Act 76

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“Thank you for your cooperation, Sir Pintel. I will take my leave now.”

With a brief farewell, Julian left the audience chamber with the anonymous members of his group. 

A solemn silence settled in, and Pintel, unable to withstand the atmosphere, also hurried out of the room.

‘I’ve become a monster.’

As he walked away, Pintel reflected on the situation.

As a noble of the Adratan Empire, he remembered most of the paths Julian had taken so far.

Though only half, a body with noble blood flowing through it. A stupid trash who became a dog of the empire as an ‘executioner’ without proving the usefulness of that blood.

It should have been like that.

‘Where did that previous atmosphere go…’

When Julian called him to this place, Pintel had not heard any story.

However, the moment he stood in his place, his intuition fiercely whispered to him.

That he could choke the despicable life out of Gerard with just one word.

‘Since that day, we haven’t spoken a word, but Julian understood what was in my heart.’

Certainly, the previous ‘Julian’ would have been displeased.

—

To utilize the current situation to ensure Gerard is stripped of his position.

The only guy who would understand his feelings had disgracefully turned into the dog of the royal family.

But now, it was different.

‘This guy… No, Sir Julian…’

Pintel thought that the thoughts he now harbored might be blasphemous.

However, the murky flow in his mind began to erode the hardened thoughts.

And it became a resolution.

‘He fits as an Archbishop of the Dawn Society.’

Thinking this, Pintel continued to walk.

***

“Where is the Black Knight?”

As we walked out of the audience chamber and down the corridor, Meyer spoke up.

Her voice sounded annoyed, but she was still terrified.

The color of ‘fear’ visible above her head proved it.

“What will you do if you find him?”

Yeah, what will you do?

Even if he is right in front of you, you won’t believe it.

“I want to thank him. For creating an opportunity for me to avenge my brother Baran.”

“Then I will pass the message.”

“…I don’t want that.”

It’s hard to understand why not.

“I want to talk to him directly. And I have something to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Why should I tell you?”

Because the person you are so desperately looking for is me.

“Use the communicator. Didn’t he give it to you?”

“…He told me not to initiate contact.”

How annoying.

Still, it was somewhat admirable to see her keeping promises, rough as her manner was.

“Tell him I want to meet. If you won’t, I’ll let the royal family know what you’ve been up to right now…Aaah!”

As I went to remove Meyer’s mask, her emerald eyes were revealed.

“Know your place.”

When she spoke as if snapping at him, Meyer flinched. 

But that was only for a moment; her eyes sharpened. 

“Subject? I have your weakness in my grasp right now! If you’re not stupid, you’d know what will happen to you if this leaks to the imperial court… Ugh.” 

I covered Meyer’s mouth with my hand. 

“Hey, shut up, you crazy woman! Although I appreciate your concern, are you really okay? Do you know why I asked for your help?” 

Saying this, I stared intently at Meyer. 

Her pride was strong, but she was not someone who could accept favors without repaying them. 

“Because of the favor I owe the Black Knight, I won’t tell anyone about what happened today… Ugh.” 

Meyer seemed to be hit by this, groaning. 

“Huh? Why all of a sudden?” 

“That’s right… You think that someone like me, from the slums, if I disappear without a trace, no one would care, right?” 

…Conflict. 

No. 

I truly said it out of concern. 

But I vaguely realized from many experiences that ‘appearance matters.’ 

Even if it becomes familiar, the meaning changes if those sly eyes say it. 

“As you think, I won’t say anything. But it’s not because I’m afraid of you!” 

Meyer opened her mouth, trembling. 

It seemed not. 

“Because I have a connection with the Black Knight, I keep quiet. Unlike you… he’s trustworthy!” 

While listening, I couldn’t help but chuckle. 

“What’s so funny!?” 

My chuckle sounded like scoffing to Meyer, who got angry and raised her voice. 

It’s not funny at all. 

Currently, I was doing my best to act as Julian-like as possible, trying not to kill as much as I could. 

Of course, this alone won’t erase the infamy this demonic creature has built up, but still, to trust someone who wears a mask and hides his identity more than this, isn’t that ridiculous? 

“It’s funny that you trust someone who wears a mask and hides their identity. It’s something a child would think.” 

“He’s much better than you!” 

“In what way?” 

Startled by my words, Meyer thought for a moment and then spoke. 

“For one, he’s cool.” 

I was slightly taken aback by the unexpected comment. 

“How can you say he’s cool if you’ve never seen his face under the mask?” 

“I don’t need to see his face to know. Unlike a guy like you, his eyes aren’t sly!” 

Somewhat embarrassing. 

“And even though I don’t know his identity, there’s something about him that’s trustworthy.” 

Is that so? Well, I guess so. 

“I don’t know why I’m cooperating with someone like you whose intentions I can’t understand, but… still! You’re different!” 

“Is that so?”

“Right!” The confidence in her voice was palpable.

Her attitude was so amusing that… ‘What if I told her I’m the Black Knight?’

…the words almost escaped my lips, but I decided against doing something so foolish.

***

Upon returning to the mansion, I went to the bathroom to wash up.

When I first entered Tenellon’s secret chamber, I was sweating and felt unpleasant, but looking back, it seems I was only nervous at the beginning and became indifferent as time passed.

“Lord Julian, what would you like to do for dinner?”

As I was drying off after stepping out of the bathroom, a maid approached and asked politely.

“Please prepare it.”

It seemed time had passed, as I was feeling quite hungry.

After instructing the servant, I dried off and headed to the dining room.

The appetizer was a bread topped with ground mushrooms and cheese, followed by shrimp and herbs that were easy to pop into one’s mouth.

…I had told the chef to reduce the number of appetizers before.

I had mentioned it to the chef before that there was too much food before the main course. It might be a rule set by ‘Julian’ who likes to indulge, but since I didn’t particularly like it, I had told him to reduce the quantity.

‘It seems the chef got quite the scolding.’

Julian’ whimsical nature had often harried the chef, and it seems because of this, the current rules weren’t easily changed.

–

‘Maybe, is this a test?’

I remember having such a thought to myself.

“This is veal that has been aged in beeswax for seven months,” the chef said as he wheeled the cart over and served the food.

He explained what the meat was and how it was prepared.

“Due to the lack of gaminess in veal, it has been enhanced with a special marinade to suit Lord Julian’ taste.”

“Is that so?”

“Ye..s.”

Although I am not a gourmet, the way the chef nervously explained it piqued my interest.

I’ve always thought that food is ultimately energy. I consider calories to be the measure of food’s quality.

“Let’s have a taste then.”

I took up a fork and knife, cut the meat, and put it in my mouth.

As the chef said, the meat lacked gaminess, but the flavors of herbs and butter intensely filled my taste buds.

The rough marinade and the tender veal created a harmonious blend.

Hmm, quite appealing, isn’t it?

“Does it suit your taste?”

“…It’s good.”

A flush of color came to the chef’s face.

“Is there more?”

Pointing with my finger to the plate, indicating my liking, the chef’s smile became even more pronounced.

“Yes, of course!”

“Then, about ten bowls of the same.”

Given my immense physical capabilities, my body requires a lot of calories.

Especially after mastering ‘Sombra’, I’ve felt more sensitive to hunger.

“Yes, yes…!?”

“I was quite hungry, that’s why. I think I need to eat a bit more.”

The chef’s eyes, unsteady and unable to find a focus.

Soon, as if he had made up his mind, he nodded.

“I will prepare something no matter what.”

“Oh, if it’s too much trouble, something else will do.”

“No! Please let me do this!”

His tone carried a sense of determination.

Did he take this as some kind of test?

I was about to dissuade him out of concern, but the chef hurried out of the dining room with urgent steps.

‘If it’s too hard, he’ll stop on his own.’

I moved my fork again.

As my empty stomach gradually filled, thoughts began to flood my mind.

Gérard had been dealt with more quickly than the original story.

Now, how to handle the impending backlash.

‘Now that we’re here?’

What to do by adding ‘originally’ to a story already turned topsy-turvy.

‘Yes, even my mastering Sombra, and the fact that the Sword Saint abandoned the role of the Black Knight, all were unexpected.’

From here on, it’s important to handle what comes next well.

“Lord Julian! I’m sorry to interrupt your meal, but… a guest has arrived!”

Just as I was steadying my heart, the servant’s urgent voice snapped me to attention.

I looked at the servant intently.

Fear was evident, but he had to speak, even if I was in the middle of dining.

Seeing his urgency, it must be an important guest.

“Who is it?”

“It’s, it’s Lord Oben Crypart.”

Oben, Oben…

As I chewed over the name, I stopped my moving fork.

It was the name of the head of the Crypart family.

At the same time…

“Father…?”

No, Julian’s father.

“Ah, I’ll bring him in.”

My muttering was taken as affirmation, and the servant bowed quickly and rushed to the entrance.

‘Why at my mansion?’

It was odd.

Wasn’t ‘Julian’ disowned by the Crypart family?

Why would the head of the family come to see me himself?

Thinking about it, the reason came to mind.

-If the head himself comes, I might make time even in my busy schedule.

Had my words turned into a prophecy?

Surely, he wouldn’t really come to meet, would he!

Disturbed, I stopped eating and rose from my seat as I heard approaching footsteps.

This isn’t about the veal!

Such a scenario was never in any game.

That the head of the Crypart family would come to see ‘Julian’.

I must handle this well.

A word from him could change Julian’s story.

Even if the visitor was the head of the Crypart family and could freely decide the fate of the collateral branches, I just had to get through this.

“Lord Julian, Lord Oben has arrived.”

So, like others.

No, since it’s the head, maybe a slight bow would be appropriate.

Though branded ‘Frason’, I’m still a member of the Crypart family.

“Were you dining? It’s been a while, Julian.”

A man with a clean impression entered the dining room.

Julian and he shared a slightly similar appearance, but apart from the narrow eyes, they somehow looked like father and son.

Seemingly in a cordial mood, he extended his hand.

“Yes, it’s been a long time, my lord.”

Next… would be to offer a handshake?

I gently extended my hand and clasped his.

I was doing well.

Relieved by a reaction that was better than expected, I was comforting myself when suddenly,

“Why did you not attend the family meeting? If you had been there, I personally would have… Aaargh…!”

I had overlooked something.

‘Julian’ harbors an intense hatred for Crypart’s head, his father ‘Oben’.

Julian’s’ body reacted with all its might, almost breaking ‘Oben’s’ hand with the force exerted.

He was even about to use his aura… I stopped him.

I’m sorry, Oben.

It really wasn’t my intention.

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