How to Tame That Gentle Hero - Chapter 8.8

Eum remained silent. Taking this as affirmation, Zergard bit his lip deeply.

Ain was one of his favorite disciples.

Having formed a master-disciple bond not long after Ain was initiated into black magic, he was dear to Zergard. Ain had taken him as a master and dedicated himself to learning, while Zergard had nearly attained infinite mana as a black mage. Moreover, Ain’s method of offering sacrifices was relatively rational, making him a disciple Zergard was deeply attached to.

“I can’t just sit still like this.”

As Zergard spoke through gritted teeth, Eum quietly gazed at his master. He knew that as a Guild Master, Zergard sometimes acted impulsively, but he also knew that when Zergard became extremely angry, he would transform into someone extremely cold and calculating, devising plans that no one could counter.

Therefore, he didn’t think about how to dissuade his master.

“This time, I will take action personally.”

“Master…”

“Don’t think about stopping me, Eum. I will kill everyone around the Crown Prince who hasn’t received consecration.”

“….”

“It’s perfect timing since they’re preparing for the Founding Festival. If they wear processed obsidian, we can tell whether they’ve been infiltrated by black mana or not, so this plan must be fully realized before then…!”

Eum remained silent as he watched his master consumed by endless rage. Then, slowly bending his body and placing one knee on the floor, Eum looked up at him.

“Command me to do anything. If it’s Master’s order, I would jump even into fire.”

“Yes. That’s right. My top disciple, Eum Vaintel. That’s how you should be.”

Eum calmly nodded.

Among black mages, impulsive individuals often obtain infinite black mana, so an emotional personality is considered part of the criteria for being called the greatest black mage. But Eum believed it was better to remain calm and composed in any situation.

This was because many lost their lives after being scrutinized by the Crevasta Empire for not remaining calm. However, Eum was confident that he could fully utilize his temperament to escape unexpected situations without panic.

‘And I must also carry out what Master commands.’

As Eum closed his eyes, Zergard placed his hand on Eum’s head. Black mana surged from Zergard’s hand to Eum’s head. As Eum’s pupils changed from deep green to dark blue, Zergard removed his hand with a satisfied smile.

By now, Eum’s hair color had also changed to a deep gray. At a glance, it resembled Crown Prince Eldis’s silver hair, making it obvious whom he was meant to seduce.

“Eum. With this appearance, seduce Lady Resena Arnasus and make her dabble in black magic.”

Zergard curled up the corners of his mouth.

“Tell her that with black magic, she can fulfill any one wish. Whatever she desires… tell her she can even achieve the conquest of hearts. And tell her that for this, the summoning of the Demon King is absolutely necessary.”

“What if the Lady says she doesn’t need all those conditions? How do we bring her to our side then?”

At Eum’s cool-headed question, Zergard’s brow furrowed, but he soon coldly declared.

“Then take hostage what is most precious to her. Whether it’s the Duke and Duchess, or the sculptor she recently started meeting, take them hostage and tell her that if she doesn’t join our side, their lives are forfeit.”

“…Understood.”

Eum slowly rose and bowed to Zergard. Zergard’s eyes burned coldly as he quietly observed him.

In truth, he was extremely displeased with Vernas, the sculptor whom Resena had recently started meeting—a man of commoner origin whose identity was unknown. When he received reports that Resena and Vernas had kissed, his hair nearly stood on end, and both irritation and anger surged like a flood.

‘But…’

If Resena were forced to cooperate with the black mages because what was precious to her was held captive, he was confident he could turn her heart toward himself. However, there were still some concerns about revealing that he was Theseus. Even if Resena cooperated with the black mages, if she informed the Crown Prince of his identity, the guild would be immediately destroyed, so he had no intention of crossing that dangerous bridge.

“Well then, I trust you, Eum.”

“Leave it to me.”

While Eum was away, Zergard was thinking of gradually returning to his position as Guild Master. He had minimized his activities while his arm was being reattached and for stability afterward, but during that time, Eldis, who had received Resena’s advice, had been exponentially reducing the number of black mages… If they didn’t increase the number of black mages now, it would greatly hinder their plans to sacrifice the empire in the future.

“….”

After watching Eum leave, Zergard sat in the Guild Master’s chair. Sitting in this soft yet comfortable chair meant he had to repeatedly make decisions about the future course of the black mages. Although Eum was reliable, they had suffered an absolute blow to their numbers during his absence. Because of this, it was fair to say there was no leader of black mages as capable as himself.

“…Resena.”

The corners of Zergard’s mouth curled upward. Knowing that Resena was also attracted to Crown Prince Eldis, he had no doubt that she would respond to a man with hair and eye colors similar to Eldis’s. Although he thought her response might be slow because she didn’t know his heart, that was something Eum could address by approaching her.

“…I await you becoming one of us.”

Zergard quietly closed his eyes.

The pitiful sight of her crying while looking at him was still vivid beyond his vision.

“Resena…”

A soft sigh fell in the middle of the office.

Knowing his heart, yet not knowing it simultaneously.

But if she completely joined their side, it wouldn’t be difficult to seduce her afterward.

The indifferent sun was steadily shining its vibrant light through the window and onto the scenery beyond.

***

“I heard Lady Resena Arnasus led a delegation to stop Amarast’s war preparations.”

“Yes, I heard that too. She even commanded in battle, didn’t she? It’s hard to believe.”

“My goodness… To command at the forefront against black mages… It’s truly remarkable.”

“Everyone used to think she would cause major incidents because of her impulsive temperament, but now she’s changed to such a calm personality and even earned merit… I guess people really do mature and change with age.”

The gentlemen who were listening to the ladies’ words also nodded with serious expressions. Marquis Erigo, who was standing next to his wife, spoke up.

“That seems right. The Lady Arnasus, who came to my wife’s tea part,y had none of that fierce temperament from before. Rather, she appeared calm and level-headed. Seeing that, I thought that the Arnasus family had chosen their successor well.”

“That’s right. Previously, everyone avoided her because of her verbal and physical abuse toward maids and her aggressive pursuit of Crown Prince Eldis, but now she’s showing behavior befitting an heir. As a host, I also had a conversation with Lady Arnasus, and I felt we communicated quite well.”

Moreover, the Marquis added to his wife’s words.

“I also felt that her skill in managing the merchant guild has improved further. Thanks to her eloquence, the conversation was never boring for a moment, and the Duchess Arnasus beside her looked pleased. It was truly impressive.”

“I’m envious. The Arnasus ducal family is so fortunate. How could Lady Arnasus suddenly transform into such a perfect successor right when they needed one… Truly, they must be blessed by the main god. I wish I had such an heir.”

The ladies and gentlemen murmured among themselves.

Then Countess Seramel, the hostess, raised her glass and said.

“Actually, Lady Arnasus has agreed to attend my tea party in celebration of her achievements. If you wait just a little while, you’ll all be able to see the Lady Arnasus, everyone is so eager to meet.”

Count Seramel continued beside her.

“And not only that, you’ll also be able to see Alken Rawley, the young lord who earned merit by eliminating high-ranking black mages. Ah, now that he’s received a title, I should call him Viscount Alken Rawley. Hoho, it’s truly remarkable!”