A VILLAIN'S WILL TO SURVIVE

Chapter 174: Tiger (3)

“I will take it upon myself.”

Deculein’s words brought silence to the meeting hall. The imperial knights widened their eyes in disbelief and stretched their necks forward, their movements strangely reminiscent of turtles.

Why would Deculein step forward so suddenly? No matter how skilled a mage he is, could he really face a tiger like that? the knights thought.

Delic swallowed hard and said, “B-but, Professor, you are in charge of the entire Rekordak—”

“It is only natural for the one in charge to step forward,” Deculein replied with a faint smile. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve invested in Rekordak? That money wasn’t spent to let all of you run away in fear of some tiger.”

“… Yes, Professor. I understand. However, calling it just a tiger feels… D-Daeho is…”

The exchange grew increasingly awkward, and Deculein’s peers, including Yulie, Gwen, and Sirio, each reacted in their own distinct ways.

“I am well aware—an average tiger may tear through a village, but Daeho could devastate an entire city. However, the fate of those scraping out a living in these desolate mountains is of little significance.”

Yulie’s fist tightened, her knuckles whitening as the professor’s words rang in her ears.

“The mountain villagers of the Northern Region seem to take great pride in their heritage, stubbornly preferring death to abandoning their homeland. If that is their will, then leaving them to their fate would hardly provoke resentment toward us,” Deculein added.

“Wow,” Gwen murmured, her voice laced with disbelief at the sheer audacity of his words.

Sirio tilted his head ever so slightly, a faint chuckle playing across his lips.

“And I must admit,” Deculein said, his fingers resting on the edge of the files on the table, “there are times when I feel like executing every prisoner in Rekordak outright… However, this place will soon serve as a critical stronghold—an essential base camp for Her Majesty’s expedition to the Land of Destruction.”

The imperial knights’ eyes flared with surprise upon hearing the mention of Her Majesty.

“This is not a matter of supporting worthless prisoners or the residents holding on to the wall of Rekordak like parasites. It is entirely for Her Majesty’s benefit.”

Deculein surveyed the knights, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he shook his head and said, “However, since none of you seem willing to face the tiger, I will step forward and take on the task myself.”

Yulie raised her hand and said, “No, I would like to join—”

“Enough,” Deculein commanded, his cold stare locking onto her, so intense it seemed to pierce her very core. “The sick one has no place here. Now, get out of my sight.”

***

Sylvia returned to the Nameless Island, and at the lab table, Idnik was engrossed in her magical research. Idnik glanced up and noticed Sylvia with her lips curled in heavy displeasure, almost comically severe. Just looking at her made a small, knowing smile curve on Idnik’s lips, a contrast to the storm written across Sylvia’s face.

“Hey, there. Didn’t you have something to say to Deculein?”

“I sent a note,” Sylvia replied.

The note Sylvia left for Deculein was concise but heavy with meaning, stating that Allen, the assistant professor, and Primien were Scarletborn.

“Do you expect anyone to believe that without proof?”

“If he doesn’t believe it, that’s his fault,” Sylvia said as she settled into the rocking chair, and Swifty and Bearbie Panda approached her, curling up in her arms.

“So, what will you do now? Are you planning to continue watching Deculein?” Idnik asked, resting a hand on her hip.

“I won’t be watching anymore.”

“… Are you really? But why does your face tell a different story?”

Sylvia said nothing, but the memory of what she had just witnessed lingered in her thoughts as Deculein cared for Epherene and Epherene allowed herself to be under his care, stirring a strange emotion in her.

“Arrogant Epherene. Foolishly clumsy Epherene. Why can’t she take care of her own injuries and always lean on someone else?”

“You’re being jealous,” Idnik said, watching Sylvia shake with frustration.

“Absolutely not,” Sylvia snapped, whipping her head around to glare at Idnik.

Idnik nodded, smirking knowingly, and said, “Sure.”

“I said I’m not. Why would anyone be jealous of someone like Epherene?”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night~”

“… You’re foolish too, Idnik,” Sylvia muttered, her lips curling into a small pout.

Sylvia sank back into her chair, casting Wind—not to keep watch over Deculein, but to observe the entirety of Rekordak from a distance.

***

Word of Daeho’s appearance in the Northern Region spread like wildfire; however, not a single evacuation was organized in the mountain villages.

“What are your thoughts on it?” Louina asked, stepping into my office in the main building of Rekordak, wearing a cast on her arm—the result of an injury sustained during the process of reducing the numbers.

“Pathetic. An absolute disgrace,” I replied.

“The villagers?”

I nodded and turned my attention toward the window of the mansion. Beyond, in the distant training grounds of Rekordak, Yulie sparred with Sirio, her movements intense, while Reylie cheered her on. Rumors had spread that she was furious after my harsh words last night, and her intensity seemed to confirm it.

“Why do you think they’re pathetic?” Louina asked.

“Their refusal to abandon their homeland, even if it means courting death, is completely pathetic. And the way they hold on to the hope that the wall will protect them is nothing short of disgraceful.”

“Haha,” Louina chuckled softly.

I fixed my eyes on her and inquired, “What’s so funny?”

“Boss, I know you wouldn’t let go of them. You never abandon anything you find precious. If anything, you’d hold on tighter than anyone else, wouldn’t you?”

Deculein’s unyielding nature, never bending or breaking under any circumstance, defined him as a man who would never abandon what he deeply desired. His character, shaped by conviction, resolve, and an undeniable arrogance rooted in pride, left me no room to argue against Louina’s words.

Is this what they call hypocrisy? I thought.

“Leave,” I said.

“Sure, Boss. But there’s someone else waiting outside for you, Bossss,” Louina said, smiling as she opened the door.

Beyond the door stood Assistant Professor Allen, who awkwardly bowed to Louina as she passed.

“Go on in. I’m all done.”

“O-okay…” Allen said, shuffling into the room, his face clouded with worry. “Would it really be alright…?”

As Allen hesitantly assessed my reaction, I asked, “What do you mean?”

“Professor, you are… and Daeho… But Daeho is known for its cleverness and deviousness…”

Daeho doesn’t allow himself to be cornered, nor does he charge into a fight impulsively, as he knows how to fight strategically. In other words, if hundreds of knights are brought against him, he won’t engage them directly. Instead, he’ll pick them off one by one in guerrilla tactics, thinning down the numbers. To face him directly, a small, elite force would be required.

“It will be challenging,” I admitted.

Even then, I could still sense his indomitable spirit beyond the wall. With an air of arrogance, he issued a warning, daring us to challenge him, while patiently waiting for us to be the one to make the first move.

“It would be ideal if persuasion could sway him.”

We had only completed the process of reducing the numbers once, but from the resonating sound of Wood Steel in the distance, I could tell that Daeho had slaughtered every demonic beast that had entered his territory. The numbers had been far greater than the hundreds of knights who had spent two days on the mission.

“Persuade him? Is that even possible…?” Allen asked, his eyes widening.

I twisted my mouth, shaking my head, and said, “The chances are slim. Tigers are born with a certain nature, and if he’s that vicious, the only option left is to kill him.”

“So, that means you’ll eventually have to fight him, Professor…” Allen asked, lowering his face.

I watched him, and his reaction seemed odd—more so than I had anticipated.

“I won’t dive in without a clear strategy for victory.”

Allen perked up slightly and asked, “How… how will you do it?”

“That remains a secret. Now…”

The sound of snoring from the couch in the office made me narrow my eyes and glare in that direction. Primien lay sprawled on the sofa, her arms wrapped around the furnace as if it were a lifeline.

“Wake her up and throw her out,” I said.

As if she were some free spirit, the moment I let my guard down, she’d sneak into the warm office and quietly fall asleep, as if that were all she existed for.

“Oh, yes, Professor,” Allen said, nodding and hesitantly approaching her, shaking her awake. “Um, e-excuse me? You can’t stay here. The professor is working…”

“… Oh. But, it’s cold outside,” Primien murmured.

“Sorry? Um… I see,” Allen stammered, clearly unsure of how to proceed.

I quietly watched the two of them, engaged in an awkward conversation, as I leaned back in my chair.

***

“It’s cold,” Primien muttered as she was finally kicked out of the office.

Then she rummaged through her coat and found the note that Allen had left in the inside pocket.

Professor Deculein received a note informing him that both the Deputy Director and I are Scarletborn.

At those few words, Primien paused, staring quietly for a moment before she opened her mouth and slipped the paper inside.

Munch, munch—

Chewing on the paper, she stepped outside the main building, greeted by the blinding white earth and the damned cold. Even with Daeho prowling nearby, the knights’ order’s building remained under construction.

Crunch, crunch—

Shivering from the biting cold, Primien’s eyes caught sight of a small campfire with a nearby chair. Like a little cat, she hurried over, settled into the seat, and stretched out her hands to bask in the comforting heat of the fire.

Clang—!

Not far away, the sharp clang of metal striking metal rang out, carried on a chill wind that disturbed the fire’s warmth. Drawn by the sound, Primien turned toward its source.

Clang—! Crrrrkkk—!

Yulie and Sirio were sparring nearby, both familiar faces to Primien, especially Yulie, whose name had appeared in reports that crossed her desk.

Whoooosh—!

Each time she swung her sword, a chilling wind seemed to rise, sharp enough to freeze the air itself. Every strike of her blade fractured like delicate crystals, scattering into nothingness. It was clearly a unique talent, though how she had come to possess such an ability was a curiosity. With a quiet sigh, Primien reached into her inner pocket and pulled out a book.

Primien pulled out a book from her coat pocket.

Advanced Chart Analysis Techniques for Expert Stock Traders

While Primien read the book, her thoughts quietly aligned as she began to sift through its contents.

Allen mentioned that Deculein had received a note. I’m not sure what it contained—whether it offered real evidence or was simply speculation. Even so, it leaves me wondering. Will Deculein believe it? Ignore it? Or maybe, he doesn’t really need to believe it or not?

“For expert stock traders…? Do you invest in stocks?”

A sudden voice broke through Primien’s contemplative silence, prompting her to lift her head and glance at the speaker who had just called her an expert stock trader. It was Yulie, drenched in sweat, her curious eyes fixed on the cover of the book Primien was holding.

“Advanced Chart Analysis for Stock Market Experts…” Yulie muttered.

Primien closed the book without a word, crossed her legs, straightened her posture, and said, “I am Deputy Director Primien. What can I do for you?”

“Oh, um.”

Though Yulie lost the campfire and the chair she had made to Primien, she showed no other reaction and simply grabbed a nearby log to sit on.

“Yes, I’m Knight Deya,” Yulie replied.

“I am well aware,” Primien replied. “I’ve read your report on embezzlement and breach of trust; I’m the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Public Safety.”

Yulie closed her eyes, her face full of embarrassment, and lowered her head slowly in silent apology.

“There’s no need for that,” Primien said. “What can I do for you?”

When asked why she had come, Yulie hesitated, blinking slowly as she considered her words. After all, the space was one she had set up for herself.

“Well… I’ve been studying a bit about stocks as well,” Yulie replied.

At Yulie’s words, Primien leaned back in her chair with even greater arrogance and said, “I see.”

“Do you have a good understanding of stocks, Deputy Director? Judging by the challenging books you read, I assume you do…”

“Well, I do have fifteen years of experience. I predicted the sudden rise of the Rotton Merchant Corporation Limited, Bayesian Food Systems, Joblock Architecture, and Leble Toys—all of them. I was right about every single one.”

Primien did, in fact, predict it all—every rise and their success—but simply hadn’t invested her money in any of them.

“Oh… Joblock and Leble? Both have seen returns of over thirty times—”

“To be precise, they are stocks that each surged thirty-seven times. Ahem.”

Yulie’s eyes sparkled, while Primien crossed one leg over the other and continued, “Why? What’s the matter?”

At that moment, Reylie approached, handing Yulie a towel and saying, “What’s going on here? Not long ago, you were sparring so intensely, getting all worked up… Oh, Deputy Director Primien, nice to see you again. We met before, didn’t we? Regarding the adventurers’ access to the dungeon.”

Primien offered a cool, subtle nod, maintaining her composure.

Yulie swallowed hard and asked, “If I may, Deputy Director, would you be kind enough to share your expertise on stocks with me?”

“I can certainly share a bit. Knowledge isn’t something that lessens when given away. But I find it curious—what draws a knight to the world of stocks?” Primien asked with a shrug.

At Primien’s question, Yulie’s face turned bittersweet as she brushed her hair back and replied, “… I’ve only come to realize, far too late, that protecting those I care for comes at a cost.”

Yulie carried a tangle of emotions that seemed to hang in the air, leaving Primien momentarily still as her thoughts swirled. Based on Allen’s note, it seemed this was not the ideal time to teach someone about stocks.

However, if sharing her knowledge could build a connection with Yulie, it would be worth the effort. As Deculein’s former fiancée, Yulie held undeniable importance. Beyond that, Primien carried an obligation to respond to the Northern Region, and especially to the Freyden family itself.

“Please, I need your guidance. The world of stocks is far too complex for me to learn on my own,” Yulie asked respectfully.

Primien pressed her fingertips to her temple as her thoughts tangled, while Reylie blinked in quiet confusion, unable to understand the situation before her.

“… Alright, I suppose I can teach you what I can before I leave.”

At that moment, Yulie clenched her fists with enthusiasm and, soon after, grabbed Primien’s hand tightly, saying, “Thank you very much! I will do my very best to learn.”

Because of Deculein, Yulie had been in a foul mood all day, but she found a savior to whom she could offer heartfelt gratitude—someone she had unexpectedly met.

***

The Empress of the Crebaim Empire, Sophien Aekater Augus von Jaegus Gifrein, was unmatched in efficiency. Although the Empress personally reviewed documents only once a week for a couple of hours, Sophien kept herself fully informed of every piece of news, petition, and controversy from across the continent, addressing them with precise clarity.

The speed at which she processed thoughts and made decisions surpassed human limits, making it seem as though she was simply flipping through pages. In truth, however, she absorbed everything before her, and provided clear and decisive solutions.

“Daeho?” Sophien muttered as she scanned her usual duties, pausing at one of the reports from the Northern Region. “So, Daeho has appeared in the Northern Region.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. That is correct,” Jolang replied.

“Akho… This will be a real headache for Deculein.”

Deculein was in charge of managing Rekordak, and dealing with the tigers was ultimately the knights’ responsibility, so Sophien gave it little thought.

“Alternatively, abandoning Rekordak wouldn’t be a bad option either.”

The most efficient course of action was to abandon Rekordak and join the knights’ order in the Northern Region at the second line of defense to face Akho.

“There are rumors that Deculein has no intention of doing so,” Jolang said.

“Of course he wouldn’t. What an inefficient fool,” Sophien said, nodding.

“Yes, however… He intends to face him himself,” Jolang said.

At that moment, Sophien’s lips pressed shut, and Jolang quickly bowed low, flattening himself to the floor. Sophien turned her focus back to the report, and sure enough, the section was there.

Deculein declared his decision to hunt Daeho alone, reasoning that it would present a more fitting challenge than facing Rohakan…

In that instant, Sophien’s brow furrowed.

“… Why is this bastard…”

The moment she read his declaration to hunt Daeho alone, a rush of anger rose within her, though she couldn’t quite place the reason why.

“… Suddenly acting out and being such a fucking cocky asshole?”

Jolang stayed silent.

“Is he out of his goddamn mind? A mage thinking he can take on Daeho by himself?”

Jolang remained silent, pretending not to hear, and pressed his forehead to the floor in silent submission.

“Do you really think this makes sense?” Sophien asked, her voice filled with irritation.

“It seems likely to be difficult, Your Majesty… but the Northern Region has many capable knights… Still, I doubt… that he would be able to attempt it alone,” Jolang said, cautiously glancing at her.

Sophien gritted her teeth, a strange heat creeping across her forehead—one she couldn’t quite understand.

“… Crazy bastard.”

Of course, Deculein isn’t someone at immediate risk of death in the Northern Region. How he dies is still uncertain, but in the distant future… No, there’s still a possibility. Perhaps, after facing Daeho, he might suffer an injury that worsens over time—that could be how it happens. However, I can’t say for sure.

“… You there,” Sophien said, calling out to Jolang, her manner heated.

“Yes, Y-Your Majesty.”

“Call for Isaac… No.”

With Keiron absent, the strongest unit the Imperial Palace could rely on was Deputy Knight Isaac. However, calling upon him for personal matters could put them in a politically disadvantageous position, and Sophien was not short-minded enough to take such a risk.

Whatever fate befalls Deculein—whether he succumbs to a critical injury while facing Daeho or slowly dies in the distant future—it is of his own making, for he chose this path and must live with the consequences of…

“Forget it! He’s made his decision without saying a single word to me, so let that bastard deal with it himself! Now, leave!” Sophien snapped.

“Yes, Y-Your Majesty! I remain deeply honored by your favor.”

Sophien set her tasks aside, sent Jolang away, and immediately lay down on the bed to calm the seething anger inside her.

“… Without a single word to me.”

At the very least, he could have written a letter or used the crystal orb to discuss his decision with me. Making such an important decision without any consultation or report is not the way of a proper, loyal subject to an Empress. It’s not that I’m worried—it’s just that I find this completely ridiculous…

“Do it however the fuck you want!” Sophien shouted as she pulled the blanket over herself.

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