Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 230

Chapter 230. Bonding (3)

When a problem arose, the first thing one should do was identify the cause.

For minor issues, it was possible to let it slide without criticism.

However, regarding this particular matter, I could not let it go unaddressed.

"Why did you suddenly intervene?"

After briefly excusing myself from Rondel and Pintel, I retrieved Angelica and questioned it directly.

Since absorbing the Demon God's Chalice, Angelica's self-awareness had noticeably strengthened.

Indeed, even before that, ever since giving it a 'name', there had been a marked change in its demeanor, further accentuated post-absorption.

'Even so, stepping forward at a crucial moment...'

I couldn't just overlook it. I decided I needed to sternly reprimand it.

Angelica, whom I had summoned with that thought in mind, was crouched with an apprehensive look, much like a child who knew it had done wrong.

Despite it pitiful appearance, I was resolved not to let this go.

"I asked why you intervened."

― Krrk.

A pleading nuance, coupled with something akin to a complaint.

It wasn't quite language as exchanged between people, but regardless, I understood it.

"... Did you help because I pitied him?"

That was the background to it strange behavior.

Angelica had detected the pity I felt in my heart and acted out of a desire to be praised.

'Tsk.'

If that was its intention, scolding it now made me feel guilty.

Had it acted purely to mess with me, I would have been intent on imposing a strict punishment; however, its actions stemmed from a different motivation.

"Haa."

I sighed.

Initially, she'd giggled out of sheer joy, anticipating praise.

Nevertheless, I thought it would be best to say something.

"You did well, but in the future, consult with me before taking any actions."

Nods, nods.

Angelica nodded.

What else could I do?

Though things hadn't gone as planned, it wasn't an unsalvageable situation.

'I just need to ask Rondel and Pintel to keep this matter quiet.'

With the power of the Demon God's Chalice, I'd healed Rondel's son.

My plan to credit Eleanor and solidify it standing was now off the table. I would need to come up with a new strategy.

Moreover, if this rumor spread within the Dawn Society...

'There might be those who seek the power of the Demon God's Chalice.'

Dealing with such people wouldn't be a problem, but the issue lay with those seeking to make it an object of "faith."

'Blind flies swarming around is nothing but a hassle.'

Thinking such, I resolved to put Angelica away and return to Pintel and Rondel.

'Hold on.'

However, how had I understood what Angelica had just said?

'... It feels like I'm drifting further from being human.'

***

Having thought it through, it was time to put actions into motion.

I returned to where Pintel and Rondel were and asked them to keep quiet about this incident.

"Why is that, Sir Yulian?"

Pintel, as expected, objected to my request.

"If they learn about this, the Dawn Society might become Sir Yulian's subordinates. Perhaps, more solid and cohesive than ever before!"

That's precisely the issue I wanted to point out, you fool.

"It's simple."

Despite the anger brewing inside, I regained my composure and spoke.

"The reason I visited Sir Rondel today was not for that purpose."

"Even so..."

"The Dawn Society should not foster an oppressive atmosphere like before. We need to leave them some choice."

With that, I shifted my gaze to Rondel. Since his son, Garndel, awoke, the wariness and fear that colored Rondel's gaze had turned more positive.

Of course, the term 'positive' weighed negatively on me.

"I believe there's no need for the Dawn Society to unify again as before."

Here, a bit of personal opinion. While it felt like baring my 'inner thoughts,' such a stance needed to be laid out, lest unnecessary issues arise later.

"No matter how we piece together the fragments, it can't be the shape we once knew."

"If so, doesn't that render everything petty until now useless?"

Pintel pondered.

To begin with, you and I stand in an incomprehensible relationship.

'... Honestly.'

I'd come to dismantle the Dawn Society.

"I understand, Sir Yulian."

Pintel nodded as if understanding my point, wearing a bright expression.

I knew it.

Usually, when he wore such an expression, it never turned out right.

Understanding was a farce; he must have been entertaining some misguided notion.

"Now that the Dawn Society is disbanded, only those who voluntarily align with Sir Yulian can truly be trusted!"

Of course, he'd think that way.

"You're even considering pruning the Dawn Society again? I could never have imagined!"

Me neither.

I could never have imagined it either.

***

Rumors quickly circulated among the former bishops that Rondel Griason, a former bishop of the Dawn Society, had rejoined — specifically, the 'New Dawn Society'.

However, despite the spreading rumors, the reason behind Rondel's return to the New Dawn Society remained unclear.

Whether the reason was intentionally concealed, or he had inexplicably changed his mind and joined under Yulian, none knew for certain.

However, some chose to speculate on the reason.

"Perhaps it relates to the Demon God's Chalice. Rondel's initial involvement with the Dawn Society was due to a miracle from the Demon God's Chalice, intended to heal his son."

In front of a round, substantial table, Kolparan muttered, stroking his beard as he addressed those in his sight.

Eleanor D'Micelle.

Uberon Hynix.

Both were key members of the disbanded Dawn Society.

"The Demon God's Chalice is gone. After the death of Telenon, the former High Pontiff, that chilling relic disappeared without a trace."

"I know. I assume the deceased Sword Saint took it down with him alongside Telenon, as you say."

When Kolparan brought up the events of the 'Bishop Hunt' in a gentle voice, Eleanor turned it gaze toward him.

"Though, there's always 'if,' isn't there? If Yulian had taken the 'Demon God's Chalice' during that time, this event might make some sense..."

"If Sir Yulian had taken the Chalice and is now attempting to emulate Telenon's past..."

Eleanor caressed the teardrop mark under it eyes, then fixed it sharp gaze on Kolparan.

"That would mean my relationship with Sir Yulian ends here. I wouldn't want the Dawn Society to revert to its past ways, even in death."

Though she wore a slight smile with raised corners of it lips, Eleanor's words were laced with thorns.

The Dawn Society, once established by House D'Micelle, was fundamentally different from its present 'cult-like' nature, originally centered on the study of 'Shade Element'.

Telenon, the former High Pontiff, was the influential figure behind this shift, and with his demise, Eleanor hoped for the return of the Dawn Society to its roots.

'It can't go back to the way it was.'

Of course, the thought of complete self-purification seemed unrealistic.

The remnants of Telenon's influence would persist, making it impossible to revert to being an organization purely for 'research.'

'Still, further deterioration must be avoided.'

The core of this dilemma was the Demon God's Chalice.

If Yulian were to use that Chalice to rebuild his authority, Eleanor was prepared to oppose his rise to power by any means necessary.

"Though my words are stern, Kolparan's statement is merely hypothetical. I have no intention of preventing Yulian from assuming the position of the new High Pontiff of the New Dawn Society."

"Hmm."

Kolparan let out a bitter sigh.

"Well, my opinion differs from Miss Eleanor's."

It was Uberon who responded, continuing the conversation with Eleanor.

A member of the Hynix family, one of the Empire's four major families, Uberon spoke with an unnatural gravity for someone his age.

"If Yulian truly possesses the Chalice, shouldn't we aid his full ascension to High Pontiff instead of deposing him?"

Uberon's ambition was solely to become the head of the Hynix family, a goal driving his enlistment in the Dawn Society.

From his perspective, a stronger society was beneficial to his ambitions, entertaining the thought of an alliance.

"The issue lies not within the item but in its user, at least that's my point."

"Positions change perspectives, Uberon."

"Inability to stay firm despite changing perspectives is not befitting a ruler. A member of House Cryphart should have at least learned that much."

Eleanor sighed at Uberon's words, which seemed disconnected from reality.

"Reality differs from ruler education, Uberon. Perhaps due to your youth, you are unaware of this."

"W-What?"

Taking offense at it remark on age, Uberon stood abruptly, glaring at Eleanor.

"Discussing the High Pontiff of the Dawn Society, what does age matter, Eleanor!"

"Calm down, Uberon."

Before Uberon raised his voice, Kolparan began to mediate the situation.

Though Uberon's striking blue eyes wavered initially, he regained composure and cleared his throat.

"And Uberon, you are mistaken."

Seemingly not having finished, Eleanor added further words directed at Uberon.

"What if Sir Yulian succeeded in recruiting Sir Rondel without the power of the Demon God's Chalice...?"

Momentarily, all eyes turned to Eleanor.

"Would it make sense for Sir Rondel, who desired a miracle from the Chalice, to rejoin the Dawn Society without any such miracle?"

"Which means..."

"Meaning, Yulian can perform a 'miracle' rivaling that of the Demon God's Chalice himself?"

At their questions, Eleanor quietly nodded.

Due to the deliberate obscuring of the events at Griason's estate, only the fact remained that Rondel had rejoined the Dawn Society despite the absence of the Chalice.

Consequently, and paradoxically due to hiding his own merits, Yulian's position only solidified further.

Clacky's Corner:

Pintel is the accidental wingman frfr...

Also, I love it whenever everything doesn't go according to plan.