Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 228

Chapter 228. Bond (1)

Honestly, I didn't know.

With Tenelon's death, I believed that the remnant power of the 'Dawn Society' wouldn't even reach half of its former unity.

Isn't that to be expected?

The society, diverging from its original essence, began to worship the evil god known as the 'Demon God' due mainly to Tenelon and the holy relic 'Demon God's Chalice' he possessed.

Blinded by the miraculous power of such a relic, those who became 'cult members' would see little worth in the 'Dawn Society' after Tenelon's death.

"What good is a meaningless and risky organization?"

No one would want to associate with something that has more risks than benefits.

In that sense, I thought that requesting anything from the 'Council of Nobles' this time might take time or, in the worst case, fail.

"It seems the motion Sir Yulian commanded has safely been submitted to the Council of Nobles."

Pintel's flat tone seemed as though the result was only natural, and I ran my hand down my chin, smiling.

'Why did this work out?'

I heard the news from Pintel, but I still didn't quite understand it.

Why is the 'Council of Nobles' listening to the 'Dawn Society'?

More precisely, why are those members of the 'Council of Nobles' who were part of the 'Dawn Society' following my orders?

'... Truthfully, this wasn't the outcome I hoped for.'

I glanced at Pintel's face.

My ultimate goal.

It was to publicly demonstrate how minuscule the remnants of the 'Dawn Society' were and how narrow my position had become following this incident.

Even if I held the most firm stance among the members of the 'Dawn Society', it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that there were better candidates for the role of 'High Pontiff'.

Like Pintel.

Or Eleanor.

Even further, Kolparan.

I aimed to reveal my weak power to hand over my position to such individuals.

'This shouldn't have worked.'

Based on what Pintel reported, it seems the Council of Nobles has been successfully seized by the 'Dawn Society'.

'This is wrong!'

With Tenelon, the High Pontiff, dead, my ultimate aim was to disengage from the 'Dawn Society'.

Even mustering those who remained did not seem likely to return us to the days of worshiping the 'Demon God', so letting things be wouldn't create much impact.

Under such circumstances, if I completely divested myself...

What could be better than that?

"With this, it seems Sir Yulian's foothold will be further solidified. With the Council of Nobles now entirely under your control, however much Ornn devises, nothing will reach you."

Whether knowing my mindset or not, Pintel continued to babble.

Showing no intent to hide his enthusiasm, he repeatedly uttered empty talk of now bearing fruit or some such nonsense.

"What of Ornn's response?"

Since things have turned this way, steering the course seems inevitable.

On the off chance, I asked about Ornn's actions. As if anticipating my question, Pintel cleared his throat and answered.

"I suspect he will likely seek you out soon."

Me?

"He may plead for mercy or attempt to assert even a scrap of his pride."

What's there to fear from someone who has nothing left to lose, shouting all they like?

'No matter what...'

Reflecting on the path I've walked, the present system holds nothing for me to fear.

At most, it's the royal family.

With a single gesture of their hands, a village could vanish.

"And then..."

Pintel, who had maintained an elevated tone thus far, briefly hesitated. Just as I was about to ask what was troubling na, na was the first to speak.

"The knight who was injured before seems to be returning to Blind Eyes."

A knight with Blind Eyes?

Ah, he is speaking of Fern.

"Are you alright with that? He knows your secrets, Sir Yulian."

"Hasn't that matter been settled already?"

"If you say so, then I won't speak further."

Judging by the lack of complaints, it seems Pintel also believes Fern isn't one to do anything over the line.

If he were that sort, my head would already be severed, idiot.

***

"So, among the former members of the Dawn Society, are there any who view the current situation skeptically?"

If there was even a hint of an escape route, I was ready to take it.

I asked Pintel with the mindset of clutching at straws, but even in deep thought, he couldn't think of such individuals.

"... There aren't none."

Pintel's words gave me hope.

Thankfully, my expression was one of smiling, so it wasn't obvious.

"Like I've mentioned before, there were those who worshipped the miracles of the Demon God's Chalice."

I had heard it before.

There are those who, by worshipping the miracles of the 'Demon God's Chalice', find the current Dawn Society distasteful after Tenelon's death.

'That's probably the true essence of the society.'

The ones now remaining, who wear the Dawn Society's skin, are just nobles who stayed to maintain their positions.

In fact, only the easily manageable ones are left.

'... Ah.'

A good idea formed.

In this situation, it seems nearly impossible to extricate myself from the 'Dawn Society'.

There's no one to bond with, in any case.

'Pintel...'

As long as this one is solidly in place, it would be nearly impossible for me to leave the Dawn Society easily.

'Then wouldn't establishing a good stand-in work?'

Not exactly a stand-in, but that person would take on the position of 'High Pontiff'.

'Eleanor.'

For some unknown reason, as Kolparan prepares to step back, Eleanor is the only Archbishop eyeing the position of 'High Pontiff'.

'And she possesses some credentials to do so.'

A member of the Dmicelle family that founded the Dawn Society. Doesn't it just make for a good picture?

"Who is the bishop that sought the miracles of the Demon God's Chalice?"

In that sense, I asked Pintel about the individual who sought that miracle.

"There are several, but the most influential among them is Rondel of the Griason family."

The Griason family, huh.

'... Unexpected.'

One of the families with connections to the Magic Tower. A family that holds some status among mages.

Known for handling the element of 'Water', which is adept at healing spells rather than offensive magic that kills enemies.

Consequently, they are quite respected among both nobles and common citizens, renowned for their concern regarding the welfare of the underprivileged.

Therefore, it was unexpected.

"You would think the Griason family would not involve themselves in such heresy."

An unintentional question slipped out. Pintel, catching it, responded.

"I understand they joined the Dawn Society to cure one of their children who had fallen ill."

Now that made sense.

"It's unfortunate. Who would have guessed such a thing could happen to the Griason family who serve the populace?"

A brilliant idea struck.

Before Rondel Griason fully loses hope with the 'New Dawn Society', shouldn't someone suitable emerge to right the situation and prove to be a fitting High Pontiff?

Even if not completely, someone could become a new wind to stand in for me in the position of 'High Pontiff'.

And that would be.

'Eleanor would be best.'

I made up my mind.

"I'd like to meet him. Rondel Griason, I mean."

After meeting Rondel, I'd transfer this matter to Eleanor.

***

"I never imagined Sir Yulian would come all the way to our manor."

"Please, we're still companions who once shared a common purpose, are we not?"

Watching Yulian suddenly arrange a meeting and visit, Rondel, the head of House Griason, couldn't hide his bafflement.

Though Pintel, who facilitated this meeting, was by his side.

'... An incredible oppressive presence indeed.'

Nevertheless, Rondel felt a cold sweat trickle down his back before the imposing aura emanated by Yulian.

It wasn't the first time he had seen Yulian. Back when High Pontiff Tenelon still lived, he had seen him during an audience.

However, meeting personally and one-on-one with a concrete purpose like this, was a first.

"I've heard you don't intend to join with the newly established New Dawn Society, Rondel."

Yulian opened the conversation. At his words, a sense of dizziness washed over Rondel.

'Could he really be here to exert pressure on me?'

The fact that numerous individuals refused to join the New Dawn Society following the dissolution of the original was known to Rondel.

Also, that it posed a difficulty for them was known too.

'Those who are acquainted with the secrets inherited from the Dawn Society.'

Naturally, the New Dawn Society would reach a decision. To absorb all bishops from the Dawn Society and for those who refused...

'They wouldn't shy away from a bloody purge.'

Rondel couldn't have been oblivious to it being a part of the restructuring process for the New Dawn Society.

And the fact that 'Yulian' directly visited made his fears a reality.

"Yes."

Braving his fear, Rondel affirmed Yulian's question.

He was no longer willing to stay with the 'Dawn Society'. That was Rondel's firm decision.

'With the disappearance of the Demon God's Chalice, the miracles Tenelon once performed have become elusive.'

Considering such a situation, aligning himself with a group antagonistic to the imperial family seemed nothing but foolish to Rondel.

Therefore, he maintained a steadfast stance.

"It's troublesome."

With those words expressing difficulty, Yulian rose from his seat. His face still bore a constant smile.

Lowering his gaze, a twisted smirk played at both corners of his lips.

"In a situation where expectations for the miracles of the Demon God's Chalice are defunct, now I want to be a proud father to a child for whom there is no longer hope."

"Rondel, that makes it sound like you're accusing our New Dawn Society of acts contrary to the imperial edicts."

"That's right, Pintel. The Dawn Society truly matched the term 'heresy', didn't it?"

"Sir Rondel, placing the New Dawn Society and the original Dawn Society on the same line is troublesome."

Then what's the point of founding the New Dawn Society?

Such a question bubbled up to Rondel's throat, but he restrained himself.

"You won't persuade me with those words, Sir Yulian."

Setting doubts aside, Rondel showcased only negation, maintaining an unyielding posture.

"It's unfortunate. If you're set so adamantly, then there's no helping it."

Implicating there was nothing more to be said, Rondel swallowed hard.

No negotiations.

That meant Yulian drawing his sword here wouldn't be surprising.

Prepared to resist till the end, Rondel locked eyes with Yulian, raising his head.

"Sir Rondel, where is the son stricken with an incurable illness?"

"Surely, you're not thinking of threatening me, are you, Sir Yulian?"

Rondel's voice rose. Even in the suffocating atmosphere, seemingly ready to choke him, Rondel didn't back down.

"I've heard about his incurable disease and merely wish to lend assistance, Sir Rondel."

Yulian grinned widely.

'By any means necessary, I must protect my son.'

Even if he doesn't live long due to the incurable disease, he must avoid falling into this devil's hands.