novelraw Chapter 193
Chapter 193
Chapter 193. I Won't Friends With You. (2)
Damn it.
As I slowly realized that the imperial family was zeroing in on the 'Dawn Society', I bit my lip anxiously.
'Damn it.'
It would be great if they came after Tenelon was dead—better yet.
And it just had to be the Sword Saint, of all people.
The thought was dizzying and made my head hurt.
Who is it originally that disbands the 'Dawn Society'? It's the Sword Saint.
The news that the protagonist of the game was returning to crush the 'Dawn Society', which I was part of, felt like a death sentence.
'But it will be difficult for him to pinpoint everyone involved with the society immediately.'
The main concern was the whereabouts of Tenelon and the pressure slowly tightening around us.
'First of all, how much does the Sword Saint himself know about the Dawn Society?'
Probably not much.
As per the story, he didn't stay in the Empire to investigate; he suddenly left for a Holy Kingdom.
'Then, is it only those who follow the Sword Saint that have all the info on the Dawn Society?'
'Followers'
In the story, they are those who support the Sword Saint.
Some hid like the Dawn Society, while others acted openly.
A prime example being Rinne Rondvel. She is one of the members of the 'Followers'.
'I need to confront them and find out how much they know about the Dawn Society.'
Only then can I prevent any misfortunes when the Sword Saint arrives.
***
The main base of those who follow the Sword Saint, the so-called 'Followers', is a large inn called 'Wish of Abundance' located in the capital.
For a inn, it's quite spacious, with three floors, which makes it the most popular inn in the capital. It also serves as a haven for the 'Followers'.
This setup is possible because the owner, Igdor, owes a debt of gratitude to Hayden Reich.
Of course, the homage wasn't demanded by Hayden Reich, but was rather an act of Igdor's own volition.
'Tsk.'
As I saw the exterior of the building, I shook my head and clicked my tongue.
If I were to enter, I would inevitably get entangled with the 'Followers', and in the worst case, it could lead to a fistfight disguised as a confrontation.
Well......
The 'Followers' are fanatics who blindly follow the 'Sword Saint'.
Now, they may have calmed down, but Rinne is a notable example of such a type.
Besides her, countless others would go berserk at the mere mention of 'Yulian'.
'It might actually be beneficial.'
People in heightened emotional states tend to easily reveal truths.
To be precise, I know just the 'method' to do so.
It's not like I haven't tried before.
Yulian's face is just a guaranteed ticket.
Thinking this, I stepped into the 'Wish of Abundance' alone.
"Welcome......."
As I entered the building, an unexpectedly calm atmosphere greeted me. At the same time, the face of the staff member welcoming me stiffened.
Well, this guy is definitely a 'Stalker'.
'Considering the time, it makes sense that there aren't many "guests".'
With the sun high in the sky, it's midday.
Considering the place functions as an 'inn', it's only natural that there wouldn't be many customers.
Yet, as I saw the flinch on the staff member's face, I thought to myself.
'I should've brought Zahard.'
No, I shook my head.
Zahard should be preparing for the upcoming 'Bishop Selection', so I should let him rehearse undisturbed.
As for me...
Well, I'll do as I always do.
Approaching the flinching staff member, I smiled and opened my mouth.
"Wel, welcome to Wish of Abundance. Sir Yulian, what brings you here......?"
"I heard this place is a gathering spot for a suspicious organization not acknowledged by the imperial family."
In truth, the imperial family hasn't issued any command, but I deliberately mention the 'imperial family'.
The reason I'm here is to suggest that "I'm here on the business of 'Blind Eyes'", giving off an oppressive air of working for the imperial family.
'Though it's actually a matter for the Dawn Society.'
The same people the 'Followers' are pursuing.
I'm here to find out just how much they know about that 'group'.
"What do you mean? I don't understand what you're saying, Sir Yulian......"
"The traitor Sword Saint, who sought asylum in the Holy Kingdom, has followers. The imperial family's judgment was to not leave such people unchecked."
Of course, that's a complete lie.
But it's common knowledge that 'Yulian' deals only with orders from the imperial family.
No one would jest with such a revered name. This too is a strategy.
The misuse of a socially prevalent perception.
In the past, using the term 'imperial family' without authorization caused great alarm; now, I'm starting to grasp it.
"Don't worry. The order isn't for immediate execution. First, we need to ascertain what kind of organization they are and what activities they're engaged in."
"...... Doesn't it make more sense to eliminate the malignant tumor worshipping the demon god instead?"
The staff member's face soured at the negative remarks about the 'Followers', compelled to reveal his true colors.
A strong belief in the 'Followers'.
An unending trust in the 'Sword Saint'.
Seeing these things made me chuckle incredulously.
'The Sword Saint you know isn't the Sword Saint of now!'
Ah, it's frustrating.
Even if I said that aloud, what reaction would he have?
He'd likely dismiss it as nonsense, claiming the words of the 'imperial hunting dog', the 'Smiling Executioner', can't be trusted.
Even aside from Yulian, none in the ranks of the Followers would believe such words.
Their belief in the Sword Saint was almost fanatical.
So, I'll just quietly test his 'belief'.
"...... Yes?"
I gestured for him to come closer with a crooked finger, to which the staff member, appearing to be a follower, suspiciously leaned in.
"To see how much you believe in the master who left the capital, as his disciple, I'm truly moved."
"Sir Yulian, you've been expelled...... Ugh!"
I grabbed his neck, applying pressure so he couldn't speak foolishly.
"However, wouldn't it be wise to step aside here?"
"Khuurgh......!"
"It is not for the Sword Saint but for the agency directly under the imperial family to judge the Empire's tumors. Do you understand?"
"B-But doesn't the Blind Eyes have that level of authority...!"
"In that case, will you let me walk away just like this? If you're prepared to take full responsibility for the risk that follows, then by all means."
I didn't state it directly, but,
'Keep getting in the way, and you all become 'heretics' too.'
Threatening in this manner, the staff member's face drained of color.
The 'Sword Saint', who acted as a breakwater, wasn't currently in the capital, so my words would tighten around his heart like a sharp dagger.
"Ah, I see...... Sir."
Eventually, the staff conceded and handed me a small card.
An object akin to a key, granting entry to the third floor of 'Wish of Abundance', which serves as the meeting place for the Followers.
"Thank you."
I offered a simple thanks and smiled.
Though the hue of 'fear' appeared above the staff member's head.
That wasn't my concern.
After finishing the conversation, I headed straight to the third floor.
As I treaded the creaky wooden steps, I felt as though I was following in the footsteps of the 'Sword Saint', which made me chuckle.
Finally, I reached the third floor.
Even without using 'Mana Detection', I could tell there were quite a few people gathered on this floor.
The largest congregation was beyond the big door that stood before me.
'This is the place.'
The gathering spot of the Followers.
However, given the presence of people, there was a sense of commotion from within.
They seemed to be talking about something.
'Should I enter?'
No, barging in the middle of an important discussion and disrupting it wouldn't be wise.
Especially since their perception of 'Yulian' isn't favorable.
I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall at the entrance of the door.
The conversation shouldn't last much longer.
Because I intentionally made my 'presence' known.
It seemed it would wrap up soon, so I decided to wait for a few minutes.
Unlike Yulian, I'm a patient person.
***
Inside the inn 'Wish of Abundance' located in the capital city.
On the third floor, which served as the assembly point for the 'Followers', Rinne occupied a place.
Ever since doubt began to creep concerning the 'Sword Saint', she worried about the 'Followers' future course.
They are a group following the 'Sword Saint' and opposing the 'Dawn Society'.
With the Sword Saint, the cornerstone of the 'Followers', gone, the risks were greater than ever.
'It's right to take down the Dawn Society.'
Reviving the demon god is indeed a societal evil, and on top of that, the Dawn Society is the very group that killed his father.
However, the continuation of the 'Followers' was in question.
'Master has changed.'
Even if he returned, she doubted that the Followers would resume their normal course as before.
"It's top-secret. A classified secret known only to you."
While pondering, Rinne, as she sat among them, looked up at the words of the acting Sword Saint, Sebion Lenoc.
"The Sword Saint, Sir Hayden Reich, is set to return to the capital."
Sebion's words caused a stir within the room.
"Shh, keep it down."
As their whispers grew louder, Sebion gestured with a finger to quieten them.
"Why is that?"
Rinne was the first to question upon hearing his words.
She had been the only one to meet the Sword Saint after he sought asylum in the Holy Kingdom.
Opening up with a negative voice, caught everyone's attention.
"Rinne, aren't you glad that the Sword Saint is returning to the capital?"
"I simply have doubts. The Master didn't inform us of his intent and abruptly sought asylum in the Holy Kingdom."
"Surely, Sir Sword Saint has his reasons. This is an opportunity to find out."
Rinne shook her head in disagreement when Sebion acted as if it were no big deal.
Frankly, she didn't want to hear any "reason".
"If someone with your standing shows such reaction, the Sword Saint would be disappointed."
Even with Sebion's firm tone, Rinne didn't hide her displeasure.
"I am also disappointed in the Master. When he sought asylum and even when I visited the Holy Kingdom, he didn't tell me anything."
"As I said before, that probably was due to personal reasons....."
"Only thinking about his personal concerns, without considering mine."
Turning her back on Sebion, who defended the Sword Saint, Rinne firmly declared her stance.
"...... Rinne, I understand what you're thinking, but let's discuss this later."
Sebion sought to shift the mood and continued.
"At any rate, the reason for the Sword Saint returning to the capital is likely related to the 'Dawn Society'. Even though he left the Empire, he intends to completely eradicate the remaining malignancy within."
'No.'
Rinne refuted his statement.
That's the Sword Saint's 'personal affairs'.
In the 'past', he would have moved based on noble convictions, but the 'present' master was different.
"In any case, what we discussed here today is confidential. Don't divulge it anywhere, especially!"
Sebion cautioned solemnly.
"Especially not to that exiled executioner. We have no idea what will happen once he knows."
The exiled executioner.
No one here would be unaware that this referred to 'Yulian Cryphart Frason'.
'Maybe informing Sir Yulian would.......'
Rinne pondered, then shook her head sideways. Indeed, considering there might be a swordplay, it would be better to stay quiet for now.
"Then let's dismiss. When the Sword Saint returns......."
As Sebion was about to finish speaking, he appeared to have sensed something, striding toward the door.
Clang──!
As the door swung open, a familiar face came into view.
"...... You."
A man with slit eyes, the 'exiled executioner' who was just mentioned, stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall.
"Were you eavesdropping?!"
In response to Sebion's question, Yulian slowly raised his head.
Smirk.
Then showing his emotionless slit eyes, he put a cunning smile on his lips.