I Became A Third-Rate Villain In The Hero Academy
chapter-311

The woman spoke briefly, focusing on the essentials.

From her childhood, working alongside Langkter, she had naturally come to understand his preferred way of conversation.

As the woman finished her story, Langkter twisted the corners of his mouth.

"There's no crazier bastard than this. His motive is so obvious it's hard to believe."

The woman observed the movements of Langkter's facial muscles and the trembling of his throat, then closed her mouth.

It was a long-held realization. Right now, he wanted to keep talking.

And sure enough, Langkter immediately continued.

"If he had wanted to report on a mission conducted with the Practitioners, he would have come alone quietly. But visiting with his sponsor, Isabella? Moreover, the guy is a hot-blooded teenager from a highly renowned noble family."

"......"

"So, the only option left is that he came to attempt to draw the Holy Sword."

Instead of answering, the woman slowly nodded her head.

Langkter raised one corner of his mouth in a rotten smile.

"It's been a while since I've seen something entertaining. He's probably caught up in the belief that he's the best in the world right now. I'm looking forward to seeing his high shoulders slump."

Langkter muttered, "What kind of item does he think..." before instructing the woman.

"But the opponent is Isabella, who's probably nurturing a thousand snakes in her belly. Moreover, Theo Lyn Waldeurk recently wiped out the Magic City.

Don't let your guard down and keep monitoring to gather information."

"Yes, I understand. I will instruct as such."

"You can leave now."

"Understood."

Creak- Thud.

The woman left the room, closing the door behind her.

Langkter, with a rotten smile, fiddled with his chin for a while, then said,

"Hmm, this isn't the time. I should quickly inform [Turning White]. If it's news about Theo Lyn Waldeurk, they would welcome it with open arms."

He began to write something on a piece of paper with a pen.

After completing the document, Langkter sank back into his chair and murmured.

"Huhuhu, things are getting interesting. It'll be the first time to see Isabella in a state of panic."

Having an eye for talent is crucial for a saintess, and this would be a significant stain on her career.

Isabella has never failed before, making it all the more devastating.

However, what was more important to Langkter at the moment was the anticipation of seeing Isabella panic.

He had often clashed with Isabella, whether professionally or in everyday situations, and had never won once.

"That b*tch, she thinks she can see right through people's hearts... Finally, I'll be able to confirm that even she can be wrong."

Langkter laughed wickedly for a long time.

The next day, in the morning, the carriage carrying Theo and his companions arrived at the Holy Kingdom.

They passed through the largest main entrance among the numerous gates. Billy and Mike leaned out of the window to check the scenery and cheered.

"Wow, I've lived in the Holy Kingdom for years, but I've never seen this view before."

"Right. The bastards at the top of the Order always said we shouldn't be seen, so they never let us come here."

Adrienne struck with a pointed remark.

"But you two still snuck out occasionally, didn't you?"

Britney added.

"Yeah, Billy, Mike! Do you know how much trouble you caused us?"

Billy and Mike responded.

"But we've never made it this far. We were caught by the paladins in less than 30 minutes every time."

"It's still a mystery how they caught us. Don't they sleep or sh*t? They even followed us at 3 AM."

Sara narrowed her eyes and said.

"Most people in the Order don't even know we exist. Is Langkter that meticulous? We were probably under surveillance 24/7. There might even have been eavesdropping magic at our lodgings."

Though Sara intended to highlight the meticulousness and scariness of the Order's upper echelons, Billy and Mike took it differently.

"Wow... that's kind of cool. It means we're much more dangerous and important than the paladin leaders."

"It feels like we've become dark heroes from a novel. Despite being closely watched and oppressed, we still stylishly complete the Order's missions... Awesome."

"......"

Adrienne, Britney, and Sara just shook their heads.

Then, Taylor spoke up.

"Hahaha, what an interesting conversation. It seems we've arrived in front of the cathedral. Everyone should get ready to disembark."

Billy and Mike answered simultaneously.

"Yes."

The two boys disembarked from the carriage.

Billy and Mike liked Taylor.

The biggest reason was that he treated them well.

Another reason was his ability to maintain composure and humor at all times, like a successful man.

Isabella maintained a neutral expression as she observed the scene. Her mind was continuously printing out the inner thoughts of those around her.

'...This man named Taylor has mastered the art of winning people over. Even his attitude is thoroughly calculated and learned.'

Among the people she had encountered, Taylor reminded her of Archbishop Langkter.

Langkter also had a very good reputation among people, but he simply calculated and acted in the most optimal way to win people's favor.

From Isabella's experience, such people are the most frightening.

'...It's a relief, I guess. At least he doesn't intend to harm Theo.'

If there's a chance, I should tell Theo that-

With that thought, Isabella stepped down from the carriage.

The Cathedral at the Order's Headquarters.

There are many cathedrals within the headquarters of the Order.

Some are large, and some are small. Their sizes vary.

The Cathedral is not on the larger side.

There are at least ten cathedrals within the headquarters that have a larger interior space and can accommodate more followers than the Cathedral.

However, everyone on the continent refers to this one place as the Cathedral.

The reason is simple. It's because the Holy Sword is embedded here.

The Holy Sword holds significant meaning within the Order.

"Archbishop Langkter, please enter!"

Following the priest's announcement, Langkter revealed himself inside the Cathedral.

He had a warm smile, completely different from when he was speaking with the woman yesterday.

Langkter bowed his head in greeting to the Cathedral priests and other members of the Order who were already seated.

"It's been a while, everyone. I'm Langkter, a faithful servant of the great Renimid. Greetings."

Members of the Order of lower rank than Langkter looked confused as they rose from their seats to bow to him, while a few of higher rank nodded their heads without getting up.

Though not spoken aloud, people had the thought, 'Ah, those heavy-ass bastards. It should be Langkter standing above them instead.'

Langkter took a seat at the front of the Cathedral. It was a spot implicitly reserved for the top echelon of the Order.

A middle-aged Bishop sitting next to him grumbled.

"Look, Langkter, it's fine to manage your image, but don't overdo it. It just makes people have a worse perception of us."

Langkter, without changing his expression and with a warm smile, responded.

"Ah, yes. It's hard to stop doing it even though I know I should. It's become a habit since I was young to greet others this way, hahaha."

"How did someone who can't even break such a troublesome habit become an Archbishop at such a young age? Anyway, do it moderately. I'm tired of hearing the commoners gossip about how all the old Archbishops are as*holes."

"Ah, I couldn't even imagine such a thing happening. I'm sorry. I'll try to improve."

Langkter's apologetic demeanor seemed to have a magical power to soften even the most venomous person.

The middle-aged Bishop clicked his tongue and looked away.

"Fine... It looks like you arrived just in time."

"May I ask what you mean by that?"

"The First Saintess passed through the main gate not long ago. She should be arriving soon."

True to his word, not long after, Isabella and her companions appeared in the Cathedral.

At that moment, everyone in the Cathedral turned their attention to Isabella.

Even though she lived at the Order's headquarters, her presence was not something people could easily witness.

Isabella, still wearing her wide-brimmed hat, did not look around. She just walked forward, looking ahead.

As the interest in her faded, people began to look at her companions.

"Wow... Is that boy Theo Lyn Waldeurk? He indeed has the appearance befitting a hero."

"He's really handsome. If a boy like him became a knight of the Order, he could make a name for himself even among other races."

Langkter nodded as well. Even he, with his critical eye, found no fault in Theo's appearance; he looked like a flawless statue.

'Who are the other companions... Huh...?'

Langkter's pupils shook as if an earthquake had hit.

'Those guys... Why are they here now? What's this...?'

In front of him were Practitioners who should have been dead.

With a smirk, the Practitioners, as if they had agreed beforehand, smiled with one corner of their mouth raised upon making eye contact with Langkter.