「Then, I will hear from you again in a later time. Make sure you have already accomplished everything I asked you to do then.」 ［Duke］
"As Your Grace commands." ［Shuren］
「Don't disappoint me, Viscount.」 ［Duke］
Voices faded away and so was the blurry image in the orb. Silence reigned inside the small room once more yet the Viscount's body remained stiff. It was only after a few seconds that he relaxed, heaving a lengthy sigh.
His heart was still beating fast from their little meeting and he barely got away after pinning the blame on others. He may not be the brightest, but he knows a couple of tricks to survive. After all, it was a world where the strong prey on the weak.
Unfortunately for him, such tricks won't always work. There will come a time when the Duke will find out of his lies and mistakes. However, there was still more than enough time to stitch up his mistakes and regain the Duke's trust once more.
"Haah... How unlucky... Could this day get any worse..." ［Shuren］
Now that the Duke is no longer before him, the Viscount has reverted to his previous unsightly appearance, a face filled with hatred and irritation after all that he's been through yesterday and today, making his appearance look even more hideous.
He clicked his tongue and slammed the walls, clearly pissed off his current situation. Grumbles and mumbles were adrift in the air, cursing those who were against him under his breath, the glint of insanity shimmering in his eyes.
"Agh～! It's been quite some time, hasn't it? I should go relieve some stress. Kukuku! I wonder whose scream will I hear next?" ［Shuren］
And like a crazy maniac, from stress and irritation, his expressions changed to that of excitement and anticipation, looking forward to torturing the people he had captured and the screams of pain and agony they would let out.
"Ahh... Should I kill someone today?" ［Shuren］
He was an insane bastard through and through, not only participating in torture, but murder as well. Now that his mood has gone sour, he wants to relieve some stress by taking a couple lives, a repulsive smile plastered on his face.
With his newfound determination, the maniacal pig bustard of a Viscount headed out of the small room, his steps echoing resonantly. He soon flocked the lever to open the secret passageway, natural light seeping inside the hidden place.
"Looks like you're still in good health, Viscount." ［Grey］
But along that shining light was the greetings of some familiar faces. Faces which just by seeing them was enough to recall the bitter and painful memories of yesterday, his body flinching by instinct as he backed away.
"Y-You! How did you get in here!" ［Shuren］
The Viscount asked but not a single answer came ringing inside his ears. All there was were the sharp and cold eyes of Grey peering towards him as if he was gazing into his soul, ready to extinguish his life at any moment.
From stress to excitement, and now, fear and terror. The Viscount experienced a roller-coaster of emotions, his heart now racing quickly for an entirely different reason from before. His face was pale as the white sheets of snow.
"K-Knights! What are you doing?! Do your jobs properly and come here immediately! There are intruders!" ［Shuren］
Stricken by panic, the Viscount screamed on the top of his lungs and quickly rushed towards the doors as if trying to escape the room. However, it was all futile. No matter how much strength he puts in the handles, the doors wouldn't budge an inch.
"Wh-What's happening?! Who closed the doors?!" ［Shuren］
He asked himself, continuing to tug on the door. However, nothing happened. He was still locked inside the room without anything to help him. He was locked in a den of tigers, drawing a thin line between life and death.
"Hey!! Why isn't anyone answering my calls?! Knights, whereー" ［Shuren］
"Are you really that stupid or are you just pretending to be so? It's useless, Viscount. No matter what you do or how hard you try, no one will hear you." ［Grey］
"Y... You...! What did you do to my room?!" ［Shuren］
"Simple, I just isolated this room from the outside with a barrier. Even if a large explosion were to occur, not even the slightest sound would be heard... You know what that means, right... Viscount?" ［Grey］
"Struggling is futile"... Such was the message Grey wanted to convey. With how high the level of the barrier he deployed was, not even High-Rankers would be able to tell that something was off, much less a normal person like the Viscount.
It was only then that the Viscount realized just what kind of situation he was in. The moment he provokes the two would be the moment his life would flash before his eyes. No matter what he does, he shouldn't step on the tigers' tails.
He looked calm on the outside, but deep inside, Grey was like a volcano about to erupt into madness. Beside him was his beloved, making sure she stays silent and simply observes the situation and makes sure Grey remains calm and sane.
'Kugh...! Why now... Why now of all days...' ［Shuren］
Silence remained in the air and the Viscount's heart raced from terror, anxiety, and dread. He still remembers the fear the two etched into his whole being yesterday, his body trembling ever so slightly from the mere sight of them.
'No, wait! This is perfect! I might be able to use this chance!' ［Shuren］
However, at the same time, it was also the perfect opportunity to fulfill one of the tasks the Duke entrusted to him. It may be a bit sudden, but he could coax them into coming to their side and turn them into allies.
Such foolish thoughts ran all throughout the Viscount's mind, his thoughts painted clearly on his ugly face. Just the thought of being rewarded by the Duke and gaining his favor was enough to make him salivate. He couldn't miss the opportunity.
"Y-Your Highnesses, we might have been to a bad start, but Iー" ［Shuren］
"Quit yapping, you bastard. No matter what you say, you'll never convince us to join your side. Do you think we're that foolish?" ［Grey］
"I-I don't understand what you mean, Your Highness. Th-This is justー" ［Shuren］
"We're not here to negotiate, Viscount. You better shut that filthy mouth of yours if you want to keep your tongue intact." ［Grey］
It was harsh, but it was needed. With such terrible characters as the one before them, there was no need to be considerate and polite. For beings worse than trash, a sharp tongue and a domineering presence was perfect.
With just those words from Grey, the Viscount was immediately shut quiet, covering his mouth with his hands in a hurry in great fear of Grey slicing off his tongue without a second thought. Right now, he wasn't a hero, but a tyrant.
"I don't want to waste any more time and I don't want any useless words. Wouldn't you agree as well, Viscount or... Was I mistaken?" ［Grey］
"N-No! You're absolutely correct, Your Highness!" ［Shuren］
"Good. It seems that we've reached an agreement. Now then... I'll be asking you a few questions, and all you have to do is answer. Simple, right?" ［Grey］
"Wh-What kind of questions areー" ［Shuren］
FWOOSSSHHH CUT CRACK
The Viscount tried to ask a question, but he was immediately cut off. A tiny but hasty blade of wind passed by him, leaving a light cut on his cheeks, then rushing towards the wall and leaving a deep, gashing cut.
It was so fast, the Viscount didn't even have time to react, blood soon trickling down his fat cheeks and a pale expression painted on his face. It was only then that he truly realized just what kind of grave he dug and how vicious the young man before him is.
"I thought I already said I don't want to hear useless words? I don't remember giving you the permission to speak, Viscount." ［Grey］
Grey's words sounded calm, but hidden behind it was a deadly murderous intent. He has now become a man of his words and his heart has turned cruel. There was only coldness in his eyes, not a speck of kindness left behind.
"Now... The first question... Who is the man behind you?" ［Grey］
"Th-That! I have no idea, Your Highness! I'm only followiー Argh!" ［Shuren］
He answered Grey as soon as he could, yet another blade of wind came rushing towards him. Now, it wasn't just his cheeks, but his arm was left with a large and deep cut, a pained cry ringing out throughout the room.
The reason was simple. It was because he lied. He may think that he was cunning, but in front of Grey's eyes, no kind of lie nor tricks would work no matter how good one is. It was all futile for he who possesses the eyes of a God.
"Argh...! My arm...! It hurts...! Arghh...!" ［Shuren］
"Didn't I say to answer the questions truthfully? I'm not joking here, you bastard. One more time and your neck will be the next... Am I understood?" ［Grey］
"Y... Yes, Your Highness..." ［Shuren］
It was useless. With such a monster standing before him and his cold eyes looking as if it was ready to snatch his soul at any misstep, all the Viscount could do was endure the pain and answer Grey's questions truthfully.
He was working with the Duke for rewards and benefits, but no matter how much they may be, they were all worthless compared to his life. He was a selfish bastard who'll prioritize himself over others no matter what the cost was.
"So, who is it?" ［Grey］
"I... It's Duke Schemer, Your Highness." ［Shuren］
Just like that, the Viscount became obedient and answered all questions Grey prepared for him. From who was behind the incidents, to what their goal was, and all sorts of crimes they have committed. It was even more repulsive than Grey had thought.
It wasn't just for a year, but for several years already. They have been gathering all sorts of people from different ages and races of common origin, offering them all sorts of jobs and opportunities to bait them to come to their side.
And once all they got their trust enough, they bring them to a certain location and take them away without anyone noticing. It doesn't matter how young, old, weak, or capable they were, they were all taken away to be imprisoned in underground prisons where they are treated worse than animals.
It wasn't just dozens, but in his territory alone, several hundreds, maybe even over a thousand of unsuspecting people had already become victims and disappeared without a trace, some tortured, some sold, some killed, and some...
"I heard you are using them as sacrifices. What are you trying to achieve?" ［Grey］
"I don't know... All I heard is that it was for a great cause." ［Shuren］
"Viscount... Do you really want your head to go flying? Don't try and test my patience. Just say the word if you're so eager to die." ［Grey］
"I-I'm telling the truth, Your Highness! I really don't know! I may be a noble, but even I am not included in their inner circle! I swear this on my name!" ［Shuren］
... are being and going to be used as sacrifices for reasons even the Viscount cannot answer. Though whatever it may be, one wouldn't need to guess that it would be for something terrible. It was for something inhuman.
The questioning continued, and the Viscount answered all of Grey's questions to the best of his abilities. Moving on from their crimes, he then asked of the locations of their hideouts and underground prisons where they kept their prisoners.
Of course, Grey and Yuna didn't just ask him thoughtlessly. They also recorded a video with the camera, utilizing the last strips of their video films to record the whole conversation and confession of the Viscount.
The more Grey and Yuna heard, the more repulsed they were of the Viscount and all their heinous crimes. Even Yuna who was present just in case Grey goes mad was now shaken by the things she heard, rage also boiling in her heart.
『Yuna, calm down. We still need him for something.』 ［Grey］
『... Sorry... I know...』 ［Yuna］
She wanted to lash out then and there, but luckily, Grey managed to calm down her boiling murderous intent and make him come back to her senses. Otherwise, the whole mansion would have already been turned into a frozen hell.
A few more minutes passed and the questioning was soon over. Grey and Yuna got a lot of information, and though they hate to admit it, the disgusting animal before them was actually useful for once. It was more than enough.
"Th-There! I already answered your questions, Your Highness. That should be more than enough, right?! Don't worry! I'll make sure to not tell anybody a word about this! I should be allowed at least this much, right?" ［Shuren］
"Huh? That's strange... When did I ever mention I will spare your pathetic life? I remember saying no such thing." ［Grey］
"B-But I already answered all your questions! Your Highness, you're being too much! This is an abuse of your power and authority!" ［Shuren］
"I'm abusing my power...? Pfft... Haha... Hahaha... Hahahaha!" ［Grey］
The eerie and deafening tension was quickly broken by Grey's maniacal laughter, rocking the halls and making the chandeliers ring and sway. He was laughing out loud, yet there was not a trace of amusement in his eyes.
Rather, his rage and hatred only intensified, the tension bearing down on the room even heavier and even more overbearing. Silence soon returned to the room and Grey's eyes glowed with an even sharper and colder glint.
"Viscount, you're the last person I want to hear that from." ［Grey］
His calm words weighed down with the weight of mountains, the Viscount suddenly having difficulties in breathing and moving, his chest feeling an intense, sharp, and burning pain, his head feeling like it was slowly being split apart.
Not even Yuna was safe from Grey's sudden outburst of rage, feeling burdened by the intense pressure and tension of his aura as if the world was about to end. Still, it was bearable, only a little uncomfortable.
"In the first place, I never had the intention to let you live. Say your prayers and repent in hell, you useless bastard." ［Grey］
"P... Pl... Please... Y... Your... High... Ness... Spare... Myー" ［Shuren］
⟨⟨Devil's Calling⟩⟩ ［Grey］
The Viscount begged, but it was futile. Grey's eyes gleamed with not a hint of warmth nor emotions as he reached his hands out and casted a heavy curse on the Viscount, his body trembling in fear and slowly losing strength.
It was a spell of the curse-attribute which slowly sucks life force away, leaving nothing behind but an empty shell, slowly devouring the soul until it is no more. The higher one's rank is, the better they can resist against such a spell.
However, unfortunately for the Viscount, he was nothing more than a normal person. In just a couple seconds, all vitality and strength in his body was sucked away, only a cold and lifeless corpse left behind, his eyes faded white.
⟨⟨High Heal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, to make it seem that he suddenly died of unknown reasons, Grey healed up the dead body and also repaired the room. It will be found out with the passage of time, but later was still better than sooner.
He looked as if he had just fainted, but there was not a pulse running in his veins any longer nor a breath escaping his mouth. The Viscount's life was now over, not even a trace of remorse to be seen in Grey's cold and apathetic eyes.
⟨⟨Recall⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, the investigation wasn't over with just that. Using his "Eyes of Destiny", Grey recalled the Viscount's memories to learn of all the hidden details and little secrets he couldn't get out of the now dead man.
After all, the interrogation was only done for formality's sake and for the recording of evidence. And surely enough, the moment he read through his memories, his face quickly contorted with rage and body trembled in rage.
The pieces of memories he saw were even more repulsive than when the Viscount answered him. All the torture, deaths, abuse, and unspeakable crimes he committed. It was all played out like a movie, the young man not in another outburst of rage,
"Ahh..." ［Grey］
Or at least, he was, when suddenly, a warm embrace came from behind and made him snap back to his senses. It was none other than his beloved, embracing him ever so tightly, her delicate looking arms wrapped around his waist.
Thanks to her, Grey was able to calm himself, his heart slowly calming down and the tension on his shoulders slowly getting released. He soon heaved a lengthy sigh, his hands holding onto Yuna's and clearing his mind.
"Thanks, Yuna... I almost lost myself there." ［Grey］
"Un... You were a bit scary there..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Is that so? Are you scared of me now?" ［Grey］
Grey asked, but there were no direct answers. Yuna simply hugged him tighter and buried her face on his back, all the while shaking her head. Such actions were more than enough to calm himself down and reflect on his rashness.
"Sorry Yuna, looks like we won't be able to go on dates for a while. " ［Grey］
Grey never considered himself as someone perfect or righteous, and though they've been called heroes by many, he doesn't have the extreme sense of justice that many of those who bear the mantle of heroes do. He was just a powerful person.
However, even he has things he can never forgive. Such atrocities are too much to be overlooked and no matter who it was, they must be punished no matter what it takes. He already swore it upon himself to do so.
"I promise, once this is all over, I'll take you to a good place. We'll spend the whole dayー no, we'll spend as long as you like together." ［Grey］
Said the young man, a wry and forced smile afloat on his face. He already promised himself to prioritize Yuna's happiness, yet here he is, breaking his promise for the sake of others. He felt contradicted, like a hypocrite.
"No... The dates don't matter right now. I'll go with you through this." ［Yuna］
"E-Eh?! You really don't have to, you know?! Th-This is something I brought upon myself, so you're not really obliged to do this withー Agh!" ［Grey］
"No! I'll do it with you, and that's final! I'm your fiancée, you know?! What's your problem is my problem! Don't be so selfish!" ［Yuna］
"Agh!! I get it! I get it already, so loosen your embrace a little, My Love! You'll really break my bones at this rate!" ［Grey］
"A-Ahh! Sorry! I-I didn't mean it!" ［Yuna］
Though, as it seems, it looks like Grey won't be burdening such a heavy task alone. Yuna wouldn't let him go. After all, she wasn't just his fiancée, she was also his trusty partner who had gone through life and death with him.
And... Yuna also couldn't forgive such heinous acts, especially when it concerns the lives of innocent people. She has a stronger sense of justice than Grey and wouldn't let such acts continue, even if it meant she has to dirty their hands.
They really are a pair made of one another.
"Haah... This may sound a little off right now, but... Would you like to go on a little cleaning up, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! No matter how you say it, it doesn't sound romantic, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Is that a no then?" ［Grey］
"Hehe! I'll be in your care, Sir Grey!" ［Yuna］
There was no need to say any more words. Though they are plunging themselves towards danger and troublesome situations, they were still able to make themselves wear smiles and prepared their hearts for the heavy scenes before them.
Just like that, the two departed the same way they came, opening a gate to their next destination and warming themselves up for a lengthy cleaning up session. Blood will soon be spilled and hundreds of lives will be taken. It was a day of massacre.
But that's a story for another day.
...
The sun was high in the sky and behind the towering castle was a blue sea sparkling ever so brightly as sunlight reflected over its surface. It was a peaceful day, the city bustling like busy bees, noises adrift all over the place.
Of course, the Royal Castle was no different, knights and servants walking around and doing their tasks and duties as they should. Even the higher ups were buried in mountains of paperwork, some not even having any rest.
The King was no different, now sitting on his throne and entertaining the nobles and merchants which had come to see him. He was dignified and honorable, carrying his words with majesty as he spoke to his subjects.
"Then, I will be taking my leave, Your Majesty. Have a good day."
"Yes. Be careful on the way back." ［King］
Another one left and another one entered, the doors opening and closing time and time again. He spent the whole day talking and listening to his subjects, hiding his exhaustion and remaining strong and calm before them.
"His Grace, Duke Schemer is entering!"
However, the next vassal was not so easy. As soon as the doors opened for him, he walked inside the throne room as if he owned the place, his head shining ever so brightly as the seeping sunlight reflected on his baldness.
He looked friendly on the outside, smiling ever so brightly and cheerfully. However, deep inside, there was nothing but hatred, arrogance, and dismay, snickering at the King as if he was higher than him. It was the proud and arrogant Duke of Schemer.
"It's been a while, Your Majesty." ［Duke］
CHAPTER 417 END