Chapter 67. Turn Misfortune into Fortune (2)
"If I'm the 'Black Knight', what would you do?"
When I emphasized this again with conviction, Gerard hesitated.
Seeing him like that, it became clear he had no solid evidence. At best, he could only list his suspicions with his words.
How dare you try to provoke me!
"It's a noble's specialty to accuse people with mere words, isn't it, Sir Gerard?"
When I pressed further, Gerard twisted his mouth into a sly sneer, but his voice lacked the confidence it had when he first spoke.
'...... Phew.'
Seeing Gerard back down, I inwardly sighed with relief.
Of course, it seemed that the conversation wouldn't go as well as it did with Tanelon previously.
Tanelon had been a misunderstanding, but Gerard held a certain 'suspicion' of me.
'I shouldn't have bandaged it.'
Glancing briefly at my side, I turned my attention back to Gerard.
"I have experienced many similar situations while serving as the Imperial Sword. Even so, I am still part of the direct royal agency, 'Blind Eyes', and moreover, I am here as its representative. Do you know why?"
I slightly shook the sword hilt at my waist.
"You can hurt people with a wagging tongue, but with a sword, it's certain death."
Clang──!
The sound of the sword clashing with the scabbard.
As the metallic sound resonated, I smiled, sensing the atmosphere turn frostily silent.
"Sir Gerard, I rather prefer using a decisive 'sword' over a smooth 'tongue' of a noble. Care to witness it?"
"Sir Yulian......?"
"Why the sudden hand on the sword......?"
"What is he up to this time, that madman?"
The people at the banquet looked my way with surprised eyes, and even Alba, the host of the event, seemed unsettled.
A bitter smile formed on Gerard's lips. Perhaps trying to take advantage of the situation, he gestured dramatically to draw everyone's attention.
"Haha, why so serious, Sir Yulian? I merely noted an injury similar to the current buzz about the 'Black Knight'."
In the game or here.
He was an irksome character.
Though Gerard's behavior was displeasing, it was best to retreat.
Any further rebuttal would only lead to the story Gerard wished to unfold.
"...... Yulian, the Black Knight?"
"No way, it can't be."
Normally, the real 'Yulian' wouldn't care about such scrutiny and would have drawn his sword to cut down Gerard.
Phew, relax. Relax.
'Yulian', we have to endure for now.
'We' need to maintain a good relationship with the 'Godricht' family to survive! Connections are crucial!
Let's let this pass quietly just this once.
"Indeed, I only wished to prove with the 'sword' rather than be 'misunderstood' as the 'Black Knight'. I had no other intentions."
"This too is part of noble leisure. You should learn more, Sir Yulian. Attend these social gatherings often......."
I cut off Gerard, who was rambling, and subtly let slip information that was less of a weakness than a mere hint.
"However! Your jest contains no truth. Didn't someone recently call themselves the 'Black Knight', a group called 'Nameless Band'?"
At the mention of the 'Nameless Band', Gerard's expression twisted slightly.
It was such a fleeting change that no one else noticed, but possessing 'Yulian's body, I saw it clearly.
Well, it's a familiar story, but one I know all too well.
How many times have I played this game?
"Someone like Sir Gerard should have connections with the 'Nameless Band', so why not inquire 'directly'? I doubt you will claim ignorance. Hehe."
"...... Yulian, you bastard."
Hmm? Bastard? I was sure I heard that.
When I looked around, I seemed to be the only one who heard it, making it difficult to protest.
Gerard stared at me, his expression different from before; it was stiffened.
"What do you mean by that? Are you insinuating I am connected with those lowly, inferior scoundrels?"
Gerard barely suppressed his emotions and stared blankly at me, but I could clearly see his anxiety.
Gerard Oclean.
His character setting in the game was simple.
'A man with an overwhelming desire to monopolize.'
With that monopolistic desire, he became the head of the western branch of the 'Dawn Society' and covertly coveted the brothel 'Bright Moon Pavilion', owned by the 'Blood Demon Order' in the slums.
If he seized that place, he could grasp the secrets and scandals of the empire's nobility, thus snatching their weaknesses.
However, for a noble like him, directly venturing into the slums was not easy due to the attention it would attract.
'So he selected some powerful individuals, infiltrated the place, and formed a group called the Nameless Band.'
They concealed their identity as imperial knights or soldiers out of fear of exposure, and that soon became the identity of the 'Nameless Band'.
Thus, the slums were divided among the 'Nameless Band', the 'Blood Demon Order', and the 'Six Fingers'. And the Namebless Band perpetually schemed and operated to ensure the downfall of the 'Blood Demon Order' and 'Six Fingers'.
Eventually, unifying the shadows under his Nameless Band was Gerard's ultimate goal.
"Why are you doing this, Sir Gerard? Surely, it's just 'noble entertainment,' isn't it?"
In a slightly mocking tone, I spoke up, and Gerard clicked his tongue softly and approached me.
Even during this, his gaze was fixed on the bandaged area at my waist.
"What do you know?"
Gerard whispered softly, only I could hear.
He seemed quite uncomfortable with the fact that someone knew his secrets.
Well, with the current displeasure toward the 'Black Knight' by the Dawn Society, if this truth reached Tanelon's ears, Gerard's position would certainly become dangerous.
"Huhut, what could I possibly know? Honorary Sir Gerard should go 'directly' ask Baron."
Gerard's face flushed red, composure fleeting the moment 'Baron' was mentioned.
Additionally, whispers grew amongst the nobles who had been watching us.
"...... If my joke was unpleasant, I apologize. I am sorry, Sir Yulian."
Determining further bickering would be risky, Gerard attempted to withdraw with a friendly smile, extending his hand for a handshake.
Oh, you want to back off now that things aren't looking good?
'...... Fine, let's end it here.'
I had no intention of causing a bigger scene.
No matter how much Yulian is dubbed the 'Smiling Executioner' or the 'Royal Dog,' this was the house of Godricht, one of the empire's four great families.
Furthermore, maintaining a friendly relationship with them was pivotal to bringing them to my side.
Just as I reluctantly held out my hand to accept Gerard's handshake.
'Ugh......!'
A searing pain, like molten lava, sparked in my side. Before I could confirm its source, Gerard's smile caught my eye.
"Hehe, one never knows until they 'personally' verify."
The pain that pierced me from the tips of my toes to the crown of my head was enough to send my vision spinning—no, enough to activate Open Eyes with rage.
But even before that anger could fully take hold, my body began to squeeze out mana in a desperate attempt to prove my innocence.
This crazy bastard!!
"I hear the 'Black Knight' suffered a major injury on his side from Pintel's magic. It should be noticeable by touch...... Hmm?"
Bitterness washed over Gerard's face as he touched my side.
"...... Nothing there, could it possibly....... Ugh!"
Subduing someone like him was easy.
In agony, my body moved on its own, grabbing his throat and bringing the unsheathed sword close to his neck.
***
Watching the events unfold at the banquet, Eleanor clicked her tongue at seeing Gerard grabbed by the throat.
'What a foolish man.'
That man with an intense possessive desire had always been ingrained with insolence, regardless of the place.
Though his impudence had never been directed toward the Dawn Society or the 'Archbishop', Eleanor fully acknowledged the insubordinate aura that might escalate anytime.
'He should have picked his battles more wisely.'
His 'insolence' now, however, chose the wrong opponent.
"Ugh......, ugh."
The banquet hall fell silent.
All that could be heard was Gerard's wheezing, like air escaping a balloon.
With Yulian's strength, infamous for its brutality beyond his size, he could have twisted Gerard's neck at any moment.
'A sort of ploy......?'
Knowing Yulian had spared Gerard, even amid his 'outrage', was perhaps due to Gerard's position as a fellow 'bishop' in the Dawn Society.
Eleanor decided to keep watching both Yulian and Gerard.
Honestly, it didn't matter to her who got hurt or lost their life.
'If both ended up gone it would be ideal, though that's unlikely.'
She scrutinized their actions closely.
"What are you doing now?"
"Put down the sword right away!"
"Do you intend to desecrate the banquet hosted by Alba?"
The nobles, already anxious when Yulian had been fiddling with his sheath, now began to condemn him as he drew the sword.
However, none moved to intervene directly. Even Godricht family guards hesitated to approach.
Perhaps they feared confronting Yulian, knowing full well the prowess proven through his infamy.
'...... How fortunate.'
Given Yulian's past conduct, once he drew his sword, the matter usually ended in blood or death.
"Black Knight......"
Sensing an opportunity, Yulian began to speak softly.
Unexpectedly peaceful was his voice, despite being at the center of the commotion.
"Whether or not you liken me to that scoundrel, I don't mind. As long as I don't know about it. But!"
"Uh......."
"Speaking about it 'directly' in my presence will be troublesome, Sir Gerard!"
As Yulian tightened his grip on Gerard's neck, his already contorted face took on a pallid hue.
'I'd like nothing more than to snap it right now.'
Distress and discomfort.
Though crossing that line was tempting, Yulian knew it would lead to irreversible consequences.
"Was it not a mere comparison on tongues in jest to what rumors say about your fleeting splendor?"
A noble raised his voice, prompting Yulian to shift his gaze toward him.
"I am an honorable member of the Imperial Intelligence Agency, 'Blind Eyes'."
Speaking firmly, Yulian pressured subtly with authority.
"Comparing me with a lawless ruffian tarnishes the imperial dignity. Are you asking me to tolerate that?"
"That, that's......."
"Sir Gerard surely anticipated what would follow when he provoked me."
"......."
"Oh dear. It seems I've behaved too quietly. You've all forgotten my alias?"
The Smiling Executioner.
The merciless butcher who spares no one, whether noble or commoner, if they defy the crown.
That thought once again controlled the minds of those watching.
Yulian contemplated the scene unfolding.
Now, it was not about serving as the 'Black Knight' who defends imperial citizens and conquers nobles, but reverting to the slit-eyed villain, 'Yulian'.
"Sir Yulian......!"
A soft-looking young boy suddenly dashed forward amongst them.
'Huh? Why is he coming out?'
It was Alba Godricht, the host of the banquet.
"Sir Alba, it is dangerous!"
"That madman......hem, Sir Yulian has drawn his sword. It would be best not to approach him."
Though the attendees hesitated and tried to deter him, Alba gathered his courage, clenched his fists, and slowly proceeded toward Yulian.
"Pl-please stop. This is our Godricht family's banquet venue."
Even with his trembling body, Alba spoke resolutely.
His actions drew a chuckle from Yulian. Using him might ease the situation slightly.
"This person attempted to insult the nobility's honor by mocking me, a person of the imperial family."
Though his tone was calm, Yulian's words only made Alba appear more scared.
He seemed like a pitiful puppy with its tail tucked between its legs.
Everyone at the banquet similarly thought upon seeing him.
The outcome remained unchanged.
Even if he intervened with courage now, lacking the dignity as the eldest son of one of the empire's four major families, Alba couldn't overturn the situation.
"Sir Alba, that's enough. Continue to ignore it as you usually do."
"Huh?"
"The Godricht family's puppet eldest son, as you are called."
Eleanor, who had been silent, indeed looked troubled by Yulian's harsh words.
To the unrelated main figure of the banquet. Why the need for such comments?
"How dare you disgrace Sir Alba!?"
As Eleanor predicted, enraged by his insolence, the butler and nobles present jumped into the fray.
"No matter how much backing you have from the Imperial family, isn't this too arrogant? Sir Yulian!"
"Hurry up and apologize to Sir Alba......"
"Mind your tone, please. I am conversing with Sir Alba. Or do I need to silence you myself?"
However, the Godricht's attendants and nobles went silent as if they'd swallowed their tongues.
At that moment, surprisingly, Alba stepped forward again.
"Th-thank you for attending the banquet, Sir Yulian, but I-I cannot forgive any further unruly behavior!"
Those gathered were surprised by Alba's slightly more commanding tone.
'Yes, like that.'
Despite shivering and looking fragile, Alba firmly stated his wish.
To have Yulian leave.
"Please leave."
Alba's directive left many gathered taken aback.
For the unsure Godricht's eldest son to be so direct.
Particularly with Yulian as the subject.
The slit-eyed demon, the Smiling Executioner.
Anticipating the coming storm, the nobles swallowed hard.
"If Sir Alba insists......, yes, I shall."
Despite the tension weighing heavy in the banquet hall, Yulian accepted Alba's request willingly.
Thunk.
The hand gripping Gerard's neck released, and he slumped to the floor, gasping for breath.
"Ka, cough......cough!"
As air flooded back, Gerard's face began to recover its color.
"I apologize for causing a commotion at your celebration, Sir Alba. Please enjoy yourself."
Yulian bowed courteously to Alba, glanced up and down at Gerard.
"Do not mention the 'Black Knight' in my presence again, Sir. Ge. ra. rd."
Conveying his warning.
Having done so, Yulian left the banquet hall light-footed with a serene smile.
***
After Yulian left, a pause of silence ensued.
"That's impressive! Sir Alba."
"Indeed. For you to drive out Yulian!"
"Sir Alba, well done!"
"Yes, yes. This banquet had no room for that Mad Dog!"
The banquet hall soon filled with vigor again.
Their current topic of conversation was Alba Godricht.
He had managed some success against Yulian.
"No, I didn't do anything at all......."
"The dignity rivaling even the Smiling Executioner!"
"Hehe, how I wish my son could emulate Sir Alba."
In the aftermath of the event.
The nobles' attitudes toward Alba clearly switched. The way they addressed Alba showcased this shift.
Perceptions are not easily altered.
Especially when linked closely to one's disposition.
'Changed from 'young master' to 'sir'.'
From the weak eldest son of the Godricht family to a contender for the next family head.
Yulian managed to shift a decades-old perception with a single act.
'Could it be that Sir Yulian considered this beforehand......?'
Alba found it entirely plausible.
Additionally, among the contemptuous nicknames given to Yulian by mockers, the 'Smiling Executioner'.
If he were in Yulian's place, he might present his sword to those scoffing or earn some achievement to replace such mockery.
However, Yulian didn't.
Instead, Yulian used it to incite the people's fear.
'Unconcerned with others' views and making use of everything exploitable.......'
Even if Yulian's Moonlit Sword's prowess was admirable, Alba was more enamored with his nonchalant composure.
From their initial meeting at the Imperial Castle to when Yulian aided him during the demon attack.
Regardless of what transpired in the future.
Alba's idol was—'Yulian.'
***
'...... Indeed, it's a calculated action.'
Simultaneously humbling the rude fellow bishop, Gerard, whilst engraving favorability with Godricht's prospective heir.
Of course, should Alba remain oblivious, Yulian's efforts would just fade away.
'But considering that timid Alba seemingly noticed something.'
Eleanor shifted her gaze to Alba, who held his sight unwaveringly on where Yulian had been.
He seemed aware of how Yulian's actions played to his benefit.
'Speaking of that.'
Eleanor recalled her eyes briefly meeting Yulian's before he vanished.
Despite not having seen this 'form' of her previously, it felt as though Yulian discerned her true self.
'I must just be imagining things.'
***
Damn it, this is painfully aching!
After leaving the Godricht family banquet and entering the lavatory, I unwrapped the bandage on the area Gerard had grabbed.
Soon, the solidified 'Sombra' concealed under appeared.
'This should have kept Gerard from seeing anything.......'
As Gerard's hand neared my side, its sudden descent was stopped, applying 'Sombra' in an instant, wrapping its light-speed emissions and hardening, thus dispelling his suspicion but at a painful price.
Moreover, the sensation of mana-laden 'Sombra' feels alien, akin to insects crawling under my skin, drawing forth a disturbing eeriness.
'Hoo.......'
Loosening my grip, I ceased the mana flow, allowing 'Sombra' to resume its usual gelatinous state, disappearing without a trace.
'Would be nice if that young kid catches onto something.'
Though I justified hastening my exit because of the pain, I did put some effort into 'acting'.
'Gerard.'
Thinking of his damn face, the pain in my side seemed to flare.
Lifting my gaze to the mirror mounted over the sink.
Behind damp, tangled hair lay the slit-eyes devoid of any discernible emotion.
Were it any other time, I would resent my inscrutable visage, but this time I realized something distinctly.
'You, I can't allow.'
Clacky's Corner:
Another admirer appeared.