The Male Lead Is the Villain, and I'm the Only One Who Knows - Chapter 50

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Male Lead’s True Identity is the Hidden Mastermind, Which Only I Know — Episode 50
“Your soul is remarkably clear. I’m certain Rataniel will welcome you warmly as well.”
“Oh, actually we’re not here to join the Cult. We came to meet Josh Natwell. Would that be possible?”
“Of course. I am Saha, a humble servant to the great Rataniel.”
Saha offered his hand with a warm smile, introducing himself simply. Was he asking for a handshake?
But before I could even raise my hand, Dayad beat me to it.
He seized Saha’s hand as if snatching it away, then twisted his mouth into a crooked grin and pumped their joined grip up and down vigorously.
“We don’t have time for leisurely introductions. Just take us to where Josh Natwell is.”
“A knight, I see. I understand you’re busy. I’ll show you right away.”
Even at Dayad’s rudeness, Saha didn’t bat an eye. Instead, he gazed calmly at the Imperial Knight Order insignia pinned to Dayad’s uniform and nodded slowly.
“He might just be a good person. Don’t be like that.”
“What are you talking about? Ever seen a cult member who wasn’t crooked? Especially those pitch-black eyes of his—something’s off about them. Repulsive.”
Uneasy at his words, I tried to reason with him, but Dayad let out a cold laugh and answered carelessly. Fat lot of good that would do.
“This way, please. There’s a forest behind us, so many people don’t know about this place.”
Saha guided us toward the Cult Building behind the tent. It was a building that appeared immediately after passing through a single wooded path, and given the broad grounds and unexpectedly large scale, I found myself wondering: how had I never noticed this before?
As I glanced ahead at Saha leading the way, I quietly slipped my hand out of Dayad’s grip.
“Dayad, you go back. I’ll handle this alone.”
“Already bewitched? You’re talking nonsense.”
The moment my words left my mouth, Dayad grabbed my hand again. He held it so tight I couldn’t shake free that blood stopped flowing to my fingers. The man was nothing if not extreme.
Seeing he wouldn’t let go until he was certain of my safety, I sighed and spoke.
“I can’t explain in detail, but I have the strength to protect myself. Just not you. So go and find out what you can about this place.”
At my pleading look, Dayad squeezed his eyes shut as if he couldn’t resist. Then, with a sigh, he asked slowly.
“…Just one thing. Does this strength of yours protect you from your hyperventilation syndrome too? What if there are lots of people inside?”
“Looking at how no one’s been going in and out of the Cult Building since we arrived, it should be fine. Even just here, it’s quiet and…”
As we turned onto the path behind the tent, the noise from outside was cut off as if by a blade. In front of the empty courtyard stood nothing but perfect silence—not a single bird dared fly near.
It was an entirely different world from the noisy, bustling marketplace behind us.
“Are you both all right?”
When we stopped moving, Saha turned back and asked with concern. Dayad clicked his tongue and leaned close to my ear.
“Thirty minutes. If you don’t come out by then, I can’t guarantee that bastard’s life.”
“It’s rather unbecoming for an Imperial Knight to say that about a virtuous subject of the realm.”
“Virtue can freeze to death.”
I let out a soft laugh and gave his shoulder a light pat. Dayad turned away with visible reluctance.
“I’ll go in alone. I’m the only one here with business to discuss with him.”
“Very well.”
Saha, who had been watching Dayad depart, nodded indifferently at my words.
“Mr. Natwell is on the second floor. Please, this way.”
He led me into the Infirmary within the building.
Knock, knock.
Josh, dressed in a faded coat and old square glasses, was hurrying between beds checking IV drips when he startled at the sound and turned toward us.
“Grandfather, it’s me—Rene. What are you doing here?”
I quickly assessed his condition and hastened into the room. At my question, Josh rubbed his bleary eyes and adjusted his glasses.
“Oh goodness, I didn’t recognize you at first. Can’t you tell? I’m volunteering. Are you ill and came to be seen?”
“I came to pick up the medicinal herbs you’ve been keeping for me. Since I haven’t been here in a while, I was hoping to acquire some rare materials if you have them.”
At my words, Josh shook his head, his lips pressed thin with regret.
“…I can’t right now. They’ve all gone to caring for the patients here. Come back in a few weeks.”
“You don’t have any? None at all?”
This I hadn’t anticipated.
‘What should I do? Ask Evan to help? Abuse of power or whatever—should I try once?’
As I was pondering, Saha, who had drawn near without my noticing, interjected softly.
“If I may be so bold as to ask—might you tell me what you need? We have a variety of medicinal materials here, so please feel free to speak.”
“Well, that is…”
At his warm voice and gentle words, I began to speak without thinking, then hesitated.
…Would it be all right to accept his help?
So far nothing unusual had happened, Josh seemed perfectly fine, and everyone here looked like ordinary patients.
Besides, telling him wouldn’t change anything anyway.
‘Am I overthinking this? Then again, there’s no guarantee every new cult has been corrupted by dark forces.’
And looking at that harmless face… hmm. I suppose my worry was excessive. I opened up and told Saha what I needed.
“I need Winterproof Flowers, which only grow in the Northern Region. If possible, about three blooms… I’ll pay triple market price, so please, I’m begging you.”
“Mm. I’ll search for them. It won’t take long, so please wait a moment.”
Saha glanced at Josh, then left the room with a courteous smile.
The moment he vanished, I turned back to Josh. He was treating the patients in silence, but his hands were…….
…why were they shaking like that?
“Grandfather, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”
His hands trembled as he wrapped the patient’s wound with a bandage. Startled, I rushed forward and grabbed the back of his hand.
“Rene, you……!”
“Yes?”
“What are you doing here?!”
His sudden roar caught me off guard, my mouth falling open. What—why was he angry all of a sudden?!
“Why, why are you like this?”
“Leave. Now. Before he comes back—hurry!”
“But that’s—”
Then Josh exhaled sharply and staggered. The bandage and metal scissors he was holding clattered to the floor and rolled across it.
As I bent to steady him, Josh whispered something chilling into my ear.
“I saw it… I saw that demon dragging children away…! So leave. Please, go!”
“What? Wait—if that’s true, you’re in danger too. We need to leave together!”
“I can’t, Rene. I can’t… it’s already begun.”
Already begun? What has? As I stared at him with a troubled expression, Josh rolled up the hem of his trousers with darkened eyes.
His exposed ankle was blackened, a strange discoloration creeping steadily upward.
“What—what is this?”
“The mark of Sorcery. He cast a Curse to keep us from leaving this place. Though even without it, escape would be impossible.”
In that moment, clarity struck. Only then could I sense it—the fortress-like Barrier enveloping the building.
‘A Concealment Barrier. The building is invisible from outside.’
Ah, so that’s why no one ever came this way.
I flexed my hands a few times, trying to draw up my Mana, then opened them. I felt nothing.
‘Such a delicate Sorcery that even a mage like me couldn’t detect it.’
A grotesque Concealment Barrier that swallowed all presence and Magical Power—this was the exclusive trademark of Tarrant mages.
‘Impossible. All the Tarrant mages should be dead except for Chahil?’
If someone had survived, it was dangerous. There had to be a reason they’d hidden themselves this long and conducted this Cult operation.
I needed to inform Evan of this immediately….
“Grandfather, I’ll save you—give me the rare medicinal herbs you keep stashed in the storage room. Deal?”
“This bastard is still making deals in a situation like this. Deal.”
First, I had to get out of here!

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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