of a bold character.
"Are you acquainted with Sir Uberon?"
"Of course, being a member of the four great families and from a neighboring territory, how could I not know him?"
With a wide smile showing off his teeth, Dantes exhibited a refreshing laugh.
"How did the matter go?"
Similar to Pintel, there was something I had tasked Dantes with.
It was to uncover the whereabouts of the fugitive 'Gerard'.
"Hmm... Unfortunately, tracking him down was overly difficult. Haha."
Dantes laughed heartily once more.
What's he laughing about?
"Even with the intelligence network of the Christo family insufficient, he must be hiding well."
"Indeed, Gerard was meticulous despite his apparent behavior."
"Is that so?"
I concurred with his statement and subtly inquired.
"May I ask one more question?"
"Hm? Feel free to ask anything. I have no qualms with you asking."
"Very well then."
Setting my glass on a table, I locked eyes with Dantes.
"Given that you're aware of the general situation, why are you the one spreading these unfounded rumors?"
This wasn't a mere suspicion. Uberon and I's conversation had left me convinced.
Dantes Christo was indeed the one leveraging 'rumors' to blackmail me.
***
Dantes was no fool.
He knew that Yulian's reason for appearing at this so-called 'Gathering of Scenic Photos' was to identify the one who had spread the 'rumors'.
He had no connection with this gathering at all.
Though it was known he collected artwork, there were no rumors of him having an interest in 'photography', which meant he was approaching with a definite intent.
Dantes accurately discerned the intent and approached Yulian.
Assuming Yulian would never realize he was the culprit.
He figured if he maintained his composure, he could leisurely exit the gathering.
Yet──.
"It's perplexing. Sir Dantes. Even if there's a fitting motive, I find it difficult to understand."
Yulian knew.
He knew that Dantes was indeed the one spreading the 'rumors'.
'What should I do?'
Dantes began to ponder quickly.
The best course of action now was to deny. With no clear evidence, it should work.
"What are you talking about, Sir Yulian? What could I possibly gain from spreading such rumors?"
"That's precisely why I'm asking. What is your motive?"
What emanated from Yulian was a strong conviction.
The pathological mindset of eliminating enemies without mercy could be felt even through his skin.
"... Even if you speak like that, I am troubled. I truly know nothing about it."
Deciding to deny one more time, Dantes.
The lack of definitive proof was what led him to this decision.
As if sensing his intention, Yulian spoke with a smile and a forceful tone.
"Sir Uberon mentioned that he wished to become the patriarch over his older brother with some assistance from the Dawn Society."
"And what does that have to do with me?"
With a short laugh, Yulian's slit eyes became more devious.
"If Sir Uberon became the patriarch with our help, a promise made with the family's 'older brother' would become null and void."
"...."
"Isn't that so? Only with the 'older brother' succeeding could you take possession of the 'pyroxene' mines as a primary material for Resonance Stones, right?"
Like a fox caught red-handed, Dantes paused briefly.
"So you exaggerated the rumors to block Sir Uberon's request, and furthermore."
Yulian brought his lips close to Dantes's ear.
"Furthermore, it would give you an opportunity to deal with me too."
Clacky's Corner:
Hmmm, Dantes....