Read Novel Full Chapter 289
Chapter 289
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Chapter 289 – An Ally Who Knows the Past
Oh, this is quite something!
This is the highest point deep within the Special Zone.
Stepping inside the house that Rad-kun called the main residence, I saw a completely different view from the one at Gorilla Mayor’s house.
Soaring ceilings, mysteriously wide staircases that gently slope, and wood that radiates an air of luxury—all distinctly different from the ordinary.
This was a noble’s home.
Personally, I still find caves more relaxing, but I decided to take note of it for future reference, letting my eyes gleam.
“A prison cell, right before my eyes… Mother, my eyes and mind have gone haywire…”
“Rad-kun, this isn’t the time for muttering to yourself. First, we need to identify it.”
“R-right. I’m ready. I’m prepared.”
“Eh…? R-Rad-sama!?”
A maid immediately appeared from the inner door when the door opened.
Glancing to the side,
“Hmm, a woman who used to bring meals. After that.”
“I see. Then, as planned.”
“Understood. I’m sorry, but gather everyone in the mansion immediately.”
“Ah, eh? Yes!”
The maid must be utterly confused.
The nobleman, the original occupant, had somehow escaped his cell and appeared here.
Even though he had been confined, his status hadn’t changed, so she had no choice but to obey.
While the maid went to summon everyone, I used Investigation and Presence Detection to track their movements within the mansion.
Once everyone had properly gathered in the lobby, Rad took a deep breath and spat out his words as if venting his feelings.
“I have returned to this house as of today. I expect I will also be inheriting the entire estate. Everyone, I ask for your support…”
His voice trailed off, but he managed to finish his sentence.
In response—
“Wh-what are you saying? This is already Ash-sama’s main residence!”
“That’s correct. Even if you say you’re returning now, Ash-sama would never permit it!”
“Compared to before the Viscount’s misfortune, things are far more prosperous now. It would be better to simply leave things as they are…”
Words of denial came one after another.
Upon closer inspection, most of them were young women, clearly chosen for their appearance.
Ultimately, it wasn’t about better treatment; Ash was simply keeping women he fancied.
And while there were quite a few men, too—
“I believe it would be best for you to continue living in your own residence, Rad-sama.”
An old man who looked like a butler wrapped it up with a single sentence, and the atmosphere didn’t allow for further discussion.
Sigh… Looks like they’re all finished.
Just as I thought that, one woman timidly opened her mouth.
“But Rad-sama is the legitimate heir, right? Doesn’t that mean this house belongs to him too? I don’t think permission is necessary.”
“Y-yes! If it was just a matter of hiding until the town calmed down, we had no choice but to accept it. But if you intend to return, it’s only natural that Rad-sama should live in this house!”
Empowered by those words, a man followed suit, expressing his agreement.
They were both among the youngest here and appeared to be about the same age as Young Lord Rad.
Even though they were all being showered with hateful glances, these kids were tough.
Even if I check with the Investigation, they will probably react as part of the Bernard gang because they used to serve Ash in this house. Investigation is really only for reference. I shouldn’t put too much faith in it.
“Rad-kun, how many were there before?”
“Three.”
“Hm?”
Looking around again, I spotted an aunt glaring fiercely at the women in the opposing camp.
Ah, so these are the three allies who escaped Ash’s purge and remember the past.
Keeping the rest around would only cause more discord. If things continue like this, Rad-kun is more likely to be killed off easily.
There’s no need to sort this out further. Let’s dismiss them here.
Nodding to Rad-kun, the planned bombshell is dropped.
“Th-those who can’t accept this are dismissed on the spot. Cyral, Anri, and Ravela-san, only you three come with me.”
The servants stared blankly at Rad for a moment. He said this and strode briskly toward the next room.
It was a statement they never expected.
Only the three called by this statement hurriedly followed his retreating back. The other servants, frozen in place, began screaming when they saw the three scrambling after him.
“Wh-what are you saying?! Ash-sama would never allow this!”
“Exactly! You’ll get yourselves killed doing something like this!”
The insults continued, seemingly oblivious to the difference in status—or rather, they were deluded into thinking that the roles had reversed and that they were favored.
The butler-like man spoke up again, his voice low and intimidating.
“Are you out of your mind?”
The four halted in terror.
I don’t intend to kill them here as long as they’re valuable, but even so, I immediately stepped between them and Rad.
This man alone is problematic.
“This is less a dismissal and more a warning. By tacitly allowing the murder of the lord and many others and continuing to shield the criminals, you’ve proven yourselves to be proper villains. Leave this mansion in ten seconds and turn yourselves in. If you choose to remain here without confessing your crimes, I’ll deem you dangerous and eliminate you myself.”
“…And you are?”
“I’m a hunter who happened to pass through this town.”
“Hmm.”
As the countdown progressed, the butler narrowed his eyes, studying my reaction.
I gave him a hint.
After all, I’m just an unarmed boy with no equipment whatsoever.
Then he’ll probably come.
“Ten seconds remaining. Execution—”
“What could a mere D-rank hunter possibly do?”
It happened in an instant.
He closed the distance in a single step and lunged to punch my gut with a burst of energy, so I grabbed his arm and twisted it.
“Huh!?”
His body rotated with the twist.
Then, he launched a sharp kick at my head. I grabbed his ankle with my free hand, and a knife shot out from the tip of his foot.
Whoa!
This old man is really pretty damn dangerous.
He’s fast and strong, too.
But that’s about it.
I’ve got him pinned anyway. If I’m careful not to wreck the house, this might work out.
Those watching my movements have already seen the black magic power.
Hiding it now would be pointless.
―Decomposition―Magic Power 500―
“Nngghhh…”
As I dissolved the ankle I was gripping with my left hand, I could feel it shrinking gradually.
Perhaps because the skin was soft, it dissolved faster than the stone I’d experimented with before.
Hmm… Could the opponent’s defense or my own intelligence be a factor?
Though it was still a developing skill, I realized that it was far more practical than using the Disappearance effect of spatial magic on moving humans, at least for causing partial damage.
Snap!
Having reached the bone, I snapped it off. Casually looking at the leg, it gradually started to look like an axe. How strange.
If you wield a weapon, you must be prepared to have it taken from you and used against you.
“…Dying from being stabbed by your own leg? That’s pretty novel, isn’t it?”
“Hii… Th-this can’t be… Ash-sama… What on earth…”
“Everyone’s already dead, you know? That’s why Rad-kun came back.”
“Huh?”
“Ah, I forgot to mention it. Sorry.”
“Gah!?”
‘You have acquired Hidden Weapon Technique Lv1.’
‘You have acquired Hidden Weapon Technique Lv2.’
‘You have acquired Hidden Weapon Technique Lv3.’
‘Assassination Technique has been unlocked.’
‘You have acquired Etiquette Lv5.’
‘You have acquired Negotiation Lv6.’
‘You have acquired Mind’s Eye Lv5.’
“And…thanks for your hard work.”
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