(EP-221.1) #1

221 – Discovery #1

Though it might sound funny coming from me, but I had a good memory.

If not for that, I would have already exploded in this minefield of tragic endings strewn in every corner.

But.

The human mind had its limits.

Because of this, I meticulously recollected and transcribed the episodes from the novel. In other words, it could be seen as the story or timeline of the original ‘Villain Hunter’.

From trivial matters to significant ones, to word-changing events.

To exaggerate a bit, it could be likened to a book of prophecy.

Naturally, I kept that scroll hidden away in my secret safe, ensuring that no one else would lay eyes on it. Furthermore, I made sure to burn it to ashes before leaving the Angmar Kingdom.

“Theo, tell me about what is written here.”

How it came to be in Aira’s hands and in such a plausible hardcover is beyond me.

Whatever the circumstances, Aira had the records I burned.

No, the most important thing right now was not the how or the why. My attention should be on getting out of this predicament.

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

‘Good.’

As Calm Thinking got triggered, I felt my mind cool down. First, I decided to give Aira a skillful performance.

“Aira-nim, may I have a look at that?”

“Sure, as much as you like.”

Aira graciously offered the book to me. Flipping through its pages, I found familiar handwriting and content on every page.

I had to admit it.

This was my prophecy book…

Aira said.

“If you want to burn records, it is better to incinerate them at a higher temperature. Handwriting carries will, especially if it’s something important. It’s not hard to restore it.”

“So you knew that I wrote and burned these…”

“I am the Queen. I have the right and duty to know every single stone in the small town of Angmar. How could I not know about your mysterious treasure trove, Theo?”

‘I see.’

Aira seemed to know about the warehouse I had hidden in the basement.

But how and when did she find out? Perhaps when she visited my house? I couldn’t find any other explanation.

Then I calmly nodded.

“These are indeed mine. Though this packaging is a bit more colorful.”

“… Oh.”

Aira’s lips formed a circle.

“I didn’t expect you to admit it so readily.”

“I don’t dare lie in front of my lady. So, what exactly is Aira-nim curious about these records?”

“…….”

Aira slightly tilted her head to one side, as if she hadn’t expected me to just agree.

The black hair cascading down her shoulders was like a waterfall…

I couldn’t believe that I was distracted by her appearance even in this situation. Perhaps, it was because of Aira’s job, 《Flower》. Indeed, it was a powerful job effect.

Seureuk-.

Aira took the book from me and pointed to a page with her neat fingertips.

“Then, Theo. What is this ‘May Revolution’ written here?”

The May Revolution.

So she was asking about that.

I calmly explained, trying not to offend Aira.

“That is a revolution that was supposed to happen in May. If the suppression failed early on, or if there was no suppression at all, the enraged populace would have stormed the palace of Monarch City.”

“A revolution… It has a grim ring to it.”

“But it failed, so it’s a rebellion.”

“Hmm…, and as a result I would have been hanged by a single small rope, isn’t that what it says here?”

“… Yes, but it’s all useless whatif, since that time has long passed.”

“Yes, that may be so, but if you made such an important prediction, why did you keep it a secret from me?”

“That….”

If I had told the truth, who knew how wildly you would have reacted at that time.

Also, disclosing future events could lead to outcomes beyond my control, potentially resulting in the worst of the worst-case scenario.

“But Theo, you are well aware that withholding such conspiracies and events from your Queen is tantamount to treason.”

Was this where things were heading?

“And what if something as crucial as this fell into the hands of someone else, say, an old royalist dreaming of overthrowing the royal family?”

“In the end, such a thing didn’t happen, though?”

“Yes. But, there’s never a guarantee that this won’t happen. If someone like you were to fall into the hands of a threat to the royal family, it would be a great misfortune for me and the world.”

I felt like I could understand what Aira was getting at.

“So, you’re saying that you rejected my resignation for those reasons?”

“Exactly. Theo, didn’t you say it during Belmott’s rebellion? It’s better to keep a close eye on dangerous things.”

How self-serving.

She was right, though.

From Aira’s perspective, allowing someone with many variables like me to quit could pose a significant risk. Who would’ve thought that the foolish Queen was trying to personally deal with the situation.

Was the minefield not over yet?

Or was this the tragic karma manifested upon awakening as a Demon King?

Yeah, there was a possibility.

It seemed like fate was relentlessly pummeling me. Even heated iron would break if it was hammered this much.

Nevertheless…

Edited by: faker