Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 310 : Side Story 10 - The Looming Threat

Side Story 10 - The Looming Threat

Having left the imperial palace, I cursed under my breath.

I had expected Pintel to pull something like that, but I never imagined he'd blatantly go so far as to mention a 'new sun'.

Now, both Osborne and Robert must be harboring suspicions about me.

I had intended to slip in quietly, tidy up quietly, and leave just as quietly.

I looked up at the sky. The empire's sky was as beautiful as ever, but beneath it, the currents of intrigue were only growing more turbulent.

'Pintel, you madman.'

Thanks to him, my headache had gotten worse.

Osborne's gaze.

I could feel the suspicion and wariness growing ever deeper in his eyes.

'The position of commander of the Imperial Knights, huh.'

That must be why those terms were offered.

Outwardly, it seemed a sign of trust, but in reality, it was no different from a leash. It meant they wanted me close to the imperial family for easy surveillance.

Yet it was awkward to refuse. If I declined, it would only confirm their suspicions—'He really is up to something.'

No, but why did I have to worry about things like this in the first place? I stopped walking and let out a deep sigh.

Already, I missed the days when I'd wandered during my travels. Not even a week had passed since then.

Haah.

But what could I do? I'd come to put things in order, so I had to see it through somehow.

With a barrage of thoughts whirling in my mind, I returned home for the first time in a while.

My house, visible from afar.

I may have gotten rid of everything else, but at least I'd kept my house.

I hadn't forgotten my dream of having a place to call my own, after all.

As I entered the mansion for the first time in ages, the servants stared at me with wide surprise.

Not that there were many—they were mostly dismissed before my travels, so only the house steward, gardener, and three maids remained.

"Have you been taking good care of my precious little ones?"

Perhaps from awkwardness, the first thing I blurted out to them was, "Have you been looking after the orchids?"

The house steward nodded and led me to the drawing room.

"Oh."

Now transformed almost into a greenhouse, the drawing room. I'd asked for it, but still, it really was a stroke of genius.

I never used this room anyway. Not like any guests were coming.

"My adorable babies."

The sight of my grown orchids was enough to move my heart.

Cute little things. They'd grown so much in such a short time.

Oh.

This one is even starting to sprout fuzzy leaves.

Was this what it felt like to be reunited with your children after a long time? As I pondered that, the house steward approached and addressed me.

"How was your trip, master?"

How was the trip?

To be honest, I hadn't wanted to come back. Or rather, even if I came back, I didn't want to get wrapped up in these headaches.

"It wasn't bad."

Still, I answered as though everything had been fine. No use in whining.

"That's a relief."

Sssk.

With those words, the old steward handed me an envelope.

It bore the refined seal of the Cryphart family. I hadn't seen that in a while. Didn't suit my taste, but it wasn't bad.

"What's this?"

"It's a letter from the main Cryphart household."

I figured as much, but what does it say?

"I think it's better if you read it yourself than for me to explain."

If that's the case, I'd better read it.

As if matter-of-factly, the steward handed me a slender knife. I opened the envelope, sealed with wax, and checked its contents.

"Heh."

A laugh slipped out before I realized it.

Why?

Because the letter was about the youngest of the Cryphart family, 'Joshua Cryphart,' getting engaged.

'What the hell happened in the past year?'

The partner's name was listed as from the 'Godricht family'.

A massive family that, like the Crypharts, formed a pillar of the empire.

What was interesting was that something was written after both the first and family names.

Like Yulian Cryphart Frason.

"Are they from a branch family?"

The steward nodded at my question.

"Yes, I've heard she's the illegitimate child of a slave woman. Although the late family head brought her into the household belatedly, inside..."

I'm sure the evaluations were terrible.

Well, that's none of my concern.

But it's a funny situation. I remembered the things Joshua used to say.

Lowborn blood in the noble Cryphart family.

Branch family trash.

Never once considered them family.

The guy who used to say those things was now engaged to a noblewoman of illegitimate birth.

"Heh."

Little brother, the world is unpredictable. That's why you shouldn't run your mouth so much.

"A lot of people seem to have objected to the engagement because she's an illegitimate child. They're even sending out letters to announce the engagement."

I thought as much.

"It's fortunate you returned, master. I was at a loss for how to reply."

At a loss? Couldn't you just reply that I couldn't attend because I was away?

"The current Cryphart head has been struggling under pressure from the family members."

The head is struggling?

Oben Cryphart.

That sly old man never seemed like someone who would struggle with anything.

After mulling it over for a bit, I quickly found an answer.

"Don't tell me, is Herand now the Cryphart head?"

"Yes."

The steward nodded. Seeing him, I couldn't help laughing again.

What on earth had happened in the empire in the past year?

Anyway.

Was there really any reason it'd be hard? Then again, there were people in the family who weren't happy about Herand being named head.

They just didn't bring it up in front of me. Probably said all sorts of things while I was away.

"Soft-hearted Herand probably isn't standing up strongly enough to the family's opposition."

At my words, the steward nodded like he'd expected I'd know.

As I thought.

I fell into thought for a moment.

The head's position could have easily come to me. I wasn't certain, but it wouldn't have been odd if a conflict had arisen if I'd stayed.

I don't covet the position of head. Unless I was desperate to survive, that kind of power is nothing but a nuisance at this point.

'Therefore.'

Helping out wouldn't be bad. If the family grew noisy, I'd be inconvenienced as well.

"When is the engagement ceremony?"

With that in mind, I decided to attend the engagement gathering.

It didn't seem like Herand would have opposed Joshua's engagement. On the contrary, he probably wanted to support the youngest.

It was the other family members who were in opposition. So I should attend in person and lend Herand some real support.

Besides.

I'm the Smiling Executioner, aren't I? I still have a lingering notorious reputation; if I don't use it in times like this, when would I?

'That aside.'

I hope Pintel doesn't cause any trouble during this time. I really do hope.

* * *

Osborne leaned back in his chair, slowly closing his eyes. Then, he let the conversation he'd had earlier with the man replay in his mind.

– "Even for a short while, why not appoint a regent, Your Highness?"

The man knelt, grasping his cane. Osborne knew that this man was one of those who led the Dawn Society, known by the name Pintel Obradin.

When the word 'regent' came out of his mouth, Osborne's eyes narrowed.

– "There are few powers backing Your Highness Osborne at present. If you ascend the throne now, opposition is sure to rise."

Pintel replied, his eyes unwavering.

– "Therefore, appoint me as regent, and ascend to the position of Emperor."

This was a warning. Even if Pintel himself claimed differently, Osborne read it that way.

– "It's for the sake of peace. The empire must endure, must it not?"

Gnash.

Osborne trembled with fury.

To be told to appoint a 'regent' angered him, but it was even worse to realize he was in a situation where such a suggestion, spoken to his face, was not even out of place.

In that instant, it struck him just how far the once-mighty Adratan imperial family had fallen.

"... If I name Pintel as regent, it's true the commotion in the empire would subside."

But if he did, there was no going back. The chief chancellor, Robert, clearly meant to say as much.

So what should he do?

"It's about time... to draw the sword."

He was right.

Osborne's face, full of concern, gradually darkened.

* * *

Pintel Obradin sat alone in the study of his mansion.

The shadows of candlelight flickered between the shelves filled with books, and documents on the empire's current affairs were scattered across the wide desk.

Yet he looked at none of it.

'This must be what Sir Yulian wanted, right?'

An indirect route, not open war. A way to seize the empire's greatest power without bloodshed.

Pintel's method was to have himself appointed as regent.

If that happened, Pintel could easily extend his hand to imperial power, and at the same time, the imperial family could maintain some of their strength.

It was the ideal bloodless solution.

'Of course, prince Osborne won't be happy about it.'

Still, the die was cast.

It was no task at all for the current Dawn Society to put out a fire lacking heat, and the prince probably recognized that.

If they truly wanted blood, and brought out their swords, they would only be forced to their knees, thoroughly.

Pintel smiled. He would pursue things as Yulian desired—

With wisdom, not blades.

With negotiation, not blood.

That was the empire Yulian wanted.

'Please wait for me, sir Yulian. I will forge the path.'

As the candle flickered and lit up the study, a new resolve shone in Pintel's eyes.

It was then.

Though there was no wind, the candle trembled minutely.

Detecting something off, Pintel stood and gripped the cane at his side.

'An intruder?'

He had installed anti-intrusion magic in his mansion. Yet, as no alarms had sounded, it was clear the magic had not been triggered.

Still, Pintel sensed it instinctively. Having led the Dawn Society through countless schemes, he wouldn't miss such subtle changes.

'A visitor, at this hour?'

Night was deep. A legitimate caller would have knocked at the front door.

'Judging by the skill, it's not a mere thief.'

Pintel closed his eyes, focusing all his senses. Soon, faint footsteps became clear to him.

It was certain. The target was himself.

They were bypassing the second floor, heading toward the study on the third.

Pintel opened the door and stepped into the corridor. He didn't forget to infuse his cane with mana, ready to deal with the impudent intruder.

Before long, a shadow appeared at the end of the long hallway.

"Who are you?"

Pintel pointed his cane and called out. No answer came.

"I won't ask twice. If you don't answer, you'll get the response you deserve."

Still no reply. The shadow, instead, began to move slowly.

As the shadow passed under the moonlit window, the intruder's face came into view.

Silver hair that reflected the moonlight and those unseeing slit-eyes. An all-too-familiar face.

"S-Sir Yulian...?"

Pintel, before he realized it, spoke the name.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

Is it really Yulian?

【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】