novelraw Chapter 274
Chapter 274
Chapter 274. A Sense of Crisis (2)
As the heavy door separating Oben's office from the corridor closed, the footsteps of the third son, Herand, gradually faded away.
Oben leaned back into his deep armchair, staring out the window.
Although it was not yet time for twilight, the scenery from the capital seemed dim and twilight-like.
The old knight, Eharc, hesitated for a moment before entering the room and standing beside his master. His expression was more serious than usual, and it was clear he had something to say.
"Deciding to take the position of Speaker of the Council of Nobles was a wise choice."
"The situation is truly elusive. It's hard to see even one step ahead."
"Yes, I think so too."
At Eharc's words, Oben sighed deeply.
"There's a sinister energy swirling throughout the empire. Prince Kaldrach is evaluating the situation with his guards, ready to seize the throne at any time. Meanwhile, emperor Adratan has lost his mind and shows no sign of returning."
"What do you think Prince Osborne intends to do?"
"How would I know? He deeply loves his family. No matter who takes the throne, he probably wouldn't harbor any complaints."
Oben clicked his tongue.
"The real problem is the Fourth Prince, Eulsis."
At the mention of Eulsis' name, Eharc's already dark expression grew even darker.
"Whatever spell the Fourth Prince used to win over the Emperor, the probability of him inheriting the throne is currently the highest."
"... But isn't the Emperor still alive?"
"It's like a flickering candle in the wind, Eharc. It wouldn't be surprising if it goes out suddenly."
Despite the irreverence of his words, Eharc was not particularly shocked.
"If Emperor Adratan's will reveals that the throne should be passed to the Fourth Prince Eulsis, the capital will become a sea of flames indeed."
"The military serving under the authority of the Wedge Knights and Prince Kaldrach would certainly rise up."
"But..."
Oben murmured. His voice was laced with worry and contemplation.
"Why is Prince Eulsis wasting time?"
"You mentioned that before. Master, you said you're afraid of his intentions."
"Mine is the fear of the unknown. It's impossible to predict where the spark will fall."
As Eharc nodded quietly, Oben continued.
"In situations like this, a strong family head is needed, not someone like me, Eharc. Someone who would not break under any storm."
Oben's eyes began to shine with a certain emotion. Though Eharc couldn't completely comprehend the depth of this feeling, after a moment of reflection, he understood why Oben had sought out Herand.
"Could it be... you sought out Master Herand in hopes of making Yulian the family head from the start...?"
"Though he never listens to me, he might at least give some thought to Herand's words since they were close at one time."
It was Oben's judgment, thinking solely of the 'family', rather than 'status' or 'honor'.
"What does it matter if there's notoriety? If you survive, even that notoriety becomes honor eventually."
"Are you planning to use Yulian again?"
Eharc's words, piercing like a dagger, hit Oben's chest.
"The fact that Yulian grew up into such a monstrous person likely has a share in the actions of Master Oben."
Oben gave a bitter smile.
After Milena's death, the reason he left 'Yulian' unattended was not because he couldn't bear to see 'Yulian' due to grief.
It was to instill the belief in the family that Ornn, who despised barbarians, was persecuting the 'child' of a concubine.
To bring down Ornn's reputation and ascend quickly to the position of 'family head' himself.
"I had to become the head quickly so that Yulian could survive."
"Is that another excuse? If Milena were alive, she would have slapped you for using your son."
"She knew I was this kind of person when you married me."
Oben smiled wistfully.
***
The decision to entrust the position of 'family head' to his half-brother, Yulian, weighed heavily on Herand's shoulders.
It wasn't simply because Yulian's reputation was poor or that the family members loathed him.
It stemmed from a more primal emotion of hesitation.
'... Hmm.'
The fact remains, 'Yulian' makes him uneasy.
Yulian is frightening. He could easily discard any belongings or people he had grown fond of, and he showed no hesitation in beheading them.
People would call him a monstrous being devoid of human feelings, and Herand would internally deny it, yet at the same time, he thought it was a rather fitting expression.
'I hope such... unpleasant traits do not manifest if he becomes the head.'
Harboring such unease, Herand boarded the carriage.
As the carriage wheels began to move, the cool breeze brushed against his cheek, but for some reason, sweat began to bead on his forehead.
'What if his disdain for the family has deepened?'
That possibility wasn't entirely absent, and it began to worry Herand slightly. Although he had confidently assured his father, Oben, his concerns started mounting.
'What if other families find fault with Yulian's temperament?'
More precisely, it's his human connections that are concerning. 'Nobles' enjoy far superior power compared to commoners.
Herand could confidently say that this is possible because of 'human connections.'
The bonds, or mutual relationships, that families build over time, helping each other under the name of coexistence.
For the sake of maintaining their position, nobles would use any means necessary.
'But, Yulian has no connections.'
In the event Yulian assumes the head of the 'Cryphart family', it's safe to say the 'connection points' with other families will disappear.
Who would interact with the 'Smiling Executioner' and try to make use of his notoriety?
"Uh, huh?"
Contrary to such worries, when Herand arrived at the Blind Eyes' camp to see Yulian, he saw various nobles coming in and out of Yulian's office.
From members of the Council of Nobles.
To the head of the Obradin family.
Even third prince was said to have visited today, according to the servants.
'My brother, Yulian.'
Herand recalled Yulian's face.
His half-brother, with slit-eyes showing no emotion, seemed far removed from the concept of 'socializing'.
'... Seems to be getting along better than I thought.'
***
After ordering Pintel to find a possible 'contaminated land', peace had finally returned to the office.
Once everyone had left, leaving only myself, a silence descended over the place.
'Finally, I can rest.'
Thinking this, as I tried to lean back in my chair, noises began to emerge from outside.
Knock, knock.
With a knock, Lazlot entered.
"You have a visitor, Sir Yulian."
"Unfortunately, could you tell them I'm not here?"
I want to rest. I have plans to go outside a bit later.
"Understood. Then, I'll convey that to Elder brother Herand."
Lazlot, bowing politely, was about to leave.
"Herand is here?"
When I said that to Lazlot, who was turning to leave, he returned immediately.
"Yes."
"... Hmm."
What brings Herand here?
'To discuss Ornn?'
The general consensus is that Ornn's exile to the north is due to the 'Council of Nobles'.
Unless one knows the truth, they wouldn't know this fact.
"Please, show him in."
Out of curiosity, I decided to let Herand in. I didn't particularly dislike talking with Herand.
Besides, 'Yulian' seemed to regard Herand favorably, having felt that he genuinely cared for the family.
"... Become the head of the Cryphart family, Yulian."
Damn, I should've just sent him away.
I should've pretended not to be here.
"Haaa."
As I sighed, watching Herand get straight to the point after greeting, I took a deep breath.
'Head of the Cryphart family.'
If I had a desire for power, it's something that might interest me, but it wasn't a topic I had any interest in right now.
"Sir Oben mentioned something similar before."
"Ah, father did?"
"Yes."
"What did you say at the time?"
"Isn't it obvious, elder Brother Herand? Why would you be urging this on me now if I had accepted?"
At my words, Herand made a "I see" expression.
"Wouldn't you reconsider?"
"Isn't Sir Oben the current head? Is it necessary to change the head?"
"... The Speaker position of the Council of Nobles is vacant. They need someone to fill that position, and Father... Sir Oben plans to become the Speaker."
Hmm.
So, it's because of me, you see. Or rather, because of Ornn's self-inflicted decline.
"So, Yulian. Become the head..."
"I have no intention of doing so, elder brother Herand."
Saying that, I stood up. Originally, I intended to rest a little and then move, but Herand being here made me decide to leave now.
"W, where are you going?"
"I have some business. I'm headed somewhere quite messy, so it's best if you don't follow."
"Messy?"
"Yes."
As I nodded, Herand looked slightly bewildered.
***
"T, this is a sewer!"
Herand's shocked voice echoed through the sewers.
After casting a glance at him, I chuckled inwardly in disbelief.
'He actually followed.'
Herand is a noble. As a member of the four major noble families, his sensitivity to 'cleanliness' is intense.
Admittedly, that was something Yulian shared as well, but whatever.
"Aren't you going to turn back?"
"No."
"Don't speak so coldly, yul... ian? Yulian!? Why are you heading into the sewers!"
Standing at the entrance to the sewer, Herand hesitated. However, as I proceeded in, Herand reluctantly followed me inside.
A dark, humid passage. With a faint sound of dripping water, something seemed to wriggle from within.
"What is that...!?"
It's a rat.
Without responding, I proceeded further into the sewer.
Deeper, further inward.
"Y, Yulian? Instead of doing this, how about discussing this outside?"
Herand's anxious voice came from behind. Ignoring his voice, I scanned the surroundings briefly.
'Hmm...'
This was where Aiden had died. Of course, reaching that scene required going deeper.
The reason for visiting this place wasn't to lay flowers at a filthy person's grave.
'Considering the contamination of the land, this was the likeliest place.'
This was where Aiden conducted experiments with 'Demons'. Due to this, the 'residual thought' was heavily imprinted on the ground, and being an area of the 'slums', it was a neglected place.
In other words, if it were to be influenced by the power of the 'Demon God's Horn', it could become the most likely location to endlessly produce a den of demons.
"As expected, it can be sensed from below."
Tap, tap.
I tapped the ground with my boots.
The heightened 'demonic energy detection' ability thanks to absorbing one of the 'Demon God's horns.' This was the moment it was brought fully to bear.
===
⇒ Demonic eneryg can be felt.
===
Indeed, it's not just one or two.
Feeling the pulsating demonic energy, I smiled.