Acting as a Slit-Eye Chapter 78

Chapter 78. The Fallen Star (2)

〈Let's Kill the Demon King Now〉 is a story ga that boasts a high degree of freedom, allowing players to make various choices.

Generally, players like to project themselves onto the ga's protagonist, guiding him toward an ideal and righteous path.

And the protagonist, the 'Sword Saint', reflecting those wishes, was more dedicated and noble to the Empire than anyone else.

"However, the player who made 'that' choice for him no longer exists."

In a way, one could say he had gained so humanity.

The imperial family of the Adratan Empire maintained a close relationship with the Sword Saint and seed to support him, but secretly wished for his downfall.

He was a man who received the people's adoration, enough to challenge the stronghold of the imperial family.

There had been several attempts to remove him, yet the Sword Saint endured and remained within the system.

But eventually, what was supposed to happen, happened.

"Exile to the Holy Kingdom."

I wouldn't have chosen to stay in such an empire either.

"I didn't expect Sir Yulian to laugh at such a story."

As I was lost in thought about the Sword Saint abandoning the Empire, trale's voice broke in.

"If this isn't laughable, what is?"

"Is that so? Ho, hoho!"

T'alle, who had been asking with a sowhat serious tone, now wore a sheepish smile at my words.

Sotis, extre servility can beco a personality.

'Holy Kingdom Fernand.'

It's a place I must visit soday.

The birthplace of the Church of the Sun God Solarun, the main hub of the continent's most widely-followed religion, and simultaneously...

'The country with the most divine relics.'

Of course, relics have ranks as well.

Relics like Demon God's Chalice, the one held by Tenelon—broad in scope and imnse in influence—were considered national treasures. The Holy Kingdom possessed several relics of comparable stature.

"It would be great if I could obtain a relic..."

But, is it a national treasure for nothing?

If it were easy to obtain it by re wanting, it wouldn't be worthy of its na.

But, there is one.

There is indeed a relic in the Holy Kingdom that's easy to obtain.

The Bell of the Silent Night.

While not of national treasure grade, its efficiency is beyond words...

"So, Sir Yulian, what are your... thoughts?"

T'alle asked with a voice full of fear and curiosity.

"What do you an?"

"About Sir Hayden Reich. You're thinking of following him to the Holy Kingdom?"

Not likely.

But society sees "Yulian" as a lunatic who wants to behead his master.

"I have no such thoughts."

"R-Really?"

"For now, that is, huhut."

To et those expectations, I laughed softly and looked at T'alle, whose face turned pale.

"N-No! Since I provided information on the Sword Saint, if Sir Yulian attacks Sir Hayden Reich, I might be embroiled in a serious cri too!"

"Then, wouldn't killing solve the problem? The dead don't talk, after all."

"... Hiccup."

T'alle shivered at my casual, chilling words.

I almost burst into laughter at her reaction.

A vampire with a cute side.

***

As always, I was tending to the bonsai.

The best way to clear my head of unnecessary noise and concerns. I firmly believed that taking care of the bonsai was the way.

Pruning the branches, selecting the leaves.

The process helped calm my previously complicated mind.

My current state of mind was like a calm lake, truly transcendent.

The saying "still waters run deep" perfectly fit the situation.

"The issue with Gerard has been sorted, and things have cald down, so Tenelon will likely schedule the succession ceremony soon."

With my mind clear, my thoughts expanded more easily into new areas.

Thanks to that, I started to anticipate the Dawn Society's future moves in so general sense.

"That aside..."

Stopping my hands, I looked at the pot. A piece of nature moved to another location. Indeed...

"It's beautiful."

Even the ego of "Yulian" acknowledged it, nodding involuntarily.

At the sa ti, nostalgia flooded over

like a storm.

"Angelica."

The na of one bonsai that started a new life here with . If it had grown, it would be as proud as this. Ugh!

Knock, knock--

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

It would be Lazlot.

Probably here to relay information about the succession ceremony.

"Sir Tenelon has scheduled the succession ceremony."

As expected, "that day" had co.

"When is it?"

"It is scheduled to be held three days from now at the Genl monastery."

"Hmm."

A short groan escaped my lips.

From now on, the "Dawn Society" will rise and begin to explode into action using the justification it has built so far.

Though a little early, Tenelon seems to have judged now, with the Sword Saint gone, to be the perfect ti.

"... Hmm."

However, as a major figure of the 'Dawn Society', I couldn't welco this phenonon.

Why?

'If these guys keep succeeding, we're screwed!'

The leader of the Dawn Society, Tenelon—or to be more precise, the residual thought of the demon got contained within the Demon God's Chalice—wishes for the destruction of the humans who sealed him.

It wouldn't be difficult to imagine what would happen if the Demon God's Chalice, which is at the core of power, continues to grow.

'I'm here to ensure the Dawn Society can't fulfill their role.'

The goal is to actively sabotage them while outwardly supporting them.

"The other bishops also seem to be planning to participate."

"I will not participate."

In that sense, I intended not to attend this succession ceremony.

"Yes, given that you will surely participate, care must be taken to avoid conflicts with the other bishops. Since Sir Yulian obtained the bishop position quickly and recently with Sir Aiden and Ger..."

Lazlot had assud I would participate and continued to speak.

Then, as if sensing sothing strange, he looked this way with wide eyes.

"... What?"

"I said I will not participate."

"W-Why, Sir Yulian?"

Why?

It's because I don't want to grow any closer to Tenelon.

"Recently, Tenelon thought very highly of Sir Yulian because you unified the Naless Band Group and uncovered Gerard's true intentions! But if you say you will not participate in the succession ceremony..."

Indeed, for that reason!

I've been feeling it lately; Tenelon's gaze is not favorable for obvious reasons.

And in a positive sense, not in a negative one, as Lazlot ntioned. After that incident, Tenelon's view of Yulian, which was already favorable, has beco stickier.

Because the Sword Saint bastard has also left the system!

Though it's just a hunch, I can't shake the feeling that he might be considering

for the next 'Archbishop'.

Even though being hastily handed the "bishop" title was problematic, it must not go beyond that.

No matter what, even as a 'bishop', I confidently claim that I haven't yet committed acts violating the Imperial rules as a mber of the Dawn Society.

But becoming the Archbishop?

"There will be many cases where I have to handle things on the surface."

That would be troubleso.

Of course, I can't be sure I'd succeed the "Archbishop" role, but there's no harm in preparing for the odd chance.

After all, I'm maintaining the stance of infiltrating the Dawn Society.

In the future, when this cult is uprooted, I must prepare an escape route so that my identity is kept hidden.

'So, one more ti, I should assert that our relationship is purely business-like.'

Suppressing my boiling frustration inside, I stared intently at Lazlot.

The guy, who'd been chattering excitedly, sobered up and began clearing his throat.

"I can't quite understand... Sir Yulian, didn't you say you wanted power?"

"Yes, that's true."

"Then, isn't this the perfect chance to fulfill that desire?"

It seems Lazlot isn't able to comprehend my judgnt.

Well, considering how he's a murderous maniac who killed people of all ages for promotion, the doubt is not unusual.

Since it was such a justifiable reaction, no other comnts ca to mind.

And airing my internal struggles here would be ridiculous.

"Lazlot, why don't you set your sights higher?"

... Let's just avoid the subject.

"The asure... you an?"

"Yes, though I remain with the Dawn Society for power, our minds do not align."

"Then to what lengths do you see yourself going, Sir Yulian?"

To what lengths?

Simply words spoken without deeper significance have been taken seriously.

With the color of "fear" hanging over him, Lazlot stared intently with a serious look.

"What concern is it of yours, my purpose?"

"Excuse ?"

"If your vantage point differs, then even if the destination is the sa, the scenery will vary."

A line "Yulian" had once uttered while pointing a sword at the Sword Saint.

Even while speaking it, I was clicking my tongue inside.

Now, quoting a line doesn't evoke any feeling at all.

On the contrary, the once-absurd words started making a little more sense.

"Is that... so?"

Lazlot muttered to himself, seemingly having an epiphany.

"I see. Then, I shall convey that Sir Yulian will not attend."

Yes, do so.

Once Lazlot left with a polite bow, I could finally organize my thoughts in the quiet office.

"The succession ceremony would be significant for Tenelon."

If that's the case,

being absent would surely put him off.

That was the intention.

Being in a precarious position is panicking.

No telling when this will end, but it must continue.

Once the succession ceremony is over, the "Imperial family" and the "Dawn Society" will surely clash.

"Is there any need to be in the eye of the storm when it strikes?"

Avoidance is the best strategy.

Crack—

"... Hmm?"

So who will be the next "Archbishop"?

While pondering that problem, I felt a bizarre sensation trickling from my fingertips.

"Ah..."

One of the branches of the bonsai I was tending broke off.

For so reason, this doesn't feel promising.

***

"Congratulations on becoming the next Archbishop."

The unexpected news hit like a bolt from the blue, and I touched my ear lightly.

Did I hear wrong?

"What did you say?"

"You are now one of the pillars of the Dawn Society. The Archbishop's decision seems to favor Sir Yulian quite a lot."

Are you playing a joke?

That thought crossed my mind, but the opponent was Eleanor.

She not only dislikes such jokes, but also despises pointless chatter.

"This is a serious jest. Do you think I suit that position?"

Even so, I nonetheless put my doubts into words just in case.

Eleanor, your joke has gotten out of hand?

"So humble."

Eleanor chuckled briefly and covered her mouth with her hand. I rubbed my temple once to soothe the throbbing headache.

"What should I do?"

I suddenly recalled a conversation I had with Eleanor.

"Miss Eleanor, you don't seem pleased with this decision."

"Why assu that?"

"Didn't we agree that I'd assist in making you Archbishop?"

"... Aha."

A hint of realization in her tone.

"It was

who recomnded you, Sir Yulian."

... How could you do this?