Act 78

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In <Let’s Kill the Demon Lord>, a game known for its freedom in storytelling, players can make various choices.

Generally, people project themselves onto the protagonist they play, preferring to guide them towards idealism and righteousness.

The hero, ‘Sword Saint’, was more dedicated to the empire than anyone else and was revered as noble.

‘But now, there’s no player to make that choice for him.’ 

It could be said that he has gained some humanity.

The imperial family of the Adratan Empire maintained a close relationship with the Sword Saint, appearing to support him, yet secretly wishing for his downfall.

He was immensely popular among the citizens, a challenger to the imperial stronghold.

There were several attempts to eliminate him, but the Sword Saint endured and remained within the capital.

Eventually, what was bound to happen did happen: ‘Defection to the Holy Nation of Fernand.’

I wouldn’t have stayed in such an empire either.

“I had no idea Sir Julian would find this amusing,” Trale interjected just as I was organizing my thoughts about the Sword Saint abandoning the empire.

‘If this isn’t something to laugh about, what is?’ 

Trale, showing signs of nervousness, awkwardly laughed at my comment.

Sometimes, extreme servility becomes a character trait in itself.

The Holy Nation of Fernand is a place I must visit someday.

It’s the heartland of the Solarun faith, a religion that worships the Sun God Solarun and has the largest congregation on the continent.

It is also the repository of the most sacred relics.

‘It would be great to acquire some relics…’ 

But naturally, relics of national treasure caliber aren’t easily obtained.

If they were, they wouldn’t be worthy of their name.

However, there is one relic within the Holy Nation that could be obtained easily: The Bell of Night.

Although not of national treasure caliber, its efficiency is indescribable.

“So, Sir Julian, what are you planning to do?” Trale asked, her voice filled with fear and curiosity.

“What are you talking about?” 

“About Sir Hayden Reich… are you planning to follow him to the Holy Nation?” 

That’s unlikely.

But the world sees ‘Julian’ as a madman who wants to behead his mentor.

“I have no such thoughts.”

“Is that so?” 

“For now,” I said with a low laugh, looking at Trale, who turned pale.

“Oh no! I’ve ended up giving away Sword Saint’s information… If Sir Julian attacks Sir Hayden Reich, I could be charged with a serious crime!”

“Then, killing is the solution. Dead men tell no tales.”

Trale shuddered at my matter-of-fact tone.

I almost burst out laughing.

Despite being a vampire, she had her adorable quirks.

***

As always, I was tending to my bonsai.

It was the best way to clear my troubled mind amidst needless turmoil.

I had no doubt about it.

Pruning the branches, sorting the leaves, through that process, I can calm my complex mind.  

Now my heart is as still as a tranquil lake, perhaps this is what they call a state of “clear and still water.”  

Indeed, the expression fits perfectly.  

“Gerard’s affairs have also been settled, and things have quieted down, so it’s time for Tenellon to set the date for the succession ceremony.”  

With a clear head, it’s easier to extend the roots of thought.  

Thanks to this, I’ve begun to foresee what moves the Dawn Society will make next.  

“Speaking of which…”  

I stopped my hands and looked at the flowerpot.  

It’s like I’ve moved a small piece of nature.  

Indeed…  

“How beautiful.”  

Even ‘Julian,’ with his strong ego, nodded involuntarily in agreement.  

At the same time, a wave of nostalgia swept over me like a storm.  

“Angelica.”  

One of the bonsais I started a new life with here. If it had grown, it would have been displaying its grandeur like this. Alas!  

Knock-knock!  

Just as I was about to sink into sorrow, I heard a knock.  

It must be Razlot.  

He probably came to bring information about the succession ceremony.  

“Lord Tenellon has set a date for the succession ceremony.”  

As I expected, ‘So the day has come.’

“When is it?”  

“In three days, at the Genmel Monastery.”  

“Hmm.”  

A short grunt naturally escaped.  

Now is the time for the ‘Dawn Society’ to rise, and to start leveraging the legitimacy they’ve built up so far.  

Though it’s a bit early, with the Sword Saint gone, Tenellon must see this as the perfect time.  

“Um…”  

However, as a key figure in the ‘Dawn Society,’ I’m not pleased with this development.  

Why?  

‘Because if these guys keep succeeding, it’s bad news!’  

The leader of the Dawn Society, Tenellon, to be precise, the remnants of the demon god’s will housed in the ‘Holy Grail,’ wishes for the extinction of the humans who sealed him.  

If the ‘Holy Grail,’ a central power group, grows stronger, it’s not hard to imagine what will happen.  

‘I intend to prevent the Dawn Society from fulfilling its role.’  

Outwardly supporting them, while actively hindering them is my goal.  

“Most of the other bishops are expected to attend as well.”  

“I will not attend.”  

In that sense, I plan not to participate in this succession ceremony.  

“Yes, of course, you’ll attend, so please be careful not to cause disputes with the other bishops. Bishop Julian should gain his position quickly, and recently Lord Aiden and Ger………….”  

Thinking I would surely attend, Razlot continued speaking.  

Then, sensing something odd, he suddenly widened his eyes and looked at me.  

“…What?”  

“I said I will not attend.”  

“Why, why not, Lord Julian?”  

‘Why,’ indeed.  

Because I no longer want to get closer to Tenellon.  

“Recently, by integrating the Nameless Gang and revealing Gerard’s true intentions, Lord Tenellon has come to think very highly of you! If you say you will not participate in the succession ceremony………….”  

Yes, that’s exactly why!  

Especially since I feel that Tenellon’s gaze on me has not been so favorable recently.  

Not unfavorably in a negative sense, but rather too favorably.  

After that incident, Tenellon’s usual favorable view of ‘Julian’ has become stickier.

‘Even the Sword Saint has left the capital!’

I can’t help but think that he might consider me as the next ‘ArchBishop.’

Although I unexpectedly received the position of ‘Bishop,’ which caused some problems, it couldn’t get any worse.

No matter what, as a member of the Dawn Society so far, I am confident that I haven’t committed any acts that violate the imperial rules.

But what if I become an Archbishop?

‘I’ll have to deal with more issues that are visible on the surface.’

That would be troublesome.

Of course, I am not certain that I will succeed to the position of ‘ArchBishop,’ but it isn’t strange to prepare for any possibility.

I must maintain my stance of being undercover in the ‘Dawn Society.’

Eventually, when this cult is eradicated and my identity is revealed, I need to have an escape route.

‘So once more, we must emphasize that our relationship is purely business.’

Suppressing my frustration, I stared intently at Razlot.

The lively guy seemed to have regained his senses, starting to cough awkwardly.

“I don’t really understand…, didn’t Sir Julian say he wanted power?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then, isn’t this the perfect time to fulfill that desire?”

It seems that Razlot cannot comprehend my judgment.

Well, it’s natural to wonder how a murderer who killed indiscriminately for promotion could mess up at a crucial moment.

His reaction was so appropriate that I couldn’t think of anything to say.

Revealing my thoughts here would be ridiculous.

“Razlot, how about setting bigger goals?”

I decided to brush it off.

“goa…, are you talking about ambitions?”

“Yes, I am with the Dawn Society because I want power, but our purposes are not the same.”

“Then, how far do you see, Sir Julian?”

How far indeed.

He took my casual remark seriously.

As Razlot looked at me seriously, he floated a ‘color of fear’ above his head.

“What does my purpose matter to you?”

“Excuse me?”

“Even if we look from different positions, the same landscape appears different.”

That was something ‘Julian’ once said while pointing his sword at the Sword Saint.

As I spat those words, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Now quoting those lines feels empty.

But back then, those absurd words began to make sense.

“Is that so…?”

Razlot muttered to himself as if he had realized something.

“Understood. Then I will inform that Sir Julian will not attend.”

Yes, let that be.

As Razlot left the office with a polite farewell, I had the chance to organize my thoughts in the quiet office.

‘The Archbishop succession ceremony would mean a lot to Tenellon.’

If I’m absent, it’s clear that it will be disappointing.

That’s exactly the point.

I must continue this precarious balancing act.

It’s uncertain when this will end, but I must keep going.

Once the succession ceremony is over, the ‘Imperial Household’ and the ‘Dawn Society’ will definitely clash.

“Do you need to be in the center while the storm passes?”

Avoiding it is the best strategy.

Crack!

“Huh?”

Then, who will be the next ‘ArchBishop’?

While pondering this, a strange sensation flowed through my fingertips.

“Ah…”

The branch of the bonsai I was touching broke off.

Somehow, it feels ominous.

***

“Congratulations. You are the next ArchBishop.”

I was slightly startled by the news, which came out of the blue.

Did I hear that right?

“What did you just say?”

“You’ve been assigned to handle one aspect of the Dawn Society. It seems the Archbishop holds Sir Julian in high regard.”

Is this some kind of joke?

That thought crossed my mind, but it was Elenoa speaking.

She doesn’t like such pranks, nor does she indulge in pointless talk.

“That’s quite the joke. Do you really think I’m suitable for that position?”

Despite this, I voiced my skepticism, just in case.

Oh, Elenoa. Isn’t this joke a bit much?

“Modesty, too.”

Elenoa laughed briefly, covering her mouth with her hand.

I rubbed my temples with a finger due to a throbbing headache.

‘What should I do?’

Suddenly, I remembered a conversation I had with Elenoa.

“You probably don’t like this decision, Miss Elenoa.”

“Why is that?”

“Didn’t I agree to cooperate to make you ArchBishop?”

“……Aha.”

There was a nuance that something had come to her mind.

“I was the one who recommended Sir Julian.”

What do I do if you say that?

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