Chapter 55. Second Persona (3)
In a royal palace where scheming abounds, the secretariat, which manipulates a wealth of information, hosts nobles with considerable power.
However, this "power" was not derived from strength but rather from political relationships and connections with other nobles.
Those who don't care about 'others' gaze', as they often say, do not particularly fear the authority of the secretariat.
"Ahem."
Sedn Orbian, the head of the secretariat, cleared his throat, addressing one who didn't fear 'others' gaze'.
Yulian Cryphart Frason.
For this Mad Dog of the royal palace, the concept of a "leash" does not exist.
While he pledges loyalty to the empire, it is solely for his self-satisfaction, not for honor, family prestige, or material gain.
That's why people fear this unpredictable monster.
"I heard there was a Cryphart family meeting recently."
However, displaying those emotions externally would be third-rate.
Always graceful and disciplined like a noble.
With this reminder of his values inwardly, Sedn looked at Yulian.
"Yes."
"Do you know the contents? The Cryphart family is being attentively watched by the royal palace."
It was natural for the royal family to keep an eye on the Cryphart family.
A situation where it wouldn't be surprising if a bloody wind blew due to claims to the throne.
In such a situation, it's hard to predict what will occur if the Cryphart family, one of the four great families, makes a move.
"I'm sorry, but I've been cast aside by the family."
"Is that so?"
Nodding at Yulian's respectful tone, Sedn confirmed his assumption.
He was, after all, a 'Frason' of the Cryphart family.
"That's unfortunate."
Although he said this, Sedn's face did not reflect any real regret.
The truth was, the reason he had summoned Yulian was not to confirm the contents of the recent family meeting.
'I do have some curiosity, but my true intent lies elsewhere.'
As the head of the secretariat, his relationship with 'Blind Eyes' Yulian was officially tied to the royal agency.
But if he could demonstrate that their relationship extended beyond formality, to the point of sharing personal conversations—
'Then I can assert my position more firmly.'
He was a man cloaked entirely in infamy, but his strength was the real deal.
Just a few words exchanged without significant investment could serve as a warning to other nobles!
How natural and elegant was this maneuver?
"But, Sedn,"
Yulian softly began, causing Sedn to lift his head with a cup in hand, satisfied with his small scheme.
"I heard that Sword Saint Hayden Reich has left the capital."
At the mention of Hayden Reich from Yulian's lips, Sedn flinched.
"Yes, I am aware."
"May I ask, for what purpose... and where he has gone?"
Knowing the nature of their relationship, Sedn saw right through Yulian's intentions.
It was no secret to the world that his feelings toward the Sword Saint were not positive.
"I don't know why you're curious about that. Officially, you're not close to the Sword Saint, are you?"
Sedn expressed his discomfort and indirectly conveyed his intent. Observing Yulian's expression afterward.
'Gulp.'
Caught sight of his sinister smile.
While he always wore a smile, it wasn't that he had no emotions. His spirit was exposed in its raw form.
'Still seems desperate to kill the Sword Saint.'
Swallowing amidst the scattering murderous intent, Sedn resolved to disclose the current location of the Sword Saint.
Since he had called Yulian for personal reasons, paying an appropriate price was only right.
'Yes, I am not scared.'
That, too, was a noble's duty and an elegant life, after all.
***
Returning to the mansion, I flung myself onto the sofa.
― Currently, Lord Hayden has headed towards the Holy Kingdom of Fernand on His Majesty the Emperor's order.
Heading to Fernand at this time.
'What about the Black Knight...'
The anxiety that the protagonist wouldn't fulfill the duty of the 'Black Knight', a critical element of 〈Let's Kill the Demon King Now〉, became a reality, causing a headache to throb.
'This is troubling... This situation...'
Though I intercepted the "Soul Stone" secured by Pintel, that doesn't end the course of the Dawn Society.
'What should I do.'
My insides started burning due to the events failing to unfold as expected. I couldn't readily find a solution.
It's impossible to approach the person in question and bring up the 'Black Knight'.
"No... Initially..."
I turned my eyes to the view outside the window.
The high sky and the distant royal palace.
A place entwined with a peculiar sense of familiarity.
"Is there truly no 'Black Knight' here?"
A bit of disappointment lingered at the absence of the character in my favorite scene.
'Similar, yet different.'
I pulled out a piece of paper from my pocket and placed it on the table.
It was the foremost page of a calendar noting the days the "Black Knight" had acted in the past.
'If he truly doesn't exist, all the incidents the Black Knight prevented would come to pass.'
How troublesome.
Moreover, besides the 'Black Knight', there's something else demanding thought.
I retrieved a small hidden box from the drawer. Inside lay the 'Soul Stone' Pintel had acquired.
'What should I do with this...'
Since Eleanor's visit, having the Soul Stone in the mansion was a foolish act, I realized.
For those who could handle a certain level of mana or were familiar with demonic energy, could easily find a hidden Soul Stone.
'Entrusting it to Herand was due only to the story behind the necklace.'
Is there anyone I can confidently entrust just the Soul Stone to now?
Absolutely not.
"In its current state, it's evidently going to be hazardous."
After a moment of contemplation, I made a resolution.
Click──!
When the box opened, the Soul Stone concealed within revealed itself. The smallest size among those I'd seen so far.
'It's the perfect size for experimenting.'
I reached out and took it out, gazing into it. My face reflected in the ominous, blood-red stone, as if it had absorbed blood.
Yulian's face, appearing with slit-eyes.
"I knew I'd have to do it someday, but it's faster than I expected."
Deciding to use anything for survival.
▶ Trait, 「Vessel of the Demon King」
Rank: Legendary
Residual thought of the Demon God contained within the Soul Stone.
The trait "Vessel of the Demon King" allows one to absorb it, eventually transforming the possessor into a 'Demon King'—the trait of a villain.
'Absorb the Soul Stone.'
What if demonization ensues?
Although slight worry arose, the primal desire for power surfaced first.
'This body is helpless without power.'
Then consume it.
I tightened my grip on the Soul Stone.
As the little stone seeped in like liquid, penetrating the skin, I simultaneously felt the flow of demonic energy.
'Focus.'
As the demonic energy infiltrated the mana vein through my fingertips, I concentrated on blocking their invasion into the major meridian.
Mana is inherently pure.
Even though the sullied aura called 'demonic energy' infiltrated the 'pure', it wasn't difficult to govern.
"So, this much is easy...."
Cough.
A cough slipped out. Unconsciously, as I brought my hand to my mouth, bright red blood escaped between my lips.
Droplets of blood fell from my lips.
That was the beginning of the burning agony inside my body, akin to being seared with a hot iron.
Moreover, my insides felt as if worms were crawling, establishing a widespread discomfort.
"Ugh...."
Too simple a thought.
Though small, the Soul Stone was the concentrated essence of a tri-horned demon's demonic energy. To think nothing would occur after absorbing it.
But even within the whirlpool of pain and discontent, my spirit remained unrattled.
"Hoo, hoo hoo...."
On the contrary, a specific emotion began to surface.
Anticipation.
The delight in gaining 'strength' once this storm passes.
Yet, even amidst this pain, laughter escaped.
Amazed by Yulian's instincts, I straightened my posture and sat cross-legged.
'This position is preferable.'
Changing my posture to allow even slight focus on the mana vein, I regulated my breathing once.
After that, the first task was to inspect my body's condition.
'The demon energy, unable to enter the mana vein due to the interrupted flow, is circulating within.'
The recent spitting of blood was probably due to this.
What should I do?
'Shall I rather open the mana vein and receive the demon energy?'
Upon thinking this, the damnable body automatically opened the major meridian, the 'entrance' of the mana vein, as if it were the correct answer.
The major artery of the heart, 'Opening Gate.'
'Resting Gate' connecting the heart to the head.
Next are the two 'Meridian Gate' connecting both arms.
The two 'Main Gate' connecting both legs.
"Cough...."
As the demonic energy dispersed across the unregulated meridian, once again, blood droplets rose between my lips.
It hurt so much that my hands shook, yet the pain didn't escalate to anxiety.
'The meridians.... are adapting.'
Had it been anyone typical, demonization would have ensued the moment of absorbing the Soul Stone, but my body was different.
This was thanks not only to the trait 「Vessel of the Demon King」.
'A mana amount overwhelmingly greater than others.'
Though it's easy to color a small pond, changing the color of a vast ocean is impossible.
The mana within Yulian's body was akin to a 'sea', and this was why the advancement of 'demonization', where the body became overrun with demon energy, was slower.
"Hoo...."
Focus and focus again.
I slowly opened the mana vein, adjusting the amount of absorbed demon energy.
With all nerves centered and the mana vein in adjustment, my senses began to dull.
I couldn't gauge how much time had passed.
Drip──!
What was certain was the considerable amount of sweat pouring out over a considerable duration, leading to dehydration.
My lips dried so severely that dizziness, initially driven by pain, shifted to dehydration.
'Water....'
In retrospect, I recalled that when I arrived at the mansion, the servant had brought water to my bedroom.
If I drank, this burning thirst could be quelled.
'...... I can't move readily.'
Of course, that's wishful thinking alone.
In this situation where all nerves are concentrated.
If I moved even slightly, focus would inevitably scatter.
Endure it.
Yet still, the desire to drink crescendos.
Before recalling that there was water in my room, the thirst wasn't as intense.
'Wasn't the water bottle left on the desk...'
Damn! Once recalled, it wouldn't leave my mind!
I inwardly cursed.
Desire intensified, and within my parched mouth, the grit of sand seemed to have settled.
'I shouldn't have thought of it... huh?'
Right then, I felt a tiny trickle of water falling overhead.
The flowing water fortunately trickled near my lips, beginning to moisten their chapped surface.
Would this be akin to rain in a drought?
With thirst-induced dizziness slightly dulling, I gradually opened my eyes.
Despite my deep concentration, no presence was discerned in the room.
Who, then, had dripped water over my head?
"...... Shadow?"
A jet-black shadow, extended like a slender line, had emerged from my back, retrieving the water bottle from the desk.
"What are you?"
Clacky's Corner:
A new ability? A pet? What is the shadow?