Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 55

Episode 55. Dual Identity (3)

In the imperial court, where intrigue and trickery reign supreme, the secretariat, which handles a great deal of information, is staffed by nobles with considerable power.

However, that 'power' did not come from force, but from political relationships and connections with other nobles.

Those who don't care about what other people think, as they often say, don't particularly fear the authority of the secretary's office.

“Ahem.”

Secretary General Seden Orbian coughed in vain at the sight of someone who was not afraid of such 'other people's gaze'.

Yurian Kraiphart Frasson.

The concept of a 'leash' does not exist for this mad dog of the royal family.

Although he is loyal to the empire, it is not for honor, family prestige, or material gain, but purely for self-satisfaction.

That's why people are afraid of this monster that doesn't know where to run.

“Yeah, I heard there was a meeting of the Cryphat family this time.”

But showing those feelings is third-rate.

Always elegant and restrained, as befits a nobleman.

Seden looked at Yurian, mulling over his own values.

"yes."

“Do you know the details? The Cryphat family is under the watchful eye of the imperial family.”

It was natural for the imperial family to keep a close eye on the Craiph family.

It wouldn't be strange if a bloody battle broke out over the succession to the throne at any time.

In that situation, it is difficult to predict what would happen if one of the four major families, the 'Craiphat family', made a move.

“I’m sorry, but I was abandoned by my family.”

"okay?"

Seden nodded at Yulian's polite tone. He had guessed it to some extent.

Because he is the 'Prason' of the Cryphat family.

“That’s too bad.”

Although he said that, there was no sign of regret on Seden’s face. In fact, the reason he had summoned Yurian was not to confirm the contents of the recent ‘family meeting’.

'I am somewhat curious, but in reality, the purpose is different.'

As the Chief Secretary, he and Yurian, who has 'closed eyes', have a public relationship as they are an exclusive agency of the Imperial Family.

But if you can show that you are a person who can share personal conversations beyond that public relationship.

'I can assert my position more firmly.'

He is a man steeped in infamy, but his power is truly extraordinary.

You can warn other nobles with just a few words of conversation without any major investment!

How natural and elegant is this conduct?

“But you know, Seren.”

"hmm?"

Satisfied with his own little strategy, Se-den, holding the teacup in his hand, raised his head at Yu-Rian's soft voice.

“I heard that Lord Haydn Reich, the Black Knight, has left the system.”

When the name Haydn Reich came out of Yurian's mouth, Seden flinched.

“Yeah, I know.”

“By any chance, do you know for what purpose……and where you were headed?”

Because Seden knows what kind of relationship those two have.

This is a statement that clearly shows Yurian's intentions. It is a well-known fact to the world that his feelings towards 'Geomseong' are not positive.

“I don’t know why you’re curious about that. Aren’t you officially acquainted with ‘Black Star’?”

Se-den showed his awkwardness and tried to express his intentions as best as he could. After that, let's take a look at Yurian's expression.

'Gulp.'

His face came into view, smiling eerily.

He's a man who always has a smile on his face, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have emotions. The part where that is clearly revealed is his spirit.

‘… … It seems he’s still desperate to kill the Black Swordsman.’

Se-den swallowed his saliva at the murderous intent that was being scattered around, and decided to tell them the current whereabouts of the swordsman.

If you call someone for personal business, you should pay them the appropriate price.

'Yeah, I'm not scared.'

Isn't that also the duty of the nobility and an elegant life?

***

When I returned to the mansion, I threw myself onto the sofa.

– 'Currently, Sir Haydn has received orders from His Majesty the Emperor and has gone to the Holy Kingdom of Perenand.'

Heading to the Holy Nation of Perenand at this time.

'What about the black knight…?'

The 'Black Knight' is one of the important elements of <Let's Kill the Demon King Now>.

As the anxiety that our protagonist would not fulfill that duty became a reality, my head started to pound with a headache.

'It's difficult… … This situation… … '

Although Pintel has intercepted the 'Soul Stone', the Yeomyeonghoe's actions do not end there.

'Maybe it's good.'

My insides are starting to burn because what should happen isn't happening. I can't even think of a way to do it.

It is not possible to go to the person concerned and ask about the 'Black Knight'.

“No……, in the first place…….”

I turned my gaze and looked at the scenery outside the window.

The high sky and the imperial palace seen in the distance.

It is a place where a strange affection is intertwined.

“Is there no such thing as a ‘Black Knight’ here right now?”

I was a little disappointed that my favorite scene and character was not there.

'Same, but different.'

I took out a piece of paper from my bosom and placed it on the table. It was the front page of a calendar with the days of the week when the 'Black Knight' was active written down.

'If that's really not the case, then everything the Black Knight has been blocking will come true.'

This is getting annoying.

Even now, there is one more thing to think about, not just the 'Black Knight'.

I took out a small box that I had hidden in a drawer. Inside was the 'soul stone' that Pintel had secured.

‘What should I do with this guy… … .’

Ever since Eleanor came to visit me the other day, I've come to realize that keeping a soul stone in the mansion is a foolish act.

This is because those who can handle mana to a certain level or are familiar with magic can find hidden soul stones.

'The reason I could entrust it to Herand was because it was a necklace with a story.'

Is there anyone I can entrust my soul to right now?

Absolutely not.

“If we leave it like this, it’s obvious that it will be dangerous.”

After thinking about it for a while, I quickly made up my mind.

Click──!

When I opened the box, the soul stone inside was revealed. It was the smallest size I had ever seen.

'It's a good size for experimenting.'

I reached out and took it out, looking inside. A face was reflected in the ominous red stone, as if soaked in blood.

Yurian's face with her eyes half-closed.

“I knew it had to happen someday, but it’s coming sooner than I thought.”

I decided to use anything to survive.

▶ Trait, "The Demon King's Vessel"

Rating: Legendary

The remnants of the spirit's thoughts contained in the soul stone.

"The Demon King's Vessel" is a trait of a 'villain' that allows him to absorb it, and eventually turns the holder into a 'Demon King'.

'Absorbs the soul.'

What if demonization occurs?

I was a little worried, but before that, my instinctive desire for power showed itself first.

'This body that can't use its legs when it comes to strength.'

Then eat it.

I put strength into the hand that held the soul stone.

I felt the flow of 'magic' as small stones pierced my skin and flowed in like liquid.

'Concentrate.'

As I felt the magic seeping into my mana blood through my fingertips, I began to focus my mind on my major blood vessels and block their invasion.

Mana is originally pure.

Although the 'purity' was permeated with a murky energy called 'magic', it was not difficult to control it.

“It’s easy. This much…….”

Cool.

I coughed. Before I knew it, I put my hand to my mouth, and bright red blood flowed out between my lips.

A drop of blood fell from the corner of my mouth. Starting with that, I began to feel a burning pain inside my body, as if I was being burned by a soldering iron.

Not only that, a wide, strange feeling of squirming insects took hold inside my body.

“Ugh…….”

I thought it was too simple.

Although it is a small soul stone, it is the condensed essence of the magic of the Triangle Demon. Who would have thought that nothing would happen if you absorbed it?

But even in the midst of such a whirlwind of pain and discomfort, my spirit was not broken.

“Huh, huh huh…….”

Instead, a certain emotion began to raise its head.

Anticipation.

The joy of being able to gain 'strength' if only this storm could pass.

But still, laughter escapes from this pain.

I stuck my tongue out at the instinct of 'Yurien', straightened my posture, and sat cross-legged.

'I think this condition will be good.'

I took a deep breath and changed my body position to focus on the mana blood even a little.

The first thing I did after that was to check my physical condition.

'The magic energy that was unable to enter the mana bloodstream due to the flow being blocked is circulating inside the body.'

The hemoptysis a little while ago was probably due to this.

What should I do?

'Should I open the mana blood and receive magic energy instead?'

As soon as the thought occurred to me, this damned body naturally opened the 'major blood vessel' which could be called the 'entrance' to the mana blood.

As if that were the right answer.

The great vein of the heart, the 'dog gate'.

A 'rest gate' that connects the heart to the head.

Next are two 'sutra gates' leading to the two arms.

Two 'main gates' leading to the bridge.

“Coolook…….”

As the magic flowed through the blood vessels, a drop of red blood once again spurted out from between the lips.

My hands were shaking, but the pain never turned into anxiety.

'The blood vessels… are adapting.'

If it had been a normal person, 'demonization' would have occurred the moment the soul stone was absorbed, but this body did not.

It wasn't just because of the special trait of being the "Demon King's Vessel".

'A much greater amount of mana than others.'

It is easy to change the color of a small lake, but it is impossible to change the color of a large ocean.

The amount of mana in 'Yurien's' body was similar to the 'ocean', and thanks to that, the progression of 'Demonization', where the body is consumed by magic, was that much slower.

“Phew…….”

Focus, focus, focus.

I slowly opened and closed the mana hole, controlling the amount of magical energy I was absorbing.

As I concentrated all my nerves and adjusted my mana blood, my senses began to dull.

I had no idea how much time had passed.

Thump──!

What is certain is that you are becoming dehydrated due to the massive amount of sweat you have shed in a short period of time.

My lips started to dry out, and the dizziness I had felt due to the pain was now due to dehydration.

'……water.'

Now that I think about it, I remember that when we arrived at the mansion, the servant had brought water to the bedroom.

If I drink it, it will quench this burning thirst.

‘… … I can’t move easily.’

Of course, that's just a hope.

This situation requires all my concentration.

If you move even a little bit, it's obvious that your concentration will be disrupted.

Let's be patient.

I still want to drink.

My thirst wasn't this intense before I remembered there was water in my room.

'Did I leave the water bottle on the desk… … .'

Damn! Once I think about it, I can't get it out of my head!

I cursed inwardly.

The desire grew stronger and the inside of my mouth felt dry as if I had swallowed sand.

'I just thought of it… … Huh?'

At that moment, I felt a small stream of water falling on my head.

Fortunately, the flowing water reached near her lips and began to moisten her chapped lips little by little.

Could this be the rain in a drought?

The dizziness from thirst is starting to dull a little.

I slowly opened my eyes.

No matter how much you concentrate, there is no sign of life in the room.

So who poured water over my head?

"……shadow?"

A shadow stretched out like a pitch-black line, coming from behind me and taking the water bottle I had placed on the desk.

“What are you?”