Volume 5 Chapter 58, Part 2 To Deceive the Enemy, First Deceive Your Allies
"If the core doesn't change, actions can be manipulated to some extent with tension and relaxation."
"Tension and relaxation?"
"Yes. When a tense person encounters a situation where doubts are cleared, that's when they are most off guard. A true professional in that field would definitely escape. Choosing an ordinary person as an assassin was their downfall."
Randy looked down at the man who was unconscious.
"Moreover, the person they were wary of as 'might get caught' has captured someone completely different. 'They couldn't see through it at all, should I go pay respects to that fool?' That's about it."
At Randy's words, Airen and Rolf were left speechless, looking at the captured servant.
The reason they could only search for the brainwashed individuals under the surface until now was due to the danger of not being able to catch them all at once.
If they let them escape, they wouldn't know what kind of moves would come next.
In a situation where they were already on the defensive, Airen and the others were trying to make the best possible move.
Randy and the others turned that situation around.
Claiming they could see through the brainwashing, they boldly captured the servants inside the castle, provoking their agitation and escalating the commotion.
As a result, not only Rolf and Airen but also the main target, who had let their guard down, was drawn in as the *quality of the uproar changed* as they wished.
"That's right... you, no, *Victor*──"
Cedric, who seemed mixed with relief and exasperation, looked at Randy with narrowed eyes, saying, "Father says 'Victor is terrifying.'"
"I can't believe tyou turned the situation in their favor like that."
"It's not that big of a deal."
"But it's just as you envisioned."
As Cedric said, this place truly belonged to Randy and Harrison, who were Victor.
By the way, Cedric was experiencing a headache over the fact that Liz and Ellie were casually getting in on it.
"Well, it just means *our method* worked well."
Randy shrugged, emphasizing that it was like luring a beast using himself as bait, something he usually did.
"But only a fool would do that."
Randy frowned at Harrison's harsh evaluation, saying, "You're on my side, right?"
The atmosphere felt loose, but Cedric looked at Rolf to break it.
"Your Excellency... as the representative of the group──"
"I don't mind."
Rolf shook his head and looked at Randy.
"Victor... I owe you one. Thank you."
Randy shook his head at Rolf, saying, "It's too early for thanks."
"First, break the brainwashing and give them a surprise."
Ellie nodded at Randy's wicked smile and crouched down to observe the men for a while...
"Hmm. It's a bit clumsy, but... it's mental manipulation using a chant. It's a technique too advanced for the physical types to discern... but for me, it's child's play."
...Ellie snickered and snapped her fingers.
From the 3 fallen bodies, black mist rose and vanished.
At the same time, the 3 of them regained consciousness, saying, "Ugh...?"
"Where is this?"
A woman shook off her headache, and Airen asked her, "Do you understand?"
"Lady Airen... it seems I've been having a strange dream."
The woman spoke about how an uncontrollable hatred suddenly arose towards the Marquis Waldner family one day.
She continued to tell herself that she was only serving them with a false front to dispel this hatred.
"When did that start?"
In response to Rolf's question, the woman thought for a moment and said, "I think I have a diary."
Airen followed the woman, while Miranda exchanged glances with Cedric before trailing after Airen.
Meanwhile, Rolf sent the male steward to fetch the daily records.
While waiting for the woman and the steward, Rolf was also questioning the two remaining men, who, like the earlier woman, said that a hatred had arisen after a certain day.
By the time they figured that out, the woman returned breathless with the diary in hand.
What was written there was just ordinary daily life...
"It starts from this day."
...As the woman said, from a certain day, the diary's content had changed into grievances against the Marquis family.
"Why is this happening...?"
The woman covering her face, but Airen and the others focused on the unusual date.
"Father──"
"Yeah."
Rolf, who received the diary from the steward, nodded and closed the diary, saying, "The day the Veritas merchant guild came to greet us."
Rolf compared the 3 who were brainwashed and nodded again, saying, "I see."
"Each one is a guide, a server, and a receiver for sample delivery..."
Randy called out to Rolf, who was clenching his fist.
"It seems that merchant guild is rather shady."
"Those guys even call themselves [Truth (Veritas)] in ancient magic language."
With a look of disbelief, Ellie provoked Rolf, saying, "They are mocking us."
"Interesting."
Randy called out to Rolf again, who was clenching his fist and wearing a fierce smile.
This time with a mischievous grin...
"So, shall we go?"
Rolf was momentarily surprised by Randy's mischievous smile, and Airen exclaimed, "Huh? Going?"
"Of course. We are going to *crush* that merchant guild."
"A-Are we going now?"
"Yes. Immediate action is Victor's rule."
Rolf returned Randy's smile with one of his own.
"Good. Victor. I really like you guys."
"Me too. Let's definitely do a joint exercise next time. Our people will be happy."
It was the moment when the two monsters and their respective groups confirmed their alliance.
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