Ch.189189. Social Gathering

    “…”

    “…”

    “…”

    I somehow managed to finish the explanation, but there was not the slightest sign that this awkward atmosphere would dissipate.

    Everyone seated around the table had fallen silent.

    The Emperor, who had just laid out his plan to use me as a “national book,” was puffing away at the pipe in his mouth, sending up clouds of smoke.

    ‘…Tobacco?’

    Saint Lucien would smoke occasionally too, but this person was quite dramatically blowing out smoke.

    For someone afflicted with one of the most notorious curses in this world, it’s quite a brave act.

    “…Are you alright, Your Majesty?”

    “Hmm?”

    And I wasn’t the only one thinking that, as Elnore also voiced her concern.

    The Emperor’s eyes showed confusion at her question.

    “…Ah, you mean this?”

    The Emperor smiled slightly and removed the pipe from his mouth for a moment.

    “Don’t worry.”

    “…Pardon?”

    “I’d die if I didn’t smoke it.”

    “…”

    Watching the Emperor put the pipe back in his mouth after saying that, Elnore clutched her head. She clearly had no idea what he meant.

    Rarely do we see her suffering from a headache instead of inflicting one on others.

    I suppose that’s what makes him the absolute ruler of the Empire.

    […Should you really be impressed by something like that?]

    Calivan grumbled, but it’s no exaggeration to say this truly demonstrates the Emperor’s dignity.

    Even Elnore, who rivals Chancellor Sullivan and considers herself second to none, yields only to him.

    I suppose the friendship built during their childhood, when Cecilia XI was still just a “princess,” plays a significant role.

    “…”

    Of course, that means…

    As I’ve mentioned countless times, her death will have an enormous impact on Elnore.

    An impact that would cause a massive upheaval in the entire scenario.

    “…By the way, you mentioned a hunt, Your Majesty.”

    While I was lost in thought, Elnore painfully brought up the subject.

    Unlike Elia, Elnore is quite familiar with the Emperor himself.

    That’s why she can at least ask questions, unlike Elia who’s sitting there with a “is that true?” expression but unable to say a word.

    “Yes, indeed. Is there something you’re curious about?”

    “…Is it truly safe?”

    Her question implied two things.

    First, whether such a gesture is appropriate given the Empire’s current situation.

    And second, concern for “my well-being.”

    This person is worried about me being used as bait.

    “…Hmm.”

    The Emperor exhaled a deep cloud of smoke while choosing his words.

    His dull eyes with brown irises fixed directly on Elnore.

    “I’ll be honest. I can’t be certain.”

    “…”

    Elnore quietly closed her eyes.

    “…Your Majesty is not one to risk someone’s life for trivial reasons.”

    Then, in a low voice, she continued.

    “But this man—”

    “I appreciate your assessment that my life hasn’t been completely wasted, Elnore.”

    The Emperor said while puffing out clouds of smoke.

    “That man is already entangled in this affair, even without my intervention.”

    “…Pardon?”

    “From the moment Chancellor Sullivan began taking notice of him, my attention was drawn to him as well, which means the Council of Elders is likely watching him too.”

    The Emperor continued in a calm voice.

    “I don’t know what they’re plotting, but I can assure you it’s nothing good for this man’s safety. Crushing them would benefit both me and him.”

    “…”

    As Elnore stared with wide eyes, the Emperor dropped another statement.

    “Moreover, the one leading them… seems to have taken a particular interest in this man personally.”

    So that’s how it is.

    Well, until now I’ve had an unparalleled connection to demon-related matters, and recently I’ve gained even more attention through the Hero Selection Trials.

    Even without becoming a “national book” or whatever, I’m already quite conspicuous. In other words, I’m already exposed to threats.

    “So I think it would be best if you accepted the proposal…”

    The Emperor’s gaze shifted slightly.

    “…but your dissatisfied expression suggests there’s another reason.”

    “…”

    “You can set aside your jealousy.”

    Cecilia XI said to Elnore, who was keeping her mouth firmly shut.

    This statement included Elia in her gaze as well.

    “I have no intention of taking him away. Even a blind person could see how precious this man is to you both.”

    “…”

    While Elnore stared at the Emperor with wide eyes, a bitter smile appeared on Cecilia XI’s face.

    “…Besides, I don’t have much time left anyway.”

    “What do you—”

    Before Elnore could finish her question, a knock on the door interrupted her.

    “…Your Majesty. Are you in there?”

    A familiar voice. The Sword Saint’s voice.

    “Oh, Rad. What brings you here?”

    “…Please stop entering guests’ quarters without attendants. Do you have any idea how many people you’re inconveniencing?”

    “Those people can stand to be inconvenienced. They nag far too much as it is.”

    “…”

    Is this… really the Emperor…?

    This shameless person…?

    “…Anyway, I have business with the man inside the quarters.”

    The Sword Saint continued with a sigh.

    “There’s contact from the Council of Elders. They wish to meet with Darwood Campbell.”

    “…”

    “…”

    At this perfectly timed statement, everyone in the room fell silent.

    “…You see?”

    Cecilia XI smiled as she inhaled the smoke from her pipe.

    “The fish is already biting.”

    She had been waiting for this.

    The Council of Elders consists of prestigious families, excluding the Empire’s two great noble houses—the Tristan Dukedom and the Kendrid Margraviate.

    Though their influence pales in comparison to the Emperor or the Chancellor, they are still a unified force with significant sway in state affairs.

    To put it simply:

    The authority of the Empire’s two great noble houses that support the Emperor, and the bureaucrats and officials whose practical power is firmly gripped by the Chancellor…

    ‘…They really half-assed this setting.’

    It doesn’t make sense when you think about it.

    With such impressive figures as the Emperor and Chancellor each firmly holding political and practical power, it’s strange that the other nobles would form a third faction instead of trying to align with one side or the other.

    It’s an obviously strange situation.

    But there’s always someone who can give plausibility to even such a plot-hole-ridden garbage setting.

    “Are you Darwood Campbell?!”

    I force a smile as a man grabs my hand with sparkling eyes.

    Neatly cut black hair. Deep intelligence in his eyes. A formal suit perfectly buttoned according to court etiquette. Yet even the suit can’t hide his well-trained physique.

    Honestly, he doesn’t look like a nobleman.

    He gives the impression of a young athlete who takes good care of himself.

    “Wow, I’ve always wanted to meet you! It’s an honor! I saw your performance in the Hero Selection Trials! Actually, I’ve been following you even before that! Since you boldly provoked the Pope!”

    But the person now showering me with words while his eyes sparkle is undoubtedly one of the Empire’s foremost nobles.

    Marquis Bogart.

    Known as “Lionheart.”

    A war hero who has never lost a battle against magical beasts, heretics, or foreign conflicts.

    “…”

    Even the Kendrid Margrave, known as the Empire’s greatest shield, must have experienced defeat in battle. So has Gideon. Even Calivan, who sleeps within the Soul Linker.

    But this man…

    He has defeated every opponent he has faced so far. With an overwhelming difference in capability that no one would dispute calling him a genius.

    Of course, he’s never actually clashed with top-tier powerhouses like the Sword Saint, but that’s because such a conflict would immediately lead to civil war.

    He’s the most promising young nobleman in the entire Empire.

    ‘…Even in the game.’

    It was commonly said that if not for a few “limitations,” he would have been the first of this generation to wield the Holy Sword.

    That’s the level of “talent” this man possesses.

    It’s just that those few limitations are quite fatal.

    “Welcome to the Imperial Palace! When did you arrive? Have you eaten? Where have you been assigned quarters?”

    “…Excuse me.”

    I give an awkward smile at the barrage of questions.

    He was known for being overwhelming even in the game, but he’s even more so in person.

    “…My lord Marquis, you’re making our guest uncomfortable.”

    One of his attendants cut in with a wry smile, and Marquis Bogart slapped his own forehead with an exaggerated gesture.

    It was so theatrical it almost seemed like an act.

    […He just seems a bit hyperactive, not particularly evil?]

    ‘…That’s the problem.’

    [What?]

    ‘Being such an eccentric makes it harder to figure out what he’s really thinking.’

    Actually, when you think about it, it’s strange.

    In the original story, the Imperial Upheaval of Chapter 5 is primarily caused by Sullivan, who is in sharp conflict with the Emperor.

    But right now, Sullivan doesn’t seem to have any connection with the Council of Elders.

    And Cecilia XI, who should be preparing her own political offensive in response to Sullivan’s movements, is now quietly focusing on me.

    The background conditions seem far from sufficient to reach the “Great Upheaval” of Chapter 5 that I remember.

    “…”

    But.

    What I’ve learned since being reincarnated into this world is that all the bad things that are supposed to happen will definitely happen without exception.

    ‘…The civil war will happen. It’s predetermined.’

    The question is:

    ‘Who’ will cause it?

    The original candidates, the Emperor and Sullivan, both seem unlikely now. They’re both Demonic Vessels, and they’re both focused solely on me.

    So.

    If we eliminate both the Emperor and Sullivan from the equation.

    The list of remaining candidates narrows down to just one person.

    “I apologize! I’ve been talking too much nonsense! The reason I called for you is this!”

    Along with a torrent of words, a wax-sealed letter flew toward me.

    “…What’s this?”

    “An invitation! There will soon be a social event in the Imperial Palace, centered around the Council of Elders!”

    He pressed the letter firmly into my hand as he spoke.

    His eyes were gleaming. An overwhelmingly fervent gaze fixed directly on me.

    “I am Darwood Campbell’s number one fan. Please, please come! That’s all for now!”

    “…”

    What a chaotic man.

    He just spouts everything he wants to say and then dashes off.

    “…”

    As all the attendants rush after Marquis Bogart in confusion, I look at the letter in my hand.

    Considering the importance of Marquis Bogart mentioned earlier, this invitation can’t be taken at face value.

    I can’t predict what butterfly effect my actions here might set in motion.

    “…A social gathering, huh.”

    I’ve never been to one before.

    As someone from the former baronial family, now a viscount family, why would I have any reason to attend such an exclusive event for high nobles?

    However.

    ‘…Make a dramatic entrance, he said.’

    I sigh as I recall what I was told before coming here.

    -Bogart will probably give you an invitation to a social gathering at the Imperial Palace. He’s shown clear interest in you before.

    That’s what the Emperor said while puffing out smoke.

    -If so, why not try making a dramatic entrance?

    -…Pardon?

    -I think it’s absolutely necessary.

    -…Why is that?

    -The Council of Elders consists of stuffy prestigious families. For them, a social gathering is more than just an event. Depending on how much you stand out, their impression of you will change. The range of information you can ‘collect’ will also increase.

    I remember the Emperor answering with a smile.

    It’s a… plausible explanation. I accepted it.

    But how am I supposed to do that?

    It’s obviously not easy for the son of a viscount family to attract attention at an event attended by nobles of tremendous status.

    [No, I have a good idea.]

    Calivan suddenly suggested.

    [How about entering together with His Majesty and all three of us?]

    “…”

    [Being trashy is what you do best. You’d be incredibly good at getting attention, right?]

    Calivan said with a snicker. It’s clearly meant to tease me.

    What, enter with the current Hero candidate, the ruler of the Empire, and the Tristan princess all in tow?

    That’s beyond just attracting attention—it’s like proudly announcing that I’m insane.

    “…Don’t say such ridiculous—”

    I was about to retort.

    But I stopped myself.

    “…”

    […]

    “…”

    […Why did you go quiet?]

    I don’t answer and quietly sink into contemplation.

    I spend a long time thinking with a serious expression.

    […]

    “…”

    […]

    “…”

    […Hey.]

    “…”

    [You’re not serious, right?]

    You know.

    About that.

    “Calivan.”

    [No way, you crazy bastard.]

    “…”

    [I said no.]

    I haven’t even said anything yet.


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