novelraw Chapter 186
Chapter 186
Chapter 186. Correction (1)
"Whoo."
I let out a sigh.
It seemed like my eyes would close from the overwhelming fatigue... No, come to think of it, they were already closed, weren't they?
In any case, I felt too exhausted and injured to move, but there was still unfinished business.
The 'Finger Breaking' operation initiated by the Second Prince, Osborne de Adratan.
The operation wasn't fully concluded yet.
"Please report the results."
The Knight Commanders gathered at the assembly point began to give a brief report on the situation following my words.
The conclusion I gathered from them was:
"Four of the Six Fingers' executives have been dealt with. Three among them are dead. Am I correct?"
"Yes, that's right!"
Seeing Theo nod in agreement made me notice that he had quite a few injuries.
No matter how strong the executives were, they shouldn't have been able to push a knight commander this far.
Fortunately, thanks to his large build, he didn't seem to have any fatal injuries, but he had numerous minor wounds, much like mine.
"It seems the counterattack of the Six Fingers was quite fierce. To think that the commander of the Indomitable Knights would incur so many wounds."
"Hmm? These wounds? I got them from my own knights!"
Did I hear that wrong?
Puzzled by the frankness with which Theo stated it, I asked again.
"Are you saying that the knights of the Indomitable Knights attacked you, their own commander?"
"Haha! That's right!"
Theo's blunt admission left me without words, but I decided to let it go.
There's no point in arguing with a macho fool like him; it would only tire me out verbally.
"It seems the Branded Knights haven't suffered any major damage."
"That's right, teacher Yulian."
Karina answered with a smile.
Initially, she seemed heartbroken seeing my injuries, but once she realized I was fine, her demeanor improved noticeably.
Next came Schvalt.
"So you captured two of the Six Fingers' executives. As expected, you are remarkable, Sir Schvalt."
"... It's only natural. While I was taking down two, what were you doing?"
"I killed the leader of the Six Fingers, the 'Outsider' Claude Febrance."
"Don't lie."
With a "how could someone like you" look, Schvalt glanced over my injuries and scoffed.
"Lies? Would teacher Yulian lie?"
"Isn't there a lack of concrete evidence?"
"Then you don't have concrete evidence for claiming you took down two executives either."
"Their bodies are at the outpost."
"Teacher Yulian could have bodies too, right?"
But why does he keep referring to me as 'teacher'?
The nickname felt awkward, but since it wasn't an insult, I decided not to mind it.
"If corpses are evidence, I have them as well, Sir Schvalt."
"See?"
"... Hmm."
Letting out a short sigh, Schvalt turned away, his ears turning just a slight shade of red.
I knew this was how it would turn out anyway.
All that pomp for nothing.
***
After the operation was over.
When I woke up, my entire body felt numb. Clearly, my injuries were quite deep.
"Damn... this is."
As soon as I was up, I cursed the Demon God primarily responsible for the condition of my body.
'Curse you...'
I was also about to curse the one directly responsible when I realized.
'Ah, they're not around anymore.'
It's too morbid to curse the dead.
In a half-dazed state, I trudged towards the bathhouse.
Of course, with my body full of holes, I knew that soaking in water would bring searing pain.
'This borders on madness.'
However, the compulsion, almost guilt-driven like an obsession, drove me to the bathhouse nonetheless.
"Uuuuh..."
As expected, the pain engulfed me as soon as my wounds touched the water.
Of course, with water seeping into the holes in my body, how could it not hurt?
"Damn it. Must I bathe even like this?"
Muttering curses about myself, I continuously let the hot water wash over me and gradually the pain began to subside.
After the bath, I dried my wet hair and headed straight to the dining hall.
Nutrition is the most important factor in recovery.
I had already requested my butler prepare a larger meal than usual.
'... More than anticipated.'
Upon checking the spread of food prepared, a wry smile escaped me.
Bread, vegetables, meats, and a variety of sauces lined the table.
The table legs wouldn't snap, would they?
Sitting down, I began transferring food onto plates and stacking them one by one.
Bread at the bottom, followed by meat and vegetables, topped with sauce, then finished with more bread to hold it all together.
Taking a bite.
'... It's not as intense a flavor as a franchise burger.'
But it's edible.
Just as I started eating, 'Angelica' crept up from underneath.
Usually, she would wind around my ankles, being affectionate, but she seemed sulky from my loud shout yesterday.
Her approach was nothing like before, poking and prodding.
If 'Angelica' had expressions, she would have a pouty face, like a child whose candy had been taken away.
Go on and advertise your displeasure.
"Given the situation, it was unavoidable. Eat this and forgive me."
I tossed her a piece of meat.
Slowly crawling forward, her many eyes blinking, she seemed excited as she took the meat.
'What a creepily cute creature.'
To think one could find that external appearance endearing.
Just as I was entertaining the thought that maybe something was wrong with my brain,
Knock, knock.
As I was about to take another bite of the burger, someone knocked on the door.
Usually, the rule is to let no one in around this time, but
I had an appointment today, so there was no choice.
"Come in."
With my words, the door opened and Lazlot entered.
His usual appearance was immaculate, but after yesterday's events, he looked visibly tired.
"You seem weary, Lazlot. Was it a restless night?"
"Yes, it was quite an eventful night."
"Unfortunate."
Sleep is the best medicine, after all.
"What of Fern?"
"He hasn't regained consciousness yet, but his life is not in danger."
"Hm."
That's good to hear.
Though we uncovered the secrets of the 'Dawn Society', I didn't think Fern was someone who deserved to die yet.
It's best to ensure no leaks about the secret and lay low until the 'High Pontiff' is dealt with.
My identity might be exposed otherwise.
That would mean missing out on Tenelon.
And if he doesn't cooperate...
'Well, it won't be too late to handle it then.'
I'm not a lunatic.
No matter the threats,
'Die, hoot!' and slicing a neck like a madman is not my style.
As long as dialogue is possible, at least one more chance should be given. Isn't that how social creatures behave?
I'm a generous person like that.
"Currently, Sir Pintel has placed him under the care of the Nameless Band. When your name was mentioned, their leader allowed it."
According to Lazlot, Fern's whereabouts would be concealed with the Nameless Band for now.
While it's technically under the 'Dawn Society', the current leader 'Maier' is under my command, so discretion can be ensured.
Ah, I wonder if Maier is keeping up well with her magic studies.
Her skills are undeniable, but she's quite eccentric.
Imagine the pristine Flugel and colorful Maier clashing.
Heh. It should be amusing.
Breaking through such imaginations, Lazlot continued.
"And Sir Pintel mentioned quite a bit of grumbling from her."
"Who?"
"The leader of the Nameless Band."
I had anticipated this.
Entrusting Fern would trigger Maier's resistance.
Still, the fact that Pintel described it as 'grumbling' amused me.
How much did she complain?
"I've already arranged to speak with the leader separately."
"With that grumbling person?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Probably right now."
As those words exited my lips, heavy footsteps filled the hallway, and someone barged into the dining hall.
"Isn't this too much!?"
Naturally, the identity belonged to Maier, who had been the topic of conversation moments ago.
Thanks to prior arrangements with the staff, she could enter without notice.
"A knight, a fugitive no less... what's this?"
Stepping into the dining hall, Maier observed Lazlot's face.
It seemed she was about to speak regarding the 'Dawn Society', but noticing another present, she abstained.
"Please go ahead. Lazlot here is 'aligned' with us."
"Oh, really? You're one of 'us' too?"
Muttering "I can't believe it", Maier resumed speaking.
"What's the plan for entrusting us with a knight chased by the Dawn Society? Should we get caught, our guest group could be uprooted!"
Maier's expressed concern was valid.
Completely disassociating from the 'Dawn Society' after Gerard's expulsion was not yet a reality, and they remained under the 'Nameless Band'.
If the 'Dawn Society' discovered Fern was being sheltered, it would indeed be troublesome.
"It won't come to that. 'He' was aware of those concerns you mentioned."
"...'He'?"
Though Lazlot uttered terms he didn't fully understand, Maier flinched, realizing what I implied.
She probably recognized the hint at the 'Black Knight', even in my vague reference.
"So, no need to worry."
When it comes to the 'Black Knight', everyone practically bends over backward, right?
However...
Could even the name of the 'Black Knight' bridge such a gravely dangerous situation?
"Well... if he says so, there's no other choice."
Contrary to my diligence, Maier's immediate agreement was unexpectedly disarming.
Internally chuckling at Maier's compliance, I took another bite of the prepared burger.
"So, will you let 'him' know?"
"Know what?"
"... Tell him to come and talk personally."
Sensing something unusual in Maier's tone, I asked.
"Maier, you aren't harboring any odd feelings, are you?"
"Shut up!"
Maier snapped back irritably and stormed out of the dining hall with an assertive stride.
Something felt ominous.
The pressure of the 'Black Knight's name seemed to weigh heavily.
I am not fit to meet strangers' expectations.
Moreover, I was currently playing the role of Yulian, the slit-eyed villain.
I was just trying to ensure my own safety amidst this chaos.
Haaa, things seem to be getting tangled little by little.
With Maier's departure, only Lazlot and I remained in the dining hall.
"Is that woman the leader of the Nameless Band?"
Having never met Maier before, Lazlot inquired with a puzzled expression.
"Yes, that's correct."
"So, Sir Pintel was right about her 'grumbling'."
Well, I can't deny that.
"And Sir Yulian, by leveraging the success of this operation, prince Osborne is attempting to reschedule the Conferment Ceremony."
With a nod instead of a reply, I acknowledged it.
I was aware.
It was the purpose of this operation and why I gathered the knights.
"... If it overlaps with the Bishop's appointment ceremony mentioned by the High Pontiff, mightn't it become a headache?"
"It will be fine. Their schedules won't coincide."
While Lazlot voiced concern, memories of the upcoming medal ceremony and bishop appointment ceremony surfaced.
The latter, due to Osborne's convoluted schemes, undoubtedly presented its share of nuisances, yet...
I suspected it wouldn't boast the kind of chaos I foresaw at the 'Bishop Appointment'.
Undoubtedly, it would mark Tenelon's end, which had been a persistent thorn in my side.
Moreover,
The Trait derived from an unexpected manner might just prove incredibly advantageous.
After wiping my hands with a handkerchief, I checked the system interface.
===
⇒ Trait, 〈True Vessel〉
===
Despite playing 〈Kill the Demon King〉 countless times, it was a Trait I hadn't encountered before.
Facing Claude, the Demon King's vessel, had led to insight.
I understood now.
〈True Vessel〉's number of application.
1
Clacky's Corner:
I forgot to mention this before, but Theo is an example of epitome of straightforward manliness. He is all brawn with no brains but extremely loyal to his subordinates. Kinda like Jude in a way.