novelraw Chapter 204
Chapter 204
Chapter 204. Secretly Noble (1)
I wondered if there was anything left to say to the Sword Saint.
No, even if there was, I didn't particularly want to hear it from him.
Neither did I, nor Yulian.
'...... Haaa.'
Though those were my thoughts, as I settled into the 'Orchid Garden', I could only sigh inwardly.
Both Yulian and I were fools.
Pursuing the name 'Sword Saint', we had come this far—such blockheads we were.
"Amusing."
As I sat idly, waiting for the Sword Saint to speak, I tilted my head in curiosity at the significant words emerging from his mouth.
"What amuses you so much, master?"
"Being able to relax like this with my disciples."
"Even back in the Holy Kingdom, there was ample time to relax."
"That was when I hadn't yet adapted,"
Hayden said, clenching and unclenching his hands repeatedly.
Gazing upon his veins-stretched hands, I instantly grasped what he meant.
'He's referring to the demon.'
The power of the demon implanted in his body. Unable to control it properly, his mind wavered.
"And, I hope to clarify that the mishap that occurred then had nothing to do with me."
"Was there an incident?"
Rinne, standing nearby, seemed to harbor no doubts, but Sebion appeared to have been piqued by the Sword Saint's words.
If only he remained silent knowing nothing.
"Yes, there was."
Ordinarily, I would have said nothing, but with the 'Sword Saint' standing before me, a whirlpool of emotions surged within my chest.
"Just the fact that I'm not drawing my sword this instant is something Master should be grateful for."
"What!?"
Sebion visibly bristled at my words.
Simultaneously, he glanced at Rinne's face. Expecting her to react to my disrespectful tone towards the 'Sword Saint', no doubt.
But Rinne merely stood still. Her thoughts weren't any different from mine.
"Let's not let it come to blows, and remain calm, Sir Sebion. This is a discussion between the Master and his concerned parties."
Clearly drawing the line caused Sebion's face to flush red.
"What did you say? You little...!"
As he reached for his sword, I quietly smiled at Sebion.
"Don't draw. You'll die."
A simple yet unmistakable warning. Sebion hesitated briefly before ceasing his action of drawing the sword.
Simultaneously, an awkward look crept onto his face. He must not have expected neither the Sword Saint nor Rinne to back him up after throwing out such heated words in anger.
"Hahaha!"
Seeing this, Hayden burst out in hearty laughter.
"It's good to see that fiery nature hasn't changed."
It wasn't for your sake that I ended up like this.
Seeing Hayden's laughter, it felt as if a needle had been pierced somewhere on my body.
Still, I tried my best not to let it show. From his reaction, it was clear that I'd only get more irritated.
"I was quite surprised in the audience chamber. If Abigail hadn't taken a liking to you, your position might have been jeopardized."
From Hayden's words, it seemed he didn't know that Abigail was a 'witch' and that I was the son of the 'Queen of Thorns'.
That was only natural. Such 'information' is only revealed when the 'player' interferes with the protagonist.
"You're the only one who truly considers me, master. I wish some of that affection had been present in the Holy Kingdom."
"As I said earlier, it was beyond my control."
I silently listened to the Sword Saint's words.
"One was blinded by desire, and the other by vengeance. Their actions were something I couldn't stop with my hands."
Sure, of course.
"So, what do you wish to say that you've called me, master?"
I was so eager to leave that my hands trembled.
It felt unbearable. Not just unbearable, but also extremely unsettling.
Both the very existence of the 'Sword Saint' and the body of 'Yulian' witnessing it.
"No, I merely wished to converse briefly."
What is he talking about?
"Soon, we won't even be able to have idle chats like this."
We won't even be able to have idle chats, huh.
"It sounds like you're suggesting I'll become incapable of speech."
"Haha."
Is he trying to warn me not to try anything foolish?
Though the thought crossed my mind, Hayden corrected himself.
"Perhaps, I might end up in such a state."
***
Thus ended my conversation with the Sword Saint. Although it seemed we had a trivial discussion, the final words he left behind lingered in my mind.
― Perhaps, I might end up in such a state.
The moment I heard those words, what came to mind was 'demonization'.
'Is it that he still can't manage it properly?'
When a layman implants a 'demon' in their body, 'demonization' inevitably progresses.
Without possessing the trait of the 'Vessel of the Demon King', the demonization would proceed even more rapidly.
'I know that the Sword Saint doesn't have that trait.'
Without a doubt, if there are any 'players', they would be examining the traits possessed by the 'Sword Saint'.
"In that case, rather than becoming a demon, die by my hands."
Caressing the scabbard at my waist, I inadvertently uttered those words, which made me snap back to attention.
Although the words were ones mingled with Yulian's instincts, it was quite remarkable how much I concurred with them.
No matter how much he had deteriorated, a Sword Saint remained a Sword Saint.
He was someone who had once been a master to Yulian, whom I delved into the game to pursue.
'Tch.'
Clicking my tongue inwardly, I got up.
Looking outside, dusk had begun to settle. Tomorrow, the 'Bishop Selection' hosted by Tenelon was set to commence, along with the 'Grand Archdeacon's Dethronement Ceremony'.
'Before that.'
Bishop Genin wished to counsel me about what was to happen tomorrow.
'Genin, huh.'
He was the current overseer of the Dawn Society's stronghold, the Genmel Monastery.
In essence, his role in the 'Grand Archdeacon's Dethronement Ceremony' was pivotal. He had meticulously comprehended the geography of the monastery and held the authority to alter its schedule at his discretion.
Kolparan's acquaintance with Genin proved advantageous.
'I hope things proceed as promised.'
As I draped the coat over my shoulders, it fit snugly and perfectly on my body.
Grrrrng──.
As night deepened, just when I was about to step out, Angelica poked her head in.
At night, Angelica became more active. Likely, it was due to her connection with the demon tied to the 'shadow'.
With blinking eyes numbering many, Angelica, who was teasing to her utmost, seemed to unleash a keen hostility from her body.
'You must be aware too.'
That the conversation Genin wished to have with me was not merely a 'casual chat'.
***
Genin Mardielle, who established and entirely managed the Genmel Monastery, was a traitor.
During the time when he engaged with Yulian alongside Bishop Kolparan Demius, genuinely wishing for the 'Grand Archdeacon' replacement.
The problem arose when he privately conversed with 'Tenelon'.
― There are too many bishops now. Once pruning all the bishops once more, someone will need to oversee them."
A sweet proposition.
In the 'Dawn Society', which was deeply intertwined with aristocratic affairs, a 'position' was power far beyond ordinary.
― An archbishop position would suit you perfectly, don't you think, Genin?"
Thus, Genin resolved to betray Yulian, with whom he had been collaborating.
What Tenelon desired was the capture of 'Yulian', or at the very least, the handling of his supporters.
'Perhaps, they trust me.'
Among the options Genin could choose from, he opted for the most challenging yet definitive way to yield results.
In the deceit-filled society of nobles, such affairs could be executed without even a change in complexion.
"Master, Sir Yulian has arrived at the estate."
"Hmm, let him in."
At Genin's words, the servant gave a polite bow and exited the room.
Shortly after, as the departing servant opened the door, a slit-eyed man entered the room.
"It's been a while, Sir Genin. Have you been well?"
A face unreadable in expression, his thoughts indistinguishable, ignited a fear deep in Genin's chest, though he paid no mind to it now.
"Yes, Sir Yulian. I believe it's the first time seeing you personally since Ascension Day."
"Haha, you must be mistaken."
"Huh?"
Genin questioned, uncertain if he misspoke, upon seeing Yulian's cascading smile.
"I didn't attend this year's Ascension Day."
Did he now?
Genin realized his folly for a moment.
The Ascension Day mark the largest celebration within the Empire.
He had assumed that whether or not they conversed, he might have bumped into Yulian; it would be the same for most knights and nobles.
Striving for a slightly congenial atmosphere, Genin shut his eyes tightly from his faux pas.
"Well, at this point, it's a rather trivial lament."
"Ha, haha... indeed, Sir Yulian!"
"And so, what is it that you wish to discuss, Sir Genin."
"Please, have a seat, Sir Yulian. Let's have a leisurely tea-time chat."
Clap──!
Upon Genin's clap, the parlor door opened, and the waiting servants entered, pushing a wagon.
"It's Emelda's black tea from the west. I was saving it for the opportunity to strengthen my rapport with you."
"Oh."
There was a tone of interest in Yulian's voice, but I couldn't ascertain if it was genuine.
Hastily preparing the teacups, Genin took up the teapot himself, pouring it into both Yulian's and his own.
As the reddish liquid filled the cups, Genin felt a burning inside.
'There's poison in the tea.'
A deadly poison, at that.
'If Yulian drinks it....'
Genin glanced at Yulian while pouring the tea.
Even though that Smiling Executioner may not be killed by the 'deadly poison', it would still cause substantial harm.
During that window, the private soldiers, whom he had strategically placed, could then subdue Yulian.
'By doing so, I'll ascend to the archbishop seat.'
Looking at Yulian's face, Genin's fear reignited the hunger and desire smoldering within him.
"At least have one cup."
After pouring from the teapot into both cups, Genin lifted the cup and downed it first.
'The poison is void until the tea meets the cup coating agent.'
Tea from the same teapot. Drinking it first would mitigate suspicion, or so he thought.
"When I start a cup of this, I don't want to move until I've finished it."
"Is that right?"
Despite Genin's words, Yulian merely continued smiling eerily, gazing at the tea.
Was it discovered?
No, there wasn't anything to discover.
"Sir Genin."
At that moment, Yulian spoke.
"Do you know? The truth is, I didn't entirely trust you, Sir Genin."
The abrupt and shocking remark left Genin's mind numb.
Before he could even respond, Yulian lifted the teacup and began to savor the aroma, bringing it to his lips.