Acting as a Slit-Eye Chapter 90

Chapter 90. Sword Saint (1)

The Holy Kingdom of Fernand.

There were several reasons for my visit here. But the most important reason, the one that was completely selfish, was what drove .

Haha. This couldn't be found anywhere else.

"Everything is so well maintained that you will surely be satisfied."

Weapons?

Heh, I already had the Moonstone Sword.

Nor was it armor. The body of 'Yulian', clad in aura, surpassed most armors.

It was simply to purchase... orchids.

So might dismiss it as rely 'orchids'... but that would be a naive viewpoint.

The orchids found in the Empire and the ones in the Holy Kingdom were fundantally different.

To simplify, the orchids in the Empire were akin to Oriental orchids, whereas those from the Holy Kingdom had a Western flair.

This comparison isn't entirely accurate, but it gives an idea.

As I carefully examined the pots prepared by the florist, I cautiously asked him.

"May I touch them?"

"Oh, of course!"

Upon receiving permission, I began to gently run my hands over the orchids.

'Not bad.'

The slightly ticklish sensation of the orchids pleased , bringing a satisfied smile to my face.

"I would like to purchase these two."

"You have chosen Lingia and Pravincho. You have a keen eye. These are rare orchids that only grow in the Holy Kingdom."

I continued to smile at the florist's flattery as I proceeded with the paynt.

I wasn't sure if the Empire's currency, 'Nar', would be accepted here, but the florist graciously accepted it.

I did pay a bit more than usual, though.

"You're really here just to buy orchids at the market...?"

Rinne, who accompanied , seed unable to understand and mumbled while shaking her head.

"Since it's rare to have personal ti in a foreign country, why not take a look around on your own instead of following , lady Rinne?"

She shook her head, indifferent, and displayed a stoic expression.

"Those who wield swords, or mana, need to be honest with their desires. Lady Rinne."

"What do desires have to do with mana?"

"Mana reacts strongly to the user's wishes."

Rinne shrugged, as if to say, 'What on earth are you talking about,' and then turned her gaze back to the pots.

"Can we even take that back to the Empire? It seems like it would only fit one on the saddle."

"Hmm...."

She had a point. Her words made

pause and contemplate the pots.

Truthfully, I hadn't considered this when purchasing them.

"It's quite a dilemma. These two are to my liking."

Perhaps I should've bought sothing smaller.

Feigning thought, I glanced at Rinne.

"It can't be helped. I'll attach one to my horse."

"Will you be alright with that?"

"Yes, you did correct my riding technique, after all."

"No, I ant is it wise to carry sothing on your saddle with your skills?"

Rinne gave

a sly smile, her eyes narrowing in amusent.

"I'm just joking, lady Rinne. Thank you for your consideration."

Crrreek, crrrrreeak -!

At that mont, an uncomfortable tallic noise echoed through the bustling market.

Rinne flinched, turning her head toward the sound, but I already knew from afar.

I could sense 'that' approaching.

Clang, clang.

A cart drawn by horses had a massive iron cage made of tal behind it, and inside it...

"A demon?"

Indeed, a demon was inside the cage, drooling and looking around.

"It's a beast-like demon. Judging by the lack of horns, it seems to be a low-level one with no intelligence."

"I could tell just from looking. That's not my point."

I understood the real question.

Why is there a demon here within a cage?

I decided to explain.

"There's an... 'unsavory' culture in the Holy Kingdom."

"Unsavory culture?"

"Yes."

Though I hadn't intended to speak so harshly, it seed 'Yulian' detested 'this' quite a bit.

"... An arena."

"An arena? Do you an the arena I know?"

"Perhaps. It's a place where people risk their lives for entertainnt and money, a den for those who have lost their self-respect."

Wisdom poured from , and it was easy to understand why Yulian instinctively disliked the arena.

Those who enter the arena wield their swords not for honor or self-improvent, but purely for the audience's amusent.

Admittedly, there are several reasons behind it, but Yulian dislikes the sight of it all, like insects struggling to survive each day.

"... But aren't there arenas in the Empire too?"

"Yes. However, there are no arenas in the Empire where they have demons fight each other, or have humans fight demons."

Only in the Holy Kingdom does such a thing exist.

Perhaps this is because Yulian has a pathological hatred for demons.

As I spoke, Rinne's eyes grew cold.

"Then, the cage containing those demons is headed for what you called the arena."

"Do you understand now why I said it was 'unsavory'?"

Rinne looked around.

She noticed the pure white buildings and the beauty that reflected a sense of restraint, letting out a small sigh as she nodded.

"It's sowhat shocking. I really liked the scenery of the capital. I thought, given the na 'Holy Kingdom', it would have a dignified atmosphere."

"Those who wrap themselves in grand words and embellishnts often lack true essence. Just as there are no gentlen in a land of gentlen, there is no sanctity in the Holy Kingdom."

Of course, it's a personal theory and one I borrowed from a future scene in one of Yulian's lines.

― Isn't darkness present because there is light? Master.

"That's a fair point."

"Thank you for agreeing."

"So, those who constantly proclaim their loyalty to the imperial family, or their mastery of swordsmanship, are devoid of those traits?"

She's grown quite a bit. To be able to convey things so subtly.

"I'm teasing, Sir Yulian. Thank you for the explanation and for your kindness."

Rinne gave a faint smile.

I took a ntal note as I picked up the newly purchased pots and headed toward the villa assigned by the high priest.

Thwack, thwack -.

On the way back, Rinne tapped my back with her finger.

"There are three followers' footsteps behind us."

"I'm aware."

Ever since purchasing the pots, I'd noticed we were being followed by three presences.

"You knew? But why were you so calm?"

Because it's a common occurrence.

Furthermore, the more experience I gathered, the easier it was to make judgnts.

"It doesn't seem to be a hostile pursuit. They're simply observing us foreigners."

"... How do you know?"

Just a feeling.

It's the intuition of soone who has encountered surveillance many tis before.

As expected, there was no hint of mana, aura, or killing intent from the presences trailing us.

'Probably related to High Priest Garot.'

They didn't start following

as soon as I entered the Holy Kingdom but did after I spoke with High Priest Garot.

Given that, this much could be overlooked.

Confronting them might lead to complications better avoided.

"... Hmm?"

Despite such hopes, an unfamiliar group awaited us at the entrance of the villa.

Two in priest gowns and a man in knight armor resembling Frasion.

'Who could they be?'

In terms of the Holy Kingdom's notable figures, their faces should be sowhat recognizable, but they were entirely new to .

Hmm, but it seems the reverse is not true.

As our eyes t, a fierce 〈 Color of Negativity 〉 appeared above his head.

A crimson color, like blood, indicating anger.

With emotions so clear, even displaying ignorance could provoke the other person.

"Yulian...!"

The man gritted his teeth as he approached .

Who could he be? Truly, I couldn't recall. What should I say?

"Compose yourself, Idel."

Suddenly, a deep voice interrupted.

Rinne and I turned instinctively at the familiar voice.

A familiar face greeted us.

The contrast of dark hair highlighting the whiteness of gray hair. Hands covered in calluses.

Fatigue-ridden brown eyes contrasting with sharp features.

It was the face seen on the cover of 〈 Let's Kill the Demon King Now 〉.

"Sir..., Sir Yulian!"

Beside , I heard Rinne's urgent cry.

Sensing its cause, I was already propelling myself, swinging my sword.

Clang──!

However, the middle-aged man, as if accustod to the situation, effortlessly blocked my sword.

"Still the sa, Yulian. Instead of simply greeting, you raise your sword upon our eting."

The man, who t my sword, spoke with a leisurely expression.

"Did you appreciate my long-awaited greeting, master? Have you been well?"

I replied just as calmly, even flashing a light smile.

'Damn bastard!'

Upon seeing Hayden Reich, my body reacted instinctively.

And within my mind, a relentless urge shouted.

Kill him.

Kill the man who insulted you, who excommunicated you.

'Shut up already!'

I tried to suppress Yulian's instincts while considering how to navigate the situation.

An eerie stream of mana caught my attention.

"Can't you see for yourself?"

Creak, creak──!

Blue mana pulsated from Hayden's body, forcing my sword back.

"Ugh..."

For the first ti, I experienced being pushed back with sheer force.

Most likely, it's the bluish aura enveloping Hayden Reich.

Sword and Body as One.

Just as Yulian is represented by the 'Moonlit Sword', this represents the aura of the protagonist, Hayden Reich.

I couldn't move easily under the overpowering aura's intimidating presence.

This is the true skill of the Sword Saint, the protagonist.

Feeling overpowered by the protagonist's 'aura', I bit my lip firmly.

"P-please put away your swords. Sir Yulian! The sa goes for you, master!"

The diator between Hayden and

was none other than Rinne.

Upon hearing her plea, the Sword Saint glanced at Rinne, then slowly sheathed his aura.

"No need to be scared, Rinne. It was just a simple greeting."

I retracted my sword and took a step back.

"It's been a while. Have you been well?"

"Huh? Ah..."

Taken aback by the sudden appearance and inquiry from Hayden Reich, Rinne was flustered.

After a single cough to compose her emotions, she responded.

"Yes, master."

Showing complex expressions, Rinne nodded, and Hayden offered a gentle smile.

"Let us head inside. There's much to discuss."

With those words, Hayden entered the villa.

His back was full of openings, and I grappled with the urge to draw my sword imdiately.

An unusually intense sense of displeasure.

Despite this discomfort...

'Ah!'

At least I rembered the pots.

***

"Wow, never expected to see the Sword Saint, Yulian, and Lady Rinne gathered in one place."

Upon sitting down, it was Eulsis who spoke first, having been in conversation with Hayden.

A drop of sweat glead between his brows.

Although he tried to keep his cool, it was clear the situation unnerved him.

The Sword Saint and Yulian.

If I were in his place, I would be scared too, unsure when a confrontation might erupt.

"... Phew."

Rinne, as well, regarded the Sword Saint and

with the most tense expression I'd ever seen on her.

Our awkward truths were known to all.

She thought I might draw my sword at any instant.

"It seems you've picked up an interesting hobby."

Hyein broke the uncomfortable silence with his comnt.

"I never imagined you taking an interest in orchids. I thought you didn't care for things requiring ticulous attention."

"It appears you don't know

well, master."

Unintentionally, I spoke with a bit of a mocking tone.

Though it was a dream co true to et the protagonist of 〈 Let's Kill the Demon King Now 〉, facing the Sword Saint, I felt frustration instead of joy.

"I guess tastes could change after so long without eting."

The nuance he spoke with suggested he knew

well.

Rather, it was stoking the flas of the growing discomfort in my chest.

"Your Highness Eulsis, might I trouble you to leave for a mont? I wish to speak with my students alone."

"Of course, I'll gladly do so. I'm sure you have much to catch up on."

Imagining the courage needed to ask a royal to leave their place, I stared at Eulsis's receding figure, seeming smaller than usual.

Then, I let out a sigh, turning my gaze back to Hayden.

'Ah...'

The weight of the na 'Sword Saint' wasn't light upon .

The reason I was drawn into this ga.

The source of my anger towards the developers.

And the reason I ended up like this.

Over the years, having imrsed myself in nurous cultures and building the taphor of the 'protagonist', the one who initiated it all stood before .

Even upon hearing that such a figure had abandoned his role to seek asylum in the Holy Kingdom—it hadn't invoked such a strong feeling of repulsion.

"Now that Eulsis has left, where should we begin?"

The sense of discomfort began to crystallize.

==

?? The trait 「Sombra」 has detected a demon.

==