Extra of a Crazy World Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Colleague (2)

“Contradictory appearance?”

To Rudian’ss question, Elvin listed the contradictions he felt about Rudian.

“You’re talented enough to receive patronage from the Duke of Delphione, you know how to use magic, and you even handle a magic sword without any particular restrictions. As a swordsman, it could be said to be quite an ideal image.”

But on the surface, that’s all.

“However, your sword movements are incredibly clumsy, and while your momentum is good, your skill in handling the sword is infinitely immature.”

In Elvin’s judgment, Rudian was a terribly contradictory being.

On top of that, what made Elvin decisively suspicious of Rudian was….

“Above all, the fact that you know about the ‘Green World’ owned by our family is decisive.”

“……”

The novel <The. Chro. Seven.> that Kim Sung-jun was an avid reader of.

The Green World was one of the core items that constituted the ‘Seven-Colored World’, which was the core of the entire <The. Chro. Seven.>

The Seven-Colored World was actually one of the ‘dimensions’ that existed in the world of <The. Chro. Seven.>

But it was also a term referring to 7 ‘mythical’ artifacts that grant enormous power to the user.

“Is there a problem with knowing about the Green World?”

“Very much so. There are far more people among us who don’t know of its existence than those who do.”

The Green World is the highest secret of the Psychic Luminous.

Probably even among them, those who know of its existence wouldn’t exceed ten.

From Elvin’s standpoint, it was inevitable to be suspicious when an outsider mentioned such a top secret.

‘Well, I understand.’

In fact, as Rudian, when he directly mentioned the Green World, he encountered Maria’s deep hostility again.

As such, Elvin’s actions now were within an understandable range.

Of course, understanding didn’t mean it could be accepted.

“It doesn’t seem like much of a problem. It’s not like I’m going to steal it, right?”

Rudian slightly raised his finger.

Then one of the chairs in the room floated up, hovering.

The identity of this power is telekinesis.

The Green World is a powerful artifact that only psychics can use, but there is one more power that exists.

That is the power to make the user a psychic.

Of course, it was only at an introductory level, and subsequent growth depended on the individual, but that alone achieved Rudian’s purpose.

“It’s not like this power is particularly threatening.”

Currently, Rudian’s psychic power is just at the basic level.

To reach a level of formal usage, he would have to hone his abilities for several more years.

“Besides, I think I paid a fair price to gain this power.”

For a moment, Elvin’s expression flinched.

“Regardless of how it happened, the moment Senior Maria accepted the proposal, our contract was established.”

“That’s not the issue.”

“Then what is the issue?”

“You… know our circumstances too well.”

“……”

Despite Rudian’s silence, Elvin’s words did not end.

“And, you seem to be ‘collecting’ other abilities.”

“Collecting…”

“You took all the magic books from Viscount Beldtad’s study. At first, we yielded because it wasn’t something we needed, but I became convinced when I saw you acquire psychic powers from the Green World.”

A soft killing intent flowed from Elvin’s voice.

“That your talk of world peace is nothing but fiction, and that you are evil seeking to build power and dominate the world, just like the others.”

“No…?”

A look of bewilderment appeared on Rudian’s face.

‘He really misunderstood? And why does it flow to such a conclusion?’

Digging deeply into one path to the end could also be called the right way, but that would take too much time even for an unparalleled genius.

Within a limited time, the only effective way to prevent the numerous disasters that will befall this world is…

‘To obtain all the powers of the Seven-Colored World, like the protagonist Abel.’

If he obtained all the powers of the Seven-Colored World, Rudian could gain power equivalent to the protagonist Abel.

“I understand your suspicion, senior.”

Elvin silently glared at Rudian with his sword drawn.

“But whatever you do to me here, nothing will change.”

In a situation where everything has already been exchanged, Elvin’s actions like this are against moral principles.

Elvin is also aware of this.

“Yes… I know that what I’m doing now is wrong.”

“You know and still do it?”

“But if I leave our family and organization to be entangled in your intentions as they are, I feel that something will go terribly wrong someday.”

“……”

“I don’t know how strong your forces are, but if I can eliminate future trouble with just my life, it would be worth it.”

Rudian understood what Elvin’s words meant.

Control over the situation.

Currently, the Psychic Luminous is in a situation where they have no choice but to be led along because Rudian has presented something so significant.

Of course, Rudian had no intention of treating the Psychic Luminous as Elvin suggested.

‘The anxiety about being used and then discarded is unavoidable.’

In fact, in the original work, the Psychic Luminous was treated in a similar way.

Elvin must have sensed such anxiety implicitly from Rudian’s actions.

‘I like this guy!’

Despite having a blade at his brow, Rudian felt not displeasure but rather attraction to Elvin.

More precisely, it was the attitude that he could do anything for the organization, even if it meant taking on all the burdens himself.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Because I like you, senior.”

“What…?”

Although Elvin was dumbfounded, Rudian was serious.

“Are you mocking me? I’m thinking you might have abilities other than swordsmanship, but…”

“No, I’m not mocking you.”

Rudian was not smiling because he was truly disregarding Elvin.

“Certainly, as you’ve guessed, I am collecting abilities.”

“…!”

“But I think it’s premature to conclude that I’m evil just because of that.”

Magic, Elemental, Psionic Energy, Outer Force, Divinity, etc…

Rudian had plans to acquire all of these.

But that doesn’t mean he could do everything alone.

Even Abel, the protagonist of the original work, was only able to defeat the final boss of Chapter 4 <The. Chro. Seven.> main story after gathering many companions and helpers.

Rudian, if he were to gather companions, would have Maria as the absolute first priority.

For the second, he had marked Crux Richthofen, the Sword Saint who was one of the protagonist’s party members.

But Elvin also had sufficient talent.

Moreover, if he has such a disposition that pursues the greater good rather than personal advancement…

‘Should I try to recruit him?’

Of course, no persuasion would work now when filled with hostility, but it would be different as time passes.

“Senior.”

“What?”

“If you’re so suspicious of me, isn’t it a matter of acting together with me?”

“What are you saying now?”

Elvin’s expression changed grotesquely.

“I can simultaneously prove my innocence and my goals. If you monitor my every move, wouldn’t you get to know enough about me?”

“What…?”

Normally, the response to such words should be something like why should I go that far…

But Elvin is in a situation where he had prepared himself to die to confront Rudian.

“Anyway, I can’t surpass Senior Maria in terms of force. If I go wrong, Senior Maria will try to kill me, and the alliance will be shattered as you wish.”

It was somewhat right, and a nasal sound escaped from Elvin’s mouth.

“I have no intention of removing suspicion by doing nothing. Rather, let me show you that our alliance is a true alliance by actively moving.”

“Mmm…!”

Elvin agonized.

Having come this far, accepting such a proposal would be losing face for Elvin who had come with his own resolution.

“Wouldn’t it be better than fighting me here and ruining the alliance?”

Elvin had already crossed the line.

He has to choose only one of two options: fight and die, or accept this proposal.

‘What the hell is this guy?’

To send such a ridiculous and bold proposal.

Moreover, he’s even provoking by saying, ‘If I take actions to abandon the alliance, just cut off my head.’

After thinking for a long time, Elvin finally nodded.

“…Alright.”

‘That’s right!’

Rudian inwardly rejoiced.

He had no intention of betraying them anyway.

Rather than making the Psychic Luminous suspicious and harboring different thoughts, it was better to have Elvin observe him closely and reassure them.

“I will monitor you thoroughly. If you do anything even slightly suspicious, I will never let it pass.”

Watching Rudian 24 hours a day was something Elvin had to prepare himself for.

Well, from Rudian’s standpoint too, he had no intention of letting someone as forceful as Elvin just idle around.

Though overshadowed by Maria, Elvin’s true power was still enough to help Rudian’s plans.

‘I’ve gained a reliable companion.’

-Don’t you mean a reliable slave?

‘Hey!’

At Adi’s experienced barb, Rudian quietly reprimanded Adi, but.

His lips were still drawn into a crescent moon.

***

Luciella Delphione.

A genius who was recognized for her talent at a young age and inherited the master position of the information guild, which had been held by her grandfather, the former Duke Yugram von Delphione.

Her talent was evident not only in politics and administration but also in the path of the sword, showing tremendous genius to the extent that she reached the highest rank of Sword master before the age of twenty.

On top of that, she became a member of the imperial family by getting engaged to the 3rd Prince at the prime of her age, so from the outside, she was envied as someone living a perfect life.

That is… Only from the outside.

“Your Highness, Lady Luciella von Delphione has requested an audience.”

“…The lady?”

Although they were engaged, the voice coming from inside somehow lacked a welcoming tone.

“Bring her in.”

Luciella moved her steps toward the inner palace where the 3rd Prince was.

The 3rd Prince was staying in a small garden prepared within the imperial palace, but the problem was that the prince was not alone in that garden.

“I greet Your Highness.”

“What brings you here, Lady?”

Luciella saw a black-haired woman sitting demurely next to the 3rd Prince and stiffened her face.

Needless to say, having another woman by one’s side when meeting with a fiancée was not normal.

“G-greetings to the Lady.”

The black-haired woman hurriedly stood up and bowed as soon as she saw Luciella.

Her pure and innocent impression, with innocently shining eyes, could be called a bewitching appearance that captivates the male species itself.

She was certainly a charming woman who could enchant even the same sex, but for some reason, Luciella’s instinct was subtly showing deep rejection towards that woman.

“Aren’t you going to accept her greeting?”

At the 3rd Prince’s rebuke, Luciella finally came to her senses and gave a slight bow.

“It’s been a while, Young Lady.”

“Yes, this is our first meeting since the last ball, Lady.”

“What’s the reason for your visit during such busy times?”

The 3rd Prince quickly cut in between the two women’s conversation and asked.

“……”

For a moment, Luciella almost choked up at the 3rd Prince’s attitude.

Does a fiancée need a reason to visit her fiancé?

Even though it was an engagement made for political reasons, that was completely looking at someone as less than a stranger, let alone having minimal affection.

For a moment, a word she had uttered to someone flashed through her mind.

-In a political marriage, whether the relationship is good or bad doesn’t matter. As one born as the daughter of a Duke’s family, I simply fulfill that duty.

‘…Right, after saying such things, how could I talk about affection.’

Luciella swallowed the rising emotions deep into her heart and stated her business.

“I came to report on the murder case of Viscount Gude Belstad from last time.”

“Yes! Has there been some progress?”

The murder of a titled nobleman in the capital in the middle of the night was naturally a major incident that turned the entire imperial family upside down.

Especially if it was the head of the Seoris Union Trading Company, who even had some influence on the imperial family, the ripple effect was even greater.

But among the imperial family members, only the 3rd Prince was the one who tried to dig into the Viscount’s death while pressing so directly.

“Here is the report.”

Luciella handed a thick document to the 3rd Prince and lowered her eyes.

In this harsh political arena of the nobility, very few people actually cared about the death of Viscount Gude Belstad itself.

Most were only interested in the rights, property, and power he had possessed.

In that respect, the 3rd Prince’s attitude on the surface seemed to be a true attitude that valued human life and sought to reveal the truth before interests, but…

“Oh! It says the suspect’s description has emerged! Finally, the outline of those who harmed my father-in-law… No, your father seems to be emerging somewhat.”

“I-is that so?”

“Don’t worry. I will catch the traitors who dared to harm your father with my own hands and honor his spirit.”

My own hands…

It was information that the Information Guild, under the 3rd Prince’s orders, had refined by spending countless nights.

The information that his fiancée had worked hard to obtain was being used to make another woman smile…

‘How ridiculous.’

Luciella clenched her mouth desperately to not show her anger.

The 3rd Prince, not even noticing that Luciella was glaring at the black-haired woman, continued speaking.

“Sitri, I can do anything for you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

The black-haired woman, Sitri, the young lady of Viscount Belstad, tightly embraced the 3rd Prince right there, whether Luciella was watching or not.

“……”

Luciella watched the scene with an infinitely cold gaze.