Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Correction (3)

"Truly, that medal is nothing short of trash."

With Yulian's bombshell statement, silence fell over the Gate of Respect.

It was only natural.

The empire's 'crime of disrespect' held a lofty status, positioned at the pinnacle of the 'tower of law'.

For a member of the royal family, especially one distributing a medal, to call it 'trash' was akin to saying:

'I'm tired of living, won't you just place my head on the guillotine?'

Even if it came from someone as renowned as Yulian, it was no exception.

'Hmm.'

To be honest, it was true that using strong language was necessary to draw some attention.

But he had ended up uttering words that were too intense. Damn it!

'Seeing a crowd of people and thinking it was trash made my mind wander, and then it just slipped out.'

In other words:

Due to nervousness, I had made a mistake.

Damn it!

Up until now, acting arrogantly was something he could relatively 'control'.

But uttering such words about a medal bestowed by the royal family in front of so many people meant that...

'Ha ha, the Smiling Executioner will end up in the executioner's block!'

That thought crossed his mind once again.

'Hoo.'

Nevertheless, the plan to draw attention had been successfully accomplished. The issue lay in how to proceed from this point.

'But still, how am I supposed to stop trembling!'

***

Eyes devoid of emotion.

A mouth that seemed to contain scorn.

Observing these traits, which defined Yulian, Osborne clicked his tongue inwardly.

'What is his motive?'

In the situation of awarding the Royal Elite Sword medal.

A place where so many people had gathered.

Osborne realized that Yulian's conspicuous actions must have some reason behind them.

'If he's being so shameless, there's certainly an intentional motive.'

Otherwise, he wouldn't utter words that border on blasphemy against the royal family.

Despite the fact that the Royal Elite Sword medal held significant value and the words were close to an insult directed at the royal family, Osborne didn't step forward rashly.

If he wanted something, he would speak up himself.

So he decided to wait.

"I may have spoken too harshly."

Through the amplification magic tool, Yulian's voice resonated across the stage.

"Everyone, please don't be too withdrawn. I had previously discussed this with Prince Osborne."

Discussed it beforehand? Osborne, for a moment, was about to refute and ask what he meant, but he quietly let it pass.

His curiosity was deeper than his desire to punish for the crime of disrespect.

Of course, if it exceeded a certain limit, he would immediately rise from his seat and order Yulian's confinement.

'And he says not to be withdrawn.'

Everyone gathered on this platform was startled by your sudden actions.

"In truth, there is someone more deserving of this Royal Elite Sword medal."

The topic of the conversation shifted to the 'Royal Elite Sword medal'.

Yulian opened his speech by mentioning someone more deserving of the medal he had received.

Perhaps he intended to refuse the medal once again?

And in front of so many eyes?

That would be a bad move.

"The Northern Hero, Zahard, who is currently incarcerated."

Zahard?

Osborne knew that name as well.

Before carrying out the 'Finger-Breaking' operation, Yulian had mentioned mitigating his incarceration.

"Do you know why he is imprisoned?"

While not fully aware of the details, Osborne vaguely knew the reason.

Yet, what purpose does that serve?

To the public eye, he was not seen as a 'hero of the Northern Front' but merely as a 'deserter'.

"He is imprisoned because he was a 'father'."

Osborne felt a dizzying sensation.

It wasn't that he was surprised by the method to change how people viewed the 'Zahard' character in the institutions.

'This guy.'

Osborne looked at Yulian as he held the magic tool and shouted as if delivering a speech.

"Zahard, his son was attacked by a parasitic demon and became a demon himself."

With a sly smile, Yulian's speech swayed the audience's attention back and forth.

"Zahard didn't abandon his son. He resolved to personally end the life of his son who had turned into a demon."

The destination of that statement was already anticipated.

"He decided to throw away all the merits he had accumulated, just to do that."

Saying so, Yulian shook the 'Royal Elite Sword medal' hanging from his neck once.

"This honorable medal was originally his!"

Honorable, he said... even though he just called it trash a moment ago.

Osborne was at a loss for words.

"In the Adratan Empire, it's one of the most prestigious medals, yet he refused it. He moved, not to save his son, but to put an end to his journey."

The slight emotion in Yulian's voice felt more cunning since it wasn't what he typically exhibited.

It felt as though he manipulated his emotions to draw the audience in.

"A soldier, a knight, should have been reprimanded, yet he did such a thing because he was a father."

As Yulian's speech continued, it felt as if he was controlling the emotions of the audience at will.

"That's why I called this medal trash."

In this 'award ceremony', the protagonist should have been 'Osborne,' the one giving the medal, rather than Yulian receiving it.

"What a deplorable event it would be for it to be awarded to someone unworthy, while the rightful recipient languishes in prison."

Before he knew it, he had taken center stage.

"However!"

Yulian's booming voice echoed.

"That was only until yesterday."

And then, he turned to Osborne.

"This medal will return to an honorable figure as per my agreement with Prince Osborne."

Surely, he would say it will be awarded to Zahard.

"To Zahard, indeed."

Osborne locked eyes with Yulian.

Though the protagonist of the platform became Osborne with his words, it was a result guided by him.

"Thank you for making a great decision, prince Osborne."

With sincerity, Yulian showed respect.

Clap, clap, clap!

Along with his bow, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

"Hooray for Prince Osborne!"

"Hooray for the Prince!"

To smoothly transfer the medal to another person after laying the groundwork, without appearing odd.

'I can't use this occasion to claim Yulian supports me.'

Yet Osborne found himself indifferent to it.

In the current order, when 'Osborne de Adratan' is mentioned, 'rational' is the image that comes to mind.

'Rational', in military terms, can be a positive trait, but when it comes to winning people's hearts, it can be negative.

However, with Yulian's speech today, Osborne would be remembered as a prince who harbored a certain humaneness amidst his rationality.

If looked at from that perspective, he gained something as well.

'True to your Blind Eyes group, you maintain neutrality but choose to fill it with something else that doesn't tarnish my reputation.'

Amid the thunderous applause, Osborne watched Yulian closely.

Even in this situation, the sly executioner wore a smile.

'They call you the Mad Dog of the royal family, but there's no fox like you.'

Though he felt he had been outsmarted, Osborne had no intention of rejecting this flow.

As Osborne stood up and shook hands with Yulian, the applause resonated even more grandly across the platform.

***

"Sir Yulian, you did well at the award ceremony. The prepared garments are... Kyaaaa!"

As I was looking at myself in the mirror in the washroom, I turned my head at the sound of a servant's piercing scream.

"I've placed the outer clothes over there. You can take them."

"Pardon? Oh, yes...! Thank you!"

The servant took the clothes I had hung and hurried off with a quick bow.

'She must be quite startled.'

Once she was gone, I turned my gaze back to the mirror.

In the reflection was the slit-eye Yulian.

A mouthful of bright red blood was oozing from his lips.

But it wasn't due to any injury from Claude. This was...

"Did you dislike it so much? Uttering the word 'father'?"

The reason was the story about 'a father's affection' told under many gazes, which led to this bleeding.

"Acting as a petulant kid, why does such a thing make you upset?"

After rinsing away the blood with water from the sink, I dried the moisture off with a towel.

In retrospect, there is no bigger brat than this.

Having a strong ego means being uncompromising, but to think it would lead to such steadfast self-awareness!

"Hoo..."

Even so, the pain helped calm my pounding heart a little.

The ridiculous ad-lib to get through the situation ended up okay, but if it hadn't matched Osborne's mood, it could have been 'off with my head' right away.

'I never want to experience this again.'

Thinking so, I exited the washroom.

"Ah."

And there, I spotted a familiar face.

Yulian's father, the current head of the Cryphart family, 'Oben Cryphart'.

Beside him was the old knight, Eharc.

Grrrrrt ---

Once again! Calm down, you fool!

"I witnessed the award ceremony. And... your speech as well."

"Did you? Thank you, Lord Oben."

I bypassed Oben, who seemed to have something more to say, and made my way down the corridor.

I decided not to engage in any further conversation; otherwise, more blood might spill from my mouth.

'Just when I've already got the taste of steel filling my mouth.'

I'm aware that Oben wants to re-establish a 'father-son' relationship.

But considering how defiant this guy is.

I don't have a way to force it.

"Sir Yulian."

While feigning disinterest under Oben's gaze, I was approached by Lazlot at the entrance.

"Sir Fern has awoken."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Would you like to visit right away? If so, I'll contact Blabber."

Blabber?

You're referring to 'Maier', right? Seems like you've gotten quite chummy, huh?

"Yes, please inform her."

With that response, I briskly exited the corridor.

Clenching tightly.

Feeling Oben's gaze following me, I hurried my pace to prevent 'Yulian's instinct from unsheathing his sword.