NOVEL NEXT After Resignation, I Refuse the Obsession from the Male Leads
Chapter 10
Sparkling silver hair, green eyes, and a crescent moon-like smile.
If the male lead had a hint of beauty with a cool demeanor, this one exuded the charm of a mature beauty overflowing with composure. Above all, it was obvious from the smiling face that the world was so much fun! ‘That person is the head of the Duke Crow family and the hidden mastermind.’ The Duke Crow’s House was a family that had traditionally produced high priests and holy knights for generations A typical mastermind character who ‘smiles but is filled with dark ambitions.’ Perhaps because he was the oldest among the male lead candidates, his skill at manipulating people with words was top-notch. ‘Even when I read the original, I found it terrifying how well that guy could manipulate people’s emotions.’ Originally, it was this man who separated the ‘BM-RP Department’ from the ‘Magic Knights Department.’ ‘To easily find the black magic artifact you want.’ And when you’re the mastermind, it seems you can afford to be a little late to a gathering of high-ranking individuals. The Prime Minister rubbed her forehead, letting out a groan. “Duke Crow…Are you late again?” “Excuse me, Your Excellency. It took some time to verify what we discovered in this incident.” “What is it?” “Look at this core.” As the mastermind opened his palm, a white stone was summoned from within. ‘Huh? That’s the core I caught.’ After the incident, I handed that stone over to the male lead. The mastermind lifted the core so that everyone could see it. Perhaps because it was a white stone, the black crescent moon pattern in the center stood out clearly. “This seems to be related to the recent kidnapping incident.” At that moment, the people’s anxious murmurs grew louder. My heart sank at that word, too. ‘Kidnapping incident…?’ I remember reading this part… In the meantime, the mastermind continued with the explanation. “Since this happened throughout the capital and the empire, it is reasonable to consider Yuriana Crosswell as a victim as well.” “Hmm.” “And it means that those behind this have grown strong enough to breach the palace’s barriers.” After that statement, the officials engaged in a frantic discussion. Finally, they reached a conclusion. “…Duke Crow. Then I will provide additional support to your department for resolving this incident.” “Thank you, Prime Minister.” “Make sure to capture those behind this as soon as possible.” “I will make sure to meet those expectations.” It seems that this meeting ultimately concluded with empowering the ‘BM-RP Department.’ ‘Hmm. It feels like the mastermind is only benefiting from this.’ It feels good to have implemented justice while doing it, but… Before leaving the meeting room, I glanced at Allison as she was being dragged away. The security personnel of the ‘Magic Knights Department’ were personally dragging her away. “L, let go of me! You can’t do this to me!” “Let’s go quietly, Capres.” “I’ve worked in the palace for 20 years! Because of this trivial matter…!” “You will need to be investigated for attempted murder of an official.” “….!” No, why are you so shocked? Even if the verbal abuse was brushed aside, she should be punished for pushing me just to save herself! Just as I was about to leave the meeting, the mastermind waved at me. “Miss Lowell.” “Ah, hello.” “I have something to say, so come over here.” “What do you…?” “You directly ripped the core apart with your own hands, didn’t you?” “…!” Ah, I wondered why he didn’t ask. I just shrugged it off with an attitude of “I don’t know.” to the male lead and Seamus. ‘But as expected, is it because he’s the mastermind?’ When I look into those eyes, I can’t bring myself to make excuses… At that moment, the mastermind smiled cheerfully. “Haha!” The mastermind’s laughter sent a chill down my spine in a different way. He stared at me leisurely and muttered. “Why did our interviewers miss such abilities…” “What, what are you saying…” “Miss Lowell, you must come to the BM-RP Department.” “Yes?” “Why? Isn’t that obvious?” The mastermind gazed at my face and smiled sweetly. It was truly amazing that a person could be this scary and yet so pretty. ‘And why do you keep smiling?’ Now you’re openly laughing? Anyway, let’s politely but firmly refuse. “Thank you for thinking highly of me, Minister Crow, but I’ve already received an offer from somewhere else…” “Mhm, I’ll cancel it.” “Yes?” “Ah. Sir Wadsworth.” The mastermind gave a bright smile to the person standing behind me. Behind me was my hope, Director Theodore! The director, usually calm and gentle, looked slightly displeased after seeing the mastermind. “What are you doing, Sir Crow.” “We’re going to assign Miss Lowell directly to our department.” “What…! Miss Lowell has already decided to apply to our side.” “Please cancel it.” “Yes?” The mastermind coolly pressed Director Theodore. ‘As expected, the taste of power is sweet and thrilling… wait, no!’ Director Theodore’s affectionate face suddenly distorted. “This is an abuse of power, Duke Crow!” My skin prickled because of the attention from those around me. More than anything, I felt suffocated. ‘What if I end up really joining the BM-RP Department at this rate?!’ I wanted a life like a salaryman or Lupin. Not the sound of gunfire overhead or the life-and-death struggles of my colleagues. A really ordinary office worker’s life! ‘This incident ended ‘safely,’ but… what comes next?’ A kidnapping case. How could I handle something like that? ‘I’m just an ordinary citizen to the bone.’ I want to be protected, not do anything to protect. I wish someone more capable than me could do that! “Um, Minister Crow?” “Mhm?” “I, instead of me, how about you recruit someone who really wants to join?” I was so anxious that I couldn’t use the speaking skills I had gained from my social life. The mastermind looked down at me and smiled. “Come to think of it, Miss Crosswell said she wanted to join our department.” “Yes!” “I wonder if her resolve is still the same…” “It must be! There’s no doubt about it.” “Is that so…?” The mastermind turned his steps in the opposite direction and nodded at me. With a smile that felt even more annoying. “Then shall we go together to check it out?” * * * The palace infirmary was located close to the ‘Magic Potion Research Laboratory.’ Although the female lead’s face was very pale, fortunately, her limbs were intact. However, before there was a chance to greet her, the mastermind approached the female lead first. “Hello, Miss Crosswell. I’m sorry for bothering you so many times.” “N, no!” “Miss Crosswell underwent a mental evaluation when taking the civil service exam. She was also tested for black magic infection.” “Yes, that’s right.” “At that time, she was found to be completely clean, so she was able to avoid punishment. The incident of verbal abuse was also acknowledged.” At those words, Yuriana’s eyes widened. However, the mastermind tilted his head slightly and continued speaking. “But if you look at the fact that it went into a black magic rampage, it means that it is very vulnerable to mental attacks.” “Ah…” “The palace is under security magic, so any further damage has been prevented.” “….” “But if you’re vulnerable to mental attacks, the risk of dying while working in the BM-RP Department’s doubles.” “I, I’m not afraid of that…” “Above all, we can’t say there’s no possibility of others getting involved.” The female lead flinched for a moment, then glanced at me. “But do you still want to apply to our department?” “….” “Our department is currently in an emergency.” The female lead’s face turned even paler. It was so unsettling that I felt like stomping my feet. ‘Mastermind! Why are you speaking like that!’ If you scared her and then asked her if she wanted to apply, who would readily say yes? ‘But since she’s the female lead, she wouldn’t be shaken, right?’ However, the female lead lowered her head. Her whole body trembled. “I… will give up on applying to the BM-RP department…” My head went blank for a moment. What’s going on? “I’m sorry. If what you say is true, then I don’t think I’m suited for the department…” “I see.” Is it typical for the mastermind to say “Interesting,” but instead they said, “I see”? I felt like I was going crazy listening to him. ‘No! Yuriana is a female lead that grows!’ They can grow together and fall in love, so why is he being so harsh and impatient? ‘Wait a minute. If the female lead leaves, what about Seamus?!’ This guy joined the BM-RP Department because of his competitive spirit toward the female lead. But what would happen to Seamus if the female lead leaves? The mastermind turned to look at Seamus, who had quietly followed us. “Finley. What about you? Are you interested in this line of work?” “…Yes. I want to join the BM-RP Department.” “Then that’s good.” I’m going crazy. I looked at Seamus with bewildered eyes. “Why on earth… why do you want to apply?” “Because you’re going to the BM-RP Department.” “Mhm?” I would greatly appreciate your continued support by leaving a positive rating on NU so I can continue translating this novel. Thank you.
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