The Hero’s Party Members Treat Me Well for Some Reason - Chapter 74



Imperial Expedition (8)

A series of murders has occurred in the neighboring territory.

Surprisingly, it is said that the puppet master is behind it.

From here, I was able to gather a few additional facts.

First, the puppet master moved first.

Second, the puppet master is likely nearby.

And third.

“It seems the serial killer has already been caught?”

“Yes, that’s correct. A guard on patrol at night witnessed the scene and apprehended him.”

Right, since we have the killer’s identity, they must have confirmed that he was brainwashed as well.

To verify brainwashing, a clergyman must approach first.

“This is serious… we should have caught him before he moved.”

“Indeed.”

The faces of the party members stiffen slightly. It seems the fact that he moved and caused damage all around is a painful blow.

But my thoughts were somewhat different.

‘Well… it doesn’t seem like such a bad situation.’

Of course, it’s not good. I would say it’s mediocre.

If I were the puppet master, I would have moved as late as possible.

Hiding as much as I could in the human realm, completely brainwashing the powerful, sowing discord and political strife among them.

I would have slowly and steadily created chaos throughout the human realm.

Meanwhile, preparing a major strike from the center.

But to move already?

It’s too trivial to be a major strike, and too quick for the plan to be complete.

Thus, I made a cautious deduction.

‘Could it be… that they are anxious?’

All around, the guards are watching with keen eyes, and the clergyman is conducting brainwashing verification under the guise of a blessing. Moreover, this is not happening in just one territory, but throughout the entire empire.

From their perspective, it wouldn’t be strange to be discovered at any moment.

So before getting caught, I strike first.

‘Hmm.’

This much was predictable behavior from the guy.

Of course, I can’t be sure if this reasoning is entirely correct.

It could be a baseless delusion, or there might be something I’ve missed.

But considering the psychology of the guy I’ve observed for 999 cycles…

He would rather attack first than be caught like this.

This situation is remarkably similar to that time in the game.

As I was thinking this, the messenger continued speaking.

“Thanks to you, there’s chaos in the territory right now. All the high-ranking officials are coming, and it’s a mess.”

“Specifically, who has come?”

Camilla asked the messenger. After a moment of contemplation, the messenger continued.

“Well… Lord Farell, Lady Jess, and Sir Bali McGuff.”

“Excuse me?”

“What!?”

“Is that really true??”

At the messenger’s words, the eyes of three party members widened in surprise. It was the reactions of Ulysses, Lily, and Camilla.

In a way, they looked even more shocked than when they heard about the puppet organization.

And it was understandable. The names mentioned were famous and deeply connected to them.

I had heard those names dozens, if not hundreds, of times while playing the game.

The vice-captain of the paladins, the master of the Yellow Mage Tower, and the sword master of the Empire.

They were among the top-tier powerhouses in the Empire, or rather, in the human realm.

All gathered in one place in the territory.

*

“It’s really bustling.”

“…Well, with that many people, it’s to be expected. The attendants must be swarming too.”

As I spoke, Lily replied with a hint of tension in her voice.

As soon as we arrived at the neighboring territory, my impression was that it was chaotic.

Perhaps due to the news of the puppet organization, the city was crowded with various related personnel. Starting with the attendants of high-ranking officials, followed by their disciples and the Empire’s inspectors.

“Right, while patrolling at night, you witnessed a murder scene and caught them on-site?”

“Yes! That’s right!”

“Well, but I heard that there were already seven more victims before this. What was the security team doing all this time?”

“I’m, I’m sorry!”

“Calm down. I’m just curious. It’s great that you caught the culprit. I just want to record the details of what happened…”

Thanks to that, the poor security team was sweating profusely.

They were probably thinking of just patrolling and enjoying an easy time as usual, but with the higher-ups showing up, it must have been chaotic for them.

It was a pity to see, but there was nothing I could do.

If things hadn’t blown up here, the soldiers from the Biklon territory would have been the ones to be interrogated by the investigators.

‘Hmm, wait a second?’

As I thought that, I suddenly realized that the situation was unfolding in my favor.

‘Come to think of it, it’s a sweet deal, isn’t it?’

The Biklon territory and this territory are interconnected. In other words, it means that the puppet state would inevitably have to pass through the Biklon territory to get here.

And I had turned Biklon into a puppet through incitement and fabrication, while here, an actual puppet had been discovered.

Their paths are closely linked.

What does that mean?

People might think, “Oh, the puppet state brainwashed Biklon while passing through.”

Thanks to that, my lie could become even more solid.

“Looks like everyone is gathered here.”

While I was having such thoughts, I found myself arriving at my destination. It was the detention center where the alleged murderer was locked up.

Perhaps because he was an important person, many people had gathered around him.

Clunk.

“Hmm?”

“Oh?”

In the atmosphere that was underlined with seriousness, even the slightest sound of the door closing drew attention.

As we entered, numerous gazes converged on us. Among them were some who recognized us and showed expressions of interest.

Included among them were the three strongest individuals I mentioned earlier.

“Looks like I’m finally meeting a famous figure.”

As the awkward silence continued, someone broke it and approached me. It was an elderly man with a kind impression wearing a yellow robe.

Fortunately, I recognized him.

My gaze naturally fell on the floating level above his head.

“Nice to meet you. I am Jess Cuban.”

The master of the yellow magic tower located in the Empire.

And a formidable level 82. Two levels higher than me.

Considering that even a one-level difference at high levels is significant, he was quite the monster.

“Nice to meet you.”

I activated my rogue mode and clasped his outstretched hand. It was a rather rude gesture, and I was probably under a curse as well, yet he didn’t seem particularly displeased.

“Haha, speaking of which, you had quite the splendid time messing with the red magic tower last time, didn’t you? I enjoyed seeing the red tower master’s sour expression thanks to you!”

He even showed a cheerful demeanor. It seemed that, being rivals, that memory had left a strong impression on him.

Having observed this, I made a brief assessment of him.

‘What a slippery old man.’

He was fundamentally someone who walked around with a thick skin.

It seemed genuine that he was pleased about messing with the red magic tower, but beyond that, I couldn’t read him.

Still, since he appeared as a good-natured character in the game, I felt somewhat reassured…

With that thought in mind, I asked him.

“Did you come to catch the puppet master as well?”

“Indeed. I have a personal curiosity about him. You know, in a way, he is my senior.”

It was a somewhat misleading statement, but not entirely incorrect.

The puppet master, Net, specializes in lightning magic among the various types of magic. From the perspective of the yellow magic tower master, who primarily deals with thunder attributes, it was only natural to be interested.

Anyway, I had finished my greeting with this old man, and I turned my gaze away.

Behind Jess, I noticed a handsome young man with blue hair. As our eyes met, he bowed his head in greeting.

“…Nice to meet you.”

His humble demeanor was contradicted by the level floating above his head, which was anything but humble.

[Lv 79]

Farell Douglas.

The next leader of the Sun Knights affiliated with the church. His level was slightly lower than mine, but his abilities were not to be underestimated.

After all, he was the youngest among the strongest contenders. At most, he was in his mid to late twenties. If I hadn’t possessed the Celestial Body skill, he might have been the most talented one.

Considering the church’s substantial support, his future was undoubtedly promising.

“It’s been a while, Farell. What brings you here?”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Saint. Lady Ennen guided me here.”

While Jess wore a mask, this guy seemed to have little interest in me. No, it was more like he was trying to ignore me as much as possible.

Talking about it would only sour his mood, so he was trying to erase it from his mind as much as possible.

It was bitter, but honestly, this was easier for me too.

So I decided to just let him talk to the saintess.

“Long time no see, Lord Top!”

“Oh, Lily! It’s been a while!”

Similarly, Jess was also taken care of by Lily.

Next came the next person.

I didn’t even need to look for him.

Thud, thud, thud.

After exchanging greetings with the two, as I took a moment to rest, someone walked toward me.

Clad in full plate armor, with a great sword on his back that was taller than me. Despite being in his mid-fifties, he exuded an overwhelming presence.

I knew him well. He was someone I had cooperated with dozens of times in the game and had sparred against just as many.

The number floating above his head flickered intensely.

[Lv 87]

Bali McGuff.

The Empire’s Swordmaster. Commander of the Demon Realm Resistance.

A living legend who had built dozens of lines of history on his own.

The undisputed strongest of humanity looked at me and spoke.

“So, you are the hero. Not exactly thrilled to meet you.”

It already seemed like it wouldn’t be a pleasant encounter.