Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 263

Chapter 263. Working Behind the Scene (1)

Helping Yulian wasn't something that particularly thrilled him, but there was no other choice.

'Right now, he's the only one who can mediate with the 'Black Knight'.'

Moreover, it was Yulian who conveyed the fact that the 'Black Knight' was on borrowed time.

Though he didn't like that aspect, he had to see Yulian to assist the 'Black Knight'.

Perhaps sensing Uruhar's thoughts, Yulian spoke up.

"It's suspicious."

He ran his fingers across his lips, speaking with an air of doubt.

"On the day of the inspection, didn't you speak to me in disbelief, Sir Uruhar?"

With a sneer, Yulian directed his gaze at Uruhar.

'This bastard...'

He seemed to know. About how he viewed the 'Black Knight'.

Blinded by his nobility.

In awe of his actions.

Willing to do anything for someone with limited time.

Yulian, having perceived this, inquired in a voice filled with mockery.

'Isn't it so that you're moving not for grand ideals like the 'Imperial Code' or the great cause of the imperial family, but simply out of 'self-interest'?'

'A sly one.'

'Work for the "Imperial",' he claimed.

Yulian was saying to stand as an 'ordinary person' before him, shedding grandeur.

Though he knew it was unrelated to this task. Reacting would only mean playing into Yulian's annoying games.

"Though aggressive, I've realized that the Black Knight also works for the Empire."

Nonetheless, Uruhar opened his mouth.

"And upon reflection, it's not against the grand cause."

"The Black Knight is an outlaw. Helping him isn't against the cause."

Again, Yulian sneered at Uruhar.

"Even if he's an outlaw, it's clear he works for the Empire."

Uruhar's strong gaze was on Yulian.

"Indeed. It seems you've decided to help because of similarities between you and the Black Knight's disposition?"

How could he equate the two? Uruhar held back his rising anger at Yulian's question, biting his lip.

"Unlike you, who only speaks 'Imperial Code' by mouth."

"It's rather amusing. Are you saying you and the outlaw are different?"

"Of course."

Yulian sensed his emotions and more.

'If he finds out that the one he admires is a traitor standing right in front of him, how will he react?'

Though he wanted to reveal that he was the 'Black Knight', Yulian managed to hold back.

***

Central Park of the Imperial Capital. Zahard, basking in the warm sunlight, could feel the distinctly out-of-place presence of the two.

Having lost his sight, his other senses and the detection through 'Aura' had reached their peak, allowing Zahard to sense the tension between 'Yulian' and 'Uruhar'.

Sensing the atmosphere between the two, Zahard stifled a laugh.

'The atmosphere is unusual.'

In this park, filled with the warmth of families, they harbored such a tense aura.

"Dad!"

Suddenly, hearing the voice of a boy from behind, Zahard slowly turned his head.

Though not called by him, Zahard reflexively moved his head, finding himself taken aback.

'Indeed.'

A sense of futility enveloped Zahard. Just as bitterness began to linger on his tongue.

"Hey, Blind Man, what are you doing here?"

Recognizing Zahard, someone spoke to him.

Having been momentarily lost in thought, Zahard hadn't used 'Aura', just realizing the proximity.

Fortunately, the voice was familiar.

"You barely gave me the chance to ask. What are you doing here?"

"How does a blind guy recognize me immediately?"

At the man's question, Zahard began to extend his 'Aura sonar' over the man's entire body.

Zahard's aura went above the man, scanning his head once.

"You damn bastard."

Realizing the 'Aura' was scanning his head, Felkhor spat out curses.

"Since there's only one person with such a distinctly bright head among those who recognize me, how could I not recognize you, Felkhor?"

Felkhor clicked his tongue once.

"Anyway, I didn't hear an answer. Felkhor, why are you here?"

"Why else? I'm working."

Saying so, Felkhor showed the name tag pinned to his chest.

Temporary Guard of Central Park of the Imperial Capital.

Although it was written there, Zahard couldn't read it as he couldn't see.

"Oh, right, you can't read it, blind fool. Sorry."

"Hmm."

Zahard sighed at the rude remark.

"But really, do you have to work? You're even... in the... Dawn Society, right?"

Having tried to mention the Dawn Society, Zahard cleared his throat.

"Aren't you one of the executives in the organization? Wouldn't that give you support?"

At Zahard's question, Felkhor cautiously whispered.

"... They're busy with internal work right now. There's no time to care about someone like me, a Monsignor."

Ah, that makes sense too. Zahard nodded.

"Even if you're not completely incompetent, you could join the Knights Order."

"How much do you know, exactly? Are you trying to provoke me by saying that on purpose?"

Zahard seemed unaware that Felkhor, once part of the Azure Lions Knights Order, had been expelled due to misconduct.

"Anyway, being labeled as expelled from a imperial affiliation limits my options to odd jobs like this."

"I see. You seem to lack not just hair but work skills too."

"... Ha, this bastard."

Felkhor ran his hand across his head once, swearing. Then he spoke seriously.

"How many are there."

"Two, it seems."

At Zahard's words, Felkhor surveyed the surroundings.

There was a peculiar presence.

While he couldn't ascertain the exact number, Zahard could, through his 'Aura sonar.'

"Do you think they're following Sir Yulian or the Imperial Knight?"

He might not be wise, but Felkhor seemed to have a keen eye cultivated through experience.

He looked at Yulian and Uruhar talking from a distance and quickly grasped the situation.

"Most likely, people that Uruhar called. Yulian doesn't seem to have called any escort beside me."

"If so, it'd be better to handle them quietly."

Saying this, Felkhor began to loosen his body.

"Felkhor, do you intend to move as well?"

"If the organization is rebuilt, then Sir Yulian is likely to play a key role. I should make a good impression. I'm tired of odd jobs like this."

"Why, though? It suits you."

"What does a blind man know? Moreover, I'm not saying I hate this job."

Felkhor pointed at his name tag once more.

"I'm not even a full-time employee and only getting daily wages."

Somehow, it was a convincing argument.

"But how are you going to catch that tailing them in such a crowded place?"

Zahard felt the 'ominous presence' and spoke. It was certain they were still observing Uruhar and Yulian.

However, causing a scene in this crowded area would surely lead to trouble.

"I have a way."

"Hmm, do you have some trick?"

"Yes."

Felkhor smiled as if he were a strategist.

***

Uruhar was conducting background checks on them.

Upon being informed by the mage they had recruited to smuggle 'Resonance Stones', the Rose Knights began their movements.

The first thing they did was to tail 'Uruhar'.

Following Uruhar's trail, what fell under their gaze was the sight of him conversing with 'Yulian'.

"... This traitorous bastard."

Seeing him, the Rose Knights clicked their tongues.

Though Prince Eulsis was the 4th Prince, his noble blood was undeniable. Acting against him was akin to violating the 'Imperial Code'.

"What should we do? Sir Fulcurn."

"What else, we must inform Prince Eulsis immediately."

"... Even though he's an Imperial Knight?"

In response to the member's inquiry, Fulcurn merely clicked his tongue.

"No matter if he's an Imperial Knight; he can't go against Prince Eulsis now."

Fulcurn directed his gaze at Yulian and Uruhar.

'Uruhar.'

You've crossed the line this time.

Fulcurn thought, and just as he was about to leave the scene.

"Aagh!"

On his way, a boy running through the park bumped into Fulcurn's leg and fell over.

"Tsk."

Seeing the fallen boy, Fulcurn clicked his tongue. From his attire, the boy wasn't of nobility.

A man, presumably the boy's father, hurriedly approached. Confident the man wasn't a noble either, Fulcurn assured himself.

"Sorry, sorry!"

"That's why the park shouldn't be made public. When snotty kids run around, it lowers the dignity."

Watching the apologizing commoner, Fulcurn raised his hand intending to slap the man's cheek.

Yet, at the moment he tried to strike, he found his shoulder wouldn't move.

"What-what is this!?"

Beside him, a monster of a man was gripping his arm.

"Sir, this is a public park. You do know you mustn't cause a scene, right."

"Do you even know who I am to speak like that?"

"Then, Sir, do you know who I am?"

The large man pointed to his name tag.

【Temporary Guard of Central Park of the Imperial Capital】

【Felkhor】

"So, what?"

Thwap!

The incident transpired in an instant. As if a 'certain word' triggered a trauma, the man moved like lightning, striking Fulcurn's cheek.

As the hefty hand landed on Fulcurn's cheek, it sounded like a blunt weapon had struck.

"Sir, Sir, are you alright!"

The burly man, Felkhor, shouted hurriedly.

"He's unconscious! We must take him to the break room for treatment, now!"

"Y-you, what are you doing...!"

As Felkhor hoisted Fulcurn onto his back, ready to leave, the remaining Rose Knight members spoke in urgent tones.

Just then, Zahard, who had approached without anyone noticing, pressed his staff quietly to the knight's back.

"Uh, urgh...!"

"There! Are you the guardian of this person? Please follow me without delay!"

"Ha-ha, so this was the trick you meant, was it."

Zahard commented, seemingly incredulous. Then he whispered quietly to the Rose Knight.

"Unless you want to die, follow along. After all, there's much to see if you live a long life, isn't there?"

The knight cautiously nodded.

Clacky's Corner:

It was a setup.