Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 233

Chapter 233. Mafia Game (2)

The reason for the division of power is simple. It's to prevent the detrimental effects that arise from a few individuals monopolizing power.

To curtail rampant misuse, and for the continuation of the Dawn Society, checks and balances are implemented for more prudent handling of affairs.

'Which, honestly, is just an idealistic excuse.'

I knew the truth. Whether power is divided or not, what will happen will happen.

Therefore, if one truly considers the 'New Dawn Society', it was necessary to think more deeply and choose words more carefully.

'But that has nothing to do with me.'

I hoped to extricate myself from the situation.

That unwavering desire had brought me this far.

Of course, I couldn't ignore the problems that would arise if I just pulled out, so I left issues that would attract 'attention' instead of me as much as possible.

"We'll select three archbishops. As they keep each other in check, there will no longer be rampant actions like those of Tenelon."

"Hmm, three of them, you say... You've even determined the exact number of candidates. Have you already decided who to appoint as 'archbishop', Sir Yulian?"

Kolparan spoke with a chuckling laughter.

He had been quite serious just a moment ago, but now he seemed considerably lighter in mood.

As expected, fitting the title of an old fox, he seemed to have smelled the scent of power already.

"Yes."

"In that case, could you tell us? If you're stepping down from the role of High Pontiff, surely you've prepared suitable measures to follow."

"One of them, naturally, is Miss Eleanor, the current archbishop."

In response to Kolparan's question, I gestured as if it were a matter of course.

Eleanor was the only one in the 'Dawn Society' to hold the rank of 'archbishop'.

"Even with the reconstitution of the Dawn Society, she remains an archbishop."

"So, who are the other two?"

"The other one is yourself, Sir Kolparan."

Pointing at Kolparan, I spoke, and he nodded as if he understood.

"Heh, Sir Yulian, for you to hold me in such high regard, I'm nearly moved to tears."

"Haven't your tear ducts dried up with age?"

"Young ones like you, Uberon, may not know, but tears increase with age."

Even amidst the trivial chatter, Kolparan stroked his beard, appearing quite pleased.

"I still cannot accept it, Sir Yulian!"

Pintel rose from his seat, greatly opposing what I had said. Shifting my gaze to him, I spoke.

"Even if you don't accept it, I've decided on this course of action."

"But..."

"Don't think of opposing my decision. And such behavior shouldn't be shown here, Archbishop Pintel."

Among the three archbishops I had in mind, Pintel was one of the candidates.

His face twitched peculiarly hearing the term 'archbishop'.

A mix of confusion over my resignation and joy at the position of 'archbishop'.

It seemed he wore such an ambiguous expression because he felt acknowledged by me.

'This time, Pintel, even you won't be able to object.'

With this many bishops watching, dragging it further would mean I'd tarnish my reputation by acknowledging you with the 'archbishop' title.

"I believe it's best to dismantle the High Pontiff role and lead the Dawn Society with three archbishops."

"I do not oppose it."

"... Are you truly okay with this?"

Eleanor questioned once more.

Okay?

"Of course."

This time, my inner thoughts matched my words.

***

Finally emancipated from the worry of being the 'High Pontiff of the Dawn Society,' I exhaled a sigh of relief as I tended to the bonsai.

'Indeed, indulging in hobbies is sweet when worries are fewer.'

I had prepared more elaborate words in case of unforeseen events, but fortunately, the 'archbishops' had no particular complaints.

Even Pintel, whom I had anticipated as the greatest hurdle, accepted it willingly.

'But it's strange.'

Pintel accepted it too easily.

Renouncing the High Pontiff role and remaining a bishop.

He would have raged, foaming at the mouth and somersaulting when he heard that.

'Well, it's all for the best.'

Dividing the Dawn Society's power into three was a rather smart decision.

They would check each other's rampant behavior, allowing me to step back and shift the attention to them—it was a win-win.

'Gradually distancing myself from the Dawn Society's spotlight.'

If I could escape their shadow, that would be the best.

"Hehe..."

I was finally free. With that thought, a laugh escaped unconsciously.

Seeing myself in the window, it was absurdly wicked. I ought to restrain myself.

"Still, it's fortunate to shake off the anxiety I held onto."

The persistent formal speech now felt rather pleasant.

― Grrr.

Sensing my mood, 'Angelica' emerged from the shadows, playfully interacting with me.

Usually, I would have urged her to retreat, but since I felt good, I accepted the playfulness.

'Alright.'

Why not explore a new hobby during this time?

Yes, traveling sounds good.

Preferably overseas.

***

The day after Yulian resigned from the position of High Pontiff, the three archbishops had no choice but to gather since no plans had been discussed about the future steps of the 'New Dawn Society'.

"I never imagined he'd relinquish the High Pontiff role and take a step back!"

As one of the new archbishops, Kolparan was astonished by Yulian's actions.

"Sir Kolparan, you must be surprised. Thanks to Sir Yulian stepping down, a vacancy for advancement has appeared."

Pintel directed a sharp tone at Kolparan.

Perhaps Yulian's intentions were true, appointing three archbishops was a wise choice.

Each was like water and oil, unable to blend.

Eleanor, Kolparan, and Pintel handled different domains, making it impossible for them to unite as archbishops.

"Once Yulian's shadow fades, do you plan to move like an old fox?"

"Heh, Pintel, knowing one thing, you don't know another."

"What?"

Kolparan stroked his beard, responding to Pintel's words.

"Yulian's shadow doesn't disappear. No, rather, it becomes clearer by relinquishing the High Pontiff role and selecting three archbishops."

"What do you mean?"

"Think a little, Pintel. Has your loyalty blinded you?"

Kolparan tapped the ground with his staff, half-lidded eyes fixing on Pintel.

"Becoming an archbishop doesn't grant me power. Rather..."

Tsk.

Kolparan clicked his tongue once.

"It means being overshadowed by him."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Look at how the New Dawn Society is functioning now. It's been just days since the High Pontiff role was abolished."

In those few days, the actions of the 'bishops' had changed from before.

"To gain Yulian's favor, they will stop at nothing. He demonstrated the possibility of securing a position within the 'New Dawn Society', after all."

"Possibility?"

"He means us."

Eleanor answered Pintel's inquiry.

"A definite reward for those who assist him."

Eleanor paused before speaking again.

"Sir Yulian demonstrated that. Everyone knows we three backed Sir Yulian in killing Tenelon."

With those words, Pintel seemed to grasp Yulian's intentions behind his actions.

"... Providing definite rewards for those who lent support. So that's what it means."

"Yes, with that being shown, the bishops will try their best to win over Sir Yulian."

"Unlike with Tenelon, he won't appoint anyone based on mere whims."

"Heh, coming from someone who became a 'bishop' through Tenelon's whims."

Listening to their dialogue, Pintel finally began to understand.

Why he relinquished the High Pontiff role, merely observing as a 'bishop' while appointing him archbishop.

"Even without the High Pontiff role, Sir Yulian secured the New Dawn Society firmly in his grasp."

He couldn't help but be filled with admiration. To think he thought that far ahead.

"Moreover, by maintaining the 'bishop' rank himself, he's stepped back, freeing himself from the spotlight attracted by the 'High Pontiff' position."

"Yes, that's right."

"Power behind the throne. That title suits him perfectly now."

The 'archbishop' title was no longer the pinnacle of power within the 'New Dawn Society'; it had become a messenger's position to convey Yulian's words.

'For now, the bishops might run wild.'

Kolparan thought internally. It seemed wise to remain cautious for the time being.

***

"Cryphart's previous family head and former chairman of the Council of Nobles, Lord Ornn, wishes to have a serious conversation with you, Sir Yulian."

I was flipping through travel magazines of the capital city to clear my head when Lazlot's sudden report made me tilt my head in curiosity.

'Ornn?'

Why would that stubborn old man want to see me?

In any case, the individual known as 'Ornn Cryphart' no longer felt on the same level as I was.

If there's anything to discuss, it would either be by appointment or by him coming directly, for anything else wouldn't be worth my while.

'How arrogant.'

Scoffing at my own thoughts, I redirected my gaze to Lazlot.

"For what reason?"

I was vaguely aware that Ornn had been grinding his teeth at me since he was stripped of his chairmanship at the 'Council of Nobles'.

But there wasn't much he could do. 'Cryphart family' power lay with Oben, and the authority he wielded belonged to the 'Council of Nobles'.

"... Though it sounds rather ludicrous, it seems that due to Lord Ornn's current predicament, he wishes to see you for assistance."

"He wants me to restore him to his chairmanship, it seems."

How does one expect to restore a position once lost? Even my influence doesn't extend that far.

"That's not it. The bishops who were part of the council are presenting utterly nonsensical resolutions against Lord Ornn."

Nonsensical resolutions?

"At this rate... Lord Ornn will likely be deployed to the northern frontlines."

What?

Ornn to the frontlines?

Honestly, I held little interest in where the old man went. What did it have to do with me?

The problem was...

'Just what... is happening?'