Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 200

Chapter 200. Focal Point (2)

Rinne already knew that the cane Zahard held was, in fact, a sword housing a sharp blade.

The tight grip on it was as much a declaration that he might draw it and swing it at Hayden at any moment.

'As expected... Sir Zahard noticed.'

He noticed something was wrong with her master Hayden Reich's body.

Currently, the "demonic energy" resided in the Sword Saint's body.

This meant that he was either nurturing a "demon" within him or had implanted it voluntarily.

"Zahard, what are you trying to say?"

Despite the unexpected remark, Hayden replied to Zahard's words with a smile.

What would change just because you know? That underlying tone of confidence was evident.

"... Hmm, I don't wish to say it here directly, as it might put an old friend in an awkward spot, but if you insist, I have no choice but to speak."

"Haha, thanks for the consideration."

Once again, as he tightened his grip on the staff, Hayden's gaze changed.

'He's serious.'

It was palpable.

If he attempted to deflect or avoid the issue further, Zahard was prepared to draw his sword if necessary.

"You still have quite the keen eye, Zahard."

"A keen eye, you say. Have you forgotten that both my eyes can't see?"

"That's just a figure of speech."

The conversation flowed like one between old friends, yet the underlying tension was palpable and formidable.

Ordinary people wouldn't perceive the gravity of the situation, but those gathered here—Rinne, Sebion, and the sharp-witted Lazlot—intuitively sensed something extraordinary was unfolding.

"S-Sir Zahard!"

Lazlot, eager to avert needless conflict and leave the scene, hurriedly spoke up, yet Zahard stayed put, firmly holding onto the staff.

Zahard was, by disposition, the sort to avoid unnecessary battles.

However, if it was linked to 'demons', he was the kind who would see it through to the end.

Having lost many comrades to demons and barbarians on the Northern Front.

And having lost a significant "connection" to a demon simultaneously.

"Comrade, old friend. While I don't wish to draw my sword here, if you do not provide a reason, I'm left with no choice."

"You've mellowed, Zahard."

Amidst Zahard's murderous tone, Hayden slowly moved his hand toward the coarse scabbard hanging from his waist.

A scabbard worn from being drawn thousands of times and used extensively.

Yet, it was a testament to how high the "swordsman" had elevated his craft.

"In the past, whether inside or outside the imperial palace, you would have drawn your sword without caring."

With that, Hayden withdrew his hand from the scabbard.

A clear provocation.

A declaration that even if Zahard drew his sword, he was confident in swiftly "countering" it.

Zahard frowned at Hayden's malevolent attitude.

At the same time, the vortex of aura within him began spilling outward.

"Sir Zahard! W- We've already completed the task entrusted by Sir Yulian! Let's quickly return!"

As Lazlot's urgent voice echoed, Zahard promptly reined in the dispersing aura.

"Hmm, it seems meeting an old comrade after so long has clouded my judgment."

"Y-You literally can't see anything, Sir."

Despite witnessing the remnants of Zahard's earlier murderous intent, Lazlot honestly voiced his thoughts.

The tense circumstances reflected his urgent emotions.

"Under Yulian's command, don't tell me you're actually tagging along behind that lad, Zahard?"

"Hmm."

With a short sigh, Zahard didn't let Hayden's continued provocations visibly affect him.

"Following someone's lead bears its merits; it offers unexpected experiences."

In a remarkably tranquil tone, Zahard spoke and began to step out of the secretariat.

"L- Let's go together, Sir Zahard!"

Lazlot, frightened, hurriedly followed him.

Watching Zahard's retreating figure, Rinne let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

'Sir Zahard must have sensed it with his aura.'

His "aura sonar" allowed him to perceive an opponent's essence even without sight.

Thanks to that, he had discerned the "abnormality" in Hayden's body.

"Unexpected experiences, indeed."

Hayden also muttered to himself as he watched Zahard's departing figure.

Then, as if nothing had occurred, he made his way back to the secretariat.

***

The fact that the Sword Saint had returned to the capital needed not be witnessed firsthand to be known.

A sharp presence constantly pricked the skin, and a nauseating instinct persistently urged me to seek him out.

Thankfully it was not an overwhelming discomfort, unlike before, when the uncontrollable urge would engulf me.

'Were you disappointed after seeing him in the Holy Kingdom?'

I repeatedly clenched and unclenched my fists, checking the reflection in the window.

Though the reflection of the slit-eye in the glass showed no expression, I had reached a level where I could somewhat read my face's emotions.

Indeed, 'Yulian' was feeling 'disappointed' at the moment.

At the Sword Saint, Hayden Reich.

"Please, leave. Sir Pintel."

"Pardon?"

"I need to leave the office soon for business. Wouldn't it be awkward to stay here alone?"

"I can wait as long as needed, Sir Yulian."

You've misunderstood.

It's not you who'd be at a loss, but me, damn it.

"... Understood."

Without speaking further and continuing to watch Pintel, he relented.

With a respectful bow, Pintel left the office, leaving me alone in the room.

"Haaa."

I never foresaw people coming and going from this office.

'Yulian' assumed it would be impossible to get involved with others.

'The problem is that most are related to the Dawn Society; that's problematic.'

Should anyone be exposed due to an internal problem, it would inevitably lead back to others like a domino.

'I must avoid meeting anyone in this office.'

Just as I thought that, a knock resounded.

Avoiding meetings here, and a guest arrives straight away.

Fortunately, it was Lazlot and Zahard.

I had asked them to submit the official document I drafted to the secretariat, and it seemed they had completed that task.

"I intended to look around inside the secretariat for the first time in a while, but unexpectedly ran into some guests."

Zahard, who entered, chuckled and lounged on the sofa nearest to the entrance.

Though he generally didn't display fatigue, there was weariness in Zahard's actions.

Seeing Lazlot looking unwell simultaneously hinted that something had happened.

And it wasn't hard to guess what had occurred.

"You met with Master, it seems."

"You have quite the eye for observation, it seems. Hmm, those are Hayden's exact words."

"I expected Master to arrive, but not that he'd encounter Sir Zahard."

"Indeed, had I known, I might not have bothered following this lad."

Zahard mumbled as if to himself, glancing briefly at Lazlot.

The task of delivering the documents to the secretariat was Lazlot's responsibility, bearing no relation to Zahard.

His sudden whim led him to accompany Lazlot.

"Well, it's for the best. I was curious how Sir Zahard would feel meeting Master."

"Hmm."

At my words, Zahard let out a brief sigh.

Judging by his demeanor, it seemed he had noticed the anomaly in the Sword Saint's body.

"I can't fathom how he ended up that way."

"Now, hearing the term 'noble Sword Saint' just brings laughter."

"On another note, seeing how you speak, you seem to know Hayden's circumstances already?"

"Yes, I observed it when I stopped by the Holy Kingdom."

While Zahard and I exchanged words, Lazlot wore an expression indicating he couldn't comprehend the subject of our talk.

Ah, now that I think about it, Lazlot wouldn't know.

Only someone like Zahard or I could discern such things at first sight, or someone extremely sensitive to energies.

"Kid, do you not understand what's being discussed?"

At Zahard's question, Lazlot nodded.

He gestured if it was alright, shifting his gaze towards me.

"It doesn't matter."

"Really?"

Clearing his throat, Zahard spoke up.

"Listen closely, kid."

"Yes."

"Currently, Hayden, the Sword Saint, is under 'hypnosis' of a demon."

"... What?"

... Something's off.

"W- What do you mean? The Sword Saint is hypnotized by a demon?"

"Indeed, otherwise the Sword Saint's recent actions can't be comprehended, can they?"

Though what Zahard said was utterly incorrect, it wasn't entirely unconvincing.

"Considering he fled to the Holy Kingdom only to crawl back to the capital under the guise of investigating the Dawn Society, unless demonically hypnotized, it doesn't make sense."

"You're lying, aren't you?"

"Alright, half of it was a lie."

"Half?"

"Master currently has demonic energy inhabiting his body."

Before Zahard's playful side could take over, I explained the situation to Lazlot.

Demonic energy dwelled within him.

Meaning the "Sword Saint" currently bore a state akin to demons.

"Unbelievable..."

Lazlot mumbled in disbelief after hearing the full story.

Separate from the Archbishop of the Dawn Society, Tenelon's stark dislike for the Sword Saint, Lazlot seemed to hold significant respect for the 'Sword Saint'.

'Respect, huh.'

Honestly, I once respected him too.

Though now he's become a presence I'd rather not face.

I'll probably face the Sword Saint by today.

'I don't want to, really.'

Although I hadn't encountered him yet, merely the thought made my hand itch and the area below my eyes sting.

How would this body react?