Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 191

Chapter 191. Let's Get Acquainted (3)

'I can't grasp his intentions at all.'

As Eleanor smoothed her attire at the Sound Element Research Institute, she internally frowned at the man in front of her, Yulian's tone.

Though there was struggling from Pintel and help from Kolparan, he was the one who made people doubtful about the actions of the current 'High Pontiff'.

Yet, this person acted as if he had no interest in the 'High Pontiff' position.

'Or is he acting like that because he's actually interested?'

Anyway, the candidates for the next 'High Pontiff' were scarce enough to count on one hand.

The veteran Kolparan.

Archbishop Eleanor.

And even Pintel, who gathered people.

Even further, Uberon from the esteemed Hynix family.

The problem was that the one tying these four people together was the man in front of her, 'Yulian'.

'It's not like I'm telling him to take responsibility for the commotion caused.'

Unreasonably, Eleanor felt that Yulian was putting on an act to test her, which made her feel at a loss.

"Oh, I had something to tell Miss Eleanor, too."

Eleanor, who was fidgeting with the sleeve of her white gown, raised her head and met Yulian's gaze.

"What is it?"

"When selecting a new bishop, there will be guards needed to protect that position, right?"

"Yes, exactly."

But most bishops had measures to protect themselves.

That went for the 'High Pontiff', Tenelon, as well.

The existence of guards was merely to support the status of the High Pontiff.

"In that case, let me recommend someone."

"... Recommending someone for what purpose? If they're in the Dawn Society, they'd be on a list anyway."

"No, it's an outsider."

"An outsider?"

Eleanor slightly furrowed her eyebrows.

Involving outsiders in matters related to the 'Dawn Society' would only bring trouble.

Surely, Yulian would be aware of that.

Thus, she felt even more suspicious about his words.

"Bringing in outsiders is impossible. The High Pontiff would not trust anyone who isn't a member of the order."

"If so, then may you allow his initiation, miss Eleanor?"

Asking for an initiation? Just who is this person?

"The Famed Eleanor. If the esteemed Archbishop exerts her power, that much should be nothing."

'Only at times like this, he gives me such treatment.'

Eleanor clicked her tongue internally at the words from the man with slit eyes.

"Oh my, thank you. Then would you kindly listen to this renowned Archbishop?"

As much as needed.

Yulian made a shrugging gesture.

"Why did you decline the medal? The Royal Elite Sword Medal seems pretty close to the 'honor' you sought, doesn't it?"

"Hmm."

A brief sigh. Contrary to what she had expected — that Yulian wouldn't answer her — he did.

"To be honest, it's not an exaggeration to say I came here because of that."

"... Because of that?"

"Yes, because the person I'm recommending is the one to whom I yielded the 'Royal Elite Sword Medal'."

The person to whom he yielded the Royal Elite Sword Medal?

"... No way, the blind swordsman Zahard?"

"Yes."

With a sly smile, Yulian nodded.

Though blind, Zahard was a master of formidable swordsmanship.

Moreover, the rumor that he was a protégé of the 'Sword Saint' was widely known among those living in the capital.

"If it's someone like Sir Zahard, he wouldn't be out of place joining the Dawn Society."

"You've talked it over with him, I presume?"

As if it was obvious, Yulian raised his hands and gave a wry smile.

"If not, would I go so far as to kidnap Sir Zahard and force him into the order?"

That made sense. However, something still seemed curious.

Zahard's purpose. What interest could he have in joining the Dawn Society?

'Or rather.'

This may not be Zahard's 'purpose' but Yulian's 'purpose'.

Surely, it's to fill the Dawn Society with powerful allies to support himself.

"It won't matter. I'll allow it."

Eleanor had no particular objections on that point.

There is a high chance that opposing factions might rise up the moment 'Yulian' becomes High Pontiff, making it definite he would need swords to handle them.

If Yulian, as High Pontiff, wished to personally demonstrate his swordsmanship, she wouldn't stop him, but...

"That's unbecoming of a High Pontiff."

That's what Eleanor thought.

"I'm relieved we've come to an understanding."

With a dubious smile, Yulian offered his hand to Eleanor.

He was asking for a 'handshake'.

"Likewise."

She accepted that 'handshake'.

***

"Who would have imagined such things could happen in a lifetime?"

After leaving the Sound Element Research Institute and rejoining with Zahard who was waiting, he muttered.

"I feel I've been hearing that a lot these days."

"It can't be helped but be said often. Even if it's to repay kindness... cough."

Zahard amusingly began to search his surroundings, probably worried about who might be listening to him.

Even the trash cans on the street.

'But you can't see.'

That was getting tiresome to point out.

"Oh, right. I can't see."

Now even coming up with new repartees.

"Still, while it might be to repay the favor, who would have expected I'd join the Dawn Society?"

"It won't last long anyway."

"That's true as well. According to you, soon the being known as the High Pontiff of the Dawn Society will be..."

Shshk, shshk.

Zahard made a gesture of cutting a throat.

"That High Pontiff fellow isn't well-liked. This is why people say not to take in dark-haired beasts."

Zahard said, casting a glance over at my silvery gray hair.

"Let's chalk it up to his own fault."

What's he trying to say?

"Oh, by the way, aside from this medal business, there's a favor I'd like to ask."

"I know."

I perceived Zahard's intention and cut in.

"It's about your son's keepsake, isn't it?"

"That's right."

I casually inspected the cane Zahard was using.

That wasn't the sheath for the sword he usually wielded. It was simply a 'cane' given to assist him because he was blind.

"That sword should still be in the secretariat. Given its form, the authorities said there's a lot to check."

"I cannot claim it right away?"

"You can't, but I know someone who can. I plan to meet today them, so don't worry."

"Understood... Hmm?"

Just as we were about to proceed to the streets together, I spotted a familiar face in the distance.

"That bald one seems to be around."

Zahard also noticed.

He realized Felkhor was nearby.

Upon seeing me, Felkhor gave a polite greeting and walked briskly toward Zahard.

"Hey, you!"

"Oh, it's the bald one from before."

"Bald one, you want to die!"

After an exchange of insults disguised as greetings.

Felkhor maintained a sly smile as he opened his mouth to speak to Zahard.

"So, you've joined?"

I had instructed Lazlot to inform Pintel and Felkhor, and it seems they got the message faster than I expected.

"Yeah, who would've thought?"

Zahard spoke, casting a glance my way.

'So this guy is with the 'Dawn Society' too?'

That was the look in his eyes.

Did he sense my nod?

"I didn't think so either, you rascal!"

Felkhor continued to grin at Zahard's response, seemingly satisfied.

"So, that means you're currently a regular member?"

"I suppose so."

"I'm a Monsignor."

"Is that so."

"Meaning, I'm your 'senior'."

Ah, I get what he came for.

Though I wanted to ask Felkhor, 'Don't you have things to do?' I was slightly curious, so I let it play out.

Because I wanted to see Zahard act like he had to call Felkhor Monsignor or senior.

I figured it could be amusing in its own way.

"And also, you should apologize for teasing me about being bald."

For such a big guy, he was really petty.

"Even if I apologized, your hair wouldn't grow back."

"That's not what I'm here to hear! You bastard!"

Snorting, Felkhor expressed his discontent.

"Well, it's not that hard."

Shrugging his shoulders, Zahard followed with words.

"I do apologize."

"Hmph, hmph!"

Felkhor nodded awkwardly.

Though it seems he was satisfied...

"However, calling you senior with such a petty attitude feels odd to me."

"What?"

"A man should have enough guts to dismiss minor insults like 'bald' or 'Felkhor' with a laugh."

"... Tsk."

Felkhor clicked his tongue once.

Perhaps taking to heart the advice of a seasoned expert, Felkhor did not express anger.

'Don't tell me he doesn't notice?'

Zahard said the opposite, you fool.

***

"Oh."

Srrrk, thud.

As soon as his fingers touched it, a branch dropped from the bonsai tree, causing Herand to sigh.

"I have no idea how to cultivate this."

The bonsai that Yulian gifted him.

At present, that bonsai was in a state where it couldn't be said to be alive yet wasn't dead either.

That was because Herand had absolutely no experience in raising plants.

To him, the 'bonsai' was an unknown object regarding its care.

"At least, it's fortunate that even though the branch is trimmed, eventually it regrows."

Looking at the unsightly shape of the bonsai, Herand clicked his tongue internally.

It was as though it's dying, but ironically, this plant somehow tenaciously held onto life.

That's why this space is still occupied by the flowerpot.

'About a month or so.'

That's how long it takes before branches regrow, taking on a more presentable shape.

At that point, he would try pruning again.

"Sir Herand."

As Herand set the scissors down, an attendant nearby spoke up.

"Yes, what is it?"

"There is a visitor for you."

"A visitor?"

At this time, there shouldn't be anyone seeking him.

Harboring this doubt, he asked the attendant back, who gave a reply.

"It is Sir Yulian Cryphart Frason."

"What...!?"

Why Yulian all of a sudden!?

No, wait. Stay calm.

Herand began steadying his nervously pounding heart.

It's unlikely Yulian had come here as the 'Imperial Sword'.

Moreover, hadn't he somewhat washed away any discontent from the past?

'Maybe he's simply stopped by for a greeting since he's back in the capital. So....'

As Herand tried to organize his thoughts, the bonsai he had been trimming caught his eye.

The bonsai, whose shape turned unsightly from a failed pruning attempt.

Evidence haphazardly scattered all over the flowerpot.

Gulp.

Yulian was known to cherish bonsai.

Moreover, even disregarding it as merely 'bonsai,' if he saw how a 'gift' he'd given was so poorly maintained...

'Might that not lead to a renewed misunderstanding!?'

Panicking, Herand resolved to buy time to clean the mess.

"J-just have him wait in the reception room! I'll be there shortly..."

"I-It's just that..."

The attendant was showing an awkward expression.

And right there, with a faint smile, stood a man watching this room.

"Good day, elder brother Herand?"