Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 242

Chapter 242. Admission (2)

Einhardt Wynn Solvern.

Belonging to the 'Solvern of Magic', one of the four great families of the Empire, he clicked his tongue inwardly at the significant problem before him.

Yulian Cryphart Frason.

The infamous member of the Cryphart family, known as the representative of "Blind Eyes" and the Imperial "Mad Dog" with the nickname 'Smiling Executioner', had appeared before him.

"Hmm..."

Truth be told, Einhardt didn't particularly mind the rumors labeling Yulian as the family's tumor.

Though he strongly identified with the pureblood ideology shared by many mages, Einhardt wasn't a man who would blindly apply that standard to those outside the realm of 'mages'.

"Mages are great."

It was just that his perspective differed from others.

"In the past, mages of the Magic Tower created spells that benefited every aspect of life."

There was no need to stretch out one's hand to the Imperial family asking for research funding, nor did they incur the scorn of nobles.

Even the "knights" couldn't afford to look down on mages; they lived under their thumb, practically speaking.

However, times have changed.

With established systems, and knights like the esteemed "Sword Saint" emerging, it could be said their position gradually narrowed.

In such circumstances, Einhardt longed for the past. A time when "mages" had greater freedom to act.

"To make mages great again!"

That was the thought harbored by Einhardt.

"Make mages even greater!"

Thus, entering the Dawn Society was a natural course for Einhardt. Even though it transitioned to the name 'New Dawn Society', it was still an organization led by mages.

By joining the Dawn Society, Einhardt found satisfaction in many ways.

Most "executives" were composed of mages; satisfying his network as a magic tower master and confidence stemming from other 'mages'.

"But why!"

Mages are great.

They must become great once more.

Einhardt lived with that single-minded belief and engaged in activities as part of the Dawn Society, but reality struck him.

For the most prominent figure in the current "New Dawn Society" wasn't the mages introduced as 'Archbishops', but the 'knight' Yulian.

"I believe you will cooperate, monsignor Einhardt."

Einhardt, who found some satisfaction with the Dawn Society, almost furrowed his brows at the sudden appearance of an 'impurity'.

Of course, he didn't show it. He is a 'Monsignor', and Yulian before him was a 'Bishop'.

Moreover, Yulian held not just the title of 'Bishop', but stood in a position likened to an 'Emminence in the Shadow'.

"If it's Sir Yulian's request, I cannot refuse..."

This meant that he, who couldn't rise to the "executive" level, could be "erased" rather than simply expelled from the Dawn Society.

"If refusal isn't an option, then I ask for your cooperation. Checking the contents of magic artifacts bound by surveillance magic isn't particularly difficult, is it?"

"... As mentioned earlier, the stored footage can only be accessed by individuals sent by the Imperial family."

Gently.

Einhardt studied Yulian's face.

"Do you have any official documents or orders? Without them, cooperation from this side is impossible."

"Monsignor Einhardt, aren't I asking you for a favor right now?"

Even with the mention of refusal, Yulian showed no sign of retreat.

On the contrary, he began to emphasize even more his affiliation with the "Dawn Society" by mentioning the title of 'Monsignor'.

"Hmm..."

Einhardt understood. The implication was that he should change his present tolerable stance.

Thus, Einhardt could not hide his troubled breath.

"I understand that Lord Flugel was ambushed, but..."

Einhardt could easily predict who might have attempted such an 'ambush'.

Numerous spells were installed in the Magic Tower to prevent illegal intruders.

The spells didn't activate on those closely related to the 'imperial family'.

In other words, the implication was that someone possibly related to the "Emperor's entourage" rather than a direct Imperial Family Agency like the 'Blind Eyes'.

"Damn it."

Einhardt cursed inwardly. Cooperating with a "knight" like Yulian was slightly infuriating, but if considered as part of the "Dawn Society" business, it became manageable.

However, since this matter involved someone related to the 'Emperor', Einhardt couldn't easily broach the subject.

"... Could you give me some time to think?"

Let's buy some time first. Einhardt thought so, glancing at Yulian but the slit-eyed man merely shook his head without the slightest movement.

"I don't have much time, either, Sir Einhardt. If you don't cooperate, I'll have to proceed with my own measures."

"What measures...?"

A subtle smile began to form at the corner of Yulian's lips.

Seeing his smile reminded me of figures like Archbishops Eleanor and Pintel.

Plus, the various "Bishops" and 'Monsignors'.

If the "Three Colors" were in charge of the Magic Tower's research, the remaining "mage families" held the Magic Tower's foundation.

Einhardt was well aware that among the Dawn Society's Bishops, many tended to that 'foundation'.

"Hmm..."

A moment of choice. Suddenly, Einhardt felt a sense of irony.

To prove the greatness of mages, it was necessary to proceed without fearing the 'Imperial family'.

The severe matter of Sir Flugel being attacked made such a stance valid.

What pricked his pride was that it wasn't a mage but a knight, Yulian, who raised the issue.

"Though I do not wish to be antagonistic to the Imperial family, the urge is overwhelming."

/

Ugh.

In the midst of Einhardt's groaning, Yulian spoke.

"Make mages great again."

Words embodying his own creed.

"Now, Sir Flugel the Sage has been attacked."

Like a snake. It wound around Einhardt, and he couldn't easily avert his gaze.

"I am standing before you not as a knight or a member of the Dawn Society, but as a 'friend of mages', Sir Einhardt."

Though smiling, there was a gravity in Yulian's tone.

"Make mages great again."

The notion that Yulian had read his true feelings should have given him chills under normal circumstances, yet Einhardt, as if enchanted, agreed with Yulian's words.

"Make mages... great again."

***

A sane madman.

That had been my assessment of "Einhardt Wynn Solvern" all along.

He refrains from going beyond the pale, but in pursuit of the "mage's" reputational renaissance, he is one to throw away his composure.

In a way, you could compare him to a 'more human Aiden'.

"Aiden, huh."

The reason Aiden suddenly came to mind was because the "surveillance magic artifacts" were managed by the 'Donatien family'.

Viewing the footage required cooperation from the 'Donatien family', and it was said that without the power equivalent to a head or a future head, accessing the stored footage was difficult.

"I'm curious to know who currently holds that position."

Thinking such, I headed for the video archive. The person waiting there was surprising in a way—both expected and unexpected.

"Why are you trying to view the footage without any official documents?"

Aileen de Donatien.

Like Yulian, she was a collateral line of the Donatien family, she was waiting for me as the representative of the 'Donatien family'.

"You?"

Momentarily surprised, I couldn't help but ask again.

Aileen, though a main character in the story, was one who never reached the position of "family head."

I couldn't hide my astonishment at her ascendancy to the head of the 'Donatien family'.

"... What do you mean by that?"

"No, it's commendable. You must have put in a lot of effort to rise to the head's position."

"It wasn't just my imagination, was it? You were going to ask why someone from a collateral branch was in this position, right?"

I didn't deny it; I didn't bother to nod.

"It just happened. My patron saw me favorably and temporarily placed me in the head's role, and the other seniors didn't oppose it."

Hehe.

Aileen chuckled briefly.

"It's recognition of my abilities. How is it? I've proven that even those from collateral lines can make it."

She looked as though she had more to say with a triumphant expression, but I didn't plan to join in.

"I have Einhardt's permission. Can I check the recordings from this timeframe?"

Aileen's fleeting look expressed as if asking whether I was ignoring her. Before blushing, she cleared her throat and moved to a nearby table.

"... What happened during that time?"

The attack on Flugel was only known to a very few, so it seemed Aileen was unaware of the incident.

"Sir Flugel was ambushed."

"That old ma—no, Sir Flugel!?"

It seemed she was about to call him an old man.

"No matter how much he deserves it, I thought he was too sharp to get ambushed."

"He happened to leave his staff and deactivate his barrier for a moment, leaving him defenseless."

"Still, that Sir Flugel... How is his condition?"

"His life is not at stake. His disciple is treating him."

At the mention of a disciple, Aileen seemed to recall something and began to speak.

"Maier must be treating him then."

"Are you acquainted?"

"I've seen her occasionally. She doesn't have the demeanor of a mage, catching my eye often, though her talent is certainly remarkable...."

Kuheum. Aileen cleared her throat once.

"I'm trying to focus now, so please don't talk to me."

You brought up the topic, you brat.

"Ah."

Touching the mirrored surface with the metal element, she showed some surprise when she tapped the playback apparition.

"There's only one person who ascended to the top floor where Sir Flugel was at this time."

"Who?"

Aileen pointed to the footage. The displayed figure was a man.

From his appearance of carrying a sword at his waist, he was a knight, and the scabbard bore the imperial emblem.

"This man..."

Covering his face would have been more suspicious, thus the man in the video didn't wear a disguise.

Thanks to this, recognition was certain.

"Uruhar."

Heavenly Reverence Guard.

A member of the Emperor's elite guard.

Indeed, it was evidently the Emperor's doing to silence Flugel.