Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 201

Chapter 201. Focal Point (3)

I knew I couldn't avoid meeting the Sword Saint.

From the start, his return to the capital was for the purpose of overthrowing the 'Dawn Society', and as long as I was a part of it, a clash was inevitable.

"If I had known this was going to happen, I would have stepped back."

Though it wasn't evident on the outside, I harbored anxiety as I turned my head at Zahard's words.

Zahard, brushing away his black hair which revealed hints of white, gave a small laugh and said, "It wasn't intentional, but who could have guessed such a thing would happen right after I joined?"

Zahard's bewildered laughter seemed odd to Lazlot, who was listening nearby, and he looked at him with a strange expression.

"Are you saying that because of the Sword Saint?"

"It could be, or it might not."

"Yulian had probably anticipated this situation."

Lazlot seemed to have taken Zahard's careless muttering with displeasure.

'But the thing is.'

I truly did not foresee such developments.

'I couldn't have predicted that the Sword Saint would defect to the Holy Kingdom, either.'

How could I have foreseen that he would shamelessly put on a brazen face and return?

Contrary to my thoughts, Lazlot seemed to think that I had foreseen everything and would respond accordingly.

Of course, to a certain extent.

"... Hmm."

Because of that, I let out a short sigh.

The other members of the Dawn Society didn't show it, but they seemed to be trembling at the news of the Sword Saint's return.

The reason Lazlot's expression was intact was... Perhaps he believed I could handle it somehow?

'No.'

In the first place, Lazlot didn't seem to be deeply involved with the Dawn Society.

That's probably why he's so composed.

"Indeed, since he's someone capable of negotiating between the Imperial family and the Dawn Society, he must have had this in mind."

Chuckling, Zahard turned his head in my direction.

Both Lazlot and Zahard directed their gazes toward me, but I remained silent.

Why?

'Because I have nothing to say.'

In times like this, the expression and mindset of this face of mine prove to be quite useful.

Even though I was fiddling with the edge of my robe as if nothing was wrong, cold sweat was running down my back.

'Moreover...'

I glanced inconspicuously at the official document laying on the table.

"The Imperial Intelligence Agency, 'Blind Eyes', will collaborate closely with the Sword Saint's investigation of the Dawn Society."

An order had been issued from above.

And by above, where do I mean?

Not the secretariat, but an order directly from the Imperial family.

In other words,

'A statement directly from the Empereror Adratan's mouth.'

In the corner of the document, you could even see the seal personally stamped by the Emperor.

'Even though I had no intention of avoiding it from the start.'

This was practically the Imperial family setting us up for confrontation.

***

After politely greeting Yulian, Lazlot exited the office.

At the same time, Lazlot, who had been serious, began to adopt a timid posture, as if he were frightened.

"Th-thank you for your hard work, members of Blind Eyes!"

Within the ranks of the Imperial Intelligence Agency, 'Blind Eyes', Lazlot was perceived as the 'timid apprentice'.

Thanks to that, aside from the affiliates of the Dawn Society or Yulian, he always tended to act this way.

"Tch tch."

Watching him, Zahard, who was following, let out an incredulous laugh.

After glancing around, ensuring the members he had greeted had left and no one was around, Lazlot's expression changed.

"What's so funny?"

"I was just thinking, isn't living like that exhausting?"

Although Zahard's remark sounded like a tease, Lazlot frowned, then returned to his usual demeanor.

"... I've lived like this. It's not something you should concern yourself with, Sir Zahard."

"Ha ha, there's no need to be so curt."

While observing Zahard, who wore a friendly smile, Lazlot seemed about to say something but then decided against it.

"First, I will guide you to Sir Kolparan. As Yulian mentioned, you should familiarize yourself with the geography of the Genmel Monastery."

"Yes, I suppose I should."

With Zahard nodding, Lazlot started moving again.

The scenery changed multiple times.

From the Blind Eyes' building to the garden.

From the garden to the first gate separating the palace from the outside.

As the distances changed, Lazlot kept glancing at Zahard, who naturally noticed.

"Do you have something to say?"

Even without seeing, Zahard was adept at reading people's emotions.

His trait 'Aura Sonar' allowed him to easily perceive others' aura, namely mana.

If there was an emotional change, 'mana' would naturally fluctuate.

When Zahard prompted him with a tone suggesting interest, Lazlot seized the moment to speak.

"Sir Zahard."

"Yes?"

"Aren't you the finest swordsman in the empire?"

"The finest... With the 'Sword Saint' in the ranks, that phrase seems inaccurate."

Not to mention, there's Yulian.

Zahard added this, but he answered with a sly smile.

"As long as you wield a sword, you should always believe you're the best."

Excluding the manipulation of mana, aura aggression, or the use of the mana vein.

If the competition relied solely on 'swordsmanship', Zahard was confident he could best anyone.

Perhaps seeing that confidence, Lazlot didn't hesitate to speak up.

"Then, may I ask a favor?"

"A favor? What is it?"

"Please teach me the sword."

Facing Zahard, Lazlot made his request.

A young boy standing before him.

Zahard observed Lazlot intently.

While his eyes were long blind, rendering him unable to see the external, he was instead viewing the flow of mana born from that resolve.

"I want to become a remarkable swordsman, like my father. Please teach me the sword!"

A sense of nostalgia, both tender and bitter, lingered on his tongue.

"Ha ha, kid."

"Yes?"

"Why do you wish to learn the sword?"

Faced with Zahard's seemingly affectionate question, Lazlot responded earnestly.

"Participating in the 'Finger-Breaking' operation made me realize something. To survive in this world, I need power."

'Finger-Breaking.'

Zahard was familiar with the incident.

After all, it was the operation Yulian executed, allowing him to earn the 'Royal Elite Sword Medal'.

"If I had been able to subdue Dantece just a little faster, such a tragedy might not have occurred..."

Zahard understood what tragedy Lazlot referred to.

Most likely, it involved the injury of a knight named Fern and the potential danger Yulian might face if Fern survived.

"So, I wish to become stronger, Sir Zahard."

Being known as a 'Blind Eyes Apprentice' implies, no matter their poor status, a certain knowledge of swordsmanship.

Having seen potential, they've made it this far, yet they likely stagnated due to lost directionality.

"Moreover, I began considering how beneficial it would be to aid Yulian."

An admirable thought for such a young boy to harbor.

"If that's the case, why not ask Yulian to teach you?"

"Sir Yulian is quite a busy person..."

'Does he think I look carefree?'

Zahard nearly let an abrupt retort slip out but barely restrained himself.

"If it's about money, I can provide! Although... it might take some time."

"Do I seem like a man who holds money dear?"

"No, Sir."

"Very well, you wish to become stronger indeed."

After pondering briefly, Zahard raised his head and locked eyes with Lazlot.

"It seems you wish to die."

An overpowering energy emanated from Zahard's entire being, weighing heavily on Lazlot.

'To die...'

Sweat began to pour down Lazlot's body.

A far cry from the weightless curses of street scoundrels, this was a remark that carried weight.

The moment he heard it, Lazlot envisioned 'death' and his body recoiled.

"With mediocre talent, you won't survive in this world, kid. Do you not realize that your weakness is the reason you've made it this far?"

Zahard began to retrace his murderous aura gradually.

"When you obtain a second-rate skill, you inevitably forget the craft of self-scrutiny."

A hint of self-mockery and emptiness.

Was this a message he was imparting to someone?

Zahard repeatedly chewed the bitter taste lingering on his tongue.

If he could see Lazlot's face now with his blind eyes, it would surely be a face of disappointment.

"I thought I had forgotten those two eyes that looked so disappointed at not becoming a knight... did I?"

Nonetheless, he knew well.

That he needed to be unsympathetic here.

"I'll head to Kolparan alone. We share some acquaintance, and I know the way."

Speaking as if shoving him away, Zahard fled the scene.

Though Lazlot's gaze felt icy at his back, Zahard did his utmost to ignore it.

***

Having adjusted my coat in the now-empty office, I waited for the 'people'.

Those I awaited were none other than the Imperial Guard, 'Heavenly Reverence Squad'.

A direct guard division in charge of safeguarding the Imperial residence, 'Heavenly Reverence Palace'. Without their guidance, no aristocrat could access 'Heavenly Reverence Palace'.

'Still, there is an exception.'

The Sword Saint.

In the past, during Emperor Adratan's conquest wars, he and the Sword Saint had notable friendships, leading the Emperor to bestow numerous privileges upon him.

'But that was the former Emperor.'

Both the Sword Saint and the Emperor would know.

That their relationship had soured and they were treading divergent paths.

As a 'player', during the Sword Saint's phase, only the Emperor's betrayal felt pertinent, yet this time, both had strayed from their courses.

'Anyway.'

I was waiting for the 'Heavenly Reverence Squad' to arrive.

With the Emperor having issued an official document desiring cooperation between the Sword Saint and the 'Blind Eyes', fulfilling that cooperation's role meant I had to visit the Imperial Palace.

Knock, knock.

While waiting, a knocking sound came from the door.

"Please, come in."

Upon my invitation, the door opened, and the 'Heavenly Reverence Squad' stepped inside.

Dressed in harmoniously combined black and white attire, three individuals entered.

They were the 'Heavenly Reverence Squad'.

"Sir Yulian."

Accompanying them promised a face-to-face encounter with none other than the pinnacle of imperial authority, the 'Emperor'.

And that's not all.

"Under the order of Emperor Adratan, we've come to escort you."

I would also get to see the face of the returning Sword Saint.

'This will undoubtedly be an uncomfortable position.'

In every way, my hands and feet couldn't help trembling.

To meet both the pinnacle of power, the 'Emperor', and the Sword Saint, with whom I've crossed swords, together in such a setting.

Furthermore, discussing the downfall of the 'Dawn Society' I now belonged to was unsettling.

My insides were churning fiercely.

"Yes, I was waiting."

Nevertheless, my expression hadn't changed by even a hair's breadth.

Clacky's Corner:

We finally meet the emperor.