NOVEL NEXT Episode 11: The Corruptor
Episode 11: The Corruptor
The king approached the headmaster, who was buried under a pile of debris after the marauders had been mostly subdued.
“…Gergust, I thought you were a bit smarter than this.”
“Mmph, mmph!”
“…Can’t even speak properly anymore, can you? Pitiful.”
“Mmph, mmph mmph!!”
So this water pitcher of a headmaster is named Gergust. I didn’t know that. But man, this king really knows how to taunt.
“Oh, by the way, you mentioned Almira earlier. Almira won’t move.”
“Mmph, mmph!?”
“They’re too busy keeping an eye on the orcs to deal with anything else right now.”
“Mmph, mmph mmph!?”
“What? Didn’t Gladiol inform you?”
“Mmph, mmph!!”
“Heh, looks like you were just a disposable pawn.”
“Mmph mmph mmph mmph!!”
“…If you’re human, speak like one. Fool.”
Knowing he can’t speak, the king still presses on. He’s relentless. Must have been really pissed off.
“Ah, crap.”
While listening and casting random spells, I noticed the king walking towards me. I can’t stay crouched like this. Oh, Walz is kneeling. I should follow suit.
“…Was it you?”
“No.”
““――””
“…”
“No.”
“Hmm… That’s troubling.”
“…?”
“As a king, not rewarding those who capture traitors would be unbecoming.”
“…I think it’s best to reward all those who helped subdue the marauders.”
“…I see. I’ll do that. Thank you.”
“No, it’s an honor.”
Kyle and Walz are both nervous because they know I’m lying. I know they can tell, but I won’t admit it. For the sake of a peaceful life for me, Mine-kun, and Seira. Honestly, I don’t need a reward, just leave us alone. Got it? Got it, right?
That day, the headmaster’s gang was transported and interrogated, so we disbanded for the time being. Naturally, our border count also got involved in the cleanup, and he didn’t return to the mansion until three days later.
“Thank you for saving Alt.”
“No, I acted because I saw Seira and Master Thor crying…”
“Thanks to you, many people, including His Majesty, were saved.”
“Oh, well, that part was incidental…”
“Heh, that’s just like Mine.”
I only wanted to crush the person who made Seira cry and help my close ones. Mine-kun was also furious. So everyone else was just incidental, including the king. But luckily, there were no casualties among the audience. The spirits and the audience worked really hard. Although many were injured. Still, they really caused us unnecessary trouble.
“Gergust seemed very anxious about the upcoming entrance exams.”
“And Gladiol took advantage of that?”
“Yes, but there are still some things that don’t add up.”
“What do you mean?”
“Firstly, he originally accepted the necessity of admitting commoners. Otherwise, His Majesty wouldn’t have appointed him as headmaster.”
“And then he suddenly opposed it.”
“Yes. Moreover, he was a very cautious person. Even with the deadline approaching, he wasn’t the type to push through such a reckless plan.”
Indeed, it was a very sloppy coup. Even if they managed to deal with the king, there was no clear plan for what came next. They didn’t coordinate with others either. The more you think about it, the more holes there are. It’s insane… Wait.
“…The Principality and Sean’s stupid brother were also involved with Gladiol, right?”
“Yes, and?”
“It’s also strange that the marauders snuck into the academy in broad daylight, isn’t it?”
“…What are you suggesting?”
“Could they have been manipulated through skills or magic?”
“—!”
The Principality’s invasion was strange too. Teaming up with the Theocracy, which was criticized by all countries, was a bad move. Yet the Principality’s military leaders chose that path. All because they were incited by a mere merchant.
Sean’s brother also did something risky that could have destroyed their family. Even if he was jealous of Sean, would he really take such a risk? Normally, no one would go along with it, even if incited.
The marauders were the same. There were too many fools trying to sneak in without any plan and getting caught.
If it’s just one or two people, it could be a coincidence. But if it’s everyone, then it’s a different story. It suggests that there might have been some method used to prevent rational thinking or to manipulate thoughts.
What if one of Miltia’s research projects across various locations was about skills, magic, or drugs that affect thoughts and emotions? What if they had established a method to influence the mind?
Of course, this is just a random thought. Maybe my strong association of religion and brainwashing from my previous life is affecting me. At least in the part of the original story I played, there was no scene where someone’s memory or thoughts were manipulated by skills or magic…
“Ah… there was someone like that.”
There wasn’t any explicit description, but now that I think about it, there was a character who made me wonder.
It’s the original Mine-kun. Even with a grudge against the ‘Sword Saint,’ would he really follow Gargaine? He’s part of the group that fused him with a beast, isn’t he? If it were me, I’d definitely target Gargaine and the ones who did the fusion for revenge. Wouldn’t Mine-kun feel the same? Right?
Considering Mine-kun’s strong desire for revenge against the marquis family in the original story, it’s likely that his hatred was amplified to the point where he could only see the marquis family. Of course, there’s a possibility he was gradually guided to feel that way, but if it’s due to the effect of magic or skills, a lot of things start to make sense, including the current incidents.
Another reason to kill Gladiol.
Thinking this way, it even makes me think that the king’s escape and the first prince’s murder of the king, leading to the chaotic final battle with Hartelia, might have been due to the same reason. If they were manipulated or on the verge of being controlled by Miltia, it makes the theory that Gladiol was involved in the fall of the Principality much more plausible. …Maybe I’m overthinking it?
“I see… It’s not an impossible story.”
“Really? I just said it on a whim.”
“Yes, there indeed are magic and skills that affect the mind. Though they aren’t very common. You also recently met someone with such skills, didn’t you?”
“Huh?”
“The Orc King. The [King of the Orcs] is a skill that inspires and strengthens the surrounding orcs.”
“Oh, now that you mention it.”
Inspiring them means it affects their minds. Skills like [Provocation] and magic like [Calm] do the same. So, it wouldn’t be strange if there were something that directly influences the mind.
“Assuming such things exist, at least they probably don’t have the effect of erasing memories. If they did, the name ‘Gladiol’ would also be erased from memory.”
“That’s true…”
“It’s unlikely to be drugs either. No one has mentioned such a thing.”
“So, it’s either skills or magic… I hope it’s not something anyone can use.”
“Indeed. But everyone who has behaved strangely has met Gladiol in person. It’s reasonable to think it’s a method that only he or someone close to him can use.”
“I see.”
If it were a method anyone could use, Gladiol wouldn’t need to meet them personally. This is good news. I can kill him from a distance. I don’t want to face someone who uses such magic.
…Wait, does that mean Gladiol has been coming to Hartelia frequently? The Principality can’t be relied upon. Or maybe he’s still here?
“If it’s induced, magic like [Calm] might work. I should inform His Majesty.”
“Yes, please do.”
Even if those who have already acted out return to normal, it would still be tough for them. It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be excused as ‘not their own will.’ There might be some leniency, though.
“Do you know Gladiol’s whereabouts?”
“We confirmed he met with Gergust the night before the tournament, but we don’t know where he went after that.”
Five days ago… If he traveled by carriage, he should still be in Hartelia. …No, there was a teleportation magic circle. Considering how often he went back and forth between the Principality, Gladiol must have used it too.
“Are there any places in Hartelia where Miltia could set up a teleportation magic circle?”
“A teleportation magic circle… The area around the capital would be impossible. Gathering the necessary catalysts for a teleportation magic circle requires significant funds and would be conspicuous. …Well, the eastern Count Vingul’s house has been known for its magic research for a long time. If anywhere, it would be there…”
“Oh, isn’t that…”
“Yes, about a year ago, there were rumors of them plotting a rebellion. That’s why it came to mind.”
“That’s where the Border Count once made a crater. Could that have been related to Gladiol as well? What a troublesome fellow. But if that’s the case, there’s a high chance there might be a [Transfer] magic circle there.”
“How far is it?”
“About ten days by carriage.”
“We can make it if we hurry.”
“Are you going?”
“Yes. It’s a hassle if he gets away. Well, I’ll give up if it’s a dead end.”
“In that case, take this. It’s from His Majesty.”
“Eugh.”
“Haha, don’t make such a face. I persuaded him not to make you a noble with territory.”
“Oh, that’s a relief.”
“Also, think of a family name. If you don’t, His Majesty might come up with something strange.”
“Understood.”
I shrugged as I received the insignia of a baron.
Well, at least there’s no territory involved.
Still, a family name, huh… I’m not good at that.
Maybe I’ll ask Seira to help me think of one.
“Well, I’m off then.”
“Ah, take care.”
I need to settle the score with the bastard who made my little sister cry.
Four days later, we arrived in the capital of Count Vingul’s territory in the eastern part of the Hartelia Kingdom.
I have a strong ally with me.
“Sorry for dragging you all the way out here.”
“It’s fine. If what you say is true, we can’t just ignore it.”
It’s Sasha-san.
To find the hidden magic circle, I absolutely need the help of Sasha-san, who has the [Magic Eyes].
I feel bad since the children’s entrance exams are coming up.
It was postponed by a week, so we should make it in time.
We didn’t see any sign of Gladiol on the way here.
Either he arrived before us, or he went somewhere else.
“Shall we start with the lord’s mansion?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
This capital isn’t very large.
It’s about half the size of Ortya.
If there’s a [Transfer] magic circle, it would require a lot of catalysts each time it’s used.
There shouldn’t be many facilities where such things wouldn’t be suspicious.
We’ll check those places one by one.
“…What’s that?”
“What is it?”
On the way to the lord’s mansion, Sasha-san suddenly stopped.
“There’s a strange person in that shop. Black magic is going into the mouth and ears of the person they’re talking to.”
“Ew, gross. …Black means it’s a dark attribute?”
“No, dark attribute looks like deep purple. This is something else. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Magic entering through the mouth and ears is really creepy.
But it seems likely that this person is manipulating thoughts, which means it could be Gladiol or his associates.
I don’t know why they’re there, but if it’s not a dark attribute, it must be some other special attribute?
For Sasha-san, who can see magic, to have never seen it before, it must be really rare.
“Oh…”
“What is it?”
“I just remembered some people who are knowledgeable about magic.”
The ‘Spirits’. Maybe they know something.
“Can you identify the attribute of that person in the shop?”
[[[Which one, which one?]]]
“The black one on the second floor.”
[[Oh, rare!]]
[[It’s chaos!]]
[[What’s up with him?]]
“That person manipulated the one who made Seira cry.”
[[We’ll kill him!!]]
Chaos attribute…?
It sounds dangerous, but I have no idea what kind of magic it uses.
Does it mess with your mind?
I’ve never heard of such an attribute before.
What’s going on, original author?
…Well, whatever.
If it’s rare even for Sasha-san and the ‘Spirits’, then there shouldn’t be many others who can do the same thing.
It seems dangerous, but it’s best to deal with him quickly.
The problem is how to deal with him.
I want to avoid blowing up the shop in broad daylight.
[[[Ta-ma-ya?]]]
“No, not that.”
[[[Oh, boo!]]]
Why do they like that idea so much?