novelraw Chapter 226
Chapter 226
Chapter 226. Ominous Will (3)
My interaction with Angelica and reclaiming the condition of my mana led to my return to the capital.
The first thing I intended to do was to gather information; however, I ended up going back to the mansion to wash up instead.
"Phew."
As I washed away the grime from what happened underground, I felt the stress slightly dissipate.
I was relieved that I managed to preserve the coat I was fond of.
'It's strange that the Demon God's remains are within the empire.'
Moreover, why did it bear the 'Imperial' emblem? The question kept lingering in my mind. When I thought about it more, it was obvious.
'The vicinity of the capital. The only ones who could secretly bring Barbatos's remains nearby are the imperial family.'
But why would those 'imperials' engage in the dangerous act of possessing the 'Demon God's remains'?
'And the demon's horn was missing.'
Most likely, the imperial who brought the 'Demon God's remains' took that horn.
Was it a single person?
I pondered who might be responsible for bringing the remains.
Was it just one person?
Or perhaps two?
It's possible the entire imperial family was involved. Or maybe the emperor ordered it.
'The emperor.......'
Upon reflection, the most likely suspect seemed to be Emperor Adratan. An old and sickly ruler dreaming of 'eternal life' was somewhat predictable.
Of course, the 'Demon's Horn', even the 'Demon God's Horn', wouldn't grant 'eternal life'.
However, the emperor Adratan had a 'witch' by his side.
The Spring Witch, Abigail. It was highly probable that she whispered sweet words and moved the 'emperor'.
'It's all just speculation.'
Tsk!
After turning off the water and drying my body with a towel, I hastily dressed and left the room.
I proceeded to the parlor, watered the bonsai plants while humming a tune.
As I hummed, I pondered, 'This is insanity.'
There were pressing matters to resolve immediately, yet here I was, tending to bonsai plants.
While considering it a form of insanity, I couldn't stop watering the bonsai plants.
***
Lazlot, caught off guard by the sudden summons, headed to Yulian's office with mixed feelings of anticipation and apprehension.
Entering the 'Blind Eyes' building always evoked fear, yet also a curiosity about new undertakings.
'Now that the Dawn Society has disbanded, someone needs to take the reins.'
Lazlot believed without a doubt that someone was Yulian.
However, when Lazlot knocked on Yulian's office door and entered, the subject wasn't related to the 'Dawn Society', which caught him somewhat off guard.
"Are you aware of how many former bishops are currently in the Council of Nobles?"
Yulian's topic was not the 'Dawn Society' but the 'Council of Nobles'.
Within the capital, it wasn't on par with the 'imperials,' but it held the next level of power.
Although that power didn't stem from 'individuals' like the imperial family's power, but from the 'group', everyone in the capital knew that if the 'Council of Nobles' grew strong and united, the 'imperials' could not mandate loyalty based on blood alone.
'But why?'
Still, Lazlot couldn't easily grasp how the current 'Council of Nobles' related to Yulian.
'Ah.'
There was one thing that seemed plausible.
Considering who the current chairman of the Council of Nobles was, it was a simple matter.
'Ornn Cryphart.'
Former head of one of the four great families, the Cryphart family.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Ornn Cryphart, with his overbearing attitude, used the Cryphart family's power to dominate the council.
In reality, there weren't many who stood against the Cryphart family's power, nor was there a need.
"I heard there are quite a few."
"So, how many nobles with voting rights are there among the executives?"
Upon Yulian's inquiry, Lazlot began to understand Yulian's line of questioning.
The council chairman, Ornn, did not prefer the dissenter from the Yulian family.
If he ever had the power to socially oust 'Yulian', it would certainly put Yulian at a disadvantage.
"As far as I know, there are quite a few, with Lord Kolparan leading them......."
"Indeed, there are quite a few, but not enough to unseat the chairman."
Hearing a voice from the entrance he'd just passed through, Lazlot quickly turned his head in surprise.
There stood Kolparan Demius along with Al Hashar, a 'Monsignor' and Kolparan's escort.
"Lord Kolparan."
Looking at Kolparan, Lazlot squinted slightly and glared at him.
Although Kolparan had assisted Yulian, he had been a suspicious figure from the beginning.
Among the bishops, he was considered the most dangerous by Lazlot.
Though Kolparan's escort, Al Hashar, looked visibly displeased by Lazlot's demeanor, Kolparan waved his hand, gesturing for him to stand down.
"Kulkul, I can understand being cautious, but there's no need to look at me with such hostility, Lazlot."
Feigning innocence, Kolparan stroked his beard.
"I came because Yulian summoned me. Entering the 'Blind Eyes' building without permission is indeed a daunting task."
"Did Sir Yulian......?"
Glancing at Yulian, Lazlot noticed him nodding while maintaining his usual smile.
"There's a request I have for Lord Kolparan, a member of the Council of Nobles."
"For our esteemed Yulian's request, I can certainly listen."
Lazlot watched Kolparan with a curious gaze. While his tone seemed sarcastic, Kolparan didn't seem to mean it that way.
He wasn't an old fox for nothing, he thought, realizing why Kolparan had earned such a reputation.
"If you and your bishop allies could change the chairman, would it be possible?"
Originally, 'Council of Nobles' elections were held to select a 'chairman'. This meant that through 'voting,' it was possible to unseat a chairman.
"Hmm......."
At Yulian's question, Kolparan let out a short groan.
"It isn't impossible. With former bishops and the nobles I know joining forces, we could secure quite a number of votes."
"In that case, please, I request it."
Yulian's voice carried a strong will to leave no threats unaddressed.
If Ornn, who had considered Yulian a tumor of the family, was removed from the 'council', there would be no one left in the family to hinder Yulian.
'However.'
Would Kolparan carry out Yulian's request as stated?
As Lazlot harbored doubts, Kolparan let out a big, hearty laugh as if on cue.
"It isn't impossible, but it does require some effort on my part."
"Effort......"
As expected.
Lazlot had anticipated that Kolparan would 'demand' something.
He was a cunning fox. While he appeared to take a step back in public matters, he would spare no effort or means to benefit himself.
Hence, he likely waited for a massive emblem like 'Yulian' when he arose during the great splintering for the 'Archbishop's' position.
"Of course, I would need a reward for my effort."
"Feel free to tell me."
"Straightforward, I like that, kulkul!"
As if predicting Kolparan's actions, Yulian responded promptly.
"I hope to assume the next chairman of the Council of Nobles, and the position of the Archbishop of the newly formed 'New Dawn Society'."
Given Kolparan's achievements and his status, it wasn't strange for him to hold titles like 'Archbishop' and 'Chairman'.
However, Lazlot immediately understood what Kolparan meant.
'He plans to use it as a stepping stone, this cunning old fox.'
Lazlot firmly believed the position of Archbishop would naturally become the significant power second only to the High Pontiff.
Of course, simply being an 'Archbishop' wouldn't allow someone to vie for the High Pontiff's eminence.
'If he also assumes the chairmanship of the Council of Nobles.'
If that happened, Kolparan would indeed hold enough stature to challenge the High Pontiff whenever he wished.
'He's playing this angle, huh?'
As Lazlot expected, Kolparan's proposal wasn't easily dismissed by Yulian.
But Yulian could simply refuse Kolparan's demand.
Removing Ornn from the chair was beneficial, but it wasn't the current top priority.
Hence, refusing Kolparan's proposal here and finding a way to subdue him, or seeking other options──.
"Alright."
What?
Lazlot was taken aback by Yulian's response and turned to look at him.
Kolparan, too, seemed surprised, brushing his beard while gazing at Yulian.
"Are you sure you're okay with that?"
"Yes, Lord Kolparan is worthy of such positions."
Although no particular emotion seeped through his half-closed slit-eyes, Yulian's consistent demeanor kept Kolparan on edge.
"Thanks to Lord Kolparan's cooperation, the Bishops didn't rise against us, allowing us to consolidate smoothly. Eleanor is there, but well...... I can always explain that, can't I?"
"Hmm."
Kolparan let out a brief sigh. Even he probably didn't expect it to be accepted so easily.
'What is your strategy?'
Lazlot thought.
Did Yulian see dismantling 'Ornn Cryphart' as the most crucial priority now?
"So it's surprisingly smooth, huh?"
Upon Yulian's ensuing words, Kolparan eased his tension, donning a pleased smile.
The crafty old fox.
Such thoughts lingered in Lazlot's mind.
"Lord Kolparan, I believe that power should always go to where it rightfully belongs."
"I think that's a sensible view."
"Rewards for those who achieve. Severe punishment for those who cause harm."
With continued nods and beard-stroking approvals, he'd keep doing it.
Lazlot observed Kolparan's expression, expecting a certain look.
But instead of that, beads of cold sweat dotted Kolparan's face.
'Huh?'
Lazlot was slightly taken aback by the sudden change in demeanor. While his turquoise eyes wavered, Yulian continued speaking.
"I heard you brought private soldiers on the day the High Pontiff died."
"...... Hmm."
"That's risky, Lord Kolparan. If other bishops witness such conduct, wouldn't it alarm them?"
It was the first time Lazlot had heard of this.
"I suppose Eleanor mentioned this, kulkul."
With Kolparan's troubled laughter, Yulian let out a faint chuckle.
'Brought private soldiers......?'
Lazlot pondered this.
Reflecting on the events of that day, safeguarding oneself in chaos was the priority.
There wasn't much to do by bringing 'private soldiers'.
'It could only be interpreted as harboring impure thoughts.'
Even if that wasn't the intention, being perceived as such by others could indeed pose a problem.
Issues only become problems when they rise to the surface.
"I merely wished to give you a warning. Going forward, it would be wise to consider your position and refrain from such actions."
The situation began to make sense.
Yulian hadn't merely accepted Kolparan's request.
'I'll forgive this once, but there won't be a next time.'
It was a warning to Kolparan not to overstep his bounds any further.
If Kolparan lacked ability, Yulian wouldn't have offered such a warning.
Kolparan would have simply become another speck of dust, vanishing within the capital like countless other nobility.
"...... I was joking, Yulian."
As Kolparan tapped his lips once, he relented.
"I'll start inquiring about the Council of Nobles right away. As mentioned before, with the bishops involved, toppling Ornn shouldn't be too difficult."
"Thank you, Lord Kolparan, and when the task is complete, both the chairmanship and the archbishop position will be yours."
"Kulkul, truly fierce."
In the end, he conceded.
"I did say it was a joke, didn't I? I'm merely repaying a debt to you."
With those words, Kolparan departed alongside his escort, Al Hashar.
'I see, so that's why you summoned Kolparan to this place.'
Lazlot couldn't help but admire Yulian's handling of the situation.
It was likely that summoning both himself and Kolparan here was to ensure Lazlot witnessed this with his own eyes, essentially making him a 'witness.'
Kolparan had undoubtedly conceded to Yulian.
By publicizing this fact, Yulian likely intended to solidify his position in the 'New Dawn Society' in the future.
'Off you go.'
Watching Kolparan's receding figure, Yulian called out to him silently within his thoughts.
'You want to be Archbishop, and hold the chairman!'
In his heart, he was shouting desperately.
'You even want to become the High Pontiff!!'