The Heroines Who Framed Me Are Clinging to Me

Chapter 32 - Sedative

On the second floor of the [Research Institute], in Yulia’s office.

“Why did you let those people go earlier?”

Yulia asked, crossing her legs.

Lloyd, who had been zoning out, finally raised his gaze.

Blue eyes in which the reverse pupil lay dormant.

They sometimes send a chill down his spine when he looks at them.

It feels like she could cut him down together with Ortega at any moment.

‘Though I’m not entirely sure she’s that kind of person…’

In a way, Lloyd thought that might actually be a good thing.

At least if he ever lost control—meaning if Ortega took over his body—Yulia would immediately subdue him. It was a sort of insurance, so Lloyd figured it wasn’t all that bad.

“I believe Her Highness already knows the reason.”

“...To trace them back?”

“Yes. Usually, the true power in a city is connected to organizations. It’s bait to find out who really holds the reins in Eastan.”

“Eastan is ruled by a Marquis family that serves the Empire...”

“Not the official authority, but the real power behind the scenes.”

“The real power?”

“Yes. The real power that controls the city’s economy, politics, and society.”

The official ruler and the true power are different.

In regions where the abilities of nobles vary, this is a common occurrence.

Especially in places where organizations like the ‘Vincenzo Gang’ are active, there’s always a separate figure holding the true power.

“Since Your Highness plans to operate out of Eastan, securing that power is the best approach…”

Before Lloyd could finish his sentence, Princess Yulia shot up from her desk.

—Bang!

“Are you telling me to become some sort of thug?”

Lloyd accidentally looked at the princess as if he found her response absurd.

Yulia then blushed, as if realizing she had spoken too hastily.

‘Since I’m her advisor, I’ll pretend I didn’t notice.’

Instead of pointing it out, Lloyd smoothly continued.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean the power holder has to be some violent group.”

“Th-then?”

“It’s more likely to be a guild rather than some gang. Especially a merchant guild. They can easily swallow even the ruling family by trapping them in debt.”

“Ah.”

Yulia nodded, finally understanding.

She seemed impressed.

“That’s more insightful than I expected. I didn’t think you’d consider things that deeply.”

“Your Highness must also consider this. Eastan will become your main stronghold.”

The Third Princess had to establish a new base of operations.

Somewhere other than the Imperial Palace, which was already oversaturated.

Eastan was an ideal starting point for a new base.

Of course, this was just the beginning.

Lloyd emphasized this.

There were certain steps Yulia had to take to become Emperor.

“After consolidating power in Eastan, the first thing you’ll need to do is surpass the Three Heroes.”

At this point, it was undeniable.

Claire’s Harold Guild, which dominates the capital.

Aria of the Holy Constantine, which rivals the Empire in power.

And Aina Estrid, the ultimate contender for the throne.

Someday, they would have to be fought.

“...”

Revenge.

Whenever he thought about it, he could feel the heartbeat of Ortega, who lay dormant deep within his soul. All kinds of negative emotions, especially the most intense ones. Lloyd knew that Ortega was just waiting for the right moment.

Even so, he had no intention of avoiding his former comrades.

It was just that he now had a reason to maintain his composure in the process of fighting them.

“Lloyd.”

Lloyd, lost in thought, looked up at the princess’s call.

She was staring at him with eyes full of certainty.

“Don’t worry.”

What exactly was she telling him not to worry about?

He briefly considered asking but held back.

‘If she says, “If you get consumed by Ortega, I’ll kill you,” I probably wouldn’t be too happy about that.’

◆

—Clang, clang!

The interior work on the [Social Science Research Institute] was progressing smoothly.

“At this rate, you should be able to start operations within a week, hyung!”

Was his name Karl?

He was one of the subordinates from the gang Lloyd had beaten up.

Despite being unnecessary, these guys had been helping with things like hiring interior contractors.

“In the areas we protect, we usually handle these kinds of things, hyung!”

Well, they’re not exactly doing it for free. They were only intermediaries. But with them involved, at least there’s no worry about getting scammed. Plus, since they collect protection money, they have a certain level of responsibility in these matters.

Even so, Karl had been particularly diligent in frequenting the research institute.

“Did you manage to find anything from what I mentioned last time? Like where they’re getting the drugs from?”

“S-sorry, hyung, I haven’t figured that out yet! But...”

Karl whispered into Lloyd’s ear.

“I did find out where they sell sedatives.”

“Oh?”

Lloyd’s interest was piqued.

He had already used up all of Arno’s sedatives.

He had been using it whenever Ortega’s consciousness started to rise or when he used magic.

‘Of course, relying on drugs isn’t ideal.’

But it was more of a necessity than a dependency.

Until all his mana circuits were fully opened, sedatives were essential.

Or at least until the sound of clapping no longer echoed in his head.

“Where is it?”

“Here, hyung.”

Lloyd took the note Karl handed him.

‘It’s a bit outside the city center.’

He had already familiarized himself with the main roads of Eastan.

It didn’t seem like it would be difficult to find.

“I’ll be heading there. And you should stop coming by so often.”

“Why... why is that, hyung?”

“Don’t call me hyung. I’m much younger than you.”

[TL/N: In Korean younger men use “Hyung” to refer to older men, similar to “big brother”.]

“If you’re strong, you’re a hyung.”

“Cut the nonsense. Go be a ‘hyung’ in your own gang.”

Lloyd patted Karl on the shoulder a couple of times and stepped outside.

—Move it, kid!

—Neigh!

As expected of a city frequented by the capital’s nobles, carriages and people bustled about.

Though it was more chaotic than lively, to be precise.

“Is this the place?”

Following Karl’s directions, he soon arrived at his destination without much trouble.

That sign... it’s an alchemist’s general store.

But there was another issue.

A group of people was blocking the front of the store.

“Hey, get out here right now!”

“If you can’t pay your debt, sell the store! Sell your equipment, too!”

The noise was beyond excessive.

Lloyd frowned.

Loud noises still made him uneasy.

“...The sedatives.”

Regardless of the people blocking the way, Lloyd walked toward the store.

Naturally, the group’s attention shifted to Lloyd.

“What’s with this kid?”

“Hey. Can’t you see we’ve got this place locked down? If you’re here on an errand, turn around and leave, kid.”

Not my problem.

Ignoring them, Lloyd continued toward the store, prompting the men to lay hands on him.

“This little punk...!”

As if they were about to hit him.

But Lloyd didn’t flinch and instead raised his head.

The men hesitated when they met his eyes.

‘...No need to use magic.’

Lloyd almost raised his hand to cast a spell but stopped.

He felt too uneasy to use magic without a sedative.

Instead, he spoke.

“It would be wise to let me through.”

“What the... You think you’re someone important, kid?”

“No, nothing like that.”

Lloyd lifted his pouch of gold coins.

“The person inside can’t pay their debt because they’re out of money, right?”

“...”

“Then shouldn’t they be allowed to take customers? That way, they can make money and at least pay the interest.”

The debt collectors’ hands, which had been ready to lash out, froze.

When they thought about it, his words made sense.

“...Go on in.”

They quietly stepped aside.

‘Haa.’

Lloyd sighed as he stood in front of the shop door.

Beyond the clear glass door.

A pair of golden eyes that had been watching from inside moved, and the door opened with a creak.

“You’re... a customer, right?”

A rather timid voice.

Lloyd was surprised when he saw who was speaking.

A young boy with blonde hair was looking at him.

“...Y-yes, I’m an alchemist.”

The boy said, almost as if making an excuse.

Sharp as a tack, huh?

Instead of answering, Lloyd looked around.

A furnace of reasonable size.

Various metals and numerous herbs.

It certainly didn’t seem lacking as an alchemist’s workshop.

“I heard you can make sedatives.”

“S-sedatives?”

“Yes. A medicine that calms the mind.”

“Ah... yes!”

The boy suddenly brightened up and hurried off somewhere.

There was a rustling sound from the back.

Soon, the boy returned with a packet of white powder.

“Th-this is it.”

“Mind if I try it?”

As he said that, Lloyd placed a hand on his forehead.

His head, which had been feeling nauseous, was starting to ache.

“Y-yes! Please try it.”

Lloyd poured the powder into his mouth.

A spicy and bitter taste spread sharply.

He frowned for a moment.

—Swoosh...

The nausea that had been troubling him vanished as if washed away.

It was certainly effective.

It seemed even stronger than the sedative Arno had.

“Not bad.”

He was satisfied.

He wasn’t sure how it would perform when he used magic, but considering how he felt now, it shouldn’t be too bad.

Moreover,

The boy kept glancing nervously outside.

To pay today’s interest, he would have to sell it at a pretty low price.

The timing wasn’t bad.

Lloyd grinned.