The Strongest Clan’s Master Is the Weakest and Most Evil Support Class - Chapter 40

「I’ll explain the rules then」

Harold began to give us the outline of the contest as the two members of Sky Winged Knights and I sat facing each other.

「The winning condition is the subjugation of Dantalion, a Beast of depth eight, that has already crossed over. By the way, do all of you know about Dantalion?」

「It’s a Beast that can read people’s minds」

I answered Harold’s question.

「It’s just over four meters long. Among Beasts, it belongs in the medium-sized category. Its appearance is close to that of a monkey, and it has a third eye on its forehead that reads people’s minds. Also, it’s highly intelligent and understands human languages. Its personality is cunning and cruel because of that. In the past, it had even left a record of subjecting Seekers, who had failed when trying to subjugate it, to horrendous torture that lasted 10 days, and brought them to an inch of their lives. Beasts are generally violent, but Dantalion’s cruelty is the worst. If you fail during the subjugation, it’s recommended that you end it yourself while you still can. The main strategy against it is–」

「That’s enough, Mister Noel. Thank you for the explanation」

Harold interrupted my explanation and coughed lightly.

「The Beast to be subjugated is as described by Noel. Sky Winged Knights and Blue Beyond will compete in its subjugation」

「I’m not sure I understand what you mean by competing though」

Harold smiled when Leon tilted his head.

「It’s as I’ve said, Leon. After arriving there, I, who will serve as the witness, will give the signal to start, then all of you will compete over Dantalion. And the party that successfully subjugates it first is the winner」

「No, I understood that part」

Kaim, with a frown on his face, was the one who spoke.

「But, if we take you at your word, that means that we must defeat Blue Beyond before subjugating Dantalion. I’m sorry, but we aren’t murderers. Even when we were up against a band of bandits, we captured and handed them over to the military police without killing anyone. If you’re ordering us to kill each other, then we’ll give up here」

Leon nodded at Kaim’s words.

「I’m sorry for doing this when you’ve given us a chance, but we don’t kill people. This is a problem that concerns the fundamental principles of our party」

Won’t kill people, huh? They were saying some nice-sounding ideals, but it was a belief that was backed up by genuine strength. It was natural, but capturing criminals without killing them was much more difficult than killing them outright. That was true even if the opponents were small fry that were inferior in strength.

As a result, when subjugating bandits, most Seekers planned their strategies on the premise of killing them. However, Sky Winged Knights was different. Like what Kaim had said, they had never killed anyone. They had taken bandit subjugation requests a total of eight times. Some of them were for large bands of bandits, but they had captured every single one of them alive.

That noble-mindedness was undoubtedly worthy of the name, Sky Winged Knights.

「Please be at ease, both of you. I’m not ordering you to murder each other」

Harold continued to explain the rules to the two men who still looked wary.

「As long as it’s a contest, interfering with the opponent is allowed. However, killing will be deemed as a violation of the rules. I’ll be constantly monitoring the entire space within the Abyss using my Skill. Consequently, all actions will be seen through. Supposing you kill someone, it’ll be useless to try to push the blame onto the Beast. At that time, the offender’s party will be considered to have lost」

「To what extent will the interference be allowed?」

Harold responded to Leon, who had raised his hand.

「Anything other than murder will be allowed, is what I want to say, but that’s too vague, isn’t it? Then, let’s do this. If a competitor goes down, further follow-up attacks are prohibited. If you do so, you’ll be judged as having the intent to kill, and your party will be disqualified」

「Are we allowed to take them captive?」

「I’ll allow it. However, that’s only for areas where there are no Beasts around. Abandoning captives in a dangerous area will be deemed as having the intent to kill」

「Understood. Then there’s no problem」

Leon breathed a sigh of relief, then met Kaim’s eyes and smiled.

I could read what they were thinking. They were probably planning to capture us first, as soon as the test had begun. If they did that, they would then be able to concentrate on subjugating the Beast.

「Oh, let me add one more rule. Interference will only be allowed after both parties have entered the aforementioned Abyss. While outside the Abyss, any sort of interference is prohibited, and the instant this rule is violated, the offending party will be disqualified. That’s because it would defeat the purpose of this test if anyone dropped out before it even began. Personally, I would like to avoid that. Are there any questions or objections?」

While the two of them were shaking their heads, I raised my hand.

「I would like the rules for interference outside of the test to be clarified further」

「What do you mean?」

「You’ll only be monitoring us during the test, right? You can’t possibly know what we do outside of the test. The other day, I was almost assaulted by Ophelia, a member of Sky Winged Knights. Sky Winged Knights are said to have irreproachable conduct, but their true nature seems to be the same as other hooligans. I’m so fearful for my life, you know? Perhaps I might even get ambushed in the night」

As I said that with a smile, Leon stroked his chin with an awkward air.

「Noel, I’m really sorry about what happened yesterday night. We were the ones at fault. Please forgive us. We won’t cause trouble for you ever again」

「Do you think that I’ll believe such words?」

「Mmmm…… I understand, it’s exactly as you’ve said. Harold, can you do whatever Noel wishes? We will follow what he says」

With Leon giving his consent, Harold nodded.

「Now then, Noel, please tell us how you wish to clarify the rule. However, you can’t set a rule that’s obviously advantageous to you, alright? Because, even if Leon accepts it, that would make the test meaningless」

「I understand. What I want is very simple. Rather than simply prohibiting interference before the test, please make the rule『On the day of the test, all members of each respective party must be present in perfect condition』instead. If even one person is missing, regardless of the reason, the test will be suspended indefinitely until all members are present. What do you think? It’s not unfavorable to anyone, right?」

Rather than not being unfavorable, it was a rule that guaranteed the safety of everyone. There was no possible reason to refuse. When the two members of Sky Winged Knights nodded, Harold turned to me.

「Certainly, it’s a rule that isn’t unfavorable to anyone. However, indefinite deferral cannot be allowed. If the test keeps getting postponed, the Abyss will spread. I’ll only allow the test to be deferred for up to three days. If the test isn’t held within that period of time, both parties will be disqualified」

「That’s fine with me」「That’s okay for us too」

Now that the discussion had come to a conclusion, Harold surveyed all of us.

「Finally, this isn’t a rule, but a condition for taking the test. This test is a special measure. Please don’t think that it’s something that occurs frequently. Consequently, to ascertain your resolve, the loser will have to promise to dissolve their party. You’ll still be allowed to work as Seekers, but, in the name of the Seeker Guild, you will not be allowed to work together with the same members. Is that okay? If both sides are fine with it, the leaders of both parties, please sign this contract」

Harold placed a contract and a pen on the table. I signed it first. Leon discussed it with Kaim, then hesitantly wrote his name too.

「Looks like all parties are in agreement. The test will be held at noon, three days from today. The details will be formally sent to you via letter by tonight, so please respectively complete your preparations by the given date」

After Harold had announced the date of the test, Leon stood up and walked up to me.

「Noel, this may sound arrogant, but our party is far above yours in terms of strength. Thinking about it normally, your party has no chance of winning. However, it seems like you’re special. You look like you’ve the ability to overturn common sense. For that reason, I’ll definitely not let my guard down, and I’ll compete with everything I’ve got」

Leon proffered his big right hand along with his proclamation of war. When I grabbed and shook that hand, I twisted my lips unreservedly.

「Let me teach you one good thing」

「What is it?」

「The Talker Job’s intelligence modifier is top-class among all Jobs. And, as someone who ranked up into a Tactician, I can also predict the future using its excellent processing capabilities」

In actuality, I could only see about two seconds into the future. Beyond that, it would merely be a highly accurate prediction. However, I was the only Tactician in the imperial capital at the moment, so that should work well as a bluff.

「I can see it. The sight of you crying shamefully in front of me after your defeat」

Leon flinched for an instant at my provocation, but immediately smiled.

「I’m looking forward to it, Blue Beyond」

†

†

「First of all, I wonder if I should praise you for being masterful?」

The duo from Sky Winged Knights had left, leaving only Harold and me in the room. While sighing, Harold continued to complain.

「It’s a wonder that you managed to drag a righteous party like Sky Winged Knights onto the battlefield. Normally, no matter how much you schemed to use them as a stepping stone, they wouldn’t pay any heed to you. I take my hat off to your wile and chicanery. If only this didn’t exist」

Harold had a letter in his hand.

「I hadn’t expected you to go so far as to forge an official document. Certainly, against Sky Winged Knights, who were cautious about creating a clan, it might have been an effective push on their backs. But you went too far」

「Went too far? That isn’t something a person who agreed with my plan should say, you know?」

「I followed your script because it’s also beneficial to us. But I’m not going so far as to approve of you assuming the name of the Seeker Guild」

Harold was coming on strong, but as long as he was an accomplice, he probably couldn’t denounced me publicly. That was also part of my plan.

In the first place, the reason Sky Winged Knights’ application was denied, was because I had instructed Harold to do so. In order for Sky Winged Knights to become my stepping stone, they first had to be dragged into a publicly recognized battlefield. If they were assassinated underhandedly, it won’t become any sort of achievement.

In that regard, a contest with the permission to create a clan on the line, with the Seeker Guild’s inspector serving as a witness, was the ideal place to decide which of us was better, and, more than anything, it would become a hot topic of conversation.

Of course, Harold was under no obligation to follow my instructions. However, it was true that the Seeker Guild was temporarily narrowing down the clans that they were allowing to create clans.

Given the situation, it was easy to predict that without having to ask Loki to investigate. Rather than dispersing the requests, focusing on the promising clans and nurturing them would make them a valuable fighting strength in the coming decisive battle.

As a result, my proposal was a godsend to the Seeker Guild. If even Sky Winged Knights, the strongest party among B Ranks, had their clan application denied, and had to take a test, others would have no choice but to obey silently.

「Noel, you’re thinking that I have no choice but to forgive you because I’m an accomplice, aren’t you?」

「I’m indeed thinking that, but what about it?」

At my immediate reply, Harold sighed deeply.

「You’re really not cute, aren’t you? I wish you would follow in my granddaughter’s footsteps(literal: I wish you would boil the grime under my granddaughter’s nails and drink it). Then you’ll be a little bit more adorable」*(see below)

「Don’t say such filthy things. What are you going to do if I get diarrhea?」

「Nothing but impudent words……」

Harold corrected his expression and looked straight at me.

「Noel, my cooperation only goes this far. From here on, your strength as a Seeker will be tested. Certainly, if you defeat Sky Winged Knights in a contest, your assessment will need to be greatly changed. But, can you win? Taking Sky Winged Knights as a matter of course, can the you of today win against a Beast of depth eight?」

I got up from the sofa and smiled at Harold.

「I’ll win. Such fighting methods were what Over Death had taught me」

†

†

Kaim was the sub-leader of Sky Winged Knights. He was the childhood friend of the leader, Leon, and came from the same hometown. Although he wasn’t a Seeker that was as strong as Leon was, he served as the spiritual support for their party.

However, he had no friends other than his allies, and mainly seemed to enjoy drinking alone at his favorite bar in his private time. Leon was the only one who would join him. But even with that, as Leon wasn’t a strong drinker, Kaim would basically be alone most of the time.

「……What are you trying to pull?」

When I visited Kaim’s favorite bar, Kaim openly had his guard up. I ignored that, sat down beside him and ordered wine.

「Hey, I’m asking you what you’re trying to pull!」

I snorted with laughter at Kaim, who was fixing me with an intense glare.

「There’s no point in acting threatening. Don’t you remember the rules of the contest?」

「I remember. But isn’t what you’re doing an act of interference? Whatever your purpose, it’s insane for you to come to your opponent. You can’t blame me for being wary」

「Oh, did you forget the rules for interference outside of the test?『All the members of each respective party must be present in perfect condition』In other words, contact that doesn’t interfere with that is allowed」

「Did you propose that rule so that you could do this?」

He had hit the nail on the head. I had proposed that rule in order to make it so that it won’t be considered interference if I made contact, and to take away any excuse for driving me away using violence after I had done so.

「Hehehe, you’re more interesting than I had thought. Fine, whatever your intentions are, I’ll listen. Try to keep me entertained」

「I only have one aim. Kaim, betray Sky Winged Knights」

When I conveyed what I wanted, Kaim laughed out loud.

「Hahahahahaha! Are you trying to make me die of laughter!?」

「That’s not my intention. In the first place, if I killed you, I’ll have forfeited the test」

「Hu～h, so you were serious? Interesting, keep talking. What’s my reward if I do as you say? Money? Status?」

I could feel a strong will from Kaim, who was fooling around, that he would never accept no matter what kind of bargaining chip I used. Even among the members of Sky Winged Knights, the bond between Kaim and Leon, who were childhood friends, was unshakable. No matter how much I piled up things like money or status, I would probably not be able to entice him.

But, I knew what it was that Kaim wanted so badly that he could taste it.

「It’s freedom. I’ll give you freedom」

「Freedom?」

When Kaim tilted his head, I continued.

「I looked up you guys in the newspapers. Your party was applauded by all the reporters as an outstanding party. But the name that was brought up all the time was only Leon’s. While the other three names might get mentioned as well, they’re ultimately treated as garnish」

「……He’s the leader, so that’s only natural」

「You’re wrong. It’s because Leon is…… only Leon is special. That’s something that you, his childhood friend, knows best, right?」

「That is……」

「Why did you give your little brother, Leon, the title of leader? No, why did you have no choice but to do so? The answer is obvious. It’s because Leon is far superior to you」

「You…… why……」

Kaim was struck speechless by me, who even knew of their relationship of those days.

「Kaim, Sky Winged Knights is warped. If your party becomes a clan as things are, all of you will definitely not be able to keep up with Leon’s talent. I wonder how much despair awaits all of you when that happens? Do you intend to proceed without change despite that? Even if all of you work yourselves to the bone, a thankless result is all that awaits all of you. Kaim, become free. Now is the last chance for you to do so」

As I spoke to him softly, Kaim lowered his eyes.

「Certainly, it’s as you’ve said. We’re warped. Eventually, we’ll be unable to keep up with Leon. He’s a true genius. But–」

Kaim looked up slowly and made a lonely-looking smile.

「Nevertheless, I want to support him. Freedom isn’t what I want. What I want, is only for my precious little brother to succeed as a Seeker. My role as the big brother, is to support him to the end」

「Are you really okay with that?」

「Of course. Well, I suppose a kid like you probably won’t understand」

Kaim placed the money for his drinks on the table and stood up. It seemed like his mind was made up. From Kaim’s back, which was heading towards the bar’s exit, I could feel his resolve to advance down that thankless path.

But, no matter how strong his resolve was, it was meaningless in front of me.

「If you don’t betray Leon, he’ll betray you first, you know?」

Kaim stopped in his tracks and turned back to me.

「…………What did you say?」

Okay, the『third』idiot had fallen for the trap.

That’s a really gross idiom isn’t it… In case it was confusing, the phrase “boil and drink the grime under somebody’s nails” means “follow in somebody’s footsteps” in Japanese.

How did this super filthy idiom come about? It’s said to be an adaptation of an older saying that says: to become like an exceptional person, if you make a medicine by brewing and drinking even a small portion of that person, even something dirty like the grime under that person’s nails, you may become a bit similar to that person. Yes, still dirty but its meaning is that you can become better by taking a small aspect of an exceptional person and making it your own.

Anyone else though about orange peels the instant Noel said that he was going to teach Leon one good thing?

Now we know how Noel plotted to get into a contest with Sky Winged Knights but he obviously has another brewing to mess with them. Just who will betray who!? The streak of having at least one betrayal per arc looks like it’s going to continue. Next chapter is the actual test! Stay tuned!

My other works: Talker Manga, Foreigner(Ihoujin) WN and UHT.