Chapter 1296
One day prior.
"Wait, what? Are you serious?"
Dorian leaped to his feet, his face a mask of pure disbelief.
"Why on earth am I the one who has to play the part of this enlightened sage!"
He bugged his eyes out, silently demanding to know why the spotlight was being shoved onto him instead of Raon.
"I’m against this as well!"
Martha barked, stomping her foot as she rose abruptly.
"That idiot is far too much of a coward for this!"
She scowled, certain that Dorian’s nerves would get the better of him and ruin the entire plan.
"I have my reservations too."
Burren admitted, narrowing his eyes while tossing more wood onto the flickering campfire.
"I believe in Dorian's heart, but the targets we’re trying to trick are incredibly perceptive individuals."
He voiced his dissent, worried that the gravity of the mission was too heavy for Dorian to carry.
"I actually think he'll be alright..."
Unexpectedly, Runaan spoke up in Dorian's defense.
"He is capable of doing a good job."
She gave a slow, deliberate nod, showing her quiet faith in him.
"Why, why are you saying that! Please, take my side and oppose this!"
Dorian shook his head frantically at Runaan, begging her not to place any trust in him.
"Hmm..."
"I-I really am worried, though..."
"Yeah. It feels like a guaranteed disaster..."
"Who knows? If the Palace Master picked him, maybe there's a chance it works out!"
The swordsmen of the Light Wind Palace also looked skeptical, their brows furrowed. They cared for Dorian, but they had zero confidence in his ability to pull off such a high-stakes deception.
"Urgh..."
Krein let out a pained, sympathetic groan while watching Dorian tremble in terror.
"B-but really, why did you pick Dorian for this?"
As Dorian’s closest companion, Krein seemed genuinely distressed for his friend.
"Because Dorian possesses the Mind's Eye."
Raon responded with a calm, steady nod.
"There isn't a single person better at deciphering human psychology than Dorian. In all honesty, even I can't match him in that regard."
Because of Dorian's naturally timid disposition, he had spent his life meticulously reading the expressions of others to anticipate their needs. Now that he had mastered the Mind's Eye, it was no exaggeration to say he could peer directly into a person's soul.
"Dorian. You truly know what everyone is thinking, don't you?"
Raon shifted his focus to Dorian, gesturing slightly with his chin.
"Th-that's..."
Dorian faltered, biting his lip as he struggled to find an answer.
"Am I wrong?"
Raon lifted his wooden teacup, his gaze pressing for a confession.
"Sigh..."
Dorian met Raon’s eyes and let out a long, weary breath.
"Y-yes. I could read people to a degree with the Mind's Eye before, but after the Authority of <Gluttony> grew more potent, it changed. It’s almost as if I can see their very thoughts laid bare."
He confessed with a nod, confirming Raon’s suspicion that he could perceive the inner workings of others' minds in vivid detail.
"Th-then you've been eavesdropping on all our thoughts this whole time?"
Burren’s face flushed deep red as he glared at Dorian.
"You little brat! You’ve been reading my mind?"
Martha raised a clenched fist, looking ready to pummel Dorian on the spot.
"N-no, it's not like that..."
"You’ve seen everything we're thinking?"
"That is a terrifying power!"
"Dorian knows my secrets..."
The Light Wind Palace swordsmen began to chatter nervously, their jaws dropping as they realized the sheer scope of Dorian's ability. They shifted uncomfortably, eyes darting around as if trying to hide their private reflections from his gaze.
"I-it doesn't just happen automatically!"
Dorian shook his head violently to clear the air.
"I have to focus my spirit intensely, just like when I’m using a sword technique. I don't even try to read people's thoughts under normal circumstances!"
He explained with a frown, clarifying that it required deliberate concentration and a direct gaze to work.
-Oh!
Wrath let out a brief, surprised exclamation.
-It appears the <Gluttony> Authority that bag-boy inherited has mutated into a hoarding instinct, leading him to collect the thoughts of others as well!
The demon clicked his tongue, noting how strangely the Demon King’s power had manifested in this case.
"A-anyway, I just can't do it!"
Dorian rushed toward Raon and dropped to his knees in a plea.
"Even if I can see what they're thinking, actually lying to them is too much for me!"
He clung to Raon’s ankle, claiming his tongue would be paralyzed by sheer fright.
"I'll just whisper their thoughts to you from the shadows! Please take the lead, Young Master!"
In his desperation to escape the role, Dorian reverted to calling Raon "Young Master," just as he had during their days as trainees.
"No. You have to be the face of this so it's easier for me to operate from the background."
Raon remained unmoved, shaking his head to signal there was no room for negotiation.
-Think this through!
Wrath wrinkled his nose in distaste while staring at Dorian.
-That bag-boy is such a yellow-bellied coward that he will surely crumble and ruin everything halfway through!
The demon snorted, absolutely certain it was a bad idea.
'I don't believe so.'
Raon disagreed silently.
"Dorian. You are..."
He started to offer some encouragement to the sniveling Dorian.
"Hey!"
Krein walked up and firmly gripped Dorian's shoulder.
"You can pull this off!"
He hauled Dorian up, forcing him to let go of Raon’s leg.
"How much longer are you going to stay hidden in the background? Every now and then, you need to step up and be the lead!"
Krein bit his lip and delivered a powerful, encouraging slap to Dorian's back.
"Uh..."
Dorian stared at Krein, seemingly too stunned by the impact to even feel the sting.
"I’ll be right there to help you! Give it a shot!"
Krein held Dorian's shoulders steady with both hands.
"Show everyone that the Light Wind Palace isn't just about the Sword Emperor, the Celestial Rain Star, Miss Rakshasa, the Full Moon Fairy, and the one-and-only Krein!"
He nodded firmly, insisting that this was Dorian's moment to evolve.
"One-and-only Krein... Urgh..."
Dorian looked into Krein’s earnest eyes, and the tremors that had been rippling through his body began to subside.
"O-okay. I'll give it a try."
He clenched his jaw tight, resolving to attempt the mission even if the fear killed him.
"I-I'll do it! Truthfully, I'm terrified, but I'll do it!"
Dorian turned back to Raon and gave a heavy, determined nod.
"...Very well."
Raon swallowed the advice he had prepared and allowed a small, satisfied smile to play on his lips.
"Then everyone, listen up. The mission begins in the Winten Kingdom. We will establish ourselves there and expand our reach."
He rolled out a map and began explaining the strategy he had coordinated with the Shadow Agents and the Black Market to the assembled swordsmen.
-Hey. But...
Wrath squinted his eyes, looking genuinely puzzled.
-How did you even realize that bag-boy's Mind's Eye had evolved like that?
The demon shook his head, baffled that he had missed such a development.
'It was obvious.'
Raon clicked his tongue as if the answer were trivial.
'Every time I had one of our ridiculous arguments, Dorian's face would go pale.'
Whenever Wrath would whine about being hungry or wanting to stop training to eat, and Raon would have to pacify him, Dorian looked like he’d seen a ghost. Since he could sense Wrath’s presence, he must have perceived the Great Monarch of Wrath as nothing more than a bratty, self-centered child.
-Wait... Wh-what?
Upon hearing this, Wrath’s eyes widened in shock.
-G-go strike that man on the head this instant!
He shook Raon’s shoulder frantically, demanding immediate action.
-I am the magnificent and exalted Monarch of the Devildom! The number of mortals who know such embarrassing secrets must not be allowed to grow!
Wrath shrieked, unable to stomach the idea of his demonic dignity being tarnished.
'Yeah, you're a bit late for that.'
Raon brushed the clinging demon aside and smirked.
'It's about time the world learns just how ridiculous the Demon King actually is.'
-N-noooooo!
"A holy sage?"
"He knows all secrets?"
"Oh, please! He's clearly a swindler!"
"Exactly. He’ll probably start hawking fake medicine once he’s gathered a crowd."
The citizens of the Winten Kingdom mocked Dorian, treating him like a common street performer.
"A sage, you say?"
Still, as is human nature, one middle-aged man couldn't resist his curiosity and stepped toward Dorian.
Clang!
Burren and Martha instantly crossed their spear and greatsword, barring the man's path.
"Gah!"
The man stumbled back, his eyes wide with fear at the overwhelming pressure they radiated.
"How dare you!"
"Keep your distance from the sage!"
Burren and Martha shouted with fury, playing the roles of Dorian’s fiercely loyal protectors to perfection.
"...Let him come forward."
When Dorian gave a calm wave of his hand, Burren and Martha retracted their massive weapons with surgical precision and stepped aside.
"U-uh, well..."
The middle-aged man stood up awkwardly, bowing his head slightly in a flustered greeting.
"Hey, Mallon! Get away from there!"
"He doesn't look like a normal person..."
"Mallon! Just give it up and come back!"
The onlookers were shaken by the martial skill Burren and Martha had displayed. No longer mocking, they nervously urged the man, Mallon, to retreat.
"U-um, I am..."
"It seems your son's ailment is not improving."
Dorian stroked his chin slowly, speaking as if he already knew the weight on Mallon’s heart without a single word being exchanged.
"Huh? H-how could you possibly know...?"
Mallon’s jaw dropped, his confusion turning into pure shock.
"How did he know that?"
"R-right. Mallon isn't anyone special, just a small-town merchant..."
"I didn't even know his son was ill..."
"I-is he actually a sage?"
The crowd behind him began to murmur excitedly, their skepticism rapidly turning into awe.
"Take this and ensure your son receives it three times a day."
Dorian reached into his bag and produced a remedy crafted by the Ragged Saint, handing it to Mallon.
"By this time tomorrow, his coughing and abdominal pain will have vanished."
"Th-thank you so much. But, what is the cost...?"
Mallon took the medicine but hesitated, clearly worried about the price.
"When your son is fully restored... simply return and offer your thanks."
Dorian dismissed the concern with a serene gesture, looking every bit the part of a selfless, enlightened master.
"Th-thank you!"
Mallon prostrated himself until his forehead touched the earth, then abandoned his business and bolted toward his home.
"U-um, excuse me..."
A young woman, having watched Mallon’s departure, timidly approached Dorian.
"It seems you are struggling to conceive a child."
Dorian immediately identified her source of grief and gave a knowing nod.
"What? Oh, yes!"
The woman clasped her hands together as if praying to a deity.
"I've tried everything they say is supposed to help, but I've had no luck..."
"Take this, steep it, and drink it. Joyful news will reach you soon."
Dorian pulled a vial of brown powder and some dried herbs from his bag and offered them to her.
"Th-thank you! I will most certainly return!"
The woman bowed deeply, promising to visit the moment she found out she was pregnant, and hurried away.
"S-Sage!"
This time, a young man dropped to his knees without hesitation.
"My father recently—"
"The stolen items will be recovered shortly. They will find their way back on their own, so you need only wait."
Dorian waved him off calmly, telling him his worries were over.
"Y-you mean the thief will be caught! I understand!"
The young man bowed low, resolving to wait exactly as the sage instructed.
"U-um, please, look at me!"
"Sage! I have a burden as well!"
"There is a sick mother at my home, and her condition..."
"Please, help us!"
The citizens of Winten, who had been watching with bated breath, suddenly swarmed toward Dorian as if a floodgate had opened.
"Halt!"
"Wait your turn!"
Burren and Martha shifted into disciplined stances, their weapons held out to manage the crowd that was rushing in like a tide of ants.
"......"
Dorian slowly closed and then opened his eyes, acting as though this chaos was perfectly expected, and began listening to the endless stream of problems.
"Oh."
An elegantly dressed elderly gentleman let out a soft sound of approval.
"He's actually quite gifted at this."
He smiled, looking genuinely impressed by Dorian's performance.
"The Light Wind Palace. No, I had heard he was the biggest coward in all of Zieghart..."
An old woman in simple, loose-fitting clothes let out a sigh of her own.
"It seems we’ll have to revise our market's records."
She smiled gently, noting that Dorian’s profile would need a significant update.
"He truly is."
Raon nodded, agreeing with the elderly man and the woman.
"He is performing far better than I had dared to hope."
Despite their initial anxiety, Dorian was reading the crowd's emotions with a serene gaze and offering seamless solutions. To an outsider, it really did look like a divine sage had descended upon them.
-Huh...
Wrath blinked, looking genuinely stunned.
-That coward, that wallet—no, that guy whose name I can never quite recall—he’s actually doing something impressive!
Though the demon still struggled with Dorian’s name, he gave a mental round of applause for the performance.
"Since Dorian is handling his part so well, you two will need to put in quite a bit of effort as well."
Raon bowed slightly toward Federick, who was disguised as the elderly gentleman, and Roseline, the Black Market leader disguised as the old woman, expressing his gratitude for their future cooperation.
Since people's most common worries revolved around health, Raon had enlisted Federick. For more complex problems requiring specific data, he had secured the aid of the Black Market.
Dorian was simply the bridge who read their thoughts and gave the "divine" advice; the actual heavy lifting of solving the problems fell on Raon and these two experts.
"I suppose I should earn my keep every once in a while."
The Ragged Saint Federick chuckled, treating the task as a form of community service.
"Whatever you require."
Roseline offered a sophisticated smile, indicating she was prepared to handle even more demanding tasks.
"Now that the foundation is solid..."
Raon rubbed his hands together, his eyes sharpening.
"We just have to wait for the fish to bite."
The legend of Sage Doraen—the persona Dorian was inhabiting—spread like wildfire, moving through the Winten Kingdom and into the neighboring lands.
Mallon’s son made a miraculous recovery, the young bride soon found herself expecting, and the thief was apprehended, resulting in the return of all the stolen goods.
Every single word Sage Doraen uttered came to pass. Before long, the people of Winten were treating Dorian as if he were a living god walked among them.
"U-um, please, hear my plea!"
"Save my family!"
"Great Sage!"
People from beyond the borders of Winten joined the locals, creating a massive sea of humanity surrounding Dorian. However, thanks to the presence of Burren and Martha, the crowd remained orderly and respectful.
"The sage is right up there, isn't he?"
"Of course! He hasn't even slept, he’s been listening to our problems day and night!"
"Not even a King would show such devotion. He is truly incredible."
"The King? Don't compare him to a ruler blinded by his nobles! That man is a deity! A living god!"
People stood on their tiptoes, stretching their necks just to catch a glimpse of Sage Doraen.
"Out of the way!"
"Move, you filthy peasants!"
Suddenly, the sounds of violence and clouds of dust erupted from the back of the crowd.
Thwack!
Knights clad in shimmering silver armor began beating the people in line with their scabbards to clear a path.
"Count Asak is coming through!"
"Everyone, on your knees!"
The knights forced the citizens aside, carving a path directly to where Dorian sat.
"So, you are the one..."
Behind the wall of knights, a middle-aged man with a slick, greasy mustache looked down at Dorian from atop his horse.
"Are you the charlatan who’s been brainwashing the commoners?"
He sneered, clearly viewing the rumors of Dorian’s divinity with utter contempt.
'Here we go.'
Hidden within the crowd that had been shoved aside by the knights, Raon’s eyes glinted with a sharp, red light.
'The first target has arrived.'
