A Mastermind? No, I'm just the Live-In Son-in-Law-Chapter 145: The Shadow Assembly (3)

"Whitney Ringaarden. He truly is dangerous."

"Whenever the Demon King rises, there is always a Hero..."

"Even if we don't go all-out, we should still commit as many resources as possible."

The black mages, initially awkward with their exposed faces, began to naturally come together around a common topic.

"The problem is—we don’t know the full extent of his abilities."

"Normally, Heroes are promoted with fanfare for political gain, yet this Whitney fellow remains shrouded in mystery."

"...Could there be something wrong with his powers?"

Naturally, the more they speculated, the more my expression twisted in discomfort.

Well, of course the black mages would talk about me.

The real problem, however, was that the person they were plotting to assassinate was sitting right in front of them.

And to make matters worse, every executive seated near me already knew exactly who I was.

"......"

Sure enough, glancing to my side revealed a range of less-than-friendly looks.

There was the Death Knight, whose gender I had accidentally exposed; the Jester, now visibly devoid of his usual mirth; and the Puppeteer, eyeing me with quiet curiosity.

None of them said anything, but they had to be wondering why the Hero himself was sitting here among them.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t explain either—because I most certainly had not come here of my own volition.

The only relief was that, for now, the executives acknowledged my role as a representative. That meant they were unlikely to reveal my identity... at least not yet.

"...But is he really a Hero?"

Just as I was trying to steady my thoughts, the Death Knight suddenly joined the conversation, his masked gaze fixed on me with a sharp edge.

"The Great Shadow’s plan for birthing the Demon Prince hasn’t even been completed. And yet the Hero appears first? That’s suspicious."

"Indeed. According to historical records, the Hero has always appeared after the Demon King."

"Even if it’s only happened twice, that pattern is part of the world's natural order. The current timing is strange."

"I agree. Perhaps he’s a false Hero meant to bait us into a trap."

With that one comment, the entire flow of discussion shifted.

...Why are they being so thorough? Lumen Ordo was just full of edgelords pretending to be mysterious.

Compared to the painfully low-level banter in Lumen Ordo, the constructive and analytical tone here was downright enviable.

"If the Empire alone had declared it, we might suspect a lie—but the Holy Theocracy isn't known for political games."

"Plus, according to Pedro Gomez’s report from the last Assembly, Whitney Ringaarden was directly involved in abducting the Saintess."

"And if he were truly a Hero, it would have made more sense to publicly save her on the spot."

"Then what should we do? If he’s a fake, wasting our forces on him is pointless."

As I watched the black mages calmly weighing possibilities, I felt a strange twinge of admiration—and then, a realization.

Wait... Did the Death Knight just... protect me?

Had the earlier discussion continued as it was, there’s no doubt an assassination squad would’ve been dispatched to the Ringaarden estate the moment the meeting ended.

But thanks to the Death Knight’s questioning, that outcome seemed less likely now.

Could it be that black mages pursued ideals more than petty grudges?

"The core question is this: is Whitney Ringaarden truly the Hero or not?"

Just as I was grappling with that odd thought, the Death Knight spoke again—this time, turning directly toward me.

"O Great Shadow, please. We ask your answer."

"...?"

"Is Whitney Ringaarden truly the Hero?"

Shit. So this was his angle.

Was he trying to force me to confirm that I was the Hero, with my own mouth?

Of course. That’s what black mages do.

Even the other executives, including the Shadow Witch, were now watching me with curious, pointed expressions.

Once again, I was reminded why Lumen Ordo, for all its issues, was still the better place.

Whatever answer I give here... it’ll shape everything going forward.

The Shadow Assembly was one of the major branching events in Blacktail Fantasy 3. Midpoint of the game, and key to multiple endings.

Which meant I knew exactly which answer would lead to the safest route.

If the Assembly concludes the Hero is a fake, the player gets routed into the easiest and safest path.

The event only played out in a cutscene, but its outcome was determined by every choice the player made leading up to it.

And if the player consistently kept their identity hidden, the black mages’ aggression would be delayed, buying a huge amount of time.

"Haha..."

Which meant—I had only one viable choice.

"I shall give you your answer."

As I finally spoke, the murmuring faded, and everyone’s eyes turned toward me.

"Whitney Ringaarden is—"

With every gaze fixed on me, the choice I was forced to make was clear.

"...the Hero."

"Mm..."

"I-Is that so?"

"...If the Great Shadow says so, then we must believe it."

With that one sentence, the black mages’ debate came to an immediate halt.

Apparently, the Great Shadow’s word was absolute.

"...Hah?"

"This is... unexpected."

"......"

The executives, however, had mixed reactions.

They clearly hadn’t thought I’d admit to it myself. But I had a very good reason.

...I’m out of time.

Not me, exactly—Meredia was running out of time.

She might’ve looked full of life lately, but the truth was that her lifespan was actively being drained.

At best, I estimated she had a year ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) left. Realistically? Maybe not even six months.

That’s why I chose the “Hero Confirmation” route at this Assembly.

And to make it even bolder—I’d accelerate the black mages’ plans from the inside.

In short, this was the infamous speedrun route—only attempted by players who were completely cracked at the game.

I have to end everything within the year. No, even faster if possible.

Thankfully, I was the one steering this meeting, which meant I could shape the narrative however I liked.

And I remembered: when the black mages were completely annihilated, so too would the curse disappear.

I didn’t know the exact mechanism—but I knew it as fact.

Originally, I thought this path was impossible, so I’d tried to find other treatments. But now, this was my best shot.

"Shall we dispatch an assassination unit to the Ringaarden estate immediately?"

"...Indeed. Threats should be eliminated before they grow."

Of course, the obvious downside to this plan—was that I’d be the one getting attacked.

Not just me—my allies too. Lunelle, Parsha, Bergen, the estate staff, even Cecil.

"I’ve already made preparations for that."

You didn’t think I’d launch a plan like this without a backup, did you?

I was more than ready to show what happens when a veteran player gets to direct the plot.

"We will send an assassination unit to the Ringaarden estate, as you suggest."

At those words, the room once again fell into utter silence.

"...!?"

"...Hrk."

Even Alfred and Sasha, waiting near the exit, flinched—but I pressed on.

"Pedro Gomez will lead the operation."

At that, murmurs of protest broke out.

"O-Great Shadow, please reconsider—"

"He already failed once. His promotion to executive was revoked because of it..."

"...That man is not to be trusted. Didn’t you say so yourself?"

Wow. Pedro Gomez sure had a reputation.

I’d wondered why he hadn’t shown up—turns out nobody liked him.

But after what happened at the academy, he knew my identity and had pledged his loyalty. I couldn’t afford not to use him now.

"Silence."

"..."

"You all know I could kill you where you stand."

I glanced at the Shadow Witch, and she unleashed a cold, murderous aura that instantly silenced the room.

"I will give him another chance."

"......"

"He may not be trustworthy—but his skills are too valuable to waste. Especially for assassination. He’s the best suited."

The room stayed quiet, some still grimacing—but all nodding in reluctant agreement.

"Very well. That concludes the matter of Whitney Ringaarden. Any objections?"

"......"

"None? Then before we move to the next agenda item, shall we take a short break?"

With the first topic finally closed—and many visibly drained—I smiled and announced a recess.

"Th-Thank you."

"Agh, I couldn’t breathe in there..."

"R-Right..."

The moment I said it, everyone either fled the chamber or slumped into their chairs to rest.

...Now then. Time to get started.

For me, the real plan was just beginning.

"Alfred. Over here."

"...Ugh. Y-Yes."

As I called out to the pale-faced Alfred, he hurried over and whispered urgently.

"Young Master, what is happening—"

"...Shh. I’ll explain later."

I raised a finger to my lips to quiet him, then whispered:

"When I give the signal—dispel the recognition interference on me."

"...What?"

To break this closed, hierarchical structure, I’d need the most effective weapon there was.

"Can you do it?"

"...Dear gods."

The operation’s name?

Divide and Conquer.

***

About five minutes after the Great Shadow declared the break.

"Phew... What the hell was all that?"

"Y-You said it..."

It was still early in the meeting, yet the black mages already looked thoroughly exhausted.

Many had left the hall entirely to unwind.

Something’s off about the Great Shadow today...

And yet one man remained firmly in place, gazing at the high seat with a thoughtful frown—Maier Embergreen.

His tone... Doesn’t it sound exactly like that damned Whitney Ringaarden?

The thought struck him, and his eyes narrowed.

But then Maier shook his head, trying to dismiss it.

No way. That’s absurd...

"...Everyone. Attention."

At that moment, the Great Shadow addressed the remaining few from the high seat.

"Congratulations. You have been chosen."

"...?"

"To you, I shall now reveal a secret."

And in the next instant, Maier’s eyes flew wide open.

"Only those few present will enjoy this privilege."

Because seated atop the high seat...

Wearing a twisted smile...

Was a face he knew all too well.