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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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Chapter 200: Even in a Snake's Den, Keep Your Wits About You
Just how had he changed so much that Marlok's once-murky eyes now shone as clear as those of an innocent cow?
Unable to contain his curiosity, Zizek went to see Marlok.
"How are you doing, young master Marlok? Rehabilitated yet?"
"Ah! Boss! Welcome."
Zizek flinched at the warm, gentle smile Marlok gave upon seeing him.
'What's with this guy? Why are his eyes so damn kind now?'
It was exactly as he'd heard. Here stood a cow peacefully grazing in the meadow. Truly a gentle and harmless man. Who would believe this man was once a reckless young master?
But what was most disconcerting was...
"Why don't you have any hair...?"
Marlok pleasantly rubbed the back of his head.
"I asked Rob to shave it clean."
"But why?"
"I find it soothing to rub my round, rough head when I feel troubled."
"This guy's insane," Zizek said with genuine feeling.
"Yes, I was insane. But alcohol, gambling, women... all those temptations that excited me and left me equally empty are gone now, and my mind is remarkably clear and peaceful."
His eyes sparkled.
"Indeed. As I reflected on my past days, felt shame, experienced pain, and then let it all go to focus on stillness, I realized it was only my heart that was wavering."
"Ah, was that so?"
Overwhelmed by his fervor, Zizek nodded without realizing it.
"I suddenly sat down and contemplated the teachings the Lord bestowed upon humanity. And I realized that loving and accepting everything is all that matters."
Marlok produced a scripture from somewhere.
"Holy shit!"
Zizek instinctively recoiled. Such a sacred book seemed entirely out of place in the hands of an underworld man.
"If I can fully accept myself and be as kind to others as I am to myself, I think that might be true love."
"...What the hell, did this guy take up some kind of spiritual practice?"
Zizek muttered.
"Why did he suddenly become a monk?"
It felt like talking to a cleric who had spent his entire life purely in a vineyard.
"A monk? Not at all. I've lived a shameful life."
Marlok smiled bitterly.
"That's why I feel more guilty toward my parents now that my mind is so peaceful."
"Why's that?"
"When I think about how worried my parents must be, I'm truly an unfilial son. I wish to pray and apologize to them, at least in spirit."
Marlok assumed a devout prayer position—
"...Crazy bastard."
Zizek rubbed his goose-bumped arms.
'Should I just let him go now?'
The man had changed so much it was slightly creepy.
"Ugh, gives me chills."
Zizek quietly left the room, leaving Marlok in prayer.
.
.
.
"How was it?" Rob asked, trying to suppress a smile.
Zizek cursed in response.
"Damn it, did that bastard eat something weird?"
"Hehe. I told you he's reformed."
"He's more than reformed—the kid seems half out of his mind."
"But wouldn't Captain Karzan be pleased with him like this?"
"You think so? I feel like he'd find it even creepier than I do."
Zizek smacked his lips as he imagined Karzan's reaction.
"Anyway, he seems like a new person now. Can't we just release him?"
"Actually, there's quite a commotion at Cardovan looking for him. They've mobilized not only their soldiers but hired mercenaries too."
"Damn. So we need to release him quietly."
Zizek tilted his head.
"...But, hmm."
"What's wrong?"
"Is he just acting to get released? I'm getting a weird feeling about this."
"As if anyone would be crazy enough to shave their head for an act?"
"That's true."
Zizek was convinced by Rob's words.
"Well, let's just release him then. A big fight is coming soon anyway, and if we accidentally get hit by a blind sword—"
"Ah!"
Suddenly, Gareth slapped his knee.
"Boss, I just had a good idea."
"What is it, old man?"
Gareth suggested:
"What if we use that young master as bait to create some chaos?"
"Huh?"
Zizek and Rob looked at each other.
'Did this old man eat something weird?'
'Could he be going senile?'
'He is getting to that age...'
That was roughly the sentiment in their gazes.
"Don't look at me like that and just hear me out."
"Ahem."
Zizek cleared his throat and asked:
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
"On the promised day, we release Marlok while we're moving out. Then the mercenaries and the viscount's guards who've been searching for him will come running, and the Black Night Society won't be able to move easily."
"What if they charge in desperately?"
"The enemy of my enemy is a friend—wouldn't that at least divide their forces?"
"Hmm."
Zizek clicked his tongue at the crazy idea.
"Can we handle that? Besides, Marlok would obviously know he'd be in danger—"
Gareth shrugged.
"I'm just suggesting we bring it up subtly. If Marlok has truly reformed, he might not outright refuse if we ask for a little help when we're in trouble."
"That's, hmm."
Zizek muttered.
"This is absurd. Why does it make sense? It's irritating."
"And honestly speaking," Gareth added.
"We need to survive first before worrying about anything else. If we all die here, there won't be any aftermath to deal with."
"That's true, but..." Zizek smacked his lips. "What if we survive?"
"Then that's fortunate."
"This is driving me crazy, seriously."
"Our backing is 'that person' anyway, so dealing with Cardovan Viscount should be fine, right?"
Rob looked at them as if they were spouting nonsense.
"You two seem tired. Maybe you should rest first—"
But Rob's sensible suggestion fell on deaf ears.
"Let's do it then."
"That's right, let's act first and think later. We're facing death anyway, so we have to do something, don't we?"
"Of course. You're absolutely right."
The two shook hands firmly. If the Viscount Cardovan had heard this, he would have been beyond shocked.
"Ah."
Rob closed his eyes tightly. These guys were completely beyond reason.
* * *
"Wow, I slept well."
I woke up to the sea breeze flowing through the open window and moonlight mixed like salt.
'The moon is brilliantly bright.'
I had just taken a short nap after enjoying a delicious meal with Peter, Olivier, Jeffrey, and Julia.
"..."
My mind is clear.
The matters concerning my father, the Black Night Society and Huten, and my mother were gradually sinking below the surface of my mind. My heart, free from sensitivity, was calmer than ever.
'Should I regulate my breathing and energy for a moment?'
I closed my eyes again and practiced the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique. Feeling the moonlight flowing in, the subtle moonlight pouring over my eyelids, I embraced the energy of the dark, calm sea.
"Good."
The preparation was complete. Now it's time to meet Verdzig.
"I'll be back."
As I opened the bedroom door, my three attendants were waiting for me.
"Young master."
"Please be cautious, young sir."
"...I'm sorry I can't be of help."
Hearing their different responses, I smiled.
"Come on, don't worry so much. Anyone would think I'm going to my death."
"Please, stop with the ominous talk."
Jeffrey grumbled.
.
.
.
I walked to Verdzig's residence alone, without even carrying a sword. Of course, I was wearing my bracelet, but that's beside the point.
'It's chilly.'
Strangely, a night fog had settled. The moonlight obscured by the fog was blurred like a watercolor painting.
'Verdzig must have already been informed of my visit.'
I wondered if he would come out to greet me, turn me away at the door, or quietly let me in. That too was part of a light probing.
'There must have been some calculation behind Verdzig's silence for a while.'
I was also curious about how deep and severe his malice would be.
'How much has he discovered? What strategies has he prepared?'
Verdzig knows that I am his biggest competitor. But can he figure out what picture I'm painting?
'The fact that I'm meeting my mother means I'm reconnecting with the survivors of Eisenach.'
Is Verdzig guessing what that might lead to?
'Someday, there will be a great battle for the throne of the mountain people.'
Of course, I will be the one to initiate that battle. The justification is perfectly clear: avenging my maternal grandfather.
'Just as the battle to reclaim the Webern County is approaching with Grunewald implicit support.'
I, Allenvert, bearing the name of Grunewald, will begin a war of revenge to execute Grimnar Angantyr.
At that time, father will not oppose my will. Because...
'Then Grunewald will hold dominion over the Lindela River connecting the Eldrasion Sea and the inland, and furthermore gain complete control over the Virgenhrid Mountains.'
When the two battles end, Grunewald will become even more powerful. During none other than my father's reign.
'And if I am the son who contributes the most to that...'
The one to inherit the family would naturally have to be me, wouldn't it?
By then, I will be both a descendant of Eisenach and the force behind Rudgarda, the new master of Angantyr.
'The King of the Mountain People, and one who has seized one of the five major organizations in Grunewald City's underworld.'
That should be enough to contend with Verdzig. With the support of Ulbhild and Karl, and even the backing of Count Visquera.
'Magnificent, truly magnificent.'
With my grand strategy being so comprehensive, who should I fear?
'Today's challenge is to not reveal that picture somehow.'
For that, what must I hide?
'The connection to Eisenach, and the alliance with Rudgarda.'
In other words, my goal must only appear to be 'seeking a piece of the underworld's hegemony.'
'If I can acknowledge half the truth to conceal the other half, that's a winning deal.'
However, it's unknown how far his eyes, ears, and heart-reading can see through me.
'Fear not ignorance, Allenvert.'
After all, walking through the fog is the same for both me and Verdzig.
.
.
.
At the end of the night fog appeared Verdzig's annex. The magnificent mansion with its back to the sea had an overwhelming presence.
'Second time.'
A splendid and elegant mansion. After regaining my memories, I had come here for a private meeting with him during the first banquet I attended.
"Welcome, Allenvert."
Surprisingly, Verdzig was waiting for me at the main entrance of the annex.
"Brother, did you come out to greet me?"
I approached him with a casual attitude. Then the murderous intent and pressure mixed in the fog made my skin tingle.
'It doesn't work.'
But I pulled up my mana and deflected his silent greeting.
"Allenvert. Coming to see your brother so abruptly in the middle of the night is not proper etiquette."
"I apologize for that."
I smiled while sensing the presence of countless 'shadows' lurking behind Verdzig.
'This place is a snake's den.'
Now Verdzig's annex looked completely different to my eyes.
'A massive cave where swords form forests and vipers hide their venomous fangs.'
Yet Allenvert Grunewald intends to advance into that man's den of demons without a hint of hesitation or fear.
"Brother."
I addressed Verdzig, who wore an enigmatic smile.
"I have something to tell you."
Then the serpent of the apocalypse answered:
"I've been waiting for you to come."
...The doors of the annex closed.
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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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