novelraw Chapter 190
Chapter 190
Chapter 190. Let's Get Acquainted (2)
"To destroy the Dawn Society, I have called you all to this place."
My words were met with a blanket of silence from the surroundings.
It was only natural.
Revealing that I belonged to the Dawn Society while simultaneously declaring my intent to annihilate it was confusing, to say the least.
'... However, to have silence fall so heavily is quite something.'
I was at a loss for words to continue.
"Destroy, you say? The Dawn Society?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Fortunately, it was Zahard's words that alleviated my embarrassment.
He spoke first and didn't seem too puzzled by the fact that I was part of the Dawn Society.
Perhaps because I had explained in advance.
"Did you join the Dawn Society with that goal in mind?"
When I nodded, Zahard tapped the ground with his staff and sat down in a suitable spot.
"Are you serious?"
Similarly, Fern, who listened, showed signs of astonishment as he asked me again.
If asked if it was true, I couldn't say definitively, but that intention was indeed present.
When I nodded slightly, Fern's face brightened but only briefly.
"Then, why didn't you tip me off... Urk!"
Just as Fern, with anxiety-filled eyes, was about to say something, he suddenly clutched his stomach.
It was the wound I had inflicted.
Due to the intense emotional shift, the pain in that area seemed to have intensified.
'... Hmm.'
I felt slightly guilty.
Still, he shouldn't think too negatively about it. I did spare him from a second strike.
"Why did you not give me a hint?"
"Hmm."
I let out a short sigh.
Why hadn't I informed him beforehand? Because it would have been my loss if I did?
Naturally, I had intended to quietly act on my own to bring down the Dawn Society.
Bringing others into it would have only complicated matters unnecessarily.
'Even if Fern had died, it would've been the same.'
The secretariat had secretly entrusted this guy with investigating the Dawn Society, so it was clear that something big would unfold if he went missing.
Afterwards, they undoubtedly would have sent others for further investigation into the Dawn Society to complement Fern's demise.
Thus, this was the only answer I could provide,
"Because it is a top-secret matter."
Upon my nod, Fern briefly brought a hand to his mouth, contemplating.
In truth, this matter had no relation to the imperial family.
It was a personal matter entangled with my own affairs, so saying anything didn't matter.
'Yulian is conducting a secret investigation.'
That was something 'anyone' knew.
"So, are you saying it's an order higher than the imperial secretariat?"
Somehow, Fern's tone carried a sense of awe.
I couldn't fathom his exact thoughts, but for now, I nodded.
The immediate necessity was merely getting through this situation, regardless of what I said.
"Yes, it is."
"... Higher than the secretariat."
Fern exclaimed, opening his mouth with a face full of admiration.
"That means it's a direct secret order from the royal family!"
In response to Fern's expression of realization.
"......"
I impulsively nodded.
In the empire, the prestige carried by the 'royal family' was beyond words.
To impersonate their name or misuse it would be inviting a visit from 'Blind Eyes' or similar characters.
"Ho ho..."
Hence, I couldn't readily answer Fern's statement.
If I responded poorly and this guy started spreading rumors, my head would surely end up rolling.
"Indeed!"
However, there's one thing I overlooked.
With the face of 'Yulian', even a simple smile could appear as if he's weaving some wicked plan.
Fern, who interpreted my hollow laugh as nothing but affirmation, clenched his fist.
"Ugh, ugh."
Yet, he grimaced due to the lingering pain in his stomach.
"I knew Sir Yulian wouldn't betray the empire!"
"The royal member you speak of, is it Prince Osborne who recently awarded the medal, or..."
Zahard, while speaking, trailed off and looked at Fern's face once.
He likely intended to talk about 'Kaldrach', but sealed his lips since our interaction was a secret.
'What should I do?'
Faced with their unwavering belief in my words, I was at a loss for how to respond.
An imperial order to infiltrate the Dawn Society?
'I wish it were true!'
Then I'd have the colossal backing of the royal family behind me, wouldn't I?
In reality, the main character, a 'Sword Saint', had repeatedly done absurd acts, which led to becoming a member of the Dawn Society.
No, was it fate since Yulian had originally joined the Dawn Society?
"Regardless, it piques my curiosity, who it might be."
"I agree with Sir Zahard."
As Zahard and Fern continued to press me, I felt sweat trickling down my back.
Was it Osborne with whom I recently made contact?
Or Kaldrach with close ties due to military connections?
Or perhaps the lenient Eulsis?
If I revealed any name and it eventually got discovered, I'd be facing the gallows for defaming the royal honor.
However, having anticipated such a situation, I knew how to handle it without mentioning any specific name.
I brought my finger to my lips and said,
"It's a secret."
Because it's classified, you oblivious fools!
***
After briefly conveying the details related to the Dawn Society, just before parting, Fern stood up suddenly.
"Sir Yulian! Is there anything I can... Urk!"
"Focus on your recovery for now."
With his body still aching, what does he hope to accomplish by standing up?
I had told Fern to temporarily stay with the "Nameless Band" and focus on his recovery.
'I'll have to inform the head of the secretariat.'
The reason for sparing Fern was to prevent the secretariat from focusing on 'Fern's disappearance.'
With that thought, as I exited the hut where Fern had been, Lazlot and Maier came into sight.
"Stop blabbing and keep quiet."
"What? Did you just call it blabbing again?!"
Amidst the entanglement of loud voices that started sounding like noise, the two stopped arguing and turned their heads when they saw my face, quieting down.
"I'll accompany you, Sir Yulian."
"Hey, are you not taking it back?"
Tsk, tsk.
Thinking it was a well-chosen nickname, I didn't stop Lazlot from following.
If he's joining, it must mean he has something to say.
"Is your neck alright?"
"Pardon?"
Lazlot cocked his head, the marks from Fern's fingers still distinctly visible on his neck.
"Yes, it's alright."
As my gaze moved to his neck, Lazlot embarrassedly nodded.
"Indeed, a knight's strength is tremendous. I felt it once again."
With the aid of 'Aura', knights are capable of killing ordinary people with their bare hands.
"Archbishop Eleanor wishes to speak regarding the selection of the new bishop."
Eleanor?
Curiosity piqued me about why she called instead of visiting as usual.
After attaining the rank of Archbishop, maybe it became challenging for her to make public appearances.
"Please inform her I will visit the Magic Tower today."
There was something I needed to discuss with her as well.
***
Being a prominent site in imperial magic research, the Magic Tower's ground was quite expansive.
Among those spaces, there were spots that allowed meetings away from the public gaze.
One such place was the 'Research Laboratory.'
【Shade Element Laboratory】
In truth, there aren't many mages focused specifically on researching 'Shade Element', so the lab wasn't particularly large.
After casting a glance at the sign by the entrance, I shifted my gaze toward the manager.
【Diana Dmicel】
Confirming it, I opened the door and stepped in, spotting Eleanor donning something akin to a doctor's gown.
"Aren't you employing a disguise spell?"
Typically, Eleanor would disguise her other identity, 'Diana', using 'Shade Magic' to slightly alter her appearance.
However, there was no such alteration today.
"People scarcely visit anyway."
"Well, shade Element magic isn't exactly popular. It's a shunned magic, isn't it?"
Upon hearing it labeled as shunned magic, Eleanor cast a sidelong glance.
Though an air of discontent lingered, she glanced at my face once, seemingly restraining her words.
"As it involves wielding 'Shade', an element akin to a demon's demonic energy, it's understandable to shun it."
"Even if the roots are similar, actively asserting their branches are different might be worthwhile."
"Do I have to?"
Eleanor shrugged her shoulders slightly.
"Anyway, all you get from a bunch of riffraff is clutter."
From Eleanor's tone, I could sense an overwhelming confidence in her abilities.
"Sir Yulian."
Switching from speaking as 'Diana', she took a breath, indicating it was time to discuss matters as the 'Archbishop'.
"As Sir Yulian knows, the High Pontiff plans to elect new bishops."
"Yes."
Of course, I knew.
I had heard about it when stabbing Fern's abdomen.
Thinking back on it, the person 'Tenelon' annoyed me yet again.
'Because of his obsessive-compulsive disorder, he couldn't even wash his body, being occupied with unnecessary tasks.'
Well, be that as it may, I already knew about this plan.
"Given they're newly appointed, these bishops will likely be extremely loyal to the High Pontiff due to the recent 'reshuffling'."
"Isn't that true for other bishops as well?"
The nobles joined the Dawn Society for their own reasons.
Experiences.
Relationships.
Further still, power.
It is rare to find individuals blindly worshipping the figure 'Tenelon'.
"Yes. However, the individuals chosen this time are said to be genuine zealots who worship the Demon God."
Tenelon must gradually be realizing as well.
There's a disquiet in the wind blowing through the Dawn Society.
Normally, he might have been able to deduce some answers through the Demon God's 'voice', but that, too, was impossible now.
'Is he becoming anxious?'
It's certain. He's become anxious.
"After the bishop selection concludes, it will become even more challenging to depose the High Pontiff, something Sir Yulian realizes, correct?"
I responded to Eleanor's inquiry with a smile.
"I suppose we should try to wrap it up before then."
"The bishop ordination is in four days. Thanks to the efforts of Sir Pintel and Sir Kolparan diligently working with their sleeves rolled up, everything's prepared."
Eleanor sighed.
"Sir Kolparan seemed to have eyes for the High Pontiff's position, making negotiations uncomfortable."
"Someone of Sir Kolparan's experience and stature wouldn't be out of place as the new High Pontiff."
"... Are you serious right now?"
Eleanor's face reflected astonishment at my words.
Does the prospect of Kolparan becoming the 'High Pontiff' displease her?
"Of course, I also think Lady Eleanor would suit the position of High Pontiff."
So why don't you take the role?
As I suggested it, Eleanor, once more, seemed displeased.
'... You don't want to either?'
Who's going to take that position when Tenelon is overthrown?
Preferably, someone known should take it. The Dawn Society will crumble, and when a new one is established, having someone capable of controlling any unnecessary actions would be ideal.
'Well.'
Does it really matter who?
That's what I thought back then.