Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 253

Chapter 253. Hoping to Get Closer (2)

Dawn Society.

Though it was now prefixed with "New" and followed a different trajectory from the existing Dawn Society, the fact that the organization "Dawn Society" was antagonistic towards the imperial family remained certain.

Bearing the name "Dawn Society" was a past that could not be shed. Because of this, Eleanor was openly wary of the 'Imperial Family', especially those who bore the title 'Royalty'.

To them, the Dawn Society was nothing more than a stigma to be removed, nothing more, nothing less.

'Did I hear that wrong?'

To Eleanor, who harbored such thoughts, Yulian's words were a bolt from the blue.

He wanted to introduce someone. That person was the Third Prince, Kaldrach de Adratan.

'...... Is that possible?'

If it were just a meeting with a noble, Eleanor could dismiss Yulian's words as a joke and feign calmness.

However, now she stood before Yulian as the 'Archbishop'.

In this situation, for him to introduce Kaldrach...

"...... Did you sell us out?"

It was only natural for Eleanor to think that Yulian had sold them out.

"What are you saying, miss Eleanor?"

Yulian spoke with his usual cunning smile, but Eleanor stared at him with icy eyes, though nothing had been proven yet.

"You sold our information to Prince Kaldrach."

"Why would I do that?"

"Then why does Prince Kaldrach want to release Sir Yulian?"

"What do you think?"

Yulian's questions continued to return.

"I'm the one asking, Sir Yulian."

"It seems there's a misunderstanding."

Yulian opened his hand and continued speaking.

"First, I did not sell the Dawn Society's information."

After pointing out with one finger, Yulian extended another finger and said,

"Second, prince Kaldrach is not an enemy of the Dawn Society."

"Not an enemy?"

It was only natural for Eleanor to harbor doubts about Yulian's words.

To the imperial family, the Dawn Society was a thorn in their side. To describe it as anything but an enemy was unexpected.

"On the contrary, an ally."

Words that were hard to trust.

"Given our relationship with the imperial family, you do realize how preposterous your statement sounds, right?"

With an edge that could cut, Eleanor pressed Yulian.

"I can understand your point, miss Eleanor. However."

He merely shrugged his shoulders.

"What if Prince Kaldrach were to join the Dawn Society?"

"Excuse me?"

Eleanor was considerably taken aback by Yulian's words.

***

The condition I proposed to Kaldrach was this,

'It's fine to borrow the Dawn Society's strength, but Kaldrach must also sacrifice something for it.'

That was to become an accomplice.

Given the nature of the organization known as the Dawn Society, if information were leaked, the members could fall into danger.

Because of this, everyone hides their identities, and it was designed so that even "Archbishops" who oversee everything wouldn't recognize regular members.

'But it remains dangerous because they're being watched by the imperial family.'

However, if "Kaldrach" were to join the Dawn Society, such dangers would be almost completely alleviated.

Since he was someone powerful even within the imperial family, if he desires, he could hide the Dawn Society's blemishes.

'The problem is.'

Kuheum.

Eleanor cleared her throat once.

Her face was full of unease. It was natural since she faced an opponent she would otherwise find impossible to approach.

"Prince Kaldrach."

Cautiously, Eleanor uttered Kaldrach's name.

Her voice resonated in the dimly lit room, which only had a single small bulb for illumination, laden with emotions unlike her usual tone.

"Hmm."

In response to Eleanor's call, Kaldrach replied with a sigh.

"From now on, I beg your forgiveness for the offense I will commit against you, prince Kaldrach."

As if steeling herself, she clenched her fists and spoke up again.

"If it wasn't Sir Yulian from whom I heard information about the Dawn Society, could you tell me where you obtained it?"

"If I answer, could you accept me into the Dawn Society?"

"Depending on your answer."

Oh, coming on quite strong.

Had it been mere noble courtesy while meeting royalty, Kaldrach drawing his sword immediately wouldn't have been unusual.

Yet, Eleanor continued speaking firmly.

"I have nothing to say."

Kaldrach made a pained expression.

After all, it was something he learned not through an information source or an infiltrator in the Dawn Society, but through 'regression'.

I understand that this is something difficult to explain.

"I think it's only natural to have such doubts."

In fact, Kaldrach had been informed beforehand. That if someone like a "imperial" were to say they wanted to join the Dawn Society, there would only be suspicion.

In that case, he could state his purpose.

"But, for my goal, there's no choice but to borrow the power of the Dawn Society."

A secret motive that necessitates leaning on an organization like the Dawn Society, which operates contrary to regulations.

"What is it you desire?"

To Eleanor's question, Kaldrach answered without hesitation.

"The throne."

Eleanor was so taken aback by Kaldrach's words, she caught her breath.

To say that one covets the "throne" now verges on blasphemy.

Especially since even if the Empereror Adratan isn't in his right mind, declaring an ambition for the "throne" means intending to kill the current emperor or force him to abdicate.

"With this reason, could I not have a good justification to rely on the Dawn Society?"

"... Yes."

Eleanor nodded reluctantly.

"It seems nothing has satisfied you yet."

Seeing that the conversation wasn't progressing smoothly, Kaldrach played another card.

"If I successfully ascend the throne, I could recognize the Dawn Society as the national religion."

As he spoke, Kaldrach offered something that only a sovereign could enact. Eleanor's eyes quivered at his words.

***

"Surprising."

After Eleanor departed, Kaldrach, left in the room, stroked his chin and muttered to me.

"I didn't expect her not to take such a tempting bait."

"I suppose irresistibly tempting bait is sometimes best left untouched."

"Hmm, that makes sense."

Kaldrach, who desired cooperation with the Dawn Society. As the Third Prince wished, I linked him to the Dawn Society.

More precisely, it's closer to the expression that I tossed the Dawn Society to him.

'I originally wouldn't have taken such actions.'

There were still strong talents present within the Dawn Society.

If such individuals were to become hostile towards me, it would undoubtedly cause annoying incidents.

However, if linked with royalty, the situation changes.

'If the Dawn Society were to attempt to deal with me, prince Kaldrach would act.'

Were you to ask whether such an event would arise now, it's unlikely, but there's always the 'what if'.

Of course, there's the possibility of "Kaldrach" dealing with me.

'Still, as of now, Kaldrach needs the Dawn Society's help to deal with Eulsis.'

Even if Kaldrach tries to dispose of me after achieving his goal, as long as I hold onto the fact that he is part of the Dawn Society, he wouldn't be able to act freely.

'Yet, this way, I've secured a reliable bridge for now.'

Amid organizing my thoughts, Kaldrach spoke.

"Yes, how could I refuse the command of Your Highness."

"You're quite the smooth talker."

Kaldrach's gaze turned to me.

"Especially for someone already preparing to withdraw."

As expected.

Given his experience, Kaldrach seemed to have caught onto why I introduced him to the Dawn Society.

"Not at all. Truly, it was a gift to demonstrate my loyalty to Prince Kaldrach by connecting him with the Dawn Society."

"A gift, huh."

Kaldrach smirked.

"In this world, there are no gifts, only bribes meant for the future."

As Kaldrach's gaze met mine, I bowed my head and replied.

"Is that so? I shall bear it in mind."

"Well then, since the matter of the Dawn Society is settled, I should inform you where the 'Horn of the Demon God' is located as per our agreement."

At Kaldrach's words and gesture, Abisha approached.

"When I arrived in the capital, first I sought an audience with the emperor and simultaneously commanded the Wedge Knights to retrieve the 'item'."

Abisha carried a box, emanating a particular aura.

'This is.......'

As Abisha drew closer, I felt an unusual item was contained within.

Instead of merely providing the location, Kaldrach had secured the last "Horn of the Demon God" which Eulsis hadn't.

"Rather than simply telling you the location, I thought it better to directly bring and show you."

===

⇒ Responding to the strong power of 〈Quasi-Demonic Nature〉.

⇒ Angelica cannot contain the surging demonic energy.

===

Stay still.

While muttering to myself and trying to calm it, Abisha opened the box she had brought.

Inside was a horn. A horn reminiscent of a deer's, colored in a dark purple hue, containing an extraordinary presence.

"Did I ever tell you? I suffered full-body burns from Flugel, trying to forcibly seize the 'Horn of the Demon God'."

"You haven't mentioned it in this cycle."

"...... Cycle?"

Oops.

I unknowingly uttered something, making Kaldrach look puzzled.

"I meant to say I hadn't heard it before."

"I see."

Twitch.

Even after inwardly telling Angelica to stay calm, she began desiring the "horn" earnestly.

"So, that's why you sought an audience with the emperor immediately upon arrival."

"Had I ventured to find the 'Horn of the Demon God' myself, there was a risk of Eulsis intercepting it. Instead, I drew attention while discreetly commanding the Wedge Knights."

"Wise decision."

While responding to Kaldrach's words, my gaze hardly strayed from the "Horn of the Demon God."

'It hurts.'

The proximity of the "Horn of the Demon God" made Angelica's instincts, drenched in wildness, stir uncontrollably.

'Ugh.'

Straining hard to quell these instincts, I felt as though my eyes might redden from the pain.

'Damn it.'

It was all due to the power of 'Demon God's Chalice'.

The trait called "Quasi-Demonic Nature" that Angelica obtained was a fragment of the power held by the 'Demon God's Chalice'.

Being part of the "Demon God's" power, I too reacted to the "Horn of the Demon God."

"When you look at this, it's like the deceased wield greater influence in the empire than the living."

===

⇒ Emotions are beginning to escalate.

===

The precursor to the manifestation of Trait, 〈Open Eyes〉. If my eyes did open, I would unquestionably end up reaching for the "Horn of the Demon God."

===

⇒ Trait, 〈Open Eyes〉 is about to manifest...

===

Don't open!