Chapter 56: Debt 56 - My Ability Is Considered Heresy

After the Viscount met with Ryan and thanked him, they held a conversation where...

In a way, the Viscount had deduced the true extent of Ryan’s power.

It could certainly be considered a control-type ability, even if it were only temporary.

Ryan remained there, observing the Viscount before offering a response.

He was trying to process exactly what the man was implying.

’He’s right. His conjecture was spot on... and this isn’t an ability I can keep hidden forever. After all, if I continue to face all sorts of trouble and demons, I’ll have to keep using it.’

Ryan still didn’t answer, but the Viscount interpreted that silence as an affirmative response.

"I understand. It seems I was correct, but I don’t want you to feel pressured. As I told you before..."

The Viscount fell silent for a few seconds.

"This is something only I know, although my son saw it as if you and that demon were friends. Of course, the two heroines suspect your capability, but they know nothing of your time spent in the Demon King’s territories."

’Of course those two heroines suspect it. How could they not? They experienced it firsthand. Perhaps I overdid it back then, though I don’t regret it.’

"I understand. But what would your stance be if it turned out that the demon traveling with me really was my friend, and not just a pet?" Ryan asked with a serious tone.

To Ryan, asking such a direct question wasn’t an excuse or a way to seek approval. In fact, Ryan thought that since he was the one who had opened that door of doubt...

The Viscount’s first reaction would be to take it as a denial and close it.

So, after receiving that question, the Viscount settled himself comfortably into his chair.

Then, he spoke with a calm voice.

"To be honest, whether your ability is mental control or not, or even if those demons were your allies at the time, I couldn’t care less."

Ryan continued to watch him, paying close attention to every detail of his words.

The Viscount continued speaking.

"The reason is that the only thing that matters to me regarding your stay in the demon continent is that you brought my son back safely. I cannot imagine that you are a bad person. Whatever the motive, you must have had your reasons for being with those demons."

Ryan tried to speak, but he stopped when he saw the Viscount lean forward in his seat. The man interlaced his fingers in front of his face, resting his elbows on his knees.

"But having said that, that is my stance as a father. Unfortunately, as a Viscount, if that were true—though I don’t intend to accuse you—I couldn’t give you my backing either. I’ll put it this way: if you actually had demon friends and someone reported you, I couldn’t help you or protect you even if I wanted to."

’I see... I understand his position perfectly, and I’m glad to know what he really thinks.’

"I understand completely, and I agree with your stance, Viscount. I think I would do exactly the same thing."

The Viscount leaned back into the cushions of the armchair.

"I realize you wanted to test me. Even so, after what Delia and Alina said, I have no doubts about what your power is. It isn’t common at all, and for that very reason, I want to warn you about something."

Ryan watched him attentively as the Viscount continued speaking.

"Your ability—the fact that you can control demons, or surround yourself with them—would be considered heresy by the Church of the Holy Deity."

"The Holy Deity? Are you saying that because of those holy knights wandering around?"

"I see. So you’ve seen the holy knights?"

"Yes. They were eating at the inn where I’m staying."

"I understand. I’m sure you must already know this, but..."

Then the Viscount began to explain.

Out of the seven great nations, there are two allies, and each of them answers to one of the five SSS-Rank Heroes in existence.

And through that hero, the order of the holy knights was founded.

While no one is lenient when it comes to demons...

For that organization, both demons and demi-humans are considered an evil that must be eradicated.

While no adventurer would show mercy to a demon, it isn’t the same for them to take the lives of demi-humans.

Thus, the fact that Ryan possessed an ability to control others—be they people, demons, or any other race—could be seen as a threat or a malicious power that did not originate from the deity.

"Do you understand what I’m trying to say, Ryan?"

"Yes. And I appreciate that you’ve been sincere about this matter."

’So, if the truth about my Debt ability comes to light, I’ll be in the crosshairs of this Church of the Holy Deity?’

Ryan had been involved in plenty of trouble from the start, but he knew his own position well.

He was a human who wanted to grow stronger, but now it felt as if a time bomb had been activated.

"But why are those two holy knights in the city?"

Ryan paused.

"I mean, judging by how they were treated, it doesn’t seem like the people here support that church..."

"Ha ha ha," the Viscount laughed.

"You’re right. There are five nations that don’t support the church’s stance, but they possess the greatest power in existence, and no one opposes them either. At least when it comes to humans, they are quite considerate."

"Considerate?"

"Yes. For example, they often visit the various kingdoms to give lectures about their plans. In truth, they intend to create a single nation under the command of an SSS-rank hero. By the way... it isn’t widely known, but he is referred to as... Keeper."

’A church or sect led by an SSS-rank hero? And he says there are only five of them? I remember Miriam mentioning once that the demon kings are at that level...’

"So the two holy knights I ran into today are only here for that reason?"

"Yes, that too. In fact, we’ll be having a meeting later. They want to hold a public execution for a surviving demon that our troops managed to capture in a cave a few kilometers from the dungeon."

"A survivor?"

"Yes. He was severely wounded. In a way, his execution will help soothe the pain of the families whose loved ones were killed by the adventurers in that dungeon."

"I see... and when will the execution take place?"

"Tonight, in the main plaza..."

The Viscount sighed.

"Ryan, would you like to attend?"