#13. Blue Beard (1)
The Dark King had left.
Just the two of them now in the reception room.
Theodore stood up from his seat.
“…I’ll take my leave first, Brother.”
“…”
Nod.
Evan didn’t have the energy to reply, just gave a slight nod.
Theodore hurriedly exited the room.
Like he was fleeing or something.
KUDANGTANG!
-YIKES!-MASTER!!
The clattering sound coming from outside.
Seems like someone tripped.
Man, this guy’s having a rough day.
‘Honestly, be more careful.’
I already gave him a potion, he’ll be fine on his own.Evan didn’t bother worrying.Didn’t have the leisure for it.
His mind was all over the place.
‘Geez, what went wrong?’
The issue started after confirming whether Lapis was the Star Contract Holder or not.
The Dark King seemed a bit spaced out.Looked like someone who saw something they shouldn’t have, but also like someone who was disappointed.
‘Did it shock him that much that Lapis wasn’t the Contract Holder?’
Could be.Evan unconsciously agreed.
Why? Isn’t that how old people usually are?Extremely stubborn.
Once they think something’s right, they stick with it forever.And the Dark King is one of those types.So if his beliefs were shattered, it makes sense he’d react this way.
‘Well, he IS actively searching for disciples right now.’
The Dark King is focused on cultivating successors.Not the type for non-possessive disciples – if someone looks talented, he takes them under his wing.
Whether it’s bad eyesight or bad luck,he mostly ends up with hopeless cases though.
CREEK
“Oof.”“Evan, are you alright?”
Lapis came running over to Evan.
“I’m fine.”“Mm.”
Lapis started munching on the cabbage Evan offered.Hard to believe this was the same person swinging daggers around just moments ago.She absent-mindedly tousled her hair and gave a satisfied “Hehe.”
“Dolph!”“Yes, Master!”
Dolph appeared energetically, though his legs were still a little wobbly.
“You’ve worked hard today. You can go home early if you want.”“No way! I’ll stay till the end and assist you, Master!”
What loyalty!Evan was slightly moved. Enough to shed a tear inside.But work is work.
“There’s a letter I need to read alone.”“Letter? Could it be from the Holy Maiden…!”
“It’s not.”
Evan’s firm denial.Dolph looked deflated.
“Understood… then I’ll wrap things up quickly tonight.”“Thank you.”“Not at all! It’s my duty as your faithful servant!”
Dolph marched off energetically.Watching his back, Evan thought suddenly,‘Am I… really that scary?’
It was a question that had been bugging him for quite a while.Every time someone sees him, do they get scared?At first he thought it was because of his status, but lately he’s been doubting that explanation.
Especially today.Theodore’s attitude.Was he telling me to shut up out of fear?
“Lapis.”“Yes?”“Do I… look that scary?”
Lapis tilted her head looking at Evan.
“Not really? Your eyes are pretty! They sparkle gold.”“Is that so?”
The first thing Evan heard after possession.That his eyes showed no emotion whatsoever.
Probably a side effect of possession.When he stared at someone, they couldn’t tell why, what he was thinking, what emotion he felt – nothing showed.
Looks like that’s changed now.Since Lapis said they’re pretty.
“Ne, should I tell you another nice thing about you?”“That’s alright.”
Hmm.Fair enough.This body does happen to be rather handsome.
‘Theo must have gone crazy since leaving home.’Right.If I looked that terrifying, others would have misunderstood too.Evan quickly dismissed his doubts.
Pfft, what a waste of time.
“Lapis. You can go home early today…”“Nya.”
Lapis disappeared into the shadows then reappeared next to Evan.Right on the sofa beside him.She grabbed one of his hands and started rubbing it against her cheek on the couch.
“Hehe.”
Should I just let her be?She did work hard today.
Evan summoned Golem No.4.Long arms, six fingers.Master craftsman.
Riiip!
Skillfully tearing open the envelope.Evan glanced through the letter with a small flicker of anticipation.
‘Will it connect me with the Starry Sky Seer?’
The Starry Sky Seer was one of the main supporters.How many connections have I made now?
‘Already three. Not bad?’
Naturally, regular communication is necessary.Had one exchange with the Holy Maiden already.Still waiting for Arthur’s reply.
‘Wonder if it’s working?’
With the Holy Maiden, there was some misunderstanding but we’ve exchanged letters.Still haven’t heard from Arthur.Need to check if the Aura Vessel has been repaired.
‘Well, focus on someone else first.’
The Starry Sky Seer.Biggest advantage being their unique magic.
Celestial Magic.Magic that communicates with and contracts stars.A lost magic in the current empire.
Why?Simple.Too difficult.
Three requirements to learn Celestial Magic:Talent, aptitude, eyes.None of which could be ordinary.
One per century.That level of talent was required.
‘So far, the Starry Sky Seer is the only one.’
Someone who reads star charts, interprets stellar flows, casts divinations, and reads fates.That was the Starry Sky Seer.
‘Thought I’d meet them much later, guess I got lucky.’
With a pounding heart, Evan looked at the contents of the letter.
‘…What is this?’
He doubted his own eyes.
-I have an old friend who’s an alchemist. Quite the long-lived alchemist. He’ll be of help to you.-Bring this letter and he’ll see you.
Not the Starry Sky Seer?An alchemist?Wait…
‘My supporter? Where’s the Starry Sky Seer?’
What, an alchemist?I never asked for an introduction…Evan stared blankly.
‘I asked for the Starry Sky Seer, not some alchemist…’
Gulp.Blood pressure rising.
Thud.
Evan collapsed.Cause: despair.Fitting for his frail body.
After fainting for a day, news reached Evan.
“…Who did what now?”“The berserk Holy Knight Arthur Modred reportedly slaughtered all the heretics… Rumors say he restored Auras and there’s someone behind him…”
News of Arthur Modred wiping out heretics alone.And another letter arrived.
Arthur Modred.Not one of the Continent’s Five Great Warriors, but definitely a significant and powerful knight.
His reputation had dimmed somewhat recently.Because he took refuge in the Full Moon Sect, a new religion no one had heard of before, and rumors spread that he lost his Aura.Plus, he hadn’t been very active lately.
However, no one dared mess with Arthur lightly.
Back in his prime,he exterminated remnants of the fallen Holy Kingdom and demon worshippers.Each one possessing superhuman, almost supernatural powers, making them difficult to deal with.There’s a famous story about how he spent 48 days continuously cutting down a cursed bishop who wouldn’t die.
So when Arthur went into seclusion, most people were happy.A monster.A monstrous Holy Knight even the Five Great Warriors couldn’t easily dismiss, now in seclusion.
But Arthur has returned.Sweeping away a large-scale group estimated to be at least 500 heretics alone.
In the process, rumors began spreading.First, that Arthur had restored his Aura,
Second…
“…There’s a rumor that someone’s behind him?”“Yes…”
Evan’s expression turned serious.
…The problem is that this rumor happens to be true.Especially since that someone is him.
‘I did expect something like this when restoring his Aura.’
Just too soon?Arthur isn’t actually a berserk knight despite the rumors.
No, technically it’s correct.He just picks his timing.
‘And his Aura hasn’t fully restored yet?’
Evan had a realistic assessment of his abilities.Aura restoration potion?Impossible to achieve 100% complete restoration.
This is about as good as it gets with makeshift methods.That’s why he thought he needed a master.
‘Restoring half is the best we can do…’
Is there any problem?
As Evan’s expression grew serious, Dolph quickly added,
“Fortunately, there are no rumors about you, Master!”“Is that so?”“Yes. Fortunately, it’s only spreading that there’s someone behind him.”
At least that’s a relief.Evan sighed in relief.
Being in the spotlight was something he wanted to avoid.Just leads to unnecessary trouble.Already annoying within the family, imagine how much worse it would get in reality?
‘Absolutely not an option.’
Attention? Would be nice to receive, sure.But it always comes with a price.
Excessive attention is poison!Evan knew this well from watching celebrities constantly in the media.Absolutely didn’t want to end up like that.
“If any rumors about me spread, please let me know immediately.”“Yes! Understood!”
Better safe than sorry.If rumors do spread?Need to take action right away.
Like moving to some quiet place or something.
‘Guess that’s fine, anyway.’Not planning to join the succession competition after all.Time to boil some eggs somewhere instead.
“Evan, what’s that letter?”“Oh. It’s a reply to the letter I sent.”“Letter? Who did you send it to?”“Arthur Modred. Someone I’m trying to befriend recently.”“Trying to befriend…? Not friends yet?”“Not yet.”
Whatever Arthur thinks of me…
Evan thought as he opened the letter.True to Arthur’s nature, the letter skipped formalities and went straight to the point.
-The potion you sent arrived safely. Thanks to it, I was able to eliminate heretics daring enough to defy the moon.-However, there’s a problem.
“Problem?”
-The Aura Vessel hasn’t fully restored. Moreover, the Aura is rebelling against my body.
“…”
Such side effects existed?Couldn’t recall anything like that from his original memories.
Normally Arthur’s Aura Vessel restores gradually over time.About six months in-story.Having it reach half recovery at this point is incredibly fast.
Could it be because it happened faster than usual?That doesn’t seem right though.More likely he pushed himself too hard, huh?
‘Ah damn, wish I had more strength to just…’Scolding him for using it improperly.
‘…Wait, maybe not?’
Of course that thought only lasted a moment.Not that he’s scary or anything.Just, you know?
Best to avoid conflicts while becoming friends.
-That’s all.-Arthur Modred.
That’s it for the letter.Seriously, he sent a reply just to say this?
‘Nope.’
Would someone write a review after buying a product without meaning anything by it?If they didn’t like it, they’d definitely hint at wanting an AS or refund.
‘Ahh…’
Evan sighed.
What is this knight doing speaking in riddles!Damn supporters.Being so underhanded about their threats!
The problem is the lack of materials.
‘…Maybe meeting the alchemist was fortunate after all?’
Actually, this might be divine intervention.
‘Let’s see. Blue Beard the Alchemist? Title of Viscount… Ah, I know this character.’
Blue Beard the Viscount.An over hundred-year-old alchemist who extended his life through alchemy.
‘Shit, don’t really like this guy though…’
At least it’s someone familiar, right?
There are two ways to obtain the materials I need now.One is going west directly,The other is entering the underworld.
West is obviously too far, underworld is somewhere I don’t want to go.Why listen to more nonsense there?
Might as well meet Blue Beard the Viscount.This guy probably has mountains of materials.
Downside is I can’t summon him.Would have to visit personally.
‘…Guess I need to go out again after a long time.’
-Wait. I’ll send you a new potion.
Wrote a quick reply to Arthur’s letter first.Next phrase… nothing suitable came to mind.
‘Need to fix this ASAP.’Sighed deeply.
“…Dolph. Send this letter and prepare for an outing.”“Huh?”“Looks like I’ll need to go out for a bit.”“Ah! Yes! Then will you return tonight…?”
“…And I’ll probably need to sleep outside too. About, a week.”
“…Huh?!”
Evan’s announcement of going out.The mansion was thrown into chaos.
That evening,Full Moon Sect.
“Good work, Holy Knight.”
“Mm.”
Arthur walking upstairs, wiping the blood of heretics off his hands.
Adrianna was waiting for Arthur.She asked with a venomous tone.
“Are you insane?”“What do you mean?”“I saw the letter you sent to Evan Alkart. Wasn’t that request too rude?”
“What request are you talking about?”
Arthur looked puzzled.Adrianna pointed at the copy of the letter.
“This. Complaining that the potion was defective, right?”“No. I merely stated how it went.”
“…”
Of course there was no intention to complain or express dissatisfaction.Half recovered?Not “half only”, but “even half” is improvement.Feeling Aura in his body again.Something he never thought he’d experience again in his lifetime.
“…”
While Adrianna was at a loss for words,That was when it happened.
PUDDUCK!
A bird flew in.The Moon’s Silver Pheasant, mainly used for delivering letters.The bird politely delivered the letter with its beak then flew off into the distance.
“Hmm. A letter from Evan Alkart.”
Probably a thank-you note for the review.Arthur opened the letter without much thought.
“…”
“Why the serious face?”
His expression instantly turned grave.Inside the letter.Very short and neat handwriting.
-Wait. I’ll send you a new potion.
Not a single extra word.
…Is he mad perhaps?
