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Translator: Vine
Chapter Title: The Round Table
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The Round Table.
In that solemn gathering of countless villains, the man with the red mohawk, Hitchman, who sat directly opposite me, was throwing a tantrum.
Well, it wasn't a bad way to inject some urgency into a dull meeting. Besides, watching this kind of spectacle was always the most entertaining part.
The problem was, he was throwing his tantrum *at me*.
"No, let's all think about this," the redhead said, shrugging. "Where are we? This is where S-rank villains, each leading their own organization, gather, isn't it? So how does it make sense for an A-rank villain like *him* to be here?"
The redhead said this with a shrug. A few people turned to look in my direction, wondering what was suddenly happening.
Towards the redhead, who was speaking about me, I simply offered a quiet smile without any reply.
Why?
"You scoundrel!"
Because Atlas, my old man, was stepping in for me.
Atlas slammed his fist down on the Round Table and practically rose to his feet, exploding in rage as he bellowed at the man.
"Your mouth is just a hole for spouting nonsense! How dare you utter such outrageous insults about a friend of Atlas? You scoundrel!"
"...Oh, come on. Did I say anything wrong?"
"ROAR!"
Old man Atlas was now half-risen from his chair, looking ready to pound the redhead. His shouting was so loud that his curses seemed to pierce through the translation magic, almost audible in their original language.
Hitchman, still with his arms crossed, sneered back at him, but it was clear he was a bit flustered. He probably hadn't expected Atlas to intervene.
...Seriously, I'd been whispering and chatting with Atlas even while sitting here; had he really not noticed? Anyway, just as Atlas was about to summon a spear and fight—
"Enough."
Celeste's clear voice, from the far end of the Round Table, suddenly rang out.
"...In a sacred meeting, violence is never permissible. Everyone, please calm yourselves."
"....Hmph, tch."
"...."
A white, spherical barrier formed around the Round Table, separating the two.
Atlas clicked his tongue roughly and sat back down, while Hitchman sat with his chin propped on his hand, looking displeased.
...Well, it finally ended with Celeste's intervention. Phew. What was all that fuss about, out of nowhere?
The guy with the red mohawk, in particular, still seemed to be in a foul mood, probably because things hadn't gone according to his plan. Still, he didn't seem to have the guts to challenge Atlas, who possessed the power to attack cities worldwide simultaneously, so he just clicked his tongue and remained silent.
Hmm, this is why it pays to have connections.
With their sudden spat concluded, the atmosphere around the Round Table could have become awkward due to the unexpected incident... but everyone seemed uninterested, and introductions continued as if nothing had happened.
As expected of such jaded and seasoned villains, they didn't seem to care much even when something erupted. Perhaps they were all just accustomed to this kind of chaotic mess.
Anyway, the meeting continued smoothly in that manner, but with one difference: a few subtle gazes had turned my way. More precisely, they were the kind of looks that said, "Who is that guy, and why is he friends with Atlas?"
Atlas. Though he looked like an old man, he was, in reality, among the strongest even within this galaxy of villains. For him to get angry on my behalf, they must have been curious about our relationship. Especially since I was only an A-rank.
This was troublesome. I hadn't expected to draw this kind of attention starting today. ...No, on the contrary, now that things have come to this...?
Of course, whether I thought this or not, Celeste, the convener of this meeting, didn't spare me another glance after that. Well, Atlas had recommended me in the first place, so she must have known we were close.
In any case, the introductions, which had begun with Celeste, eventually circled back to the short-haired blonde knight sitting right beside her.
"...My name is Arthur. I am the leader of the Seven Heavens Knights."
The man finished his brief introduction. His armor was noticeable, but there were so many more outlandish outfits here that few paid him much attention.
However, I alone paid attention to him. Arthur. The leader of the Seven-something, but simply put, he was Celeste's subordinate. The Seven was, after all, a subordinate organization of Celeste's Aetheria Alliance. You could tell just by the fact that he was sitting next to Celeste.
For reference, it's easy to mistake that man's ability as combat-related because of his knightly attire, including his armor... but that's actually a disguise. He possesses a much more unique ability.
It's the ability to gauge an opponent's threat level. Or rather, their strength. This ability immediately made him Celeste's core subordinate. Celeste's purpose for this meeting probably included assessing the threat levels of the other villains present.
Of course, for weak and harmless me, it was nothing to worry about. What kind of evaluation would I get with just teleportation or telekinesis... black tentacles? It wouldn't be strange to be treated as a C-rank. Therefore, Celeste wouldn't pay any attention to me today, so if I wanted to exert influence, I'd have to run my mouth in a different way later.
Just as I was having those thoughts, the introductions finally came full circle, returning to Celeste.
"I am Celeste, leader of Aetheria. And the convener of this meeting, the Cathedral."
She, who had stated what everyone already knew, then continued in a voice that exuded divinity.
"...Now that introductions are complete."
—Now, I shall begin the main agenda, which is also the reason I established this gathering.
Celeste began her explanation in her clear, refreshing, yet sacred voice.
The Cathedral. A gathering where all villains meet periodically.
The fundamental principle of this meeting was for everyone to share at least one piece of valuable intelligence they possessed.
Everyone here managed an organization and, with many ears listening, would possess diverse information. Whether it was the Hero Association's movements, information on supernatural abilities, or government and international affairs—they were to share any useful intelligence.
Just like the Hero Association, with its branches in each country flexibly sharing information, the idea was for villains to also gather and share intelligence.
At her explanation, everyone nodded in understanding and agreement. As individuals who influenced not just a single city but entire nations and continents, they all appreciated the value of information.
In other words, this meeting was beneficial for everyone. Although one had to reveal a piece of valuable information, they could gain dozens in return. Furthermore, Celeste's management ensured a certain level of information quality. Continuously providing low-quality information would result in expulsion from the meeting.
Anyway, the atmosphere was one of agreement with Celeste's explanation. She then clarified that while they would proceed with the information sharing session today, for this time only, it was acceptable to pass if one had no information to disclose.
She then began to reveal a piece of information she had prepared.
"Everyone. You are all aware of the fact that the number of superhumans worldwide is gradually increasing."
At her words, several people nodded. Well, it was a fact that even the news reported.
And then, Celeste revealed a shocking piece of intelligence.
"As a result, the International Hero Association, finding its hero supply more abundant than before, plans to dispatch S-rank heroes from major hero nations like the United States to other countries. Everyone, please exercise extreme caution."
At her words, the villains' expressions hardened. There was an air of disbelief that the U.S., which had been extremely reluctant to allow its heroes to leave the country, would do such a thing. However, since Celeste had shared it, they couldn't simply disbelieve her, so their faces merely stiffened.
Of course, I, who already knew this, felt no particular emotion. Anyway, they wouldn't dispatch anyone to Korea just because of that. All I needed to do was deal with Stardust.
Anyway, after disclosing her information, Celeste then asked everyone to take turns and reveal any intelligence they might have.
The majority simply passed. Well, they probably figured there was no need to reveal anything today, so they'd do it next time. They weren't prepared either. Still, a few did share information they knew. Even those were short, simple, and speculative.
In the meantime, my turn was drawing near. And. I hesitated slightly.
Originally, I hadn't intended to step forward on the first day. I'd simply planned to quietly pass.
But then.
"..."
I looked at the red mohawk, who was still acting all cocky. ...Hmm, I've already drawn aggro because of that guy anyway. Wouldn't it be fine to just go for it?
And so, my turn came. I decided to step up. Yeah. Well, securing influence is better sooner rather than later. I even have a sacrificial lamb. That redhead, Hitchman or whatever his name is, he's going to die in three months anyway, right?
"Hmm..."
After a brief silence, I opened my mouth.
"This is just something I heard, but it concerns Germany, in Europe."
I began. The redhead, hearing talk of Germany where he lived, turned his head, showing interest.
In that state, I continued, smiling slightly.
"There are rumors of a major incident brewing in Germany. I'd advise caution if you plan to go there for a while."
After saying that, I subtly turned my head towards the redhead.
"...Especially those who live in Germany. Please be extra careful." Then, facing the man whose eyes met mine, I repeated, with a smiling face and a smirk:
"Because you never know what tragic event might occur within the next three months, do you?"
It was a clear provocation, spoken with a sneer towards him. The redhead didn't remain silent in response.
"You bastard! Are you daring to threaten me?"
He slammed his fist on the table. Not to be outdone, Atlas also slammed the table and stepped forward.
"You scoundrel! Is he picking a fight even when he offers advice now?"
The fight that was about to erupt again was mediated by Celeste, who sighed and intervened once more. Hitchman eventually sat back down, still glaring in my direction, his face as red as his hair. Of course, I simply ignored him with a smile.
Well, that worked out. That guy wouldn't believe my words anyway, and he'd die in that incident in three months, so there was nothing more to worry about.
My turn passed, and just like before, everyone seemed largely uninterested in the recent commotion. They simply viewed it as another typical villainous power struggle. ...Of course, if that guy dies in that incident in three months, who knows what they'll think then.
Still, from anyone's perspective, his death would have no connection to me, so they couldn't accuse me of killing him just because I mentioned it.
However, they would certainly find it strange. How did I know that would happen? Of course, they might think it was just a lucky guess... but they might also suspect that I had actually taken some action.
Even though it would clearly seem unrelated, there might still be the suspicion that I had played some elaborate trick.
And that suspicion would make me seem more threatening.
Yes. This is the way of the weak. Making others mistake me for a dangerous individual. Packaging myself to appear stronger than I actually am.
And our redhead here is the sacrificial lamb. Well, I won't actually do anything, so maybe that's not quite right. Though others might not think so.
While I was having these thoughts, the information-sharing session came to an end. With Celeste's final words about meeting again in four months, the gathering disbanded.
Everyone rose from their seats and returned down the corridor they had come from. On the way, the redhead glared at me again, but I just ignored him with a smile, as usual. This would be the last time I'd see him in person. Live well, for the next three months.
"Hmph. That strange fellow probably made things a bit awkward for you, but it was a pretty good meeting overall. Especially your last provocation, it was excellent! It really cleared my head. Hahahaha!"
"Haha, thank you for your help. I was almost in a tough spot, but thanks to you, Lord Atlas, I managed to shake him off."
"Hahaha! No, no! Of course, I had to help!"
Laughing good-naturedly, we walked back down the dark corridor we had arrived through.
Hmm, finally, I'll be heading home. The big event is over, so I should get some good rest. Even if no one paid me much mind today, well, I can always take my time starting next time.
***
The Round Table, now empty. In the darkened room, Arthur reported to his superior, Celeste, in a serious voice.
"...Is that truly the case?"
"Yes, Lady Celeste. Among them, the one called Egostic... my ability judged him to be the most dangerous."
"...Egostic."
Celeste stroked her white hair, lost in quiet thought.