Act 55

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In the imperial court, where trickery and manipulation run rampant, the secretariat, which handles a vast amount of information, is stationed by powerful nobles with significant authority.

However, this ‘power’ is not derived from force but rather from political relationships and connections with other nobles.

Those who do not care about ‘others’ opinions’ hardly fear the secretariat’s prestige.

“Ahem.”

Sedden Orbian, the head of the secretariat, coughed lightly regarding someone who does not fear such ‘public opinion’.

Julian Crypart Frason.

To this mad dog of the imperial court, the concept of a ‘leash’ does not exist.

He pledges loyalty to the empire, but it is not for honor, family prestige, or material desire, but purely for his own satisfaction.

Therefore, people fear this unpredictable monster.

“Yes, I heard there was a Crypart family meeting recently.”

However, showing that emotion outwardly is third-rate.

Always elegant and disciplined, like a true noble.

Reflecting on his values, Sedden looked at Julian.

“Yes.”

“Do you know the content? The Crypart family is under close watch by the imperial court.”

It was natural for the imperial court to keep an eye on the Crypart family.

With the throne’s succession rights, it wouldn’t be strange for turmoil to arise at any time.

In such a situation, if one of the four major families, the ‘Crypart family’, made a move, it would be hard to predict what would happen.

“I’m sorry, but I have been disowned by the family.”

“Is that so?”

Sedden nodded at Julian’s polite tone, having guessed as much.

He is a ‘Frason’ of the Crypart family, after all.

“That’s unfortunate.”

Though he said so, there was no sign of disappointment on Sedden’s face.

In fact, the reason he called Julian wasn’t to check on the ‘family meeting’ but for another purpose.

‘While I’m somewhat curious, my actual objective is different.’

As the head of the secretariat and Julian with his ‘closed eyes’ are officially related to the imperial exclusive agency, showcasing a relationship that goes beyond official duties and into personal conversations can affirm ‘my position more firmly.’

A notorious person, but his strength is genuine.

Without a significant investment, just a few words of conversation can serve as a warning to other nobles!

What an elegant and natural way to conduct oneself.

“But, Lord Sedden.”

“Hmm?”

Pleased with his cunning strategy, Sedden, holding a teacup, raised his head at Julian’s calm tone.

“I heard that Sir Hayden Reich left the Capital.”

Sedden flinched as the name Hayden Reich was mentioned by Julian.

“Yes, I am aware.”

“Do you know, by any chance, for what purpose… where he went?”

Sedden, knowing their relationship, could see through Julian’s intention all too clearly.

The fact that Julian’s feelings towards the ‘Sword Saint’ are not positive is a well-known story.

“I’m not sure why you’re curious. You don’t have an official friendship with the ‘Sword Saint’, do you?”

Sedden showed discomfort and indirectly expressed his own will. Then, he took a moment to observe Julian’s expression.

‘Gulp’

He was met with Julian’s chilling smile. Always wearing a smile on his face, Julian does possess emotions, vividly manifested in his spirit.

‘It seems he is still desperate to kill the Sword Saint.’

Swallowing in the face of the murderous intent emanating from Julian, Sedden decided to inform him of the Sword Saint’s whereabouts. After all, having called Julian for a personal matter, it was only right to pay the due price.

‘No, I’m not scared.’

That’s also a noble’s duty, and isn’t it part of living an elegant life?

***

Having returned to the mansion, I threw myself on the sofa.

‘Currently, Sir Hayden is on a mission ordered by His Majesty the Emperor, heading to the Holy Nation of Fernand.’

Heading to the Holy Nation of Fernand at this time.

‘What about the Black Knight…’

One of the key elements in ‘Let’s Kill the Demon Lord’ is the ‘Black Knight.’ The anxiety of our protagonist not fulfilling that role became a headache as it turned into reality.

‘This is troublesome… this situation…’

Although I’ve intercepted the ‘Soul Stone’ secured by Pintel, that alone does not end the activities of the Dawn Society.

‘What should I do?’

The situation started to gnaw at me, with no solution easily coming to mind. It’s not like I can just go to the person involved and bring up the topic of the ‘Black Knight.’

‘No… in the first place…’

I turned my gaze to the window, taking in the view outside. The high sky and the imperial palace in the distance. It’s a place intertwined with a strange familiarity.

“Is there really no ‘Black Knight’ here now?”

I was slightly disappointed by the fact that my favorite scene and character were missing.

‘Similar, yet different.’

I took out a piece of paper from my pocket and placed it on the table. It’s the front page of a calendar with the days the ‘Black Knight’ had been active marked on it.

‘If he really doesn’t exist, then everything the Black Knight prevented will come to pass.’

This is going to be bothersome.

Moreover, it’s not just the ‘Black Knight’ I need to think about; there’s something else.

I pulled out a small box hidden in the drawer. Inside was the ‘Soul Stone’ that Pintel had secured.

‘How should I deal with this thing…’

Since Elenoa’s visit, I’ve been aware that keeping the Soul Stone in the mansion was foolish. Anyone who can handle mana to a certain extent or is familiar with magic could potentially find the hidden Soul Stone.

‘I could entrust it to Herland only because it was a necklace with a story.’

Is there anyone I can entrust just the Soul Stone to now?

Certainly not.

“If I leave it as is, it’s bound to be dangerous.”

After a moment of contemplation, I made up my mind.

Click!

Opening the box, the Soul Stone inside revealed itself, the smallest size I’ve seen yet.

‘This is a good size for experimenting.’

Reaching out, I took it and looked inside.

The stone, appearing as if it had absorbed blood, emitted an ominous red glow, reflecting Julian’s squinting face.

“I knew there would come a time for this, but it’s sooner than I thought.”

I had resolved to use anything to survive.

Trait: Vessel of the Demon Lord

Grade: Legendary

The residual thoughts of a demon contained within the soul stone. The ‘Vessel of the Demon Lord’ enables its absorption, eventually transforming the holder into a ‘Demon Lord,’ a trait of an ‘evil person.’

‘I will absorb the soul stone.’

What if demonization proceeds? Although slightly worried, the instinctive craving for power emerged first.

‘This body can’t resist power.’

Then consume it.

I exerted force on the hand holding the soul stone. As the small pebble penetrated my skin and flowed in like a liquid, I also felt the flow of ‘magi.’

‘Concentrate.’

As I felt the magi seeping into my mana veins through my fingertips, I focused my mind on the major veins to prevent their intrusion.

Mana is inherently pure.

Though the ‘impure’ energy named ‘magi’ infiltrated the ‘purity,’ controlling it wasn’t particularly difficult.

“It’s easy. This much.”

Cough.

A cough burst out. Unknowingly, my hand went to my mouth, and bright red blood flowed between my lips.

Drops of blood fell from my lips, and with that as a starting point, a burning pain as if seared with a hot iron began to be felt inside my body.

Furthermore, an alien feeling, as if worms were wriggling, took hold throughout my insides.

“Ugh…”

I had thought too lightly of it.

Though it was a small soul stone, it was the essence condensed with the magi of a Tri-horn demon. To absorb it and expect nothing to happen was naive.

However, even amidst the whirlwind of pain and discomfort, my spirit did not break.

“Ha, haha…”

Rather, a certain emotion began to rise.

Anticipation.

The thrill of obtaining ‘power’ once this storm passes.

Yet, to let out a laugh amidst this pain.

Impressed with ‘Julian’s’ instinct, I corrected my posture and sat cross-legged.

‘This position is better.’

I shifted my body into a posture that allowed me to concentrate on the mana veins as much as possible and took a deep breath.

The first thing I did was check my body’s condition.

‘The magi that couldn’t enter the mana veins due to the blockade are swirling inside my body.’

The coughing up blood a moment ago was likely due to this.

What should I do?

‘Should I open the mana veins to let the magi in?’

As soon as the thought occurred, this damned body naturally opened the ‘entrance’ of the mana veins, known as the ‘major veins.’

As if that were the right answer.

The ‘gate’ of the major vein in the heart.

The ‘rest gate’ leading from the heart to the head.

Then, two ‘path gates’ leading to each arm.

Two ‘correct gates’ leading to each leg.

“Cough…”

As the magi rampaged through the veins, another drop of red blood burst from between my lips.

Despite the pain making my hands tremble, it did not lead to anxiety.

‘The veins are… adapting.’

If it had been an ordinary person, demonization would have begun the moment the soul stone was absorbed. However, this body was different.

It wasn’t just due to the trait of being a ‘Vessel of the Demon Lord.’

‘The amount of mana far exceeds that of others.’

Changing the color of a small pond is easy, but changing the color of a vast sea is impossible. Julian’s body, with mana akin to a ‘sea,’ slowed the progression of ‘demonization’ due to being invaded by magi.

“Huff….”

Concentration, more concentration.

I slowly opened and closed my mana veins, adjusting the amount of magi absorbed.

As I focused all my nerves and tuned the mana veins, my senses began to dull.

I had no idea how much time had passed.

Click!

What’s certain is that a significant amount of sweat has been shed over not a short period, leading to dehydration symptoms. My lips started to crack, and the dizziness felt from the pain transformed into symptoms caused by dehydration.

‘Water.’

Then, I remembered that upon my arrival at the mansion, a servant had brought water to my bedroom. Drinking it would quench this burning thirst.

‘I can’t easily move.’

But that’s just wishful thinking.

In this state of heightened focus, any slight movement could disrupt my concentration.

Endure.

But I still want to drink.

The thirst wasn’t this intense before I remembered that there’s water in my room.

‘Did I leave the water bottle on the desk…?’

Damn! Once it’s in my head, it won’t go away!

I cursed inwardly.

The desire grew stronger, and my drying mouth felt as if it had swallowed sand.

‘Why did I think of that… Huh?’

At that moment, I felt a small stream of water fall onto my head.

The flowing water, fortunately, came down near my lips, starting to moisten my cracked lips bit by bit.

Perhaps this is what rain in a drought feels like.

The dizziness caused by thirst began to dull slightly.

I slowly opened my eyes.

Despite my concentration, there was no sign of anyone in the room.

Then, who had poured water over my head?

‘Shadow?’

The shadow, stretched out like a black line, had slipped away from my back and brought the water bottle from the desk.

“Who are you?”

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