I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain Chapter 238

The beastfolk had dark brown fur with streaks of stripes. He was clad in plate armor covering his entire body except for his head, and looked even bulkier than Charlotte. His vertically slit, bright yellow eyes stared directly at Ian. Though his face was expressionless, Ian, who had spent considerable ti with beastfolk, imdiately sensed that the beastman’s gaze was far from friendly.

"This is Sir Palr, His Excellency’s bodyguard knight," Spello said politely.

Ian noticed Spello’s mannerisms seed oddly natural around Charlotte, likely because he was accustod to seeing beastfolk frequently.

Regardless, Ian had no mory of this Palr character from the ga. He must have been an additional underling since this beca a reality.

"Pleased to et you," Ian said nonchalantly.

Palr gave a slight nod and then glanced toward the driver’s seat before looking back at Ian.

Ah, he noticed the cut tail. And he knows I’m the one who did it.

Ian smirked internally, eting Palr’s gaze. He was more curious about Charlotte’s reaction to encountering a fellow beastfolk, who was now a minion of the corrupted one. Sensing the awkward atmosphere between Ian and Palr, Spello cleared his throat briefly. He probably had no idea why Palr was acting that way.

"Um... His Excellency invites the esteed guests to the mansion. Sir Palr here has co to escort you."

As the group exchanged glances, Ian, who nodded casually, looked at Spello.

"Will you be coming along as well?"

"Just to the front of the mansion. Since I’ve been escorting you, it’s only right that I see you off until the very end."

"And then you’ll return here?"

"Yes. I have a report to write. I have heard many things, you see."

"Then just head back to the castle. Sir Palr here should be more than sufficient as our guide."

Ian, having spoken, locked eyes with Palr’s yellow ones. "Isn’t that right?"

"Of course... it is," Palr replied, hesitating slightly.

His low voice naturally carried a hint of a growl, betraying his reluctance to show respect to Ian. Of course, it had no effect on Ian.

"Excellent. Stand next to the driver’s seat." Smiling as he spoke, Ian reached out and opened the small window near the driver’s seat.

He glanced at Charlotte, who was intently watching Palr.

"Leading us is Sir Charlotte’s responsibility."

"...." Charlotte t his gaze.

Ian raised one corner of his mouth slightly. "Can you take charge of Sir Palr?"

Seemingly understanding the underlying ssage, Charlotte’s eyes montarily darkened.

"Of course." She nodded, almost gratefully, before turning her gaze back to Palr.

Palr, slightly twitching his brow, silently turned his horse. They were clearly aware of each other, but no words were exchanged.

Well, they’ll figure it out on their own.

While Ian thought, Spello bowed toward them.

"It has been an honor to escort you."

"You’ve done well, Sir Spello. Just one piece of advice...." Ian spoke nonchalantly, trailing off.

Spello leaned in, as if to catch every word. Ian added in a low voice, "Until you finish writing your report, don’t go outside."

Spello looked at him in confusion, but Ian rely closed the carriage window without further explanation. The carriage started moving imdiately, heading down the main road. As Spello watched Palr and the carriage disappear, he muttered to himself.

"Don’t go outside...?"

A sense of foreboding swept over him belatedly. It crossed his mind that the reason they had co might be entirely different from what he had imagined.

"Surely not...."

His hand, which was about to whip the reins, hesitated. Finally, clicking his tongue, he turned the horse toward the castle, deciding to follow Ian’s advice. The matter was out of his hands, anyway. Getting involved in matters between superiors wouldn’t change anything, and he would likely end up as collateral damage, like an innocent bystander getting hurt in a fight.

Instead, he focused on the report he would soon be writing. If he recorded the achievents of the church’s saint envoy and purifiers heroically, the Great Church would surely recognize his report. As the author of such a notable record, his na would be etched into history as well.

***

The Duke’s mansion was located on the outskirts of the city. High walls surrounded the garden, and two guards stood at the main gate. They appeared to be the only ard soldiers present. The garden was barren, with only black soil remaining, and the mansion itself looked desolate and faded.

The carriage soon ca to a halt. As Charlotte opened the door, the group disembarked one by one, with Ian being the last to exit. Charlotte and Thesaya stood on either side, with v and Philip opposite them, forming a pathway. As Ian stepped down, he saw the person who had co to greet them.

I didn’t expect him to co out himself.

Though it was an unfamiliar face, he was certain it was Duke Kralen. To confirm this, Palr, who had dismounted, was already approaching him from behind.

"...." Ian stopped, and a knight standing to the Duke’s right stepped forward as if he had been waiting. The knight appeared to be around thirty and was likely Sir Valoy, the Duke’s last close aide. He raised his head slightly and began to speak.

"May I introduce the rightful ruler of Racliffe, appointed by the late emperor, master of the Blue Fleet—"

Ian paid no attention to Valoy, focusing instead on the Duke. The Duke looked nothing like Ian rembered. He wasn’t the grotesque, half-mad figure from before. Instead, he had a stern expression and a robust physique, dressed in an elegant navy uniform.

Overall, he seed more like a knight than a mage. The only hint of magic was the large obsidian ring on his middle finger. Despite being near old age, he looked no different from a middle-aged man.

He was said to be obsessed with immortality. Looks like his efforts weren’t entirely in vain.

Valoy finished his introduction and stepped back. Charlotte moved to stand beside Ian, and the group gathered behind him.

"Allow to introduce...."

I really wish we could skip this part.

Sighing inwardly, Ian took in the sight of the Duke and his minions. The spellcaster from earlier was not present, likely busy with preparations inside the mansion.

Regardless, Ian couldn’t sense any magical presence from the Duke. The knights emitted faint waves, but they didn’t feel tainted. They were likely equipped with magical artifacts or enchanted weapons.

"—The savior of Lu Sard, the purifier of the plague, and the superhuman, Sir Ian Hope."

With the introduction complete, Charlotte stepped back. The Duke, who had been listening with a faint smile, kneeled respectfully.

"First, I must express my gratitude, Agent of the Saint and the purifiers of the church. I have heard of your deeds. Racliffe owes you a great debt. Glory to the Radiant Light."

His tone and expression were sincere and dignified. He did not seem wary of the group. It wasn’t surprising. The higher the rank of a corrupted one, the better they were at disguising their true nature.

However, the two knights behind the Duke were not as composed. They appeared to be diligently fulfilling their roles, but the wariness in their eyes was sharp. Their masks were not as thick as the Duke’s.

Ian smiled calmly. "I gladly accept your gratitude. It’s an honor to be welcod so personally."

"I regret having to welco you in such a state. This mansion was once much more beautiful, but it couldn’t escape that dreadful curse." The Duke responded matter-of-factly.

Ian’s gaze shifted past him, toward the half-open gate beyond. His neck prickled slightly as his Intuition sent a warning.

So, this is the den of a mage.

Even as he thought this, Ian shook his head. "I like the quiet. It’s fine."

"You are generous. Let’s go inside. I have many things to discuss with the Dragon Slayer of the North, whom I have only heard of in rumors." The Duke gestured toward the door and turned to lead the way.

Ian followed him into the mansion without hesitation.

"Follow upstairs."

The Duke’s two bodyguard knights naturally fell in step behind him. Charlotte and Thesaya walked behind them, never taking their eyes off the knights.

Ian, however, paid no mind to this. The Duke wouldn’t reveal his true nature before learning their purpose. Instead, Ian ticulously observed the desolate interior of the mansion. There was no sense of corrupted magic, but the overall atmosphere was ominous. There were a few people around, just a few servants were visible.

As they entered a corridor, the Duke spoke. "Due to the chaotic situation, I must apologize for the state of things."

"I understand. It’s a ti when there aren’t enough hands to restore the city and purify the surroundings."

"Indeed. Your insight is impressive."

I would have used the sa excuse.

Ian responded with a smile. The current situation must be a paradise for the Duke. He could conduct his sinister research freely while maintaining public support. Enchanting the mansion’s servants was likely a trivial task for him.

They soon arrived in a spacious reception room. Originally, it might have been decorated with various ornants, but now it only contained a large rectangular table and chairs.

"Due to the urgency, the preparations are inadequate. Please, have a seat."

The Duke pointed to the end of the table. There were two pewter goblets on either side of Ian’s designated seat. A pewter wine bottle sat in the center, emitting a subtle grape scent. Ian looked across the table as he sat down.

Behind the chair that was obviously the Duke’s seat stood a middle-aged man with a hood pulled low over his face. It was the mage Matthias, whom Ian had seen earlier. His calm expression indicated that all preparations were complete.

Did they set up a magic circuit under our seats?

In any case, the entire mansion is likely enchanted. They might have taken this opportunity to refine it further. The possibilities are endless.

As Ian thought, Thesaya and Charlotte sat down opposite each other. They were the only ones to sit. v and Philip stood behind Ian.

"I prepared wine first as I wanted to talk, but if you wish, I can have the al brought out imdiately."

As a servant moved around, filling glasses, the Duke spoke to Ian, who sat across from him. The Duke was the only one seated on his side, with his three minions standing behind him.

"That’s fine. I had a light snack on the way here," Ian said, raising his glass.

Thesaya and Charlotte didn’t touch their glasses.

Ian, of course, would have done the sa if his resistance were lower. However, his immunity to poisons and diseases was truly superhuman. He could process most toxins without experiencing any pain.

Ian smiled as he took a sip of the wine. "It’s quite good."

"I’m glad it suits your taste. It’s a wine from Tessen. Perhaps a wine you may never get to taste again," the Duke said, taking a sip himself, then leaning slightly forward with a smile.

"I have many questions to ask, but I believe it’s proper to address our guest’s business first. That should make other conversations easier, don’t you agree?"

Ian matched his smile. "You are right."

"So, what brings the saint envoy to seek out, accompanied by the purifiers of the Church?"

Ian glanced at the servant standing in the corner. "First, it would be best to have everyone leave the room."

"That’s easily done. Leave us, and make sure no one approaches." The Duke imdiately complied.

The servant bowed and left the room. As the door closed, a peculiar silence settled over the room. Ian took another sip of wine before speaking.

"Your existence is a necessary evil." Although relaxed and calm, his tone was noticeably different from before.

The smile that had been on the Duke’s lips stiffened. "A necessary evil?"

"It ans you are an essential figure to face the inevitable darkness. Only then will the coming dawn be more radiant."

The Duke’s eyes narrowed slightly, but Ian continued without concern.

"But if that darkness cannot fulfill its role, the new dawn will be dimd, wouldn’t you agree?"