Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 176

Chapter 176. Bigger Than Expected

'Dare to use me?'

Prince Osborne had already seen through Yulian's intention, who was smiling at him with a sly slit-eye.

Unconditional loyalty to the royal family?

That doesn't exist in this world.

Osborne knew that everything was a matter of 'mutual interests'.

Moreover, is he not a candidate for the throne?

He needed to understand the intentions of those who flocked to him, so it was impossible for him not to be aware of them.

'However......'

What is the reason?

What could Yulian gain by postponing the conferment ceremony and exterminating the 'Six Fingers'?

This was the issue Osborne had been pondering.

Why indeed?

Understanding this would allow him to take the lead in the conversation and proceed more smoothly.

Though he did not know Yulian's 'intent', he decided to add something to probe.

"Hmm... Is there really a need to postpone the conferment ceremony? Yulian, it seems there is some 'intent' behind your words... no, of course, you wouldn't dare plot against the royal family, would you?"

In response to Osborne's subtly condescending remark, Yulian's smile deepened.

"Huhut, Your Highness Osborne. I am Yulian, who positions himself as the royal family's hunting dog."

"I know. Your loyalty."

"And wouldn't it make the conferment ceremony shine even brighter if we compensate for the royal family's 'mistakes'?"

What?

For a moment, Osborne thought he had misheard Yulian's words.

He had believed that the reason for Yulian postponing the 'conferment ceremony' was due to his achievements.

Because the criminal he had captured had disappeared.

Of course, while it was the royal family's fault, it was as if the reason to commend Yulian's contributions had vanished.

That's what he thought.

"Making the conferment ceremony shine, what do you mean?"

Flugel, who had accompanied them, interjected into the conversation without permission, but Osborne did not stop him.

Flugel's question mirrored Osborne's own doubts.

"Isn't it rather devalued to have a conferment ceremony for capturing a mere criminal who injured some nobles?"

"Haha..."

Flugel chuckled, expressing disbelief.

The Medal of the Royal Elite Sword might not compare to the first-class, highest honor medal, but even so, among the second-class, it is considered the most valuable 'honor'.

Moreover, the medal holds a value equivalent to a first-class one, as it cannot be bestowed unless one is 'royalty'.

Seeing Yulian, who said the medal seemed devalued, Osborne began to grasp an understanding.

"Well, I always knew you were an 'ambitious person', but you have greater thoughts than I had anticipated."

The realization that the 'outline' was bigger than expected brought a chuckle to Osborne.

"Well, that does make sense."

It was an obvious thought with just a little consideration.

There wasn't anyone in the capital who wasn't aware of whose shadow he chased.

The exiled Sword Saint.

The 'void' left by his disappearance remains.

"Yulian, it seems I've underestimated you all this time."

Although no one could take the title of 'Sword Saint' from him, someone could certainly inherit the trust from the empire and the admiration of its subjects he had as the 'Sword Saint'.

"You plan to monopolize the status that Hayden Reich held as the 'Sword Saint'."

A mere 'medal' was not enough for his greed.

He planned to cover the royal family's mistakes with his achievements, maximizing the impact.

Now that Osborne had pieced everything together, he nodded in acknowledgment.

However, it was still just his guess, and to confirm Yulian's intentions, he turned his gaze.

'As expected.'

When Osborne looked at Yulian, the angle of his slit-eye had deepened, and his smile broadened slightly.

***

What the hell is he talking about?

The reason I want to postpone the 'Medal of the Royal Elite Sword' conferment ceremony is simply that I intend to eliminate the 'Six Fingers' and deal with that nuisance 'Dantes Christo' simultaneously.

But──.

'Replacing the Sword Saint?'

Even if it's a misunderstanding, he is gravely mistaken.

However,

'It's not a bad thing.'

Since there wasn't a suitable explanation to offer anyway, it would be better to highlight Osborne's 'misunderstanding.'

"I don't particularly intend to fill my master's void, Your Highness Osborne. I just..."

"Just?"

"I just think it's unreasonable that everyone misses the remnants left by such an outdated figure from the past."

"Haha!"

Osborne's usually stern face started to soften gradually.

"I, too, do not favor the traces of the Sword Saint. Moreover."

Finding genuine amusement in my words, laughter spread across his face.

"As you said, the Adratan Empire does need a new 'hero'. A hero to catch the people's attention, whether in a good way or a bad way."

With a gentle rustling, Osborne stood up.

When he first appeared in my office, he had a stern but puzzled face, yet now there was clarity, as if he had found an answer.

"Then, as you suggest, we'll postpone the conferment ceremony. Also, I will help you take down those who call themselves the 'Six Fingers'. Isn't that what you wanted, Yulian?"

Huh? That seemed to have been resolved too easily?

So, there was something unsettling about this....

Though I anticipated receiving 'royal help,' I thought I'd have to put in quite the effort.

After all, seeking a 'prince's assistance' is generally not an easy task.

"Yes, Your Highness Osborne."

"Alright. Then let's proceed as you've suggested."

As I watched Osborne leave the office, I politely offered my respects.

Once Flugel and Osborne vacated the room, an eerie silence settled.

"Hoo......"

Indeed, I cannot endure long conversations with such 'prince' folks.

A small misstep, and it wouldn't be surprising to find oneself on the guillotine.

'However, granting permission so smoothly?'

It was unsettlingly gracious.

'...... Replacing the Sword Saint's seat.'

That 'misunderstanding' seemed to have been the key.

To a 'Heir to the Throne', the position of 'Sword Saint' can be considered quite special.

Any 'prince' collaborating with him would easily gain the nobles' trust.

'Yet, even so, it's impossible for 'Yulian' to fill that position.'

Indeed, that much is certain.

No matter how much a 'hero' is needed, someone as notorious as me cannot take the place of the 'Sword Saint'.

I consider the title of 'Sword Saint' to be noble and pure.

Currently, my task is to make use of the 'royal help' to deal with those troublesome individuals.

'Nothing untoward should happen.'

***

...that's what I thought.

Since 'Six Fingers' is merely an organization within the slums, I thought that, at most, a few gendarmerie platoons and some knights would be deployed.

Perhaps a few mages would accompany them.

That should be enough help when dealing with the other 'fingers', excluding Claude.

However, my assumptions were incorrect.

"Gwahahaha!"

A raucous laugh echoed in the gigantic conference room, incomparable to my office.

"There are many familiar faces gathered here!"

The man with a gorilla-like impression glanced around at those seated at the round table, smirked, and spoke.

The man's name was Theo Rennock.

He was the commander of the 'Indomitable Knights', renowned for showcasing formidable strength in 'siege battles' among the Imperial Knights.

"Quiet, Theo! Your laugh is so loud it's ear-splitting."

"Gwahaha! Don't be so harsh, Karina!"

Theo's laughter was met with a curse and rebuke from 'Karina Hynix,' the brigade commander of the 'Branded Knights'.

And just in front of her was Schvalt, the commander of the 'Azure Lion Knights'.

As usual, with a sullen expression, he glared at me.

'Is this supposed to be the task force for taking down the Six Fingers?'

Three knight orders, plus the 'Blind Eyes'.

'Isn't this overkill?'

It was so absurd that I couldn't help but chuckle.

It's merely a mission to eradicate a criminal organization.

But deploying three knight orders?

"Still, involving three knight orders and one of the royal agencies just for catching a criminal organization?"

Karina, echoing my thoughts, spoke with a brusque tone.

"Don't question it too much, Karina! It's all according to the highly esteemed Prince Osborne's commands!"

"Can't I question it? It's just a criminal organization residing in a forsaken slum!"

As Karina's voice grew louder, she met my eyes and suddenly cleared her throat.

"Well, that's what I think. Right?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Karina addressed a member of the 'Branded Knights' standing behind her.

What? As a brigade commander, is Karina intimidated by 'Yulian'?

No, there was no 'Color of Fear' visible above Karina's head.

It didn't seem like fear, perhaps they had previous encounters?

"We are knights! Adhere to our duties as knights!"

Oh, he's loud.

Theo was loud in the text too, but hearing him directly was ear-shattering.

"Isn't that right, schvalt? Say something!"

"As you said, we're knights. Our duties are set. However, there is one thing that makes me wonder."

"What is it?"

Schvalt pointed his finger at me.

"Why is that person sitting as the operation commander?"

Does this guy ever stop harping on about me?

Shrugging my shoulders at Schvalt's comment, I replied.

"Prince Osborne simply selected a person fit for the position."

'I honestly don't know either.'

Though I'd like to say it, doing so might make them underestimate me, so I decided to take a firm stance.

"Hmm, indeed. It's rather unusual for someone from the 'Blind Eyes' to be the overall commander of a mission involving knight order commanders."

"I'm not really bothered by it."

"What? Why is that the case...?"

Karina gave me a sly smile and waved her hand when pressed by Schvalt.

"Isn't he handsome?"

"That's not a valid reason."

"Schvalt, you're too rigid, that's a turn-off. A man should have a bit of a roguish charm, you know?"

She said that while giving me a grin and a wave.

"Incredible. Both Eulsis and Prince Osborne..."

Ignoring Schvalt grumbling to himself, I clapped my hands to capture the attention of the knight commanders.

"Well, now that we're gathered, let's have a brief on tomorrow's operation."

Though Osborne's heavy investment still puzzled me, I decided to take charge since the matter had escalated.

"Prince Osborne has commanded us to capture the recently escaped criminal, Annarui, and the criminal organization known as the 'Six Fingers' she belongs to."

"Hmm, hmm!"

Even with a simple explanation, Theo nodded vehemently.

If it were another occasion, his enthusiastic reactions might have encouraged me to say more.

"But! I have one question!"

His voice was loud enough to be somewhat grating.

"What is the name of the operation?! We need a name to explain it to the other knight members!"

An operation name.

Honestly, I hadn't thought of one.

I hadn't anticipated it growing to such proportions.

'Ah.'

Suddenly, a good name came to mind.

"Operation name is."

In the story, when the 'Six Fingers' organization got slammed by the 'Sword Saint', the episode was titled this.

"'Breaking Finger'."

Clacky's Corner:

Finger Breaking Good!