Ch.8929. Does Having Nothing Mean You Can’t Do Anything? (3)

# Lies. Deception. Incitement.

Whatever it is, only one thing matters.

Did it work, or not?

Which of the words spoken is truth and which is falsehood… such things are completely irrelevant.

-If the result is satisfactory and everyone can accept the conclusion, isn’t that enough?

“……”

Without even time to watch the crowd retreat, Kariel returned to the chapel.

As soon as the gazes around him disappeared, he collapsed into a nearby chair, struggling to breathe.

“Um… a-are you okay? Master?”

“……”

Too exhausted to respond, he barely managed to move his head.

“You lie so well without even wetting your lips. Your skill at incitement is still impressive.”

“……”

Asess gave Kariel a friendly smile.

Luirin asked with suspicion in her voice:

“You speak as if you know him very well.”

“Well, we’re old acquaintances, aren’t we?”

It seemed that my past self was quite talented in this area.

If that’s the case, the reputation or fame formed in the past?

I’m starting to get a sense of it.

“But what do you mean by incitement? What lies were in what he just said?”

Leo and his companions, who had just entered the chapel and heard this, questioned Asess. She calmly replied:

“He didn’t say anything about why those creatures outside the village aren’t turning this place into a wasteland, did he?”

“That’s…”

“He merely emphasized the consequences of the villagers harming Kariel himself. But for them, that was the biggest concern. Those demon creatures outside can’t touch him themselves, but even if he were killed and the demons retreated peacefully, would the Kingdom of Metran or the local lord protect them? Especially when a descendant of the empire’s great hero was killed? Rather than avoiding responsibility, wouldn’t it be cheaper to find scapegoats? Though I doubt that would quell their anger.”

If they had simply been shortsighted, they would have acted immediately when the crowd formed.

But this village wasn’t maintained by agriculture alone—it wasn’t that simple a structure.

And if they had been completely ignorant fools with nothing in their brains…

The chapel would have faced an attack of rage resembling a siege before Kariel even had a chance to appear.

In that sense, this case was relatively fortunate.

However.

“From the beginning, Kariel used shock tactics to stimulate their anxiety and limit their ability to think clearly.”

What followed was an overwhelming display of force.

“…I didn’t expect him to show that much. I was surprised he could manage it with that corpse-like body.”

Luirin cast anxious eyes toward him.

“B-but now that he’s awake, isn’t he a little better?”

“A corpse barely opening its eyes—that’s exactly his current state.”

And that was precisely how Kariel himself felt.

“After overwhelming them with force, all he said was ‘trust me.’ The expressions were different, but that’s all it amounted to, right?”

“…That’s not how I heard it.”

“Is that what it meant?”

“You’re already closer to our side, so it might not have struck you the same way.”

But for those backed against a wall…

For those who were more likely to see us as enemies than allies…

It would have felt completely different.

“Simple, believable content resonates much deeper than complex explanations. If he had explained everything in detail, they would have been too confused to understand. Their patience would have quickly run out.”

“Is that… really possible?”

The angry crowd soon became unsettled, and eventually dispersed themselves.

In a way, it was an incomprehensible sight.

Usually, when people gather like that, they don’t disperse until someone is tied to a post, beheaded, their corpse mutilated, or publicly executed.

Luirin had experienced countless times that when such situations arise, blood must flow and flames must burn before the heat finally subsides.

So for things to resolve so smoothly…

“That’s why since ancient times, incitement and eloquence have been considered talents of rulers and the most precious skills a king should possess.”

“……”

“He did that much because he knew they would listen to reason. If they hadn’t been reasonable at all… he probably would have adopted different methods. Right? Like dragging out the leader of the mob, threatening them… or as a last resort, beheading some as examples, mutilating bodies to instill fear and crush their spirit. Ah, each method works differently, so you have to choose carefully or risk even bigger trouble.”

Then Asess looked at Kariel with a smile, as if expecting him to acknowledge her understanding.

“……”

Yet somehow, her eyes seemed to be storming with inner chaos.

What kind of emotional state was that?

More than joy, anger was mixed in.

Yet there was no sense of hostility.

This was…

-Rather than anger toward you, it’s lamentation and rage about your condition.

The Demon King added an explanation.

Usually, she wouldn’t bother with such trivial details.

The earlier adventure was only possible because she, the Demon King, had pushed him to do it.

What made her believe he could face that angry crowd alone?

But why…

Why did they fall for this illogical speech and calmly disperse the crowd?

While Kariel found the result completely incomprehensible, Asess was surprisingly explaining it in a way that even he could understand.

-They lost their faith. Therefore, they needed to be reminded of faith and given an idol to believe in. That’s enough.

Personal interests become like candles before the flame of absolute belief.

…But that belief doesn’t always need to be truth, principle, life, or law.

-Force upon them the belief they want to believe. They pretend to accept it reluctantly, but in reality, it’s exactly what they desired most. The ignorant masses, including humans, have a desire to be ruled and led. Unlike individuals. Unlike individuals.

The villagers wanted to escape this unstable situation where their lives were in danger.

And they were forced to place all responsibility on Kariel himself.

Forced. Even threatened.

Then they would be safe. They would be secure.

…There was no guarantee, but what more did they need?

He said so.

He told them to believe.

And that would solve everything, right?

In a situation we can’t control, he showed us a way out.

If we reject it, what’s left? Do we have a better solution?

-This is why comfort is so good. When someone spoons honey down your throat, only a fool would refuse to swallow it. That’s the trap.

“……”

Well, that’s not all.

Kariel himself still seems to have such low self-esteem that he doesn’t realize it.

He is already, by his very existence, an impressive anomaly.

When ominousness exceeds a certain threshold, it becomes mystery and faith.

A descendant of the Nine Heroes, known here as the Great Heroes, with continental-level fame—specifically the child of Ruelda and Ermina, the leaders.

Essentially, the highest echelon of the continent’s most powerful empire.

Beyond that, Kariel’s existence and the information spread about him is confused in many ways.

And ignorance makes the concept of mystery even more vague.

What follows?

Depending on how it’s received, it can become faith and idolatry.

Or it could become the complete opposite.

And.

Asess continued her explanation, similar to what the Demon King had told Kariel, though not perfectly.

As everyone stared at her like she was a monster,

Asess, despite her bright smile, displayed an attitude of great indignation.

“See? This always happens. You’re the one who calculated and executed this, so why am I treated like a monster for explaining it?”

“……”

Kariel exhaled weakly and said:

“Using it as a display… was your choice too.”

“Was it?”

“…That’s more fun for you. Wasn’t that reaction also enjoyable for you?”

At that, Asess smiled like a fully bloomed flower, as if he’d given the correct answer.

Despite her neat and pretty appearance, that smile was completely inappropriate for the mood and situation.

“You know me too well. Even with your memories not intact, with barely knowing me, you immediately understand my essence. Now you’re acting like yourself. Though I’m still not used to your gloominess.”

“……”

“Excuse me, what do you mean his memories aren’t intact?”

“Ah, was that not something to mention in front of others?”

“Crazy bitch,” Venus muttered briefly, leaning against the wall.

“Don’t worry though. Even if he’s thorough in these matters, ultimately it will be for everyone’s benefit. He’s always liked people. With those abilities, he could have become a king through deception, but he always ended up losing out in the end.”

“……”

Despite his exhaustion, Kariel couldn’t suppress a small laugh.

So I was a good-natured fool even back then?

This is a welcome sign in a different way.

…Though it’s absurd.

“This performance was probably intended to minimize damage to the village. It wouldn’t benefit the villagers to get caught up in a riot. According to Venus, there were people who died trying to attack him, getting involved unnecessarily.”

“Speaking of which, let me ask. You said that was a holy sword earlier, right?”

At that moment, Venus interrupted.

Considering his personality, it was almost miraculous he’d held back this long.

“Why would Grandeus wield a mere holy sword?”

“……”

Why is he asking me?

Kariel was too exhausted to answer, only able to exhale faintly.

“Hey. Answer me.”

Seeing this, Leo intervened:

“Excuse me. Riel seems to be in a critical condition, so pressing him like this…”

“He’s not a corpse yet, is he? That’s enough.”

“What kind of bastard is this?”

Luciri, who had been observing from a distance, finally joined in.

“What did you just say, woman?”

“Woman? What kind of attitude is that?!”

“Hey, friends. You all seem heated, please calm down…”

Even Deike, who had been maintaining neutrality, was forced to intervene.

“Master.”

“…See? I told you not to associate with them. Now you’re just getting insulted.”

Kariel muttered with a bitter smile.

Luirin caught even that quiet voice and frowned slightly, looking hurt.

“You could just say thank you instead of being awkward about it.”

“……”

Thank you, she says.

Come to think of it, why did I come to this chapel in the first place?

That part hasn’t been resolved yet.

And I could hear the answer from Luirin.

“If Leo hadn’t suggested we come, things could have been much worse.”

“That’s true. Unlike the Empire, there doesn’t seem to be proper medical staff here. The privileges of the Irenis Church are exceptional in that regard.”

The problem was that the one who could grant those privileges was absent.

Kariel glanced at Asess, who was chuckling.

“Tell those people fighting to come here.”

At Kariel’s words, Luirin quickly relayed the message.

“Before discussing the holy sword… Venus. According to that thing, it was originally meant to be in your hands.”

“What?”

“I’ll relay exactly what it said. It should have been in your hands originally. But because you changed, it refused to be used by you of its own will. That’s why you still can’t draw that sword.”

That must have been shocking.

After a long silence, Venus finally spoke:

“…A mere sword has its own will and refuses to be used by me? How outrageous.”

But Asess laughed as if confirming this:

“Hahaha! But it’s true! If it’s a holy sword, it wouldn’t make sense for it to be wielded by someone like you!”

“What?”

“If it would allow itself to be wielded by a crazy battle maniac like you, it wouldn’t be a holy sword. A demon sword, maybe.”

“You crazy bitch, I’ve had enough!”

Yet he didn’t deny it, suggesting he somewhat agreed.

That was rather unexpected.

“To think I’d have to flatter a sword just to wield it. Ridiculous.”

“Oh? Then give up on it.”

“……”

Despite Asess’s mocking provocation, Venus showed no reaction.

“There must be conditions. Restrictions, if you will. Do you know what they are?”

His serious approach was puzzling.

Kariel recalled what he had heard before.

[Justice.]

[Protection of good. Swift punishment of evil. Execution of balance.]

[I am a holy sword that protects the good.]

[If you wish to wield me, you must promise to follow good. To punish evil. Can you do that?]

When he relayed this to everyone including Venus,

Asess snapped her fingers and criticized Venus more actively:

“No wonder you couldn’t draw it after trying for over a decade! Those conditions essentially deny your entire life. Do you think you can manage that?”

“…I could make it fit. I uphold my own version of justice and good.”

“But you despise the weak, don’t you? That’s not something you can just change.”

“…Did I say that?”

“Are you saying you don’t?”

“I hate fools who choose to be weak, not the weak themselves.”

“There are those destined to be weak. You hate even those who don’t resist their fate, don’t you? They don’t choose to live that way. What crime have they committed to deserve your contempt? It’s like being struck by lightning from a clear sky.”

Kariel began to understand why Venus had such an attitude toward the weak.

His own circumstances had been miserable, yet he believed he overcame them through his own efforts.

So in his eyes, others could do the same if they tried, and their failure to do so was contemptible.

And those feelings accumulated over time, eventually becoming blind hatred.

-That kind of understanding is good. Just don’t make definitive conclusions about whether it’s truth or delusion. It’s problematic to believe your thoughts and feelings are truth before verification. What is it? Nothing is fact until verified.

…She offers advice without me saying a word, as if reading my mind.

Damn Demon King.

“I hate those with power who are immoral, those who use what they have unjustly and covet more. Power should come with responsibility, but there are too many in this world who wield it without that.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Why should power require responsibility? Do you live responsibly? You’re the very definition of a lawless person.”

“…This is why I can’t talk to you.”

“No, you’re the one speaking strangely. Why is responsibility necessary? Who decided that? In human society, those with power are the minority, and when they exercise violence, others plead for them to stop, binding them with all sorts of regulations and rules—the majority and the weak push this nonsense about responsibility coming with rights as if it were truth. But how could that be true?”

For the privileged to eat better food, wear better clothes, and live in better houses than others…

That’s instinctual.

To be envied for it…

And even to grow tired of that and make bolder attempts for greater stimulation…

“It’s all instinctual. All that talk about restraint is just religious babble. Why? Because that’s how groups are managed. Desires running wild create chaos in society and organizations. So they’re defined as evil. I’m a prime example, aren’t I?”

But being managed and controlled…

Means being ordinary, average, and unremarkable.

…Should one throw away their life for such a boring, miserable existence? That’s ridiculous.

“Having power means not being disrespected, being respected, living more comfortably, eating good food, suffering less. And not being bound by morality, ethics, or laws. Whether it’s wealth, land, or status. It’s all the same thing. The essence of life.”

If someone tried to kill you…

If you were weak, you’d simply die, but if you were strong, you could counterattack or retaliate.

But legally, that’s a crime? And you should pay for it with your life?

Should I quietly accept that?

Just to uphold some pathetic national or social norm?

Why should I?

For whose benefit?

“If that’s how it is, I’m of the mind to burn down countries and societies. A world that suppresses my freedom and will should be burned to ashes. Drowning it would be good too.”

“…That’s why you’re crazy.”

“You do similar things, so why single me out? Ah, is this what they call self-hatred?”

“…Crazy bitch.”

It’s convenient that they’re voluntarily revealing their tendencies, ideologies, and values.

Kariel silently absorbed each one.

How to handle them, how to use them.

For that purpose…

“You’re not the only ones here, are you?”

“Huh?”

“The Relief Knights.”

Kariel spoke softly.

“You didn’t reveal yourself to me just to spout prophecies. There must be a reason for making your presence known.”

“Was there? I just arrived a while ago, so I didn’t know. Venus? Was that it?”

“…Why are you asking me?”

“Ah, right. You’re good at fighting, but not at planning such things.”

“This crazy bitch keeps…”

“If someone’s controlling you, it must be Userph or… Rupert? Our First Sword wouldn’t be interested in such things. And even if he came, it’s questionable whether he could handle those creatures outside.”

This is information.

Asess is providing it, just in case.

…Or maybe not.

“What? So you want to see those bastards’ faces?”

“No.”

“What?”

After stirring things up as if that was her intention, suddenly…?

“Cooperation or help at this point would have obvious ulterior motives.”

Rather than being played on someone’s palm without knowing anything…

…Definitely.

I would die, spreading malice unparalleled in this world.

Of course.

And through that death, I would make the ground you walk on so barren that not even a weed could grow.

“Just relay my message.”

“No, who do you think you’re using as a messenger…”

“I told you the secret of the sword you never knew. Wasn’t that a favor to you?”

“This… this really…”

“The choice is yours.”

“Our Venus does have a narrow mind. With childish, twisted, and closed-minded thoughts…”

*Grind*

Veins bulged on Venus’s forehead.

But he didn’t confront her directly.

True to his pride, he oddly asserted his dignity in strange places, which was quite pathetic.

-Humans naturally twist things to suit themselves.

The Demon King, calmly observing the scene, muttered as if this too was only natural.

And Kariel as well…

…Having encountered such absurdity for so long, he didn’t bring it up now.

Such types only grow more resistant when forced from outside.

Just drop the bait and let them take it themselves.

“I was a bit disappointed, thinking you’d only bought yourself some time before death. But it’s good to see you actively seeking the next step. You haven’t changed at all from back then.”

“……”

Not even funny.

But regardless of my feelings, she had definitely done me a favor.

“They said they’d return when the sun reaches its zenith. You should prepare yourself. But then again, being you, you’ll somehow overcome the crisis, right?”

“……”

I…

Could do nothing but let out a weak, derisive snort.

At least for now.