Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 201

Episode 201. Center of gravity (3)

I know that I cannot avoid meeting the Black Star.

The original purpose of his return to the system was to overthrow the 'Dawn Society', and as I belong to the Dawn Society, it was inevitable that we would clash.

“This is it, if I had known this would happen, I would have taken a step back.”

Although it wasn't apparent, I was harboring anxiety, so I turned my head at Zahat's words.

Zahat swept back his black hair, which showed a hint of white, and said with a small smile.

“It wasn’t my intention, but who knew that something like this would happen as soon as I enlisted?”

As Zahat spoke with a strange smile, Lazrot, who was listening nearby, looked at him with strange eyes.

“Are you saying that because of Mr. Geomseong?”

“Maybe so, maybe not.”

“Your Majesty the Emperor must have anticipated this situation.”

It seems that Lazrot did not like Zahat's muttering to himself without thinking.

'But, you know.'

I really didn't expect this to happen.

'I couldn't have predicted that Geomseong would defect to the Sacred Kingdom.'

How could anyone have predicted that he would come back with such a brazen face?

Contrary to my thoughts, it seems that Lazrot has already anticipated everything and is expecting me to respond accordingly.

Of course, to some extent.

"……hmm."

That's why I let out a short sigh.

The other members of the Dawn Society were trembling at the news of the return of 'Black Sword', but they didn't show it.

The reason why Lazrot's expression was normal was…

Do you really think I can do something about it?

'no.'

To begin with, Lazrot doesn't seem to have made a big splash in the Dawning Society.

That's probably why it's so relaxed.

“Well, he’s a nobleman who is at the level of a tug-of-war between the royal family and the Yeomyeonghoe, so I guess he had this in mind.”

With a nod, Zahat turned his head this way.

Lazrot and Zahat's gaze turned towards me, but I remained silent.

Why?

'Because I have nothing to say.'

At times like this, this guy's face and attitude really help.

Although he was touching the end of the egg with an indifferent expression, cold sweat was running down his back.

'furthermore…….'

I quickly turned my gaze to the official document on the table.

[The Imperial Family's exclusive agency, 'Closed Eyes', will cooperate with the investigation of the Black Sword's Dawn Society.]

The order came down from above.

Where is above here?

It wasn't even an order from the secretariat, it was an order that came directly from the imperial palace.

in other words.

'Those are the words that came out of Emperor Adratan's mouth.'

In the corner of the official document, you can also see the emperor's personal seal.

'I never intended to avoid it in the first place.'

This is it, to begin with, the royal family is providing a bridge for them to meet each other.

***

After greeting Yurian politely, Lazrot left the office.

At the same time, Lazrot, who had been serious, began to take on a cowering attitude, as if he were scared.

“Thank you for your hard work, all the closed-eyed members!”

The perception of Lazrot in the Imperial Agency, 'Closed Eyes', is that of a 'timid apprentice'.

Thanks to that, everyone except for the members of the 'Dawn Society' and Yurian always took this attitude.

“Tch, tch.”

Looking at such a Lazrot, Zahat, who was following behind, let out an absurd laugh.

Lazrot looked around once and his expression changed when he confirmed that the agents he had greeted had left and that there was no one else around.

“What’s funny?”

“No, I just thought it would be tiring to live like that.”

Lazrot frowned, feeling that Zahat's words sounded sarcastic, but soon returned to his usual self.

“……This is how I’ve lived. It’s not like Lord Zahat should be concerned about anything.”

“Haha, was there a need to say that so bluntly?”

Looking at Zahat, who was smiling kindly, Lazrot tried to say something, but soon stopped himself.

“First, I will guide you to Lord Colparan. As Sir Yurian said, you need to familiarize yourself with the geography of Genmel Monastery.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

Leaving Zahat behind, who nodded, Lazrot began to walk again.

The scenery changes several times.

From the building with 'closed eyes' to the garden.

The first gate separating the palace and the outside from the garden.

Every time the distance changed, Lazrot glanced at Zahat, and Zahat, of course, was aware of it.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Even though he couldn't see, Zahat was skilled at reading people's emotions.

The 'Aura Sonar' he possesses is a skill that allows him to easily perceive the opponent's aura, or mana.

If there is a change in emotion, 'Mana' is bound to fluctuate.

When Zahat opened his mouth, as if to say something, Lazrot spoke as if he had been waiting for it.

“Sir Zahat.”

“What is it?”

“Your Majesty, you are the best prosecutor in the empire, aren’t you?”

“First of all… there’s a guy called ‘Black Star’, so that term is somewhat misleading.”

Also, there's Yurian too.

Zahat added as much, but replied with a grin.

“Once you wield a sword, you should always think that you are the best.”

Excluding mana management, aura attack, and mana blood utilization.

If it was decided that a match would be decided solely based on 'swordsmanship', Zahat was confident that he could win against anyone.

Perhaps sensing such confidence, Lazrot opened his mouth without hesitation.

“Then, can I ask you one favor?”

“Please? What is that?”

“Please teach me how to use the sword.”

As he spoke, Lazrot faced Zahat.

A boy facing himself.

Zahat looked closely at Lazrot.

No, both eyes have been blind for a long time, so I do not see external elements, but rather the flow of mana that comes from that state of mind.

– 'I want to become an excellent swordsman like my father. Please teach me how to use a sword!'

Somehow, a familiar affection and bitterness lingered on the tip of my tongue.

“Heh heh, kid.”

"yes?"

“Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?”

In response to Zahat's somewhat affectionate question, Lazrot opened his mouth honestly.

“I realized while participating in this ‘Finger Breaking’ operation that I need strength to survive in this world.”

'Finger Breaking'

This is an incident that even Zahat knows about.

Of course, it was a plan carried out by Yurian so that he could receive the 'Golden Ten Swords Medal'.

“If only I could have subdued Dantes a little sooner, such an unfortunate event would have been avoided…….”

Zahat knew what misfortune Lazrot was talking about.

Perhaps, it was because he was worried about the danger that would come to Yurian by keeping the knight Fern alive.

“So, I want to become stronger, Lord Zahat.”

The saying 'apprentice with closed eyes' means that no matter how poor one is, one has some level of skill in swordsmanship.

It is highly likely that we were able to come this far because we saw the potential, but we stagnated because we failed to determine the direction.

“Besides, I thought I would like to help Sir Yurian if possible.”

It's a strange thought for a young boy to have.

“Then, why don’t you ask Yurian to teach you?”

“Lord Yurian is such a busy person…….”

'I guess you want to say that I look leisurely.'

Zahat barely managed to hold back the harsh words that were about to hit him under his chin.

“If it’s money, I can give it to you! However… it might take some time.”

“Do I look like a money-hungry man?”

"no."

“I see, I want to become stronger.”

Zahat, who had been thinking for a moment, raised his head and met Lazrot's gaze.

“I guess you want to die.”

A terrible aura emanating from Zahat's entire body oppresses him.

'I'm dying… … '

A cold sweat began to run down Lazrot's entire body.

A word that is far removed from the weightless curses hurled by other city thugs.

The moment he heard that, the thought of 'death' came to Lazrot's mind and his body shrank.

“You can’t survive in this world with mediocre talent, kid. Don’t you think you can survive this far because you’re weak?”

Zahat began to gradually withdraw the murderous aura he was exuding.

“If you acquire mediocre skills, you will eventually forget how to judge yourself.”

A feeling of self-mockery and emptiness.

Are the words I'm saying now directed at someone?

Zahat kept chewing on the bitter taste lingering on the tip of his tongue.

If you were to look at Lazrot's face now with your unseen eyes, you would see a face of disappointment.

– 'I thought you would forget those two eyes that looked at me with disappointment because I couldn't become a knight… … Did you?'

But I know.

That you have to act like a slob here.

“I will go to Colparan by myself. I am friendly with him and I know the way.”

Zahat added his words as if he was hurriedly speaking and ran away from the place.

Although he felt Lazrot's cold gaze from behind him, Zahat tried his best not to pay attention to it.

***

I was waiting for 'someone' in the office, having adjusted my coat after everyone had left.

The one waiting is none other than Cheon Kyung Dae (天敬隊), one of the 'Emperor's Direct Units'.

They are directly responsible for protecting the 'Gyeongcheon Palace' where the Emperor resides, and no noble can enter the 'Gyeongcheon Palace' without their guidance.

'Well, if there are any exceptions.'

Black.

The Adratan Emperor, who had waged wars of conquest in the past, was quite friendly with Geomseong, and thanks to that, the Emperor had bestowed all sorts of benefits on him.

'That too is a past emperor.'

The swordsman and the emperor will know each other.

That things are now at odds between us and we are going our separate ways.

Originally, when I was dealing with 'Geomseong' as a 'player', only the emperor's betrayal was noticeable, but this time, both of them went beyond the limit.

'anyway.'

I was waiting for 'Cheon Kyung Dae' to come.

The emperor even sent down an official document, requesting cooperation between 'Geomseong' and 'Gamneun Nun', and as the representative of 'Gamneun Nun', I had the duty to visit the palace.

Knock, knock.

While I was waiting, I heard a knock on the door.

“Please come in.”

As soon as I gave permission, the door opened and the 'Cheon Kyung Dae' came inside.

Three people wearing harmonious black and white clothes.

These are the 'Cheon Kyung Dae'.

“Lord Yurian.”

If you follow them, you will definitely be able to see the face of the 'Emperor', the golden tower of imperial power.

And that's not all.

“I have come to fetch you by order of His Majesty Adratan.”

This time, we will also be able to see the face of the swordsman who returned to the system.

'This must be a pretty uncomfortable seat.'

In many ways, I couldn't help but feel trembling.

It's like having to meet the 'Emperor', the pinnacle of power, in the same place as the Sword Master, who greeted him with a sword.

Besides, the reason was to discuss the overthrow of the 'Dawn Society' that I belong to.

My insides were burning.

“Yes, I was waiting.”

Yet my complexion didn't change even a little.