Playing the Perfect Fox-Eyed Villain Chapter 65

Episode 65. On the brink (2)

“They say they’ve discovered the identity of the Black Knight.”

At Lazrot's cautious words, cold sweat ran down my back.

'what?'

I was so flustered that I couldn't say anything, so I just stared blankly at Lazrot.

Is it an illusion that the poker face that 'Yurien' has maintained for so long is collapsing?

No, it won't be.

I've only been active as a 'Black Knight' twice!

Things that are likely to happen in the process are… … .

'What happened? It shouldn't have happened… … .'

Even though you may know this game inside out, you never know.

'The story changed because of me.'

There is no way Lazrot, who is a double agent, would report to me with unconfirmed information.

I have his weakness, and every time I meet him, I can clearly see his purple haze.

'You won't report any false rumors to me.'

Looking at the stern gaze of Lazrot… … .

'Really? It's X.'

Lazrot's report was like a bomb.

Gulp.

I tried swallowing my saliva to extinguish my burning insides, but it didn't really work.

Rather, the sound was so loud that I was worried that Lazrot might hear it.

“Haha. Is that so? I’m also curious, who the ‘black knight’ who caused such a stir in the system is.”

Phew, that was hard.

I asked the question as subtly as possible, keeping my expression as expressionless as possible and speaking in a tone that showed no emotion.

Above Lazrot's head, who heard my words, purple haze still bloomed.

“I don’t know for sure, but the Arch Bishop heard the rumor and wanted to speak to Sir Yurian himself. A messenger will be arriving soon.”

Well, it's X.

I turned my head away and bit my lip slightly so as not to show my anger.

Yeah? Still, something seems strange?

Obstructing Pintel's acquisition of a mixed seat.

Preventing Pintel from acquiring Luger.

Bishop Pintel watered… … .

Come to think of it, I feel sorry for Pintel. Ahem.

Anyway, if they knew that the culprit was me, there was no way the Yeomyeonghoe would have let it pass so peacefully.

By mobilizing all of the Monsignors, the combat group of the Dawn Society, and the Bishops who are skilled in battle… … .

‘… … You would have killed me a long time ago.’

If it's the Yeomyeonghoe I know, it would be more than enough.

'Then why?'

I don't know either.

Perhaps, there may be a misunderstanding.

Well, that's fortunate.

“What would you like to do?”

When Lazrot asked with a look of obvious tension, I slowly turned my gaze towards him.

“Lord Tenelon and I alone…….”

I look at his face, trailing off a bit.

Judging from the fact that nothing has changed, it seems like you don't know anything beyond what I just told you.

'Is it a trap?'

Anyway, if you back down in a situation where people are suspicious of you, the suspicion will only grow.

It will be a matter of seconds before you go from guess to certainty.

“When is the messenger supposed to come?”

***

After taking a carriage sent by the Yeomyeonghoe, we soon arrived at a glass greenhouse located on the outskirts of the island.

“Lord Tenelon is waiting inside.”

As I got out of the carriage, the guards guarding the greenhouse jumped out and greeted me politely.

Their attire and atmosphere were no different from ordinary people, but I was sure of it.

These are 'Monsignors'.

'Why are they… … .'

Normally, I would have just let it slide, thinking that guarding the Arch Bishop was a natural thing to do, but now I was starting to wonder why they were guarding this place.

No, of course not.

As suspicions grow, everything that was ordinary becomes strange.

Hiding my anxious feelings, I passed them and headed inside the greenhouse.

‘… … It’s quite well decorated.’

The interior was brimming with life.

The plants placed in the greenhouse looked fresh due to the moderate temperature and humidity, and there was no sign of anyone taking care of them or any rough corners.

But there was one alien presence sitting at the central table, disrupting the harmony of the greenhouse.

“You’re here? This is the first time we’ve met like this, just the two of us.”

Somehow, I greeted Tenelon awkwardly, feeling like he was happy to see me. Of course, I didn't show it.

“What do you think?”

Tenelon, who takes the nuance of looking around with his hands.

Around him, there were several flower pots and orchids that looked well-maintained and had a refreshing scent.

'What are you trying to say?'

What is the intention of that question?

What is the purpose of calling me?

Did you call me knowing everything?

A small storm arose in my head due to a thousand thoughts.

“I heard you have a hobby of growing orchids. How is it? Are you growing these orchids well?”

I was a bit taken aback by the unexpected question, but it didn't show on my face.

A face with a blank expression, unlike the smiling eyes that are crescent-shaped and have no visible pupils.

Because I hid my emotions behind that face that fit the character of a 'squinty-eyed villain'.

“It looks like you raised it yourself.”

“That’s right. It was a bit difficult. What do you think? I’d like to hear your expert opinion.”

I ran my hand through the orchids Tenelon had grown, then muttered.

“Even if you’re not an expert, even a layman would think this is really horrible. How can you grow an orchid that’s ruined to this extent? If you just watered it on time and gave it enough sunlight, it wouldn’t have ended up like this. You really have no talent for orchids.”

It's a stark assessment, but it's true.

The tips of the leaves were brown, probably because they had been exposed to the sun often, and here and there, you could see traces of mold growing.

If the visible part is like this, the roots must have already rotted even without looking.

There may be a way to round it up nicely.

My heart that treated the orchid like a child and Yurian's straightforward way of speaking naturally caused poisonous words to come out of my mouth.

“Haha, is that so?”

Despite the impolite tone, Tenelon took it in a pleasant tone.

“Yurien, I really like your personality. You don’t sweet talk me like other bishops do.”

Tenelon's mouth was smiling as he spoke, but his eyes were shining sharply.

“Being that kind of person, this incident really surprised me.”

… … What, what?

I was embarrassed and felt a pang inside.

“I didn’t know you could move…… under the name of ‘Black Knight’.”

When the name 'Black Knight' came out of his mouth, I felt as if something big and heavy had fallen on my chest.

In the middle, Tenelon seemed to have said something, but I couldn't hear it at all, only the word 'black knight'.

I swallowed as I watched Tenelon speak so naturally.

'You know… … do you?'

I desperately tried to adjust my whole body so as not to react to his words, but I couldn't help but tremble slightly, very slightly.

A situation where everything I've done so far could have been discovered.

In the worst case scenario, you'll end up clashing swords with Tenelon here, desperately trying to escape, only to be pursued by the Dawn Society outside.

No, maybe running away from here could be the problem.

Around this greenhouse, members of the Dawn Society, including the 'Monsignor', are stationed.

And there's also the Dawn's strongest warrior, Tenelon.

‘Did I come for nothing… … .’

I looked at Tenelon, trying to calm my pounding heart and trying my best not to show it.

“Whether the damage was great or small, the ‘Black Knight’ is an unforgivable enemy. He interfered with the work of our Dawn Society.”

“Of course, Lord Tenelon. We must not allow ‘him’ to run wild like that.”

Tenelon's eyes, momentarily taken aback by my answer, twitched and twitched as he looked at the terrible orchid.

I watched Tenelon's words and actions, and pretended to agree with him.

At the same time, in case of an emergency, he slightly pulled his right hand out to the side so that he could draw his sword at any moment.

'Ugh.'

The wound on his side stung slightly, as if he had touched it. The wound he had received from Pintel in 'Twilight Flame' had not yet fully healed.

An ordinary Monsignor or Bishop would be able to escape from here without much trouble, but this is a battle with Tenelon. What if that happens…?

I quickly calculated the shortest and best escape route in my head, but… … .

it's tough.

'fu*k, that must be so frustrating.'

Because of that, impatience began to bloom.

'Should I hit the player?'

While I was thinking about various complex thoughts, Tenelon leisurely looked at me and continued speaking.

“But, I never would have guessed that you were the one investigating the ‘Black Knight’ first……”

Huh? What?

“Well, other than that, there’s no reason for someone as obsessive as you to head to that dirty slum.”

A series of absurd words.

“……Isn’t it?”

Tenelon tilted his head in puzzlement at my half-hearted reaction.

If you miss this, you die.

A voice from a corner of my heart flashed through my mind.

“Haha, I was careful not to get caught, but as expected, the Yeomyeonghoe’s information power is amazing.”

“After all, who in the world would have known?”

Heh, Tenelon laughed briefly and opened his mouth again.

“Surely not, the ‘Black Knight’ who caused a stir in the system is part of the ‘Nameless Guest Group’, one of the organizations that divided the slums into three.”

Huh? What the heck is this nonsense?

Tenelon's words filled my head with questions.

“Haha, as expected, you are amazing. Sir Tenelon’s abilities are truly beyond measure.”

My three-inch tongue was already giving strength to this misunderstanding.

“If you went to the slums and investigated them yourself, that means you found out about this before me… When did you find out?”

Right now! Just now!

I knew it because you told me!

“It hasn’t been that long for me either. It was only recently that I had the ‘Closed Eyes’ agents secretly investigate the ‘Black Knight’.”

“Really? As expected, the Imperial Family’s information power is amazing! Hahaha!”

Tenelon laughed loudly. Looking at him, I wanted to laugh too.

Are you… … an idiot?

***

A group of unknown travelers from the slums, who would have thought they would call themselves the 'Black Knights'.

Actually, I can guess the reason.

They say they divide the slums into three, but they have a weak force compared to other organizations.

There is almost no profit generation through human trafficking, drugs, gambling, etc. like in 'Six Fingers' or through connections with high-ranking nobles like in 'Blood Demon Group'.

A literally mediocre organization.

It's just a small organization that relies on small force and acts like a braggart. It seems they spread rumors to try to gain some fame as the 'Black Knight'.

Certainly… … . The ‘Black Knight’ and the ‘Nameless Guest Group’ have something in common in that they both walk around with their faces covered.

The masked nobles who defeated the nobles' tyranny in 'Twilight Flame', the 'Black Knights', are themselves.

'Not a bad choice.'

They use their identity as 'anyone can become an anonymous guest' to absorb the rumors and protect themselves.

It is a truly reasonable thought that they have no choice but to do it because they are the weakest.

The problem is that the noble who caused trouble in 'Twilight Flame' is not an ordinary noble.

'It means that you are connected with the Yeomyeonghoe.'

So, the position of the anonymous guest group has become quite awkward. No, it will become awkward.

– 'Nameless Guest Group, we'll have to clean up that trash soon.'

Because Tenelon wishes for the extermination of the Nameless Guest Group.

'Okay, just be careful and then get involved.'

These guys are really unlucky.

'In my case, is it actually a good thing?'

Just because they die carrying the name 'Black Knight' on their back doesn't mean the name disappears.

On the contrary, the attention towards the 'Black Knight' will be focused in one place, making it easier for me to be active.

In any case, we must interfere with the work of the Dawn Society to prevent the resurrection of the demon.

“Lord Yurian.”

After meeting Tenelon in the greenhouse and returning to the business of 'Closed Eyes', I noticed Odwin standing at the entrance.

Small stature for an adult female.

Because of that, you may wonder if you can properly carry out the role of the leader of 'Closed Eyes', but just by not being afraid of 'Yurian', you are qualified to be the 'leader'.

“You’ve arrived at a good time. I know you’ll just ignore me like before, but I still need to ask for advice.”

As she spoke in a businesslike manner, she took out a small scroll from her bosom.

Her unusual atmosphere, her attitude, and her luxurious surface rather than the usual scroll made me curious.

“Take it.”

When she handed me a scroll with ornate patterns, I took it, untied the string, and checked its contents.

“……It’s an invitation.”

“Yes, this is also an invitation to the birthday of the eldest son, Arba Godrich. This time, the Godrich family has requested that you, Yurian, attend as a representative of ‘Closed Eyes’.”

The Godrich family.

As soon as that name came out, the woman I saw in 'Twilight Flame' came to mind.

A spoiled woman who was authoritarian and full of a sense of superiority, and who had the very image of a 'noble' persona.

'By the way, why are you calling me to your eldest son's coming-of-age ceremony?'

I just don't understand. If it's your child's birthday, and your 'eldest son's' birthday at that, you wouldn't call someone like 'Yurian' for the sake of the atmosphere.

Well, I guess so.

What kind of trouble are you expecting?

“That’s strange, if you were to represent ‘Closed Eyes’ it would be Captain Odwin.”

To be honest, it's a hassle to go, and it's a headache if you go and get involved in an accident.

Also, not knowing the true intention of the 'invitation', I tried to sneak a peek at Odwin.

“……As shameless as that is, I don’t think you, who likes to brag, would really think that way. I know full well that I’m just a puppet leader.”

She looked at me with her eyes wide open.

“Besides, isn’t the Godrich family the only one among the four great families that looks favorably on you?”

Strange. Is there a reason why you think favorably of 'Yurien'?

“Because you purged the Hyrans family, you were able to monopolize the Baekuijeom (百衣店) that was intricately intertwined with that family.”

If that's the case, then I don't understand.

“But does that matter? You’re not going to these social parties anyway.”

She looked at me as if 'Yurien's' rejection was a given.

It seems that Yurian has not responded to such invitations through 'closed eyes' so far.

“Because that’s how it’s always been. In any case, from my perspective of keeping an eye on the royal family and the nobility, I think it would be better for you to go…….”

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Look, it’s going to be like this anyway…….”

Odwin, who answered my question right away, looked over here as if he sensed something strange.

"yes?"

“If it is Captain Odwin’s earnest request, then let’s go and give it a try.”