Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 66

Episode 66. Telephone Restoration (1)

“We have arrived, Sir Yulian.”

While I was looking at the scenery outside from the back seat of the carriage, I turned my head at the coachman's voice.

What came into view was the mansion of God Lich, one of the four great families of the Adratan Empire.

The unusually large and magnificent mansion was teeming with people from the entrance.

As I opened the carriage door and got out, a man who appeared to be a butler hurriedly approached me from inside the mansion.

“You, Sir Yulian! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule! I’m sure Lord Arba will be pleased!”

-'This is a birthday invitation for Arba Godrich, the eldest son of the Godrich family.'

-'Okay, let's go.'

-'Yes? Really?'

-'If it's Captain Odwin's earnest request, then let's go and give it a try.'

I went to Arba Godrich's birthday party with an invitation that came in with 'closed eyes'.

The butler of the Godrich family who came out to greet me greeted me politely, but there was a look of bewilderment in his eyes.

'Well, even Odwin was embarrassed.'

Up until now, the things that 'Yurien' has done as 'Closed Eyes' include purging nobles, subduing demons, and other miscellaneous tasks that he has not touched at all.

It seems a bit absurd to say that it represents 'closed eyes'. Odwin answered the question like this.

– 'Anyway, you're the epitome of 'closed eyes'. Besides, you want to show off your distribution skills by inviting me to a party.'

surely…….

Who would invite the 'Laughing Squad' to a party?

If I don't come, then don't come.

He showed everyone around him the appearance of being able to send an invitation to 'Yurien'.

If by any chance I accept the invitation, I can show off that 'we're at this level'.

– 'And, did you know? The eldest son of the Godrich family admires you.'

However, I couldn't understand what Odwin added. He admires me, no, 'Yurien'?

The demon is losing its horns and is talking like a human.

'I just don't understand.'

But since he said he was friendly, I decided to take this opportunity to become closer to him.

Now that various stories have become intertwined and I don't know what will happen, I have absolutely no intention of going through this alone like the game's 'Yurien'.

and…….

'It is not easy to gain a connection with a noble family… … .'

As I was walking to Godrich's banquet hall, guided by the butler, I suddenly noticed a bandage sticking out slightly from under his shirt.

Previously injured by Pintel in 'Twilight Flame'.

The slight pain bothered me, so I put pressure on it with a bandage and it felt much better.

'It's not obvious, but if you look closely, you might be able to tell.'

No one would think that this was an injury sustained while performing the duties of a 'black knight'.

“What is it, Sir Yurian?”

As I paused for a moment, the butler looked at me with a puzzled expression, but I endured the pain and smiled nonchalantly as I answered.

“The artworks on display here are truly wonderful, but there are a lot of fakes. Haha.”

“Oh, no. How can there be a false ancestor in our family…?”

“Is that so? Let’s go first.”

I left the embarrassed butler behind and confidently walked ahead into the banquet hall.

***

The banquet hall was so well maintained that it was clear that the Godrich family dominated the social scene.

The half-open dome-like structure divides the indoor and outdoor interiors, creating a contrasting effect that left viewers breathless with admiration.

“You, Sir Yulian! I never expected to see you here!”

As I was admiring the interior, a stiff voice recognized me.

Who are you… … , ah! Bald!

Alomm Chornida, the vice principal, who I became friends with through my teaching at Bayer Academy.

He is still an impressive man with an empty head.

“I didn’t expect to see Lord Aloem here either.”

“Ha, haha……! It’s because our Bayer Academy has such a close relationship with the Godrich family.”

Friendship with the four great families of the empire.

I guess that means sponsor. Even though Bayer Academy is a national organization, it doesn't refuse sponsorship.

“It’s a rare opportunity to meet you in a place like this, so I’m especially happy to see you.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, haha!”

“But… it doesn’t seem like that for other people?”

Alomm's laugh, which had been heartily laughing at my words, gradually began to dull. He too had vaguely noticed the atmosphere around him.

The nobles gathered around looked at me unfavorably and whispered.

The nobles who occasionally look at me as if they're going to kill me are probably friends with the nobles who were dealt with by 'Yurien', right?

You can kill people with just a look.

Fortunately, I've gotten used to it now, and I don't really feel any aversion to those sharp stares.

Not once or twice.

“Everyone seems to be cowering before the prestige of Lord Yurian. After all, the name of the royal agency ‘Black Eyes’ is not ordinary. Ha, haha.”

Alomm tried to interpret the atmosphere in a positive way, but it seems he realized that it was impossible.

“Oh, Sir Julius! Here I am!”

He smiled awkwardly and walked towards another noble who was a little further away, pretending to know him.

Leaving him behind, I walked towards the dome. That's because I found an unexpected person there.

'… …Eleanor.'

The figure of Eleanor Demichel, the Bishop of the Dawn Society and a fifth-tier magician, 'Bargo', came into view.

Of course, this is not the appearance we saw at the Yeomyeonghoe. She was participating in the banquet with her appearance changed using her specialty, 'Yin (蔭) magic.'

No, to be exact, that would be the real 'Eleanor Demichel'.

'Should I pretend to know?'

… … but that thought never led to action.

Slowly and steadily.

Steps are cautious, but not secret.

If he had been secretly alive, I would have taken up my sword and cut him down.

I pretended not to know and just stayed still.

“Well, this is a good piece, isn’t it? Sir Yurian? It was made with the help of Eterona, one of Corusius’ disciples.”

When I turned my head slightly, what caught my eye was a boy who looked somehow weak and timid.

“Well, Lady Eterona is a disciple of the great painter Corusius, but oddly enough, she excelled in interior design and architecture rather than oil painting. You, Sir Yurian, are familiar with her, right?”

Yeah, you probably know 'Yurien' well.

I don't know a thing.

But this guy is it.

‘… … I guess it’s Arba Godrich.’

The moment this fragile-looking boy approached me, the gazes of those around me changed slightly.

As expected, the main character of this banquet.

And, right next to the boy, a tough-looking man followed him.

“Ahem, Lord Arba.”

When the butler whispers in his ear, Arba is slightly flustered as if he has realized something.

“I’m sorry, Sir Yurian. I should have said hello first, but it’s been a while since I last saw you, so I’ll just…….”

The eldest son of one of the four great families of the empire.

Even though he is said to be a member of the aristocracy that dominates the 'social world'.

'What is this immature guy?'

My first impression of Arba was not very good.

Long time no see, that means we met somewhere before, so that's good.

In that case, building a relationship wouldn't be that difficult. If you have some level of contact, you'll be able to find a topic for the story through that.

'This is the point of contact between that weak young master and Yurian.'

It probably won't be a social gathering. 'Yurien' has never been seen in a social gathering.

And looking at his spirit… …, he hasn’t even practiced swordsmanship.

At best, we might have met once or twice at the palace.

“Yes, it’s been a while since I last saw you at the ‘Palace’.”

"……yes?"

When I saw Arba's puzzled face, I thought, "Oops."

Didn't we meet at the palace?

“Ma, the last time we met was at a symposium hosted by the Imperial Arts Association…….”

Imperial Arts Association?

When I heard that name, a thought suddenly came to mind.

Among the numerous payment notices that came in under the name of 'Yurien', this is the place where money is extorted under the name of 'membership maintenance fee'.

“Am I mistaken?”

“No, that’s not true. Sir Yurian wouldn’t do that.”

Arba was taken aback by my words and even waved her hands to deny it, but I continued talking.

“It’s not a mistake. The style of the place where the symposium was held was very similar to the ‘Palace.’ So I remember saying, ‘It feels like I’m in the Palace.’”

Since I already pretended to know, I can't go back.

At times like this, it's really embarrassing to act as 'Yurien'.

Because I had to act shameless while covering my face with an iron plate.

“Was that so?”

“I guess you don’t remember?”

“……The palace’s style is a composite style created by many architects and artists……. Ah!”

Arba's eyes widened as if she realized something.

“One of the artists who helped build the palace was in charge of designing that hall! Now I understand what you mean.”

“Haha.”

Instead of answering, I gave a short laugh.

Arba looked at me with even more admiration than before.

‘… … Is it because of the atmosphere?’

Even if I say something nonsensical, you will interpret it for me.

Arba opened her mouth hesitantly as she recalled what had happened at that time.

“By the way, that’s amazing. I never would have imagined that it would have anything to do with the style of the palace buildings…….”

“Hello, Master Arba!”

As Arba continued speaking, a hearty voice interrupted.

“……Your Majesty, Sir Gerard.”

“I am so honored that you remember my face. Haha!”

Neat appearance and polite attitude.

The night I was talking to Pintel, the atmosphere was completely different from that of a guy who had the vibe of a city thug.

'There was that guy too.'

While I was thinking about that, Gerard came walking towards me with brisk steps.

“I am always indebted to you, Lady Vinaran, the head of the Godreich family. Oh, Sir Yurian was here too. Hmm?”

Even though it was clear that he knew about it from the beginning, he still acted cute.

Then, with a puzzled expression, Gerard pointed to my side.

Gerard pointed to the spot where his shirt was slightly loose due to the bandage and chuckled.

“You must have a bandage on. Are you injured by the ‘closed eye’ incident?”

“Yes, those who tarnish the name of the royal family are foolish beings who cannot be solved with words.”

“Is it true? Mom, are you okay? Sir Yulian?”

Arba, who had been listening to me, looked at my side with a worried face.

“Yes, it’s nothing.”

“That’s great. However, if you have difficulty moving, we will…….”

“Your Highness Arba.”

The one who cut off Arba's words was the butler standing next to him.

“It’s good to chat like this, but if you’re the main character of the banquet, wouldn’t it be better to talk to many other people as well?”

“Huh? But still…….”

“I think the master would want that too.”

When the word 'Gaju' came out, Arba lowered her head.

“Oh, I understand. Then I’ll see you again later, Sir Yurian and Sir Gerard.”

Arba nodded slightly and followed the butler into the banquet hall. The timid look I felt when I first saw him was not my mistake.

“The eldest son is so insecure, that’s why the Godrich family is full of concubines.”

Gerard muttered to himself as he watched Arba's back as she walked away. It was really funny how she would laugh and giggle in front of him, and then gossip about him as soon as he disappeared.

“But to be able to injure a monster as big as Sir Yurian, you must have been quite skilled.”

There was no answer to his words.

It's a pain to answer each and every one of them, and it's painful to get involved with this guy.

Just as I was about to turn away without paying any attention.

“Maybe it’s Pintel?”

I stopped in my tracks and slowly turned my head towards Gerard.

It is true that Pintel hurt you.

However, at the time I received this injury, I was working as a 'Black Knight'.

It's a heartbreaking situation, but Tenelon has already confirmed that the Dawn Society is unaware of the fact.

‘… … It seems you’re not sure either.’

Fortunately, there was no sense of certainty in Gerard's tone. However, he must have brought it up just to test me.

“I asked the cult members who had been captured by the military police along with him while releasing them. What had happened to them from that ‘Black Knight’?”

“Was that so?”

“They say that guy has great swordsmanship skills. Pintel’s attack only worked on him once, and it just so happened to hit that part of his body.”

Gerard lowered his gaze to look at my bandaged waist.

“Don’t you think it’s too perfect of a coincidence?”

Looking at him like that, I snorted.

“Hehe, if……, that’s true, what will you do?”