Chapter 27

Chapter 27. Misunderstanding (1)

The dungeon raid and heretic cleansing were successfully completed.

All remaining chimeras were dealt with by Arthur.

There was no need to separately create golems.

Whenever a trap appeared, it was smashed with brute force; whenever an enemy showed up, it was crushed with strength; and when puzzles came around, they too were broken with power.

‘So this is why having raw power means your brain doesn’t have to suffer as much, huh?’

After marveling at that thought, the raid ended.

‘Phew. I’m gonna live.’

It was the time when the moon was high in the sky.The fresh air of dawn was refreshing.

It ended earlier than expected.It felt like an entire day had passed.

If that were true, though, I’d be exhausted by now.

“Unit #4. Make sure not to lose anything and store it properly.”

Nod nod.

Unit #4 nodded their head and carefully stored the items.

A few sheets of paper containing information and research on alchemy.Not a whole lot was salvaged.

Most of the documents were related to human experiments.Just looking at them made me feel uneasy.

So most of them were burned.

What I kept were just the basics about alchemy and chimeras.That part seemed forgivable.

There were even some surprisingly advanced alchemy books, hinting at attempts at human transmutation.

When I burned those documents, Arthur gave me a strange look, but anyway…

‘The biggest gain was getting two usable artifacts.’

Two rings placed on my index and middle fingers.They were the most valuable items from this raid.

The first ring.A ring tinged with blue, engraved with a magical array that could store spells.You can engrave up to three spells, and use them three times a day.

The downside being that Evan has to supply the mana?While most magical artifacts also store mana, this one was unique.Without mana, it won’t work.

It’s disappointing, but not fatal.

Why?

Because the other advantages outweigh this drawback.

‘It can store spells up to the fourth tier.’

Magic is broadly divided into nine tiers.From the lowest first tier to the highest ninth tier.Anything from the middle fifth tier onward is classified as “unique magic.”

Thus, aside from unique magic, anything can be stored.Items like these are pretty rare even in the original story.

When I burned those documents, Arthur gave me a peculiar look, but whatever.

‘Got lucky. What spell should I store… Would pocket dimension be the most efficient?’

Pocket dimension.Simply put, it’s inventory space.It falls under the third-tier category.

However, you need to have learned spatial magic to use it.

Therefore, it’s technically classified as unique magic.

‘Ah, the Spatial Magic Tower is so secluded… It’s probably best not to count on them.’

The method to engrave spells onto the ring was simple.Just cast a spell while wearing the ring, and that’s it.This includes magic scrolls.

‘If I get the chance, I should learn more spells.’

Evan’s golems aren’t omnipotent.Just like how his own talents have limits, each golem has its flaws.

For instance, Unit #2 can only reside in shadows and has limited time outside of them, while Unit #3 is strong but lacks fine control.

And the common flaw among them all:The absence of magic capability.This is due to Evan’s lack of knowledge about magic.

Fortunately, alchemy doesn’t require creating aura vessels or mana cores.As long as there’s enough mana for transmutation, it works.

In theory, I can learn anytime.Since moving is bothersome, I plan to create a mana core instead of an aura vessel.

I’ll just cast spells from behind.The safest way possible.

Next.The second reward.

‘This is my favorite.’

Evan fondly stroked the ring on his middle finger with satisfaction.

It’s painted bright red, making the design a bit tacky.But in exchange, the effect is excellent.By consuming the blood stored in the ring, it restores the wearer’s stamina and cures status ailments.

Simply put, it’s a health ring.

An essential artifact for the frail Evan.

“Hmm.”

Just as Evan let out a content smile,

“We’ve reached our limit here.”

Arthur spoke.He didn’t obtain much himself.But satisfaction was evident on his face.

Thanks to the potion Evan gave him.A potion that partially alleviated the tiresome curse.It’s the reward he needed most right now.

“This was enjoyable.”“I also enjoyed myself. I hope you gained something worthwhile.”“I’ve gained quite a lot.”

Arthur politely bowed.

“All thanks to you.”“It’s due to Arthur’s own efforts.”

Though I want to agree, it looks too empty.Evan appropriately denied it and offered his final greetings.

“Go back and write letters.”“…”

Arthur suddenly stiffened.Evan subtly observed his reaction.

…Could he dislike writing letters?We were just suggesting exchanging well-wishes.

“…I’ll make sure to send them regularly. Bishop Blake will ensure they’re delivered without fail.”“Understood.”“You needn’t worry; I won’t go against your wishes.”

“???”

What does that mean?Evan gave him a puzzled look, but Arthur disappeared in an instant.

He’s awfully fast.

“Lapis, Frey. Let’s go back.”“Yeah. Got it.”“Yes! Evan! Are we heading to the ballroom?”“…Correct.”

Truthfully, going back wasn’t appealing at all.But it didn’t show on his face.

‘Hmm. I feel a bit off too.’

…Ah.Maybe I shouldn’t go?

No way.

Evan quietly returned to the ballroom.

“Master! Where have you been?”“I went out for a bit. How’s the ball?”“It’s almost over, and we’re in the after-party phase!”

‘Ballrooms have after-parties too?’

Fortunately, the ball was nearing its end.

“Hahahaha! You really are ugly!”“Hahaha! So are you! That’s why you got rejected by a commoner!”“What, you little—”

The atmosphere was livelier than when Evan was present.The young nobles giggled and laughed after drinking.Some of them even swayed as if they’d taken medication.

‘Ugh. The smell.’

At first, I almost envied them, but the pungent medicinal smell changed my mind.

‘Guess leaving early was a good call.’

Isn’t this enough justification?The duke wouldn’t want his heir associating with such flawed youths, would he?

Surely, the Duke of Alkarte is known as the Drug King.But it’s not because he promotes drugs to his children.He’s called the Drug King because he’s a major player in the underground world.This title was given by the royal family to keep him in check.

To lower his status slightly.Otherwise, he might have been titled the King of the Dark World.

“Master!”

At that moment,

Dolphe, who had been resting among the servants, quickly approached Evan upon spotting him.

“Where have you been?!”“I went for a walk.”“A walk? But why are your clothes…?”“…Ah.”

Only then did Evan notice his appearance.His elegant suit, covered by a robe, was dirtied with mud.

Didn’t notice that.

“…I was playing with a snake.”“A snake?!”“It was harmless. No venom. Right?”“That’s correct! Super friendly snake!”

Lapis chimed in supportively.

Only then did Dolphe relax, showing genuine concern.It was almost burdensome how pure and free of malice it was.

‘If they find out I fought heretics, he’ll nag endlessly.’

Fortunately, I buried the bodies well.Even necromancers won’t find them.They’ve already decomposed into microbe food by now.

“Ahh! Master! Did you see the barrier that appeared and disappeared in the east?”“…I know nothing about it. Was someone using hallucination magic perhaps?”“Probably! A few young lords got injured while practicing magic earlier…”

Phew.That worked.

Dolphe’s suspicion seemed to wash away.Given his high loyalty, as long as the explanation made sense, he’d accept it.

The problem wasn’t Dolphe, though.It was the other servants accompanying him.They started sending skeptical glances.

“Isn’t this a bit suspicious?”“Lady Bellia suddenly became quiet too…”“Could it be… he couldn’t hold out during that time?”

Voices whispering doubts about Evan reached his ears.What exactly are they suspecting?

I can’t even guess.Misunderstandings have happened before, after all.

‘By the way, where did Bellia go?’

Bellia.Originally, she was supposed to die, the second daughter of the Golden Caravan.

I saved her life from the threat of heretics, as she wished.Shouldn’t she offer some form of repayment?Could she have ghosted me?

‘Hmm, but looking at their expressions, it seems unlikely…’

Still, I should send her a letter later.Since she’s not visible in the ballroom, she must have left earlier.

Just as I was scanning the room,

“Evan.”

Frey whispered softly, audible only to Evan.

“Those servants… They’re badmouthing Evan…”

The two azure eyes turned cold.

“Should I… take care of them all?”

Her voice carried no emotion.It was as if she were casually removing a stone obstructing her path, completely trivial.

Evan almost nodded but quickly restrained himself.

“If you wish, I can do it.”

“…No, it’s fine.”

“Alright. Got it.”

Frey stepped back obediently.Something felt different.

She’s definitely calmer now.The subtle rebelliousness that resembled adolescence has disappeared, replaced by a gaze similar to how Lapis looks at Evan.

Still…It’s hard to describe, but…

It feels like a ticking time bomb.Quiet until the very last moment, which makes it scarier.

‘Eh, still, it should be fine, right?’

I even named her.Would she do something?Still, it’s slightly scary.

Slightly, though.Evan, stepping back slightly, said:

“As the ball is nearly over, let’s return.”

“Yep! Today was fun!”“Dolph! This is unforgettable!”“Good job today!”

Dolph happily waved goodbye amidst cheers from the other servants.I wonder what he actually did?

Dolph chuckled shyly.

“Well, nothing special… We praised Master!”

‘Ah, so that’s what they did.’

Whatever it was,It probably wasn’t bad.

“Dolph. Before we go back, could you prepare a letter for Miss Bellia…”

Just then,

“Hello, Evan Alkart.”

A female voice came from beside him.Turning his head slightly, there stood a woman he had deliberately ignored, dressed in a splendid gown.

Her natural, confident smile.Rose-like crimson hair and eyes, an aristocratic appearance.She exuded a gentle rose fragrance as she approached with a pretty eye-smile.

“Did you enjoy the ball?”“…Yes, I did.”“Oh my. For someone who spent most of the time on the balcony.”

Barbed words.Malice that can’t be hidden even by her pretty eye-smile.

‘Ah, I was ignoring her on purpose.’

Evan knew exactly who this woman was.

One of the bosses of Act 2.The young lady of the Fraus family, who dreams of becoming the second Alkart house.

The infamous villainess, Asela Fraus.

Someone he absolutely didn’t want to meet, for reasons opposite to his assistant.

Why?Isn’t it obvious just by looking?

Asela is a villainess.

She craves power and wealth.She doesn’t care who dies in the process.The important things are the honor and riches in her hands.

Someone safe-first Evan should avoid at all costs.

“You never would have guessed that someone who coerces so many noble heirs would be meeting Bellia for the first time today.”

Asela, what exactly do you want to hear?

I really wanted to lash out,but Evan has limits to his pride despite being cowardly.

She’s directly provoking me?Of course, it pisses me off!

Just that, I choose my battles wisely.Not because I’m scared.

‘Come to think of it.’

To say those words, a prerequisite is necessary.That Evan knows her name.

She knows Evan, but Evan doesn’t know her.Of course, since it’s their first meeting today.

‘Hmm, starting with introductions seems appropriate…’

“Before answering those questions…”

“?”

“What is your name?”

“…”

Asela’s mouth tightly shut.Burning eyes.

Uh, that’s kinda scary.

“If there’s nothing else to discuss, I shall take my leave.”

Evan made his decision.Not fleeing, but immediate departure.

“Let’s go.”“Yes!”“Mhm.”“Yes! Master! I’ll prepare the carriage ahead!”

Evan departed swiftly.The lingering gaze was still felt.

…Whoa.My back is burning.

After Evan left.Alone remained Asela, who smiled faintly.

“Fufu…”

A thorny laugh, like a rose.

“Never thought I’d be ignored like this.”

Evan Alkart.Asela disliked him.

Because he received all the attention that should have gone to her.He isn’t even particularly active like Asela.

Just by sitting still,Or taking short walks, he accumulated infamy.

Even talking with Bellia on the balcony just now became significant gossip material.

‘Thanks to you, the party I prepared this time is ruined.’

Asela’s goal.To lure those who only accumulate fat into her grasp.Expanding her influence in society this way would surely be helpful.

She planned to gift them pleasures beyond ordinary acts.

Of course, she excluded all key figures and prepared alibis.All of them attended “of their own will,” and Asela was merely the supplier.Not the leader.

This way, she intended to slowly siphon off some influence from the underworld…

‘Just by showing up briefly, you ruin all my plans?’

She didn’t like it.Neither the baseless rumors nor the fact that he’s judged solely by his appearance.What’s so special about being handsome and a little aloof?

Clearly, it’s all a series of coincidences, lies, and fabrications.It can’t possibly be real.

Youngest alchemist in a year?Challenging forbidden knowledge?

Don’t make me laugh.I tried to get him to admit this through his own words, but failed.And now, I’ve been blatantly ignored.

“…If that’s how it’s going to be.”

Asela lost.

“I’ll personally prove to you that all your rumors are false.”

The rumor mill is already set.All that remains is execution.

Asela wiggled her finger, and servants rushed to set up wine and tables.

Alone seated, Asela pulled out a letter tucked in her bosom.

-Sender: Spacetime Tower.

Spacetime Tower.A tower that teaches and preserves spatial magic.Closed-off, but unmatched in skill.

They’ll figure it out.That Evan Alkart’s status and infamy are all fake.

“Fufu, I’m looking forward to seeing your face then.”

Asela smirked, raising a glass of red wine as if toasting herself.

Believing without a doubt that all the ‘false infamy’ he built will vanish.