Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 252

Chapter 252. Hoping to Get Closer (1)

How would one feel if told that the future of their beloved country rested in their hands?

Some might feel a surge of patriotism.

Others might be overwhelmed by the burden.

I believe most people would consider one of these two possibilities.

When I heard from Kaldrach that the "fate of the Empire" depended on me, my immediate thought was:

"...... It's not my country, you crazy bastard."

My mind had started to align surprisingly well with 'Yulian'.

Seeing bizarre artworks, I could now critique them, and waking up each morning to see the pink coat, I could even smile with satisfaction.

Yet, I still couldn't consider the "Adratan Empire" as my country.

Probably because...

"Yulian doesn't have much patriotism either."

In such a situation, when someone brings up the cumbersome notion of the 'Empire's fate', what do you think would go through my mind?

"Ugh."

Regardless, while it's one thing to harbor such blasphemous thoughts, I knew better than to voice them aloud.

Suppressing a cough internally, I organized my thoughts and met Kaldrach's gaze.

"Prince Kaldrach, I am not someone burdened with such a mission. You must be overestimating me."

"Haha."

Kaldrach laughed.

"Indeed, it's natural for one to speak that way when told the fate of the Empire rests with them."

As if reading my mind, Kaldrach elaborated.

"Anyone claiming their hands hold the future of the nation is either a madman or a dictator."

Come to think of it, my father was both.

Such a self-mumble came from Kaldrach, but I pretended not to hear it.

"Yeah, you're right."

Speaking those words, one might risk Kaldrach taking offense and sending me to the guillotine.

No matter how detached he might be due to his 'regression', he could still get riled up.

"But, having said that, it makes you even more trustworthy."

Why though?

I wanted to say that but barely held back.

"As you know, the Dawn Society is fundamentally a group that worships the Demon God."

Continuing, Kaldrach seemed well-acquainted with the essence of the 'Dawn Society'.

It stirred a sense of nostalgia.

Someone who speaks about the essence of the "Dawn Society" despite never being part of it.

It was certainly fascinating.

"Tenelon, who was the Archbishop, held a status unfitting of his capacity, thanks to the unique trait of being chosen by the Demon God's Chalice."

Even Kaldrach seemed unaware that Tenelon later inherited the status of 'Archbishop', something that occurred in the later parts of the narrative he hadn't reached in his 'regression'.

"The Dawn Society was always unstable. Constantly under the imperial family's watch, members were repeatedly purged."

The Dawn Society's objective was to gather 'Soul Stones', to craft them into the Demon God's Chalice, closely akin to creating the "Demon God's" physical vessel.

To pursue this goal invariably led to conflicts with the imperial family, hence the Dawn Society had numerous spies within the 'Imperial Family'.

"But officially, only Tenelon, the leader of the 'Dawn Society', has perished this time. It implies the rest remain intact."

Upon hearing Abisha say from afar that "the task is done", Kaldrach acknowledged it indifferently, then opened his mouth while stroking his chin.

"Currently, are you the leader of the Dawn Society, Yulian?"

Kaldrach spoke with amused lips but non-smiling eyes.

While he was more composed now, the dignity once held by the third prince was present as Kaldrach questioned me.

"I hope you will answer my question honestly."

Somehow, his expression seemed complicated.

He seemed troubled as well.

Until now, the "Dawn Society" tended more to align with 'Eulsis', rather than supporting Kaldrach's side, standing more with the 'Demon God'.

Having been through that experience, Kaldrach seemed skeptical of the "Dawn Society" even after Tenelon's death.

"Unfortunately, I'm not managing the Dawn Society, prince Kaldrach."

I honestly told him that the "Dawn Society" was not in my grasp.

Truth be told, I could move the Dawn Society's limbs somehow, but that was the reality regardless.

At this moment, it wasn't me.

"Are you sure?"

Unsurprisingly, Kaldrach was suspicious.

In truth, Kaldrach voiced a desire for "cooperation" with me, but he truly wished for the "Dawn Society's" sheer obedience.

Even after Tenelon's death, the unwavering Dawn Society, along with "Imperial Family" affiliates, kept Eulsis from claiming the Imperial Family entirely for himself.

'If he could hold the Dawn Society under his command.'

Kaldrach likely thought it would easily allow him to overcome Eulsis.

"...... Alright."

I saw potential in this.

"If you wish, I can arrange for the leaders of the Dawn Society to meet with you, prince Kaldrach."

"...... Hmm?"

Resolving the issue with Eulsis is good. However, what comes next, I must contemplate.

Once the figures associated with the 'Horn of the Demon' and the vessel Eulsis are dealt with, there would no longer be any threats to my safety.

Then what I have to do is clear.

'Abandon everything.'

I want to resign my position, sell off the mansion, and go wandering with the money I saved up. I can no longer stand a single day in this rotten system.

"But would you be able to make one promise?"

"...... Promise, you say?"

"Yes."

Everything needs insurance, especially with individuals pretending not to be vicious but clearly are.

"Go ahead. If we are to join forces, your request can be granted."

Even so, I knew he would turn the tables.

Ultimately, personal safety is crucial. So, might as well.

"Let's die together."

***

"Are you telling me Sir Yulian has been released?"

At the round table of the Dawn Society, where the highest-ranking officials, the Archbishops, gathered, the sitting Pintel stood abruptly and raised his voice upon hearing the news from Lazarot about Yulian's release.

In genuine delight, he clutched his staff with both hands, his face radiating joy.

"Thank goodness, it's truly a relief!"

Witnessing Pintel's almost lamenting voice, Eleanor didn't show it but found relief herself.

It wasn't relief at Yulian's release. She knew he would escape the prison by some means or another for sure.

"If it had been delayed any longer, it could have been disastrous."

Pintel, having organized Yulian's private guard, the 'Twilight', and now secretly acquiring information on their being mobilized.

If time had continued to pass like this, vigilant Pintel would have certainly led "Twilight" in initiating a grand prisonbreak operation.

Eleanor felt relief knowing that Yulian was released just before that could occur.

"Hehe, I hear it was Kaldrach, the third prince, who personally acted to release Yulian. Is that true?"

Kolparan, the Archbishop stroking his beard, asked. Lazarot bowed politely, answering.

"Yes."

"This truly is troublesome."

Kaldrach de Adratan.

The third prince of the empire, his reputation is notorious enough to be compared to Adratan the Conqueror Emperor.

Though stationed at the North's forward base, nord's Pool, he is known for his aggressive nature, never hesitating to draw his sword and lead the vanguard.

Having organized the private guard named "Wedge Knights" and close ties to the military, he's dubbed the Iron-Blood Prince.

"He must have a purpose, indeed."

Eleanor added, as if reading Kolparan's thoughts.

"Perhaps......."

Kolparan paused briefly, instinctively aware of the risk in making such remarks.

"Yulian might have sold out the Dawn Society's information."

The elder spoke the words eventually.

"What......?"

Pintel was the first to react, staring at Kolparan with bewildered eyes.

"Repeat yourself, Sir Kolparan."

For a moment, his eyes burned with anger.

"Think about it. Do you really believe that Iron-Blood Prince would release Yulian without any compensation?"

Despite Pintel's dangerous gaze, Kolparan continued to speak.

"Even with their camaraderie at Nord's Pool, Kaldrach is not a man to grant privileges because of mere kindness."

Hehehe, Kolparan chuckled.

"There has been some sort of deal. Isn't that the more reasonable thought?"

"Sir Kolparan!"

"I am merely speaking honestly."

"Then, I too, have no choice but to act honestly, Sir Kolparan."

The staff in Pintel's grip trembled. An unusual atmosphere began to pervade the round table.

"That's enough."

Promptly, Eleanor intervened to mediate the two Archbishops.

"While it doesn't matter if there are reasons to bring emotions, actions crossing boundaries should be avoided."

She rose from her seat.

"This concludes today's roundtable. Let us reconvene after regaining some tranquility."

***

After the Dawn Society's roundtable meeting ended, Eleanor walked down the dark corridor, mulling over Kolparan's words.

"He didn't say anything incorrect."

Anyone familiar with Prince Kaldrach's reputation knew he wasn't swayed by emotions.

Thus, there must have been some agreement for Kaldrach to release Yulian.

"...... If Yulian indeed sold the Dawn Society's information as Kolparan suggested."

It's a one-in-a-million chance. Even though she knew Yulian wasn't the sort, a countermeasure to risks is necessary as an 'Archbishop'.

"Ha."

Eleanor sighed unwittingly.

Her thoughts were tangled. A solution was elusive.

If an influential figure like Kaldrach desired the "Dawn Society's" eradication, uprooting it wouldn't be difficult. Thus, with no solutions in sight, Eleanor began to worry.

"Lady Eleanor."

A voice called from behind Eleanor as she traversed the corridor.

Surely, there wasn't any presence while crossing the end of the corridor. Yet, like magic, he stood there.

"Sir Yulian."

Usual, with a sly grin, he emerged from the darkness as if it was the norm.

"Does your appearance mean you truly have been released?"

"Yes, a noble gentleman assisted in my release."

A noble gentleman.

Eleanor couldn't not know whom he referred to.

"Do you mean His Highness Kaldrach?"

"Yes, it seems the rumor has spread. Huhut."

Yulian chuckled.

"That laughter......."

His smile was too normal, almost making Eleanor inadvertently infuriated.

As if he was mocking her nervousness about being involved with 'Kaldrach'.

Yet, displaying emotions openly would only provoke him further to ridicule.

'No.'

She pondered.

Indeed, despite Kolparan's disrespectful words at the roundtable earlier.

If Yulian actually betrayed the Dawn Society, he wouldn't visit directly.

'On the contrary, Kaldrach's Wedge Knightss would invade.'

Thus, she coughed out a breath to organize her feelings.

"Your safety upon release is indeed comforting. But what brings you here?"

"I wish to introduce someone to you."

Introduce someone?

Whoever it may be, it has to be better than Yulian selling the Dawn Society's information to Kaldrach──.

"His Highness Kaldrach."

With Yulian's words, Eleanor tightly shut her eyes.