I'm being Mistaken for The Mastermind

Chapter 27

The dungeon conquest and heretic cleanup were successfully completed.

All remaining chimeras were handled by Arthur.

There was no need to create a separate golem.

If a trap appeared, it was destroyed with strength; if an enemy appeared, it was destroyed with strength; if a puzzle appeared, it was destroyed with strength.

'Is this why if you have strength, your head shouldn't have to suffer?'

As I admired this, the conquest came to an end.

'Phew. I can live now.'

It was the time when the moon was brightly in the sky.

The refreshing air of dawn was in the air.

It ended earlier than expected.

It felt as if a whole day had passed.

If that were the case, I would have been exhausted.

"Number 4. Keep the items safe so you don't lose them."

Nod, nod.

Number 4 nodded and carefully stored them.

A few documents containing information and research about alchemy.

It wasn't a huge gain.

Most of the documents were related to human experimentation.

Just looking at them, they were filled with grotesque content.

So most of them were incinerated.

What was left were basic knowledge about alchemy or chimeras.

That much was tolerable.

Whether they attempted human synthesis or not, there were surprisingly high-level alchemy books included.

When burning those documents, Arthur gave me a peculiar look, but anyhow.

'The biggest gain was obtaining two usable artifacts.'

Two rings worn on the index and middle fingers.

They were the most valuable items from this conquest.

The first ring.

A ring tinged with a blue hue, engraved with a formula for storing magic.

It could store up to three spells and be used three times a day.

The downside? Evan had to supply the mana.

Normally, mana would also be stored, but this artifact was unique.

Without mana, it wouldn't work.

It was a bit disappointing but not critical.

Why?

Because its other advantages overshadowed that flaw.

'It can hold up to fourth-level magic.'

Magic is broadly divided into nine levels.

From the lowest level, first-level magic, to the highest, ninth-level magic.

Starting from fifth-level magic, the middle tier, it is classified as "unique magic."

So, excluding unique magic, it could store anything.

This kind of item was surprisingly rare even in the original work.

'I was lucky. What magic should I store... Would subspace be the most efficient?'

Subspace.

Simply put, it's an inventory.

It's classified as about third-level magic.

However, it requires learning spatial magic to use.

So its classification itself is unique magic.

'Tsk, the Tower of Space-Time is so isolationist... It's better not to expect anything.'

The method of engraving the formula was also simple.

All you had to do was wear the ring and use magic.

This included magic scrolls as well.

'I should learn magic when I get the chance.'

Evan's golems weren't all-purpose.

Just as his own talent was lacking, each had its flaws.

Number 2 could only stay in shadows and had limited time outside, and Number 3 had immense strength but couldn't perform delicate adjustments, and so on.

And a common flaw.

The absence of magic.

Because Evan was ignorant about magic.

Fortunately, alchemy didn't require creating an Aura Hall or Mana Hall.

It only needed mana to be used during synthesis.

If desired, it could be learned as much as needed.

Since he disliked moving, he planned to skip the Aura Hall and create a Mana Hall.

Later, he would only cast magic from a distance.

As safely as possible.

Next.

The second reward.

'This one is my favorite.'

Evan stroked the ring on his middle finger with satisfaction.

It was painted bright red, making the design a bit tacky.

However, its effect was unparalleled.

It consumed the blood accumulated in the ring to restore the wearer's health and cure abnormal statuses.

Simply put, it was a health ring.

For the physically weak Evan, it was an essential artifact.

"Hmm."

It was when Evan let out a satisfied smile.

"Let's call it a day here."

Arthur opened his mouth.

He hadn't gained much.

However, his expression revealed satisfaction.

Thanks to the potion Evan had given him.

A potion that partially alleviated the dreadful curse.

It was the most necessary reward for him right now.

"I had fun today."

"I also had fun. I hope you gained something useful."

"I gained quite a lot."

Arthur bowed respectfully.

"It's all thanks to you."

"It's thanks to Arthur's own efforts."

Honestly, I wanted to agree, but that would make me look bad.

Evan modestly denied it and offered a final farewell.

"Write me a letter when you return."

"......."

Arthur's face suddenly stiffened.

Evan glanced at him subtly.

...Did he dislike writing letters?

It was just a suggestion to exchange greetings.

"......I'll make sure to send them regularly. And I'll ensure Bishop Blake receives them without fail."

"Understood."

"I won't upset you, so don't worry."

"???"

What does that mean?

Evan cast a puzzled glance, but Arthur disappeared in an instant.

Quick, disgustingly quick.

"Lapis, Frey. Let's go back."

"Yes, got it."

"Yes! Evan! We're heading to the ballroom, right?"

"......That's correct."

Now that they were heading back, he didn't feel like it.

It didn't show on his face, though.

'Hmm. Maybe my stomach feels a bit off.'

......Ah.

Should I just not go?

***

That wasn't even an option.

Evan quietly returned to the ballroom.

"Young Master! Where have you been?!"

"I had some business to attend to briefly. How's the ball?"

"It's almost over, and we're in the afterparty phase!"

'There's an afterparty for a ball?'

Luckily, the ball was nearing its end.

"Hahaha! You, you're really ugly!"

"Haha! Look who's talking! That's why you got rejected by a commoner!"

"What did you just say, you bastard?"

The atmosphere had improved since Evan's absence.

Young nobles drinking and laughing boisterously.

Some even staggered as if they were high on something.

'Ugh. The smell.'

At first, he almost felt envious, but the nauseating smell of drugs made him change his mind.

'Good thing I stayed out of it.'

At this point, wouldn't he have a valid excuse?

The Duke wouldn't want him mingling with such flawed nobles anyway.

After all, the nickname attached to Duke Alcart was the Drug King.

However, he never encouraged his children to use drugs.

Why was he called the Drug King?

Because he was the real power in the underworld.

Even this nickname was something the Imperial Family used to keep him in check.

It was to slightly diminish his prestige.

Otherwise, he would've been called something like the Dark King of the underworld.

"Young Master!"

It was at that moment.

Dolph, who had been resting among the group of servants, spotted Evan and rushed over.

"Where have you been?!"

"I went for a short walk."

"A walk? Then why are your clothes......?"

"......Ah."

Only then did Evan notice his disheveled appearance.

A luxurious suit covered by a robe.

Dirt and dust clung to it, making it filthy.

How did I not notice this?

"......I was playing with a snake for a bit."

"A snake?!"

"It was a tame snake. It wasn't venomous either. Isn't that right?"

"That's right! It was super tame!"

Lapis chimed in from the side.

Only then did Dolph's expression relax.

Pure concern.

To the point of being burdensome.

It was even more so because there wasn't a hint of malice in it.

'If he finds out I fought heretics, he'll nag me endlessly, won't he?'

Fortunately, the corpses were buried well.

Even if a necromancer came, they'd never find them.

They had already been [Disassembled] and turned into food for microorganisms.

"Ah! Young Master! Did you see the barrier that was erected and then disappeared to the east?"

"......I don't know about that. Maybe someone used illusion magic?"

"That's probably it! Some of the other young masters have been practicing magic, and a few got hurt......."

Whew.

That was close.

Dolph's suspicion seemed to have vanished.

Since his loyalty was high to begin with, as long as the explanation made some sense, he'd let it go.

But Dolph wasn't the problem.

The servants who had been with Dolph.

They started casting suspicious glances.

"Don't you think it's strange?"

"I heard Lady Velia suddenly went quiet too......."

"Could it be that he couldn't hold back during that time......?"

He could hear whispers while they looked at him.

What exactly are they suspecting?

He had no clue.

It wasn't the first time he'd been misunderstood in strange ways.

'More importantly, where did Velia go?'

Velia.

The second daughter of the Golden Merchant Guild, who should've originally been dead.

He saved her life from the threat of heretics, just as she wanted.

Shouldn't he be rewarded for it?

Did she just run off without paying?

'Tsk, but looking at those guys, maybe not.......'

Hmm, I guess I'll send her a letter later.

Judging by her absence at the ballroom, she must've left first.

It was while he was glancing around.

"Evan."

Frey whispered in a voice only Evan could hear.

"Those servants. They're speaking nonsense to undermine you......."

His two blue eyes glinted coldly.

"Should I take care of all of them?"

There wasn't a trace of emotion in his voice.

As if he were simply removing a pebble that was in the way, his tone made it seem like it was no big deal.

For a moment, Evan almost nodded.

He hurriedly stiffened his neck to stop himself.

"If you want, I can do it anytime."

"......It's fine."

"Really? Got it."

Frey stepped back obediently.

Somehow, the atmosphere had changed.

It was true that he had become gentler than before.

The subtle rebelliousness that resembled a child going through puberty had disappeared, and his gaze shifted to one resembling how Lapis looked at Evan.

However...... should I call it a feeling?

It felt like being near a ticking time bomb that could explode any moment.

The fact that it stayed calm until the moment it exploded made it even scarier.

'Ah, it'll probably be fine, right?'

After all, I even gave him a name.

What could he possibly do?

Still, it's a little scary.

Just a little, though.

Evan, who had subtly stepped back, spoke.

"It seems the ball is coming to an end, so let us return."

"Yes! I had a great time today!"

"Dolph! I won't forget this!"

"Good work today!"

Dolph returned amidst cheers from the other servants.

What on earth did he do?

Dolph chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head.

"Oh, nothing much...... I just praised the Young Master!"

'He must have done something else.'

I don't know what he did, but.

Well, it's probably not a bad thing.

"Dolph. Before we go back, write a letter to Miss Velia first......."

It was at that moment.

"Hello, Evan Alcart."

A woman's voice came from the side.

When he turned his head slightly, a woman, who had been deliberately avoiding his gaze, stood there in an ornate dress.

A natural and confident smile adorned her lips.

The striking red of roses and crimson eyes, combined with her proud appearance, left an impression.

She exuded a faint rose fragrance as she approached with a charming smile.

"Did you enjoy the ball?"

"......I enjoyed it."

"Oh my. Someone who spent most of their time on the balcony says they enjoyed it."

Words laced with thorns.

Malice that couldn't be concealed even with her pretty smile.

'Ah, I was pretending not to notice, but.'

Evan also knew who this woman was.

One of the Act 2 bosses.

The Fraus family's young lady, dreaming of becoming the second Alcart family.

The infamous villainess, Asella Fraus.

A person he absolutely did not want to meet, for reasons opposite to that of an ally.

Why?

Isn't it obvious at a glance?

Asella is a villainess.

One who covets power and wealth.

She doesn't care who dies in the process.

What matters is the honor and wealth in her own hands.

She was the type of person Evan, who prioritized safety above all, needed to avoid most.

"I never thought you'd have a connection with Velia."

"We met for the first time today."

"Hmm...... The person who has threatened so many noble children, meeting Velia for the first time and having a conversation?"

Miss Asella, what exactly do you want to hear?

The question rose to the tip of his throat.

Seriously, if only she weren't a villainess!

If not for that, he would've snapped back by now.

Even Evan, despite his timid nature, had his limits when it came to pride.

Provoking him so openly?

Of course, it made him angry!

However, he simply chose his opponents wisely.

It wasn't because he was scared.

'Ah, come to think of it.'

To say something like that, there's a prerequisite.

Evan needed to know the other person's name.

She knew Evan, but Evan didn't know her.

Naturally, since it was their first meeting today.

'Hmm, I guess I should start by introducing myself...... right?'

"Before I answer those questions......."

"?"

"May I ask your name?"

"......."

Asella's lips pressed tightly together.

Her blazing eyes burned intensely.

Hmm, that's a bit scary?

"If you have nothing more to say, I'll be taking my leave now."

Evan made his decision.

To flee—no, to make a swift exit.

"Let's go."

"Yes!"

"Alright."

"Yes, Young Master! I'll go ahead and prepare the carriage!"

Evan departed swiftly.

Yet, the lingering gaze remained.

......Ugh.

What a piercing stare.

***

The place Evan had left behind.

Asella, who was left standing, chuckled softly.

"Hah, haha......."

A laugh as thorny as a rose.

Asella brushed her cheek with her hand.

"I never thought I'd be ignored like this."

Evan Alcart.

Asella disliked him.

Because he received all the attention that originally should have been hers.

It's not like Evan was actively doing anything like Asella.

He was just quietly there.

Or even just stepping out for a moment would add to his notoriety.

Just now, merely having a conversation with Velia on the balcony became a hot topic.

'Thanks to that, the [party] I prepared this time is ruined.'

Asella's objective.

She intended to dominate those who only accumulated fat on their bodies.

By doing so, expanding her influence in the social world would certainly be helpful.

Pleasure.

She intended to gift them pleasure that could not be felt through ordinary actions.

Naturally, all the important individuals were excluded, and she prepared an alibi.

All of them participated 'of their own will,' and Asella was merely the supplier.

Not the mastermind.

She had planned to gradually siphon influence from the Underworld like this......

'Just appearing briefly, and you ruin all my plans?'

She did not like it.

The baseless rumors, the fact that he was judged entirely by his appearance.

Just because he was handsome and looked a little cold, what was so unique about him?

Surely, it must be a series of coincidences, lies, and manipulations.

That couldn't possibly be real.

The youngest alchemist in just one year?

Challenging taboos?

What nonsense.

She tried to make him say it with his own mouth, but she failed.

She was even blatantly ignored.

"......If this is how you want to play."

Asella grinned.

"I have no choice but to personally prove that all your rumors are false."

She was already prepared to spread the rumors.

All that remained was execution.

When Asella flicked her fingers, the servants hurriedly came and set up wine and a table.

Asella sat alone.

She took out a letter she had tucked into her bosom.

-Sender: Tower of Space-Time.

Tower of Space-Time.

A tower that teaches and passes down spatial magic.

Though closed off, their skill was at the pinnacle.

If it were them, they would surely find out.

That Evan Alcart's prestige and notoriety were all fake.

'Hehe, I can't wait to see what kind of face he'll make then.'

Asella smiled faintly. As if to toast herself, she raised a glass filled with slightly red wine.

She firmly believed that all the 'false notoriety' he had built would disappear.