Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 185

Chapter 185. Darkness (3)

"Sir Yulian...?"

Like the moon reflected on the water's surface.

Seeing the subtle elegance of the 'Moonstone Sword', Fern was so flustered he stammered.

Although there was no apparent hostility, for a knight to draw his sword meant he intended to engage in battle.

Was there anyone on this bridge leading to the city other than himself?

'No one.'

This meant it was easy to predict at whom Yulian's sword was aimed.

Instinct screamed fervently.

Draw your sword!

If you wish to live, resist that monstrous person!

However, reason denied it.

Fern, having forgotten to draw his sword, stood dumbfounded, staring at Yulian as he approached without the slightest feeling.

"Ugh...!"

Was it because the tension had eased? The area around the 'demonic energy' bullet embedded in his thigh began to throb more.

The masked man who shot this bullet, assumed to be the head of the 'Dawn Society', was visible watching from where Fern had fled.

'Ah, is that it!?'

Yulian had no reason to aim his sword at him. Though there was a brief unpleasant history, those remnants had long been set aside.

Which means.

'Is Sir Yulian here to deal with the head of the Dawn Society as well?'

With that certainty, Fern redirected his gaze towards the masked man.

The man engulfed in extraordinary 'demonic energy' didn't seem ordinary at a glance.

'Albeit without evidence, that person is undoubtedly the head of the Dawn Society.'

Fern was also aware of the fact that the Dawn Society was closely related to 'Demons.'

'Demonic energy' would surely be part of that.

Maintaining his tension, Fern placed his hand on his sword handle, turning his back on Yulian and focusing on the masked figure.

Thud─!

At that moment, something hot pierced through Fern's abdomen.

"Hah."

Simultaneously, an intense pain jolted through his mind.

Fern glanced down.

There, he saw Yulian's beloved sword, the Moonstone Sword.

"Sir, Sir Yulian... Keheuk!"

Yulian's sword had pierced through his abdomen.

Fern was more overwhelmed by the question of why Yulian had stabbed him than by the intense pain spreading through his body.

Swoosh─!

When Yulian withdrew his sword, blood spattered the air like petals in the wind.

"... Why?"

Even as Fern turned and questioned Yulian, no answer came.

The man with slit-eyes showed no emotion.

He appeared as if acting naturally, as if performing a routine task, with a smile.

"Don't hold too much of a grudge. Fern. You knew something like this would happen between us."

With eyes bent like a drawn bow and lips lifted skyward, Yulian pulled back the 'Moonstone Sword' and thrust it again toward Fern's chest.

***

Splash──!

The impact of my strike sent Fern stumbling until he eventually fell into the channel.

Due to the recent rainfall, the forceful current of the channel swiftly carried the limp Fern out of sight.

'What a tremendous current.'

Marveling at the power of nature inwardly, I drew out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off the Moonstone Sword.

Clap, clap, clap──!

As I wiped the blood away, Tenelon approached me, accompanied by the two bishops attending him.

The only one clapping was Tenelon.

Apparently, his penchant for unnecessary theatrics remained unchanged.

"Yulian, I couldn't be more delighted that you've chosen the 'Dawn Society' over that inconsequential position of 'Blind Eyes'."

I was aware that Tenelon had been watching.

I deliberately dealt with 'Fern' myself so he could witness this scene and the benefits would fall to me.

"With this, we've undoubtedly dealt with the 'Blind Eyes' member well-informed about the Dawn Society's secrets. Since Yulian, you can eliminate the gathered intel, there's no need for worry."

Though Tenelon had looked at me with distrust since my return from the Holy Kingdom, that suspicion now seemed absent.

For his sake, for the Dawn Society's sake.

'An obedient dog capable of killing even comrades.'

That's what he likely thought.

'Let him think so.'

That will allow me to move more freely.

"Your Excellency, it would be wise to organize a pursuit team, just in case."

"No, Emily. I saw it all with my own eyes."

Tenelon grinned cunningly as he looked at me.

"How Yulian's sword accurately pierced that man's heart. Unless he's a demon, he'd have no choice but to die if stabbed in the heart."

The fool began to laugh joyously. I also gave a brief smile in time with his laughter.

Foolish man.

"Were you watching, Sir Tenelon?"

I feigned ignorance on purpose when I spoke.

It was rather expected that he attempted to 'test' my loyalty through this opportunity.

"Indeed, I was watching to 'test' your loyalty."

"That's disconcerting."

I let out a curt laugh, obviously displeased.

"What did you say just now...?"

"Do you wish to die?"

Though the two bishops attending to Tenelon protested, I had no interest in the weaklings' defiance.

"Enough."

Perhaps aligning with my thoughts, Tenelon restrained the bishops and stepped forward.

"It indeed is a cause for grievance. Testing you without a word, Yulian, I mean."

"Sir Tenelon, may I ask just one thing?"

"Certainly."

"If I hadn't passed your test, what would have happened?"

"Hmm."

After hesitating briefly, Tenelon replied without a moment's delay.

"You would have died."

"I see."

"You seem to accept it rather composedly."

Composed, perhaps.

But my heart was racing, you bastard!

"I hope there won't be any more of these incidents. You do understand, right?"

Suppressing such emotions as best as I could, I faced Tenelon.

"With the Sword Saint's departure from the Empire, my justification for remaining with the 'Dawn Society' has diminished."

My stated reason for joining the 'Dawn Society' was to gain the strength to defeat the 'Sword Saint'.

Of course, this was a surface-level reason.

"Indeed, I shall ensure there won't be a repeat. I apologize if I have caused offense."

As I stood my ground, Tenelon seemed to concede a bit.

Indeed, if it had been the 'real Yulian,' he might not have let it slide so easily.

He might even have been ready to brawl over being doubted.

I'm only holding it together because it's me.

"No, there's no need for an apology, Sir Tenelon."

However, this time I was somewhat annoyed.

The blood stains all over my clothes might have ticked me off, or perhaps it was the lingering excitement from earlier.

"There won't be a next time."

Perhaps, it could be you who won't have a next time.

"I will keep that in mind."

Whether he understood my implications or not, Tenelon replied cheerfully.

Then he turned his body and began to prepare to leave with the accompanying bishops.

"Ah, come to think of it, I need to appoint new bishops."

As if something struck his mind, Tenelon muttered.

If you're leaving, just get lost, you punk.

"I'd like it if you could attend the appointment ceremony, Yulian."

Under normal circumstances, I might have found a way to refuse the invitation, but not this time.

'It's a rather convenient timing.'

If they set the schedule over there, it's comfortable for me.

If I inform others, that day will be the 'execution' date.

"Understood."

"Splendid."

Tittering, Tenelon made his way with a joyful step and soon disappeared from sight.

Unaware of his own judgment day.

Go get a whiff of incense behind the screen.

Hoooosh──!

I shifted my gaze toward the channel where Fern had been washed away.

No longer needing it, I was about to sheath the Moonstone Sword when 'Angelica' climbed up my body and began to engulf the tip of the Moonstone Sword.

===

⇒ The item has been stored in 〈Angelica〉.

===

After the name 'Angelica' was given, the storage function developed for items.

"Do not! It's not for eating!"

Angelica, who had been swallowing the blade of the 'Moonstone Sword' piece by piece, shrank back at my scolding.

Even a demon deflates like this just because it gets scolded once.

'Hmm.'

Leaving Angelica behind, I examined the tip of the sword. Though it had pierced Fern's chest, not a drop of blood was on the blade of the Moonstone Sword.

The wound on his abdomen was genuine, but as for the chest thrust.

I merely pretended, using the storage space of 'Angelica'.

'... This is truly the limit.'

Fatigue began to set in.

'I should go back and rest.' As soon as the thought crossed my mind.

'Ah.'

The sight of my blood-soaked coat came into view.

'... Damn.'

It was my favorite.

***

"Catch him."

Waiting at the connecting part where the channel led underground, Pintel, seeing the person being swept toward him, commanded his soldiers.

Following Pintel's order, two soldiers reached out, grasping onto the walls, and managed to retrieve the floating person with difficulty, pulling him ashore.

"Do not speak of what you've seen here today to anyone."

"Understood."

Since they were soldiers he trusted regularly, Pintel didn't verify further and examined the condition of the person who had been swept over.

'Blind Eyes' Fern.

Due to blood loss and lowered body temperature, his condition didn't appear good, but his life didn't seem in imminent danger.

'I have excuses should I cut him down right here.'

A worse condition than assumed, causing death inevitably.

"... Move him."

"Yes."

Yet, he merely thought it and did not act.

― You plan on sparing that Blind Eyes member? It's preposterous! His death ensures Sir Yulian's safety!

― I decide who lives. Sir Pintel. Sparing useful individuals is beneficial.

― You must think rationally! That man will in no way aid us in our plans!

― We'll find use for him someday. That's what 'necessity' means.

While Pintel doubted Yulian's words initially, they soon cleared up.

― When I deem someone has value, I use them regardless. Sir Pintel, aren't you alive precisely because of this?

At that moment, Pintel's mind went blank.

'If asked whether my actions have assisted Sir Yulian until now.'

He couldn't definitively say 'Yes.'

Yet, Yulian declared that Pintel held 'value.'

"Sir Yulian felt you were valuable enough to save. Be grateful."

Pintel said to Fern as if reiterating his own situation.

Almost as if recognizing his circumstances anew.

"Is it nearing?"

Ascending the stairs of the channel, Pintel's eyes caught the sight of the large full moon illuminating the world.

'What remains is for Sir Yulian to give a definitive answer.'

When 'that day' comes, the Dawn Society will undoubtedly be turned upside down.

After all.

That day signifies the day the 'High Pontiff' is replaced.